HEIFERS at Virginia Tech

A new team is born — along with some really great dairy calves!

Planning for this student-run project began in 2022 with hands-on experience, promotion of the dairy industry, and the development of a successful show string being the primary goals.

The first embryos were implanted in September 2023 and those first two calves were born in May 2024. The students named them "Reaves" and "Murley" for founding fathers of the Dairy Science program at Virginia Tech.

The next two calves, "Peanut" and "Pretty Girl", were born in June and September 2024.

Reprinted from the Virginia Dairyman
January/February 2025

Virginia Tech’s newest student led program: H.E.I.F.E.R.S. at Virginia Tech 

Virginia Tech’s School of Animal Sciences has launched an exciting new initiative to enhance experiential learning: Hands-on Experience Focused on Exhibiting and Raising Showcalves at Virginia Tech (H.E.I.F.E.R.S.). This innovative, student-led program combines academic knowledge with practical experience, equipping students with essential skills for agricultural careers and fostering a passion for the industry.

As part of Virginia Tech’s focus on experiential learning, H.E.I.F.E.R.S. offers students hands-on opportunities to raise and exhibit show calves. Participants are responsible for calf care, show preparation, and event organization, providing valuable leadership experience. The program is open to all students, with no prerequisites, and many participants are freshmen with no prior livestock experience. Through the program, students learn veterinary procedures, medical techniques, nutrition, daily care routines, and show preparation. These experiences help build professional confidence and deepen their appreciation for the agricultural industry.

Although in its early stages, H.E.I.F.E.R.S. has already achieved success. In the 2024 show season, students competed with heifers at several events, earning 2nd and 4th place finishes at the Virginia Summer Show, Junior Champion Jersey at the Virginia State Fair, and having three class wins at the North Carolina State Fair. We are grateful to Jeremy and Becky Daubert and Brittany and Derek Heizer for their support and guidance. Special congratulations and thank you to our talented showmen – Lane Sykes, Abigail Beckman, Hannah Heemer, Haley Betters, Lindsey Broman and Mia Senzano! Looking ahead, we are committed to recruiting students eager to learn, regardless of their prior experience with dairy cattle.

The program is supported by strategic partnerships with donors who provide resources to maintain a high-quality herd. Alumni and friends have donated embryos bred for show-ring success, and the Hammock family of Chatham, VA, generously allows the use of their heifers as recipients. Students also benefit from a network of alumni, professors, and peers, helping them develop the skills to raise healthy, competitive calves while adhering to the highest standards of animal welfare. Students face real-world challenges such as organizing schedules, selecting effective practices, developing SOPs, and securing resources for success. H.E.I.F.E.R.S. fosters a collaborative environment where students gain both practical education and leadership experience.

We are fortunate to have the support of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as well as industry professionals, all of whom contribute to the program’s success. In return, we are helping to expand the pool of future employees with the real-world skills employers seek, ensuring the continued strength of the agricultural industry. Those interested in supporting the program can contact our advisor, Dr. Knowlton, at knowlton@vt.edu.

Authored by students Hannah Heemer, Justine Allyn, and Shannon Chick