Knott Dairy welcomes new manager and assistant manager!

The Department of Animal Sciences is excited to introduce Kelci Scharff and Kelsie Magnuson as the newest additions to our Knott Dairy team. They will be taking over from our previous managers, who have moved on to new opportunities after years of outstanding service.

Kelci Scharff: Knott Dairy Manager

Kelci Scharff grew up raising and showing beef, but quickly took a liking to the dairy industry. From her home in Spokane, WA, she moved to Powell, WY to study Animal Science at Northwest College. After her year there, she then transferred to the University of Idaho where she finished out her Bachelor of Science in Animal and Veterinary Science – Production and Dairy Science in 2022. During her time as a student, she had the opportunity to work at the UI Dairy Center, growing her knowledge and passion for dairy. Aside from dairy cows, she also has worked on large feedlots and ranches in Idaho and North Dakota. Before she started with WSU in September 2024, she worked as the Assistant Manager of the University of Idaho Dairy Center.

Kelsie Magnuson: Knott Dairy Assistant Manager

Kelsie graduated from Oregon State University in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Sciences, focusing on Animal Production. During her undergraduate studies, Kelsie worked at the Oregon State University Dairy Research Center for two and a half years, where she was involved in both milking and feeding the OSU herd. After graduating, Kelsie secured a position at Washington State University’s Knott Dairy Center as a full-time Day Milker. Recently, she accepted the position of Assistant Manager at KDC, where she is looking forward to building on the dairy’s rich history to realize its full potential.

Kelci and Kelsie are passionate about the land grant mission and dedicated to ensuring that it serves as a source of excellence for research, teaching, and extension. The ongoing $10 million investment in the KDC along with our new managerial team’s commitment to excellence we know that the KDC will continue its historic service to faculty, students and industry and return as a source of pride for Animal Sciences at WSU.

Welcome, Kelci and Kelsie, to the WSU Animal Sciences family! We’re thrilled to have you both on board.