The Hjerpe Fellowship is composed of Dairy Farm Modules and an Integrated MBA Program at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Over a Two-Year Program.
Module Structure.
TWO PHASES SPANNING TWO YEARS
- Academic Curriculum
- On-Farm Case Studies
Two phases to a Module
The Academic Curriculum
The Board and Module Instructor will define a series of courses to encompass all desired learnings within each module. These courses will outline and teach the most current academic knowledge and best industry practices. Each module’s academic curriculum is estimated to be completed within two to four weeks, depending on the material.
Fellows are expected to leave this segment of the module with continuing self-teaching materials, such as research papers and other academic resources, to refer to throughout the remainder of the Fellowship.
Fellowship Case Studies
Throughout the Fellowship, Fellows will engage in case studies within all modules concurrently. For example, Fellows may complete three or four case studies within a single module over the two-year period. Some more demanding case studies may even be carried over from one Fellow to the next.
Most case studies and demonstrations will take place on our participating dairy farms, although some will involve dairy industry participants and academia. The second phase of the module aims to create value for all participants””dairy farms, Fellows, and Module Instructors/Board. Therefore, all participants will collaborate to select the desired case studies for each module and Fellow.
During the final month of the Fellowship, after completing the academic curriculum and case studies, Fellows will present a capstone-style project to the Module Instructor and the Board. This presentation will demonstrate the Fellow’s comprehensive understanding and future application of their learnings.
LIST OF MODULES
Epidemiology and Statistics
This module includes an abbreviated course in statistics, epidemiology, and AI data analysis.
Nutrition (Dry, Close-up, Fresh, Lactating Cow)
A major focus is on adult dairy cow nutrition for maximum health and productivity.
Reproduction and Genetics
This module focuses on the best reproductive management techniques to maximize productivity based on ideal calving intervals.
Milk Quality, Udder Health, and Milking Systems
Milking procedures, milking parlor design and milking parlor maintenance including conventional and robotic milking solutions
Facility Design and Management
This module will be indoor centric and shall evaluate cow safety, bedding type, ventilation, cooling, winterized, cow flow, footing, feeding, manure collection and automation.
Calves and Heifer Raising
Focus on disease prevention, sanitation, and most cost-efficient growth at every stage of transition into a healthy adult dairy cow.
Holistic Sustainability Approach
Includes product and people safety, nutritional value of milk and milk products, dairy farm community impact, employee care and training, animal welfare, etc.
Executive MBA Education The Advanced Management Program
The Fellowship Structure FAQs
What is a module?
A module is an individual unit or section of a larger course or program, focusing on a specific topic or aspect of the subject matter. It is designed to provide a structured and comprehensive learning experience, often incorporating various teaching methods such as lectures, hands-on activities, case studies, and assessments. In the case of the Hjerpe Fellowship we have designed seven modules that distinctly and jointly represent the entirety of the dairy farm operation.
What is a Executive MBA (EMBA)?
An Executive MBA (EMBA) is a Master of Business Administration program designed for experienced professionals and executives. EMBA programs are tailored for individuals with significant work experience who are looking to enhance their leadership skills, broaden their business knowledge, and advance their careers while continuing to work full-time. EMBA programs offer schedules that accommodate the busy lives of working professionals. In the case of the Hjerpe Fellowship, we have chosen the Chicago Booth Executive MBA around deep financial knowledge, leadership and risk management.
What is an academic curriculum?
An academic curriculum is a structured set of courses and learning experiences designed to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in a particular field of study. It outlines the subjects to be taught, the material to be covered, and the methods of instruction and assessment to be used. The curriculum is typically designed by educators and academic institutions to ensure that students achieve specific educational goals and outcomes. In the case of the Hjerpe Fellowship we have designed an academic curriculum directed by three subject-matter recognized academicians for each of the seven modules.