Brady Goetz’s path to becoming a leader in dairy nutrition began on a dairy farm owned by his aunt and uncle in southeastern Minnesota. Growing up in town, Goetz was intrigued by his family's dairy operations and spent years gaining hands-on experience at the farm. After graduating from Northeast Iowa Community College, he spent three years working as a herdsman on a 400-cow dairy for three years.
“Dr. Bundy really helped me see how Iowa State the right fit for me,” Goetz said before transferring to Iowa State University to further his education. Initially set on a pre-veterinary path, Goetz shifted his focus toward research during his second semester after working on various projects. Goetz completed his bachelor’s degree in 2018, and later completed his Ph.D. under the direction of Dr. Lance Baumgard focused on how immune activation and various feed additives influence cow health and production in 2023.
During his time at Iowa State, Goetz’s involvement went beyond the classroom. He joined the Dairy Science Club, participated in intramural sports, and was active in the Dairy Challenge Program, later coaching for a year as a graduate student. His hands-on experience grew through an internship, research projects, and briefly stepping in to manage the feeding center at the Iowa State Dairy Farm.
Goetz recalls his favorite classes in animal science, which included nutrition, genetics, reproductive management, and dairy management courses. “Those classes really shaped my understanding and approach to dairy nutrition,” he said. “They gave me the foundational knowledge I rely on in my work every day.”
Today, Goetz is an Independent Dairy Nutritionist and Management Consultant with GPS Dairy Consulting, working with farms across the Midwest. As a “dietitian for cows,” Goetz develops and adjusts nutrition plans, helps with facility management, and provides leadership training to optimize farm operations. HIs role involves traveling to farms, consulting directly with producers, and creating data-drive nutrition and management strategies.
Goetz encourages current students to push beyond their comfort zones. “Don’t be afraid to be uncomfortable,” he said. “Dive into something unfamiliar, because that’s where you learn the most about yourself.” He also highlights the importance of building connections with faculty, saying, “Your professors are human; they’ll be invaluable assets to you for the rest of your life.”
From his start in Minnesota to his advance studies and career as a dairy nutritionist, Brady Goetz’s journey exemplifies how embracing new opportunities and maintaining a passion for learning can lead to a fulfilling and impactful career.