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Thank you for joining us for the History of Howling Cow Webinar

From a 1940s ice cream research project to a statewide favorite, Howling Cow tells the story of NC State’s land-grant mission in action. Watch the conversation to see how the Dairy Enterprise System connects teaching, research, and extension. Then explore how the Dairy Education Center, Creamery, and the Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum bring the farm of the future to life for students and the public.

Rewatch the Discussion

Highlights from the Discussion

  1. Howling Cow as an Educational Ecosystem — Howling Cow is much more than an ice cream brand—it’s an experiential learning model that embodies NC State’s “Think and Do” spirit. Students participate in every stage of the process—from caring for dairy cattle and processing milk to marketing and serving ice cream—gaining real-world skills in agriculture, food science, business, and customer service. Revenue from Howling Cow directly supports scholarships, facilities, and hands-on learning opportunities.
  2. A Century-Long Legacy of Dairy Innovation — NC State’s dairy heritage dates back over a century to the first milk pasteurization in North Carolina in 1918 at Patterson Hall. The Dairy Enterprise System evolved from early campus barns to a modern, integrated operation featuring the Feldmeier Dairy Processing Plant in Schaub Hall, the Lake Wheeler Road Dairy Education Center and Creamery, and the Randleigh Dairy Heritage Museum—demonstrating the university’s commitment to research, innovation, and agricultural leadership.
  3. The Dairy Enterprise System: From “Cow to Cone” — Created in 2009, the Dairy Enterprise System unites animal husbandry, food science, and business education under one umbrella. With more than 10,000 pounds of milk processed daily and over 20 ice cream flavors, the system offers a full farm-to-fork learning experience for students while supplying products across campus and at the North Carolina State Fair.
  4. New Initiatives and What’s Ahead — Director Carl Hollifield ’02 unveiled several exciting developments: a new Chancellor’s ice cream flavor, and the “Dairy Education on Wheels” food truck that will bring ice cream and dairy education to communities statewide. Continued emphasis on agritourism and alumni engagement—through farm tours, State Fair events, and partnerships—will expand experiential learning opportunities and philanthropic support for student success.

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Support the Dairy Farm Enhancement Fund.

If you were inspired by the conversation, consider making a gift to The Dairy Farm Enhancement Fund. Your support helps maintain and expand NC State’s dairy facilities, funds hands-on student learning, and keeps public programs like the Dairy Education Center and Creamery available to the community.

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