Madison in Dane County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
First Reliable Test of Milk Quality
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
1. First Reliable Test of Milk Quality Marker
A milestone in modern dairying was the development of a simple and accurate measure of the butterfat content of milk. University of Wisconsin biochemist Stephen M. Babcock in 1890 developed the test that made him internationally famous and revolutionized milk production and marketing. The test provided a rational basis of milk evaluation, and prompted better breeding, feeding, and milk production practices. Babcock instructed dairy farmers in the use of the test, which led to the start of the nation's first dairy manufacturing short course.Erected 2001 by UW Foundation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Education • Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the University of Wisconsin 🎓 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 43° 4.509′ N, 89° 24.794′ W. Marker is in Madison, Wisconsin, in Dane County. Marker is at the intersection of Linden Drive and Babcock Drive, on the right when traveling east on
By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
2. Babcock Hall
The marker is to the right of the steps. According to the UW web site, "Babcock Hall was considered one of the finest dairy buildings in the world when it was built in 1951. ... The building houses the Babcock Ice Cream Dairy Store." The entrance to the store is the next door to the right, and the ice cream is legendary on campus.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Disease-Resistant Plants (a few steps from this marker); The Land Ethic (within shouting distance of this marker); Mass Production of Penicillin (within shouting distance of this marker); Genetically Superior Crops (within shouting distance of this marker); Vitamin D Production Ends Rickets (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Scientific Approach to Agriculture (about 500 feet away); Discovering Vitamins and Trace Minerals (about 600 feet away); Discovery of Vitamins A and B (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Madison.
By William J. Toman, June 25, 2010
3. Agricultural Hall
According to the UW web site, "Built in 1902, Agricultural Hall was designed as the administrative and research home of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences. The building remains almost entirely unmodified and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985."
circa 1915
4. Main Building, College of Agriculture, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisc.
By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
5. Auditorium and Library, Hall of Agriculture
The back entrance to Agricultural Hall.
By William J. Toman, June 24, 2010
6. Detail on Agricultural Hall
Symbol of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences
Credits. This page was last revised on December 28, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 623 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 28, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on July 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. 4. submitted on November 15, 2014. 5, 6. submitted on July 1, 2010, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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