Dates for 2026
The dates for the dairy consortium are Monday, May 18 through Friday, June 26. There is a graduation program Friday night so plan to leave Saturday, June 27 if possible.
What about Covid-19?
We adhere to protocols established by the CDC and NMSU.
What about “avian influenza”?
We continue to monitor the situation and will take appropriate measures regarding disease transmission as recommended by state and federal authorities.
Where will the consortium be held?
The US Dairy Education and Training Consortium will hold its 2026 session at the Curry County Fairgrounds, Clovis, NM. Clovis is in eastern New Mexico, approximately 10 miles from the Texas state line and located on US 60. New Mexico is in the Mountain Time Zone.
Where is the program held UPDATE?
The program is held on the grounds of the Curry County Fairgrounds in the “Pavillion”. The building has recently been renovated and provides a modern setting for class as well as cooking facilities.
How do you apply?
Applications are online at https://usdetc.tamu.edu
When does the program start?
Classes will start at 8 AM on Monday, May 18 at a facility on the Curry County Fairgrounds. Breakfast is available at your motel starting at 6 AM. Vans will leave from the motels at 7:30. Students will then go to the pavilion for orientation and completing paperwork before class starts that day. Vans will depart from the motels at 7:30 AM sharp.
HOUSING
Where do we stay?
The default motel is the Super 8, 2912 Mabry, Clovis, NM 88101 (575) 268-3012. The motel is on the main highway through Clovis. As an option this year, if you are eligible for rooming, you may select your own housing. The consortium will pay the amount it costs to have a room at the Super 8. The consortium does not pay for housing at an individual’s or families home or friend’s house or apartment.
Motel Update
We have selected a new motel this year that has several amenities that include; breakfast, recreation area, lounge and outdoor pool.
When will the motels be available?
The motels will be available for move-in on Saturday, May 16. However, most students will arrive on Sunday, May 17.
Where do I report at check in?
When you arrive in Clovis, go to the Super 8 office. They will provide you with your assigned key and room .
What type of room do I have?
The consortium pays for a room with two double beds for two individuals of the same sex. All rooms are air conditioned with a microwave and refrigerator.
What if I want a single room?
A limited number of single rooms might be available. However, you must pay the single room supplement, which is $1292. You will receive an invoice for the single room supplement from the consortium, and the payment must be received by the consortium before the consortium starts.
How do I find a roommate?
We will set up a Facebook page which may be used to locate a roommate. If you do not find one, we will assign one. In the event there become irreconcilable differences between roommates, efforts will be made to change rooms.
TRAVEL
If flying, where should I fly into, and will someone pick me up? PLEASE READ THIS COMPLETELY PRIOR TO MAKING YOUR FLIGHT RESERVATIONS!
Clovis (CVN) now has jet service via Denver Air Connection which code shares with United and American with service from Denver and Dallas/Ft. Worth. This means there is a seamless connection between these majors and Denver Air. If you are flying, this is the preferred way to get too Clovis. We will pick you up at Clovis airport. We will also provide airport pickup service at Amarillo Airport (AMA) ONLY on Sunday, May 17. Amarillo is a much larger airport and has service by American, Delta, Southwest and United. We will have multiple pickups, once we know the time you will be arriving. Plan to arrive on Sunday, May 17 with flights after 9 AM. There is a time zone change between Texas and New Mexico so it will take us 1 hour to get to Clovis from AMA, BUT 3 hours to get to AMA from Clovis. When selecting your return flight on June 27, we will provide transportation to Amarillo (AMA) airport. However, due to the time change, PLEASE make your reservations to leave Amarillo after 10 AM. This is due to the time zone change between Texas and New Mexico. If you arrive at AMA on Saturday, May 16 we are unable to guarantee airport pickup. If you arrive on Saturday, you are responsible for accommodation that Saturday night for pickup with the group on Sunday. There are several hotels close to the airport in Amarillo. If you arrive at Clovis airport on Saturday, it is not a problem. We prefer that you fly into Clovis!
Does the consortium pay for transportation to get to/from Clovis?
The consortium does not pay for transportation to get too Clovis. It is your responsibility to get to the CVN or AMA airport or provide your own transportation to Clovis.
Transportation to classes and around Clovis
Vans will leave the motel for the fairgrounds every morning at 7:45. Classes start at 8 am! Vans will return to the motel after class, When we go to the dairies, you must ride in the vans. We do not want individual cars used for this purpose, unless you have received authorization from Dr. H or Dr. T. If you decide to reside at a property not at the Super 8, you must provide your own transportation to the Super 8 for transportation to the fairgrounds. Additionally, the motel has a van that is available to take you to locations.
What about parking if I bring a car?
There is ample parking at the hotel and the fairgrounds. There is NO charge for parking.
If I do not have a car, how will I get around?
Once there, you will make friends, and they will provide transportation. In addition, the van drivers can take you to Wal-Mart, church, etc. Dr. Spencer, Jason White and Dr. T are also at Super 8 and are available for rides! Additionally, the motel has a courtesy shuttle van.
LOCAL ISSUES
What type of clothing should I bring?
Casual! Remember this is the high plains so weather is very variable. Bring warm clothes for the first part while you might need lighter clothes for the latter part of the program. It could be in the 40’s or 100’s! Bring rain gear! There are sponsored dinners that you will be required to wear the USDETC shirt. Most students wear jeans and cowboy boots for those evenings. There are local churches around town, so if you would like to go to church on the free weekends, you can bring Sunday Best clothing.
Will I need to bring a pair of rubber boots?
No. We will provide disposable “Tingley brand” boots. If you bring boots, you will be required to place the disposable boots over the boots you are wearing.
What about washing clothes?
There is a clean modern laundromat located within 1 mile of the motel.. They only accept cash! The motel has one washer and dryer.
What about food!
We serve lunch Monday through Friday. The lunches are large. If you have a dietary restriction, please note that one of the forms that asks about dietary restrictions. We will work with you to ensure you have an adequate diet. However, we try our best to accommodate your dietary requirements but need your help, cooperation and understanding. If you like to cook, we are always looking for new and innovative recipes.
What happens if I get sick?
Advise one of the proctors staying at the Super 8. If you require medical care, they will get you to the appropriate location. You MUST have your own insurance. The consortium does not provide medical insurance.
What about a restaurant close to the motel?
Within close proximity to the motel are several restaurants that include Thai, Italian, steak house, Dairy Queen, Mexican, “Mom and Pop,” Long John Silvers, Sushi, bowling alley with food and a Subway.
CLASS INFORMATION
Do I need a laptop?
You are required to have a laptop and note-taking material, such as a notebook. Notes will not be printed but will be delivered digitally. Your weekly evaluations are also submitted electronically. You are provided with a clipboard.
How long will I be in class?
Each day is usually made up of 4 hours of class instruction and 4 hours of dairy/lab or computer. However, this will vary. Depending on the material, some mornings will be at a dairy while the afternoon in the classroom.
How often are we tested?
Most instructors will give a daily quiz and every Friday you will have an exam on the material covered that week. All students are required to maintain a rolling GPA of => 2.0 after the second week.
Do I receive credit for the consortium at my home university?
The consortium does not directly provide university credit and varies among universities. Some count the consortium as a course while some count it as an internship. You are responsible for signing up for credit at your home university as well as paying any tuition associated with receiving that credit from your home university. The consortium has nothing to do with offering credit nor setting the tuition rate. CHECK WITH YOUR HOME ADVISOR.
What about internships?
The USDETC does not guarantee you an internship. We have a group of companies that have expressed an interest in interns. It is your responsibility to contact the companies after you are selected to attend, communication regarding internship is between the student and the company.
What is there to do in Clovis after the day of instruction is over or on weekdays?
Many students have dinner together after class. Some students buy lawn chairs to sit outside after the day is over to socialize or read outdoors. There is a town pool five minutes away from the Super 8 plus the motel has a swimming pool.. There are many gym locations that have reasonable membership deals for students. The motel has a small recreation area. There is also a zoo within walking distance of the King’s Inn.
THINGS NOT ALLOWED
What about cameras and photographing the dairies?
Cameras, including cell phones, are not allowed to be used in a dairy. We will take pictures and upload them to a central site from which you may download the photos that you want.
What about pets?
Pets are not allowed.
Are firearms allowed?
Firearms are not allowed.