Home » Programs » Milk Quality from the Udder World: Trainer Certification Program
Milk Quality from the Udder World: Trainer Certification Program
Milk Quality from the Udder World
Trainer Certification Program
English | Español
About the Program
Maintaining excellent milk quality and preventing mastitis requires more than good protocols. It depends on farm teams consistently following best practices every day. However, training employees, explaining the reasons behind procedures, and maintaining consistency across shifts and personnel can be challenging.
The Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) Trainer Certification Program was developed by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension to help dairy farmers address these challenges. Designed for individuals who train and support dairy farm teams, this program provides the knowledge, skills, and practical tools needed to improve milk quality, promote udder health, and strengthen on-farm training efforts.
Participants will learn how to:
- Prevent mastitis and support the production of high-quality milk.
- Explain the science behind recommended milking practices.
- Effectively train, coach, and engage dairy farm employees.
- Build consistency in milking routines and milk quality protocols.
By completing this certification, participants will become effective trainers and advocates for milk quality, helping their teams implement practices that improve udder health, milk quality, and farm efficiency.
Certification Overview
To earn the Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) Trainer Certification, participants must complete both of the following components:
1. Complete the Self-Paced Online Course
The online course includes five interactive modules featuring videos, graphics, knowledge checks, and practical, farm-focused content covering:
- Defining Milk Quality
- Understanding Udder Anatomy and Function
- Mastitis Prevention, Detection, and Management
- Best Practices for Milking Routines
- Strategies for Udder Health
2. Attend a One-Day, In-Person Workshop
During the workshop, participants will apply what they learned online through hands-on activities and discussions focused on training, communication, and employee coaching. They will develop practical skills to effectively train and support dairy farm teams and receive a Bilingual Training Guidebook to support on-farm employee training.
Upon successful completion of both the online course AND in-person workshop, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion recognizing them as certified MQUW trainers. *
*This program is a professional development certification and does not provide academic credit or apply toward a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The online course, in-person workshop, and Trainer Guidebook are available in both English and Spanish. Participants may complete the certification in their preferred language and receive resources to train and support diverse dairy farm teams.
Upcoming Events
2027 workshop dates will be announced soon.
*Note: This course is not for credit and cannot apply toward a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Join Course Waitlist
Join the waitlist to be notified when registration opens for upcoming workshops.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should attend?
This program is designed for individuals who train, supervise, or support dairy farm employees, including:
- Farm owners, managers, and supervisors
- Milking parlor managers and lead employees
- Dairy consultants, field representatives, and other dairy industry professionals
Should more than one person from a farm attend?
Yes. We encourage farm owners, managers, and trainers from the same operation to attend together. A shared understanding of the program helps ensure management support and reinforces consistent milk quality and training practices across the farm.
Is the certification program available in English and Spanish?
Yes. The online course, in-person workshop, and Trainer Guidebook are available in both English and Spanish, allowing participants to complete the certification and access training resources in their preferred language.
How much does the program cost?
The certification fee is $95 per person and includes:
- Access to the online course
- Attendance at the one-day workshop
- Lunch and refreshments
- Bilingual Training Guidebook
- Certificate of Completion (upon meeting all certification requirements)
What is the time commitment for the certification program?
The certification program includes a 2-hour self-paced online course and a one-day workshop, which typically runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes. Participants who complete both the online course and the in-person workshop will earn the Milk Quality from the Udder World (MQUW) Trainer Certification.
Can I complete ONLY the online course?
Yes. You may complete the online course without attending the workshop. However, the registration fee remains the same ($95), and completion of the online course alone does not qualify participants for the MQUW Trainer Certification.
Can I attend the in -person workshop without completing the online course?
We strongly recommend completing the online course before attending the workshop. The online modules provide the foundational knowledge for the workshop. Completing them in advance helps participants get the most value from the hands-on activities, discussions, and coaching exercises.
Participants are welcome to attend the workshop without first completing the online course, but the MQUW Trainer Certification will not be awarded until both the online course and in-person workshop have been completed.
Can I receive the bilingual Trainer Guidebook without completing the certification?
Yes. The bilingual Trainer Guidebook may be purchased without completing the certification requirements. However, the registration fee remains $95, and participants who do not complete both the online course and in-person workshop are not eligible to receive the MQUW Trainer Certification.
Meet the instructors
The certification program is led by two bilingual outreach specialists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension:
Carolina Pinzón, Dairy Outreach Specialist with the Dairy Program, leads the technical training components, including milk quality, mastitis prevention, udder health, and milking best practices.
Hernando Duarte, Outreach Specialist with the Farm Management Program, leads the professional development components, focusing on communication, employee training, coaching, and other skills needed to effectively support and engage dairy farm teams.
Testimonials
“There has been nothing but praise for the certification program. Our parlor leaders have already applied what they learned, creating a calmer, quieter parlor environment. We’ve seen greater pride among employees as they share their knowledge of producing high-quality milk while minimizing cattle stress.”
– Dairy Farm Owner and MQUW Participant
“This course provided practical ideas and strategies that I can immediately apply with the farms I work with. The Trainer Guidebook and accompanying QR-code videos are valuable resources that will help me continue training and coaching farm teams long after the course ends. Thank you!”
– MQUW Participant
Ready to Get Started?
For more information, registration details, or upcoming workshop dates, contact: