Kelvin Amon Joins UW Platteville Dairy Innovation Faculty Role

New Faculty Strengthens Dairy Research Teaching and Farm Business Solutions

• Bonnie Johnson
• April 07, 2026
• Media Article

Kelvin Amon joins UW–Platteville to support dairy research and education, helping farms improve business decisions and remain competitive in a changing agricultural environment.

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The University of Wisconsin–Platteville welcomes Kelvin Amon as a new assistant professor in dairy business and economic development. His role is supported by the Dairy Innovation Hub, a statewide program funded with $7.8 million each year by the state of Wisconsin. This program connects research efforts across UW–Madison, UW–Platteville, and UW–River Falls to support the state’s strong dairy sector.
 

Amon began his position in August 2025 and joined a team of 17 faculty members working together across the three universities. Their goal is to solve key challenges faced by dairy farmers. At UW–Platteville, Amon teaches agribusiness courses and helps students prepare for the National Agri-Marketing Association student marketing competition.
 

Amon earned his PhD in food and resource economics from the University of Florida. His studies focus on applied microeconomics, especially on how farmers make decisions. His research also looks at pest and disease management and how farmers respond to new technologies. He used experimental methods to study how specialty crop growers, such as fruit and vegetable farmers, handle these challenges.
 

This experience connects closely to the dairy industry. Dairy farmers also face rising costs, disease risks, and uncertainty about new technologies. Amon is now studying ways to help dairy farms build strong and stable business strategies. His work focuses especially on small and medium-sized farms that often operate with tight profit margins.
 

His goal is to help farmers improve their business results, even during times of low milk prices, high costs, and environmental pressure. By doing this, he hopes to support long-term growth and attract new opportunities in the dairy sector.
 

“The Dairy Innovation Hub provides an incredible platform for researchers committed to strengthening Wisconsin’s dairy industry,” Amon says. “I’m excited to contribute through research, teaching, and outreach, and thrilled to be part of UW–Platteville’s School of Agriculture and collaborate with other Hub faculty across the state.”
 

Amon’s role is expected to bring new ideas and support to dairy farmers, helping the industry stay strong and competitive.
 

Photo by: dairyinnovationhub.wisc.edu