Teaching Guide

Торіс: Lab-Grown Dairy vs. Traditional Dairy

Host: Ja’Keythia Gooch

Guest: Austen Cohlmia and Emma Hagmann

Summary: This podcast explores the differences between lab-grown (precision-fermented) dairy and traditional dairy farming. Austen Cohlmia of Strive Nutrition explains how animal-free dairy proteins are made through precision fermentation and discusses sustainability, safety, and the future of dairy technology. Dairy farmer Emma Hagmann offers a firsthand look at daily farm life, cow care, conservation practices, and her thoughts on the future of traditional dairy. Together, their perspectives help students understand the science, challenges, and debates surrounding the evolving dairy industry.

Objectives

1. Explain how precision-fermented dairy is produced and why it is controversial.

2. Describe daily operations and sustainability practices on a traditional dairy farm.

3. Compare and contrast both viewpoints to form an informed opinion about the future of dairy.

Pre-listening Questions (open ended- formative)

1.     What comes to mind when you hear the words “lab-grown dairy”?

2.     How do you think dairy farmers care for their cows on a daily basis?

3.     What do you think might be the benefits or drawbacks of replacing cows with technology in food production?

Guided Questions

Multiple Choice:
Precision fermentation is used to make:
A. Artificial flavors
B. Plant-based milk
C. Animal-free dairy proteins
D. Feed for dairy cows
Answer: C

Fill in the Blank:
Austen explained that precision fermentation creates dairy proteins without using ___________.
Answer: cows

Short Answer:
What is one misconception consumers have about animal-free dairy, according to Austen?

Multiple Choice:
According to Emma, which task takes up the most daily time on a dairy farm?
A. Marketing milk
B. Feeding and caring for cows
C. Cleaning equipment
D. Scheduling deliveries
Answer: B

Short Answer:
Name one conservation or waste-management practice Emma uses on her farm.

Post-listening Questions

1.     After hearing both interviews, which dairy system do you think is more sustainable long-term, and why?

2.     Should lab-grown dairy be allowed to use the word “milk”? Support your answer using ideas from the interviews.

3.     How might traditional dairy farmers and lab-grown dairy companies work together instead of competing?

Rubric

Level 1 - 1 pt

Level 2-2 pt

Level 3- 3 pt

(points are aligned based on how they answer the post listening questions- for all 3 questions)

Ex. Describe pros and cons of large- and small-scale farms (8 pros and cons needed)

Level 1- only 1 pro or 1 con is listed Level 2- only 4 pros and cons listed Level 3- all pros and cons are listed.