Ask Carson Corwin about the importance of dairy science, and he’ll talk until the cows come home.
When Corwin first arrived at K-State as an animal sciences and industries major, he hadn’t expected dairy to play a role in his college journey — let alone revolve around it. Born and bred on an Angus farm in central Missouri, the idea was never on his radar.
Now, as a senior approaching graduation, he credits the dairy science community not only with his development as a learner and leader but also with shaping his career.
Discovering dairy
During a freshman introductory class, Corwin was encouraged by his professor to join several clubs, even those outside his intended field. While visiting tabling organizations at the College of Agriculture’s watermelon feed, he met members of the dairy science club and, after listening to his professor’s advice, signed up for an informational meeting.
While initially drawn in by curiosity, Corwin quickly realized that he’d found something special: the chance to make a tangible impact early in his college career. He had stumbled upon a tight-knit community ideal for his growth, and what started as a single meeting quickly turned into a sense of belonging.
Corwin dove headfirst into the specialty, signing up for as many opportunities as he could. He added a dairy and poultry science class to his coursework, officially joined the dairy science club, and started attending dairy judging and dairy challenge team meetings.
As he continued to participate in meetings, attend classes and build relationships with his peers and professors, dairy turned from a line on his calendar to a discipline he wanted to master.
Proof in the parlor
Before long, Corwin had the chance to test whether the passion he felt on campus held up in the milking parlor. After building a strong mentorship with his dairy judging coach, Billy Brown, he was invited to join a research project analyzing the effects of experimental feed powders on calf growth.
He accepted without hesitation.
“I knew coming into college that I wanted to do research. I always thought it’d be centered on beef cattle, but when I had the opportunity to get my foot in the door for undergrad research, I took it,” Corwin said.
Under the supervision of Brown and graduate student mentors, Corwin conducted a control study on the effects of choline, a feed additive, on calf growth. Working with calves from birth to weaning at around 6 to 8 weeks, Corwin regularly collected blood samples and heart rates, measured weight and heart girth, or chest circumference, and recorded hip and shoulder heights — all of which continued to shape his perspective on the impact of dairy research.
Learning to lead
As his dairy knowledge continued to grow, so did the opportunities to invest. Wanting to continue developing as a leader, he raised his hand for every opportunity he could, stepping into leadership roles within his organizations.
By joining the executive teams of the Dairy Science Club and Little American Royal, as well as the Animal Sciences and Leadership Mentor program, Corwin began building deeper relationships, growing his confidence and establishing himself as a leader among his peers.
“Coming out of high school, I was a quiet kid. I wanted to be more vocal, so I threw myself into leadership roles,” he said.
He also earned greater trust from his mentors, which gave him the chance to lead his own project. Building on his earlier projects analyzing calf growth with feed additives, Brown invited him to explore a new question: While choline is known to support overall calf growth, what are its effects on future milk production?
Drawing on his past research experience, Corwin organized the project from the ground up, selecting data-collection methods, creating a research timeline, and managing team schedules and roles. To inform predictions of future milk production, Corwin and his team tracked mammary tissue growth alongside prior growth measurements in calves from weaning to 3 months of age.
Measuring all four mammary quarters, each consisting of its own storage and production systems, the research helped build a holistic case for producers of how early integration of feed additives can help set cattle up for better milk yield in the future. For the industry, higher milk yields not only lead to higher producer profits but also to increased availability of dairy products in grocery stores.
“All of our research funnels into making sure milk stays on the shelves. We may be dealing with nitty-gritty, itty-bitty changes, but it can make or break if you and I can buy cheese and milk.”
Capitol conversations
Corwin’s experiences in the barn and the classroom expanded his industry knowledge, and he found himself in deeper conversations with peers and mentors about dairy’s potential impact — not just at K-State, but statewide. As he developed a stronger understanding of how producer support influences industry growth, he grew interested in communicating how dairy shaped his own path and how that same opportunity could reach others across Kansas.
Through faculty connections, he was invited into those conversations in real time. Corwin’s mentor, Mike Brouk, animal sciences and industry professor and specialist with K-State Extension, works closely with the Kansas Dairy Association, the Kansas Dairy Commission and lobbyists in Topeka.
Brouk had seen Corwin’s enthusiasm and long-term vision for Kansas dairy firsthand and invited him to share his perspective with Kansas legislators during a rural caucus.
During the trip, Corwin spoke to state leaders and producers about his experience as a student, highlighting the undergraduate research he participated in, the leadership development he found at K-State and the importance of investing in the next generation of future industry professionals.
“I was very nervous that day, but it was a great opportunity. It was fun to experience the legislative process for the first time, learn from lobbyists advocating for dairy in our state and talk directly with producers,” he said.
Standing inside the Kansas Capitol, speaking directly to producers and advocates, Corwin saw how one voice could shape conversations at the state level.
Future in the field
As graduation approaches, Corwin measures his time less by accolades and more by the relationships that quietly redirected his future.
“All the information I’ve learned at K-State is important, but everything I’ve done outside of the classroom has shaped me in ways I’d never imagine,” he said.
The dairy community at K-State, which became central to his growth, is a place he hopes to keep investing in. Now applying to graduate programs at K-State, Corwin plans to continue researching feed additives, publish his work and eventually move into dairy nutritional consulting.
What started as an unexpected turn has become a clear calling, and Corwin plans to keep building in the very community that helped him build a future in dairy.
“Because of K-State, I’ve grown from someone who knew almost nothing about dairy into someone who wants to build their career — and their life — around it.”
By Abbigail Marshall
Division of Communications and Marketing
