CREAM is a unique and exciting educational experience which Greenmount Campus has integrated into its Higher National Diploma (HND) and BSc Agricultural Technology courses.

The concept is that students on these courses manage a high genetic merit dairy enterprise, thus giving them real responsibility and the opportunity to make real decisions. The herd was established in 1994 with the purchase of 20 in-calf heifers from Canada, Holland, England and Northern Ireland, based on the following selection criteria:

• High index for milk production
• Good type
• Three generations of VG or EX

Sires included Blackstar, Leadman, Chairman Valiant, Belt, Aerostar and Chief Mark.

A management board representing educational, commercial and farmer interests was set up to monitor the project and to advise students on herd management.

This unique project which links students with industry and which offers them real responsibility was the pace setter for many other similar learning by doing projects at Greenmount Campus.