Babcock Dairy™ Store 101
Where We Get Our Name and Our Fame
In the year 1887, a chemist named Stephen M. Babcock arrived on the UW-Madison campus, where he expanded his studies on the chemical composition of milk. Throughout the 1880s, the once-thriving wheat market began to suffer and dairy was seen as an opportunity for Wisconsin and Babcock to refocus energy and resources.
Babcock’s Initial Success
Not long after his arrival on campus, in 1890, Babcock published his discoveries surrounding the compounds found in milk and how to maintain the consistency of usable products by using the Babcock Butterfat Test. Prior to his discovery, manufacturers wasted money, gallons and time with watery and inconsistent dairy which led to instability of the field. Babcock’s findings ensured exponential success for the dairy industry.
The Next Generation of Dairy
The same year Babcock published his findings, he was determined to share his dairying process with bright students, so he renovated the clapboard house on campus into a classroom using scavenged material. Although his class was made up of only two students in its pilot year, it did not deter his passions. Just a year later, his dairy short course had over 75 students, and the University supplied Babcock with a proper classroom setting in 1892.
The new, state-of-the-art building known as Hiram Smith Hall became the nation’s first permanent dairy building. The same year the building was completed, it hosted its largest dairy course yet with standing room only. The school was never meant for profit — solely for education and research — but it ended up producing milk and other dairy products for the greater Madison area in the late 1890s.
Evolution of Wisconsin into America’s Dairyland
By 1920, Wisconsin was pronounced America’s Dairyland as it became the leading producer of all things dairy. To this day, Wisconsin remains one of the nation’s top dairy-producing states. With the help of inventions like the batch freezer and churn machines in the 1920s, commercial ice cream was eventually integrated into production on campus. In 1951, not too long after Wisconsin’s dairy successes, Babcock Hall was built in accomplishment and it remains to this day.
1887
Stephen M. Babcock Arrives on Campus
After working as a teacher and a chemist in New York, Stephen M. Babcock joined the University of Wisconsin-Madison to further his research and teaching endeavors.
1890
Babcock Publishes Butterfat Test Findings
Later named after Babcock, the Babcock Butterfat Test saved dairy farmers time, money and resources by regulating the milk within the early stages of the dairying process.
1890
First Dairying Course
Babcock was determined to share his findings with the next generation and established a classroom with two eager students.
1892
Hiram Smith Hall Built
Hiram Smith Hall became the nations first permanent dairy building and hosted the largest dairy course campus had seen with 75 students.
1913
Babcock Retires from UW-Madison
After years of great work with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Babcock decided it was time to step down from his role at the school.
1920
Wisconsin Pronounced as America’s Dairyland
With Wisconsin’s decreasing presence in the wheat industry and exponential increase within the world of dairy, it was clear Wisconsin had earned the title of America’s Dairyland.
1926
Batch Freezer Invented
The batch freezer made commercial production and sale of ice cream possible on a much larger scale.
1938
Department of Husbandry Established
The Department of Husbandry was established and was able to accomplish many things, including the regulation of production of dairy, teaching of dairy and consistency of dairy outcomes.
1951
Babcock Hall and Dairy Store Built
Not only was Babcock Hall built to house dairy research and classes, but it also served as a dairy store to supply campus and surrounding areas with house-made goods.
1962
Department Title Changed to Dairy Science
The department switched over to a more fitting title in 1962 and fully established its name.
1972
Dairy Science, Meat and Animal Science, and Poultry Science Reunited
Many departments across campus realized they could utilize one another’s resources and knowledge, so they joined forces.
2019
Renamed Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences
The department received its current name in 2019 and although relatively new, the name has served the department well.
2022
Babcock Dairy Production Plant Renovation
The dairy plant underwent a complete reconstruction to create better resources and facilities to produce its delicious dairy in-house once again.