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Milk Quality from the Udder World: Trainer Certification Program

Decorative image.

Milk Quality from the Udder World

Trainer Certification Program

Upcoming Events

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About

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What You Will Learn

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What You Will Receive

|

Contact

English | Español

About the Program

Designed for those who train dairy farm teams, the Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) course provides practical tools and knowledge to improve milk quality and udder health. Participants will learn how to explain the “why” behind best milking practices, coach their teams in consistent routines, and develop the skills needed to prevent mastitis and achieve high-quality milk together. 

A woman is demonstrating a procedure related to the dairy industry. She is wearing rubber gloves and holding 4 samples over a bucket while adult students observe.

The Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) certification is a comprehensive trainer program created by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension.


Upcoming Events

Dairy cow grazes in a lush green field. Two dairy cows lay in the grass in the background.

Abbotsford, WI (English)

April 1, 2026

Register ↗️
Dairy cow grazes in a lush green field. Two dairy cows lay in the grass in the background.

Abbotsford, WI (Spanish)

April 2, 2026

Register ↗️
Dairy cows graze in a grassy field.

Fond du Lac, WI (English)

April 7, 2026

Register ↗️
Dairy cows graze in a grassy field.

Fond du Lac, WI (Spanish)

April 8, 2026

Register ↗️
Dairy cows standing in a pasture at sunrise.

De Soto, WI (English)

April 29, 2026

Register ↗️
Dairy cows standing in a pasture at sunrise.

De Soto, WI (Spanish)

April 30, 2026

Register ↗️

What You Will Learn

To earn your Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) Trainer Certification, you’ll complete a self-paced online course followed by a one-day, in-person workshop.  


The online course includes five interactive modules with videos, graphics, and practical content: 

Icon line drawing showing an eye looking at microbes or germs under a magnifying glass.

Module 1
Quality Focus–Defining milk quality

Icon line drawing showing the interior view of a cow's udders.

Module 2
Udder Secrets–Udder anatomy and function

Icon line drawing showing the rear section of a cow with lines emitting from the udders.

Module 3
Mastitis Matters–Prevention, Detection, and Management

Icon line drawing showing a worker wearing a baseball hat, goggles, and an apron.

Module 4
Parlor Heroes–Best practices for milking routines

Icon line drawing showing the udder of a cow and some sparkles.

Module 5
Protective Shield–Strategies for Udder Health

During the in-person workshop, participants will practice hands-on skills and learn how to train, communicate, and give feedback to their teams. They will also receive laminated handouts designed for on-farm training and daily use. 

The online course, the workshop, and all materials will be available in English and Spanish. 

Please note: the online course must be completed before attending the in-person workshop. 

What You Will Receive

Upon completion of the workshop, you will receive:

  • A durable booklet with QR codes linking to educational videos
  • A certificate recognizing you as a qualified trainer*

*Note: This course is not for credit and cannot apply toward a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here, you’ll find answers to common questions about Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) certification. If you have additional questions, please contact Carolina Pinzón carolina.pinzon@wisc.edu

Why Milk Quality Matters?

Mastitis is the most common and costly disease in dairy cows. It affects milk quality, cow health, and farm profits. Preventing and controlling mastitis requires well-trained farm teams that follow best practices consistently.

What materials and resources will I receive during the program?

Participants receive laminated handouts and practical tools designed for on-farm training and daily use. These resources complement the online modules and in-person workshop.

How do I Become a Certified Trainer?

To earn your certification: 

  1. Complete a self-paced online course (2 hours of content)  
  2. Attend a one-day in-person workshop

What is a Trainer Certification Program?

Milk Quality from the Udder World is a certification program designed to prepare trainers to teach their teams effectively. Participants gain the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools needed to deliver clear, consistent, and engaging instruction.

How is the program structured?

The program includes a self-paced online course with five modules, followed by a one-day, in-person workshop. 

The online modules must be completed before attending the workshop. 

What languages are the course materials and workshops offered in?

All content, workshops, and training tools are available in English and Spanish.

Will I receive a certificate after completing the program?

Yes. Participants who complete both the online modules and the in-person workshop will earn the Milk Quality from the Udder World Train-the-Trainer Certification.

Who should attend?

This program is ideal for: 

  • Internal farm trainers: Owners, parlor managers, and supervisors. 
  • External partners: Consultants, field representatives, veterinarians, and educators who support dairy farms.  

How long does it take to complete the online course?

The online course is self-paced and typically takes about 2 hours to complete.

The online modules must be completed before attending the workshop. 

Is there a cost to participate in the program?

Yes, the program fee is $95, which includes access to the self-paced online course, the one-day in-person workshop, lunch, all training materials, and your certification diploma upon completion.

Ready to Get Started?

For more information and to register, contact:

Carolina Pinzón
Dairy Outreach Specialist

carolina.pinzon@wisc.edu

Phone: (608) 890-2961 


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