New Dairy Center Continues A&M Tradition of Education, Research

Recently, I was honored to attend the grand opening of Tarleton State University’s new $11.2 million Southwest Regional Dairy Center in Stephenville. As a member of the Texas A&M University System, Tarleton State University’s new dairy center will serve as a hub of learning and research for students and industry leaders that continue to grow the great tradition of agricultural education known throughout the system. This new state-of-the-art education and research facility will play a key role in developing solutions for the dairy industry’s sustainability in Texas and the nation.

I’m extremely proud of the new dairy center, but the people who should be the proudest are the American consumers who continue to enjoy the safest, most abundant and most affordable food supply in the world thanks to those involved in agriculture.

Visit to the Faria East Dairy in the Texas Panhandle

Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to visit one of the most technologically advanced dairies in the Lone Star State. The Faria East Dairy in Dumas is a great example of Texan ingenuity.

The dairy is the largest cross-ventilation dairy in the state. That means that all the cows live inside a 12-acre barn in 75-degree weather, regardless of the outdoor temperature.

The cows also wear pedometers that monitor their steps every day. These pedometers are not part of an exercise program! You see, if a cow is taking significantly more steps than normal, it is an indicator there is something that needs attention. For example, if she takes fewer steps than normal, it’s likely she’s sick. The use of this type of technology factors into improved milk quality and quantity, both of which are a win for the consumer.


Seven thousand cows are milked everyday at the dairy, with the potential for more. More than 100 cows can be milked at once on what is reported to be the largest rotating circular platform. None of that milk ever gets stored in any tanks; it just gets sent less than 40 miles down the road, directly to the Hilmar Cheese Company, a GO TEXAN member in Dalhart. Now that’s what I call fresh Texas cheese!

So next time you are at the grocery store, be sure to support Texas ag producers by purchasing some of the best products your hard-earned money can buy.