By Blake Jackson
University of Wisconsin-River Falls (UWRF) has earned top rankings for its agriculture programs, reflecting the university's strong reputation in the field. The dairy science program at UWRF is ranked as the best of its kind in the U.S. by College Raptor, a college comparison service. Additionally, UWRF placed second nationally for general animal science, trailing only Kansas State University and outperforming many larger universities known for their agriculture programs.
UWRF's agriculture programs also ranked highly in other areas, including seventh in agriculture teacher education, 17th in agronomy and crop science, 35th in food science, and 62nd in overall agriculture education. These rankings are based on factors like the number of degrees awarded, acceptance rates, affordability, and median starting salaries.
Mike Orth, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), attributes the university’s high rankings to its excellent teaching and hands-on learning opportunities. UWRF’s agriculture students gain practical experience, which enhances their understanding of complex agricultural topics. Orth emphasizes the importance of experiential learning both inside and outside the classroom, noting that UWRF’s faculty and staff play a crucial role in providing this education.
CAFES students at UWRF have a strong track record of success. The university is recognized nationally for its competitive agriculture programs, with students frequently excelling in national competitions, often outperforming peers from more well-known schools.
Steve Kelm, Chair of the Animal and Food Science Department at UWRF, points to the university's comprehensive curriculum and dedicated faculty as key factors in student success. He stresses that the faculty’s commitment to student development contributes significantly to UWRF’s consistent ranking among the top agriculture schools in the country.
Moreover, UWRF offers a high-quality education at an affordable cost. With a median starting salary of over $58,000 for graduates, students receive excellent value for their investment in education.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar
Categories: Wisconsin, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle