Animal Science undergraduate admissions increased dramatically in 2007 for the third year in a row. Fall 2007 enrollment of 742 students is the highest ever recorded for the department. Large enrollment increases are a ‘good problem’, but stress laboratory space and teaching and advising loads. Placement rates and starting salaries for graduates of animal and dairy science remained strong, with the average starting salary approaching $40,000.

New faculty hires in teaching and programmatic developments, such as the Meat Science Minor illustrate the vibrance of the Animal Science department. Major building efforts impacting the teaching program include the opening of the new ISU Dairy in October 2007 and continued planning for a new multi-purpose animal pavilion. These facilities will support excellence in educational programs and will continue the positive enrollment trends.