Although Iowa State’s Dairy Farm may not be a money maker for the university, the farm has been a cash cow for hands-on student learning for nearly 100 years.

Unfortunately, all of this will soon change.

In the midst of crippling budget cuts, College of Agriculture Dean Catherine Woteki made the heartwrenching decision to close the Dairy Farm, thus ending its rich history of educating students, as well as the state of Iowa, about the practice of dairy science.

Countless generations of Iowans and students from around the world have benefited from the farm’s hands-on approach to learning and feel a deep connection to the farm, the cattle and the ISU dairy science program.

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy has said the farm is being closed due to budget cuts for the next three fiscal years.

Unfortunately, substantial budget shortfalls at Iowa State leave administrators with no other choice but to take drastic actions, such as closing the Dairy Farm, to enable the college to survive financially and continue to move forward.

The dairy science program won’t die without the farm, faculty say. It will continue to evolve and improve.

Teaching and research activities will continue. A major portion of the herd is being relocated to another dairy farm in Ankeny during the fall semester. According to faculty, classes will continue to be taught at the Dairy Farm during the fall term, but will begin to make the transition to the Ankeny farm by mid-fall.

And talk of a new, improved ISU Dairy Farm is on the table. Faculty say the new farm is likely to be located near another animal science teaching farm south of Ames, which will be very accessible for classes and research.

What many are trying to say is that Iowa State’s rich tradition and international recognition for its dairy science program will continue, despite the closure of the Dairy Farm.

This is Iowa, folks. Although people sometimes poke fun at our agricultural roots with nicknames such as “Moo U” and “Silo Tech,” programs at Iowa State lead the nation and world in agricultural research and form the foundation of our economy.

As a land grant institution, Iowa State is charged with the mission to educate the people of the state with practical knowledge in areas such as dairy science and to dispense this knowledge throughout the state.

Although the Dairy Farm will evolve and continue at Iowa State, it’s a shame we’ve lost the original farm — one of the most historical research centers on campus which has taught lessons that will not be forgotten any time soon. It’s now up to ISU administrators to ensure these timeless lessons continue for future generations of students.

Editorial Board: Nicole Paseka, Amy Schierbrock, Alicia Ebaugh, Ayrel Clark, Lucas Grundmeier