U-DAIRE Program Connects UK Students to Dairy Careers

By Blake Jackson

For the second consecutive year, two University of Kentucky students participated in the Undergraduate Development and Internship Research Experience (U-DAIRE), a paid program designed to give students practical exposure to the dairy industry.

Bailey Vandiver reported that UK students Ashton Croudep and Daniel Carneiro joined the 2026 U-DAIRE cohort.

The students first spent two weeks at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where they participated in leadership development and team-building activities. They then completed seven-week internships at Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green, Kentucky, gaining experience across different areas of dairy operations.

“The U-DAIRE program is a powerful extension of our teaching mission, providing students with immersive, real-world experiences that complement and enhance their academic learning,” said Kendriana Price, assistant dean of land-grant engagement.

“The experiences shared by this year's cohort showcase the diverse opportunities within agriculture and reinforce the importance of every contribution, whether direct or indirect, to the industry's success and sustainability.”

Croudep, a Louisville native and senior studying Animal Sciences on the pre-veterinary track, developed a deeper understanding of cattle while working at Chaney’s. His previous veterinary experience focused primarily on small animals, making the dairy internship an opportunity to broaden his knowledge. “I love my cows,” Croudep said.

During the internship, he participated in activities ranging from caring for cattle to observing milk processing and helping produce dairy products. One memorable experience was assisting with the care of a newborn calf. “I’ve been working full time with new experiences, new learning opportunities,” Croudep said.

Carneiro, a sophomore from Naples, Florida, studies Economics and Finance while pursuing a minor in Agricultural Economics. With little previous farm experience, he said the program provided valuable firsthand knowledge. “This has been unbelievably valuable,” Carneiro said.

Beyond working with cattle and dairy products, Carneiro assisted Chaney’s management with budgeting, scheduling and financial reporting. He said the experience helped him understand how different parts of a vertically integrated dairy operation work together.

Price said she is proud to support opportunities that help students explore agriculture and develop professionally. She emphasized that programs such as U-DAIRE can broaden students’ perspectives while strengthening their connections to the agricultural industry and its future.

Photo Credit: sabrina-hounshell