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Collection Summary
Identifier
UA 5.7
Title
Department of Dairy and Food Science Records
Creator
South Dakota State University. Department of Dairy and Food Science
Dates
1898-2023
Extent
34.01 linear feet (31 record boxes, 3 oversize boxes, 1 card file)
Language
English
Repository
South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Access note
This collection is stored off-site. Requests to view this material must be made at least 24 hours in advance. This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Preferred Citation
Name of item. Department of Dairy and Food Science Records. UA 5.7. South Dakota State University Archives and Special Collections, Hilton M. Briggs Library, Brookings, South Dakota.
Abstract
South Dakota State University has a longstanding tradition of dairying education and research. Established in 1897, the Department has offered specialized coursework, short courses in creamery operations, and advanced degree programs in Dairy Science.
This collection offers a comprehensive view of the Department of Dairy and Food Science history and activities. The material includes a wide range of materials such as correspondence, reports, photographs, and miscellaneous items. Highlights include scrapbooks from the early 1900s, and photographs documenting the evolution of the dairy industry. The Dairy Husbandry records focus on correspondence and office files, providing insights into the department's interactions with stakeholders and its day-to-day operations.
Historical Note
Instruction and research in dairying have been integral to South Dakota State University since its early days, predating the establishment of a formal Department of Dairying. By the time the department was officially formed in 1897, coursework was already well-established. A significant milestone occurred in 1892 with the construction of a dedicated dairy building, where much of the coursework was conducted within specialized labs and rooms.
In addition to standard college courses, the department offered short courses in creamery operations, ranging from two to twelve weeks in duration. These short courses enjoyed remarkable success and high attendance over their 52-year tenure.
Despite minor name changes over time, the fundamental philosophy of the department has remained consistent. Its curriculum is designed to equip students for careers in dairy manufacturing or production. Since 1903, the department has offered a Master of Science in Dairy Science, and a Ph.D. in agriculture, specializing in dairy science or dairy cattle nutrition and management.
Research activities are primarily conducted through the Agricultural Experiment Station. Furthermore, dairying has played a significant role in the Cooperative Extension Service over the years, extending the department's impact beyond the campus.
The Department of Dairy Science maintains a visible presence on campus and in Brookings, notably through its dairy processing plant and sales room. Here, students gain practical experience in processing while offering a range of dairy products—including milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream—for sale. These products are not only sold through the sales room but also utilized in campus dining facilities, further integrating academic learning with practical application.
Scope and Contents Note
Instruction and research in dairying have been integral to South Dakota State University since its early days, predating the establishment of a formal Department of Dairying. By the time the department was officially formed in 1897, coursework was already well-established. A significant milestone occurred in 1892 with the construction of a dedicated dairy building, where much of the coursework was conducted within specialized labs and rooms.
In addition to standard college courses, the department offered short courses in creamery operations, ranging from two to twelve weeks in duration. These short courses enjoyed remarkable success and high attendance over their 52-year tenure.
Despite minor name changes over time, the fundamental philosophy of the department has remained consistent. Its curriculum is designed to equip students for careers in dairy manufacturing or production. Since 1903, the department has offered a Master of Science in Dairy Science, and a Ph.D. in agriculture, specializing in dairy science or dairy cattle nutrition and management.
Research activities are primarily conducted through the Agricultural Experiment Station. Furthermore, dairying has played a significant role in the Cooperative Extension Service over the years, extending the department's impact beyond the campus.
The Department of Dairy Science maintains a visible presence on campus and in Brookings, notably through its dairy processing plant and sales room. Here, students gain practical experience in processing while offering a range of dairy products—including milk, cheese, butter, and ice cream—for sale. These products are not only sold through the sales room but also utilized in campus dining facilities, further integrating academic learning with practical application.
Key Words
- South Dakota State University. Dairy and Food Science Department
- South Dakota State University. Dairy and Food Science Department – Administration
- Dairying – South Dakota
Administrative Information
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open to researchers without restrictions. The materials in the Archives do not circulate and may be used in-house only.
Researchers conducting extensive research are asked to make an advance appointment to access archival material. Please call or e-mail prior to visiting the collection and indicate as much detail as possible about a particular topic and intended use.
South Dakota State University supports access to the materials, published and unpublished, in its collections. Nonetheless, access to some items may be restricted as a result of their fragile condition or by contractual agreements with donors.
Copyright note
Copyright restrictions apply in different ways to different materials. Many of the documents and other historical materials in the Archives are in the public domain and may be reproduced and used in any way. There are other materials in the Archive carrying a copyright interest and must be used according to the provisions of Title 17 of the U.S. Code. The Archive issues a warning concerning copyright restrictions to every researcher who requests copies of documents. Although the copyright law is under constant redefinition in the courts, it is ultimately the responsibility of the researcher to properly use copyrighted material.