DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Ben Berry
Ben Berry
While most people are asleep at 2:30 a.m., Ben Berry is already starting his work day.
Berry is a dairy equipment processor in the milk room at the Mississippi State University Dairy Plant. He processes milk, cheese and ice cream for the plant. He also pasteurizes and sterilizes milk, and processes the cream to make butter.
“If it has to do with dairy, then I have something to do with it at some part in the process,” Berry said.
Each day, he has to have the milk ready by 6 a.m.
“It’s crucial that I’m on time with everything I have to do. If I’m late, the whole plant is late,” he said.
Berry said that he enjoys being a part of one of the well-known aspects of MSU.
“It’s such an honor to be a part of something that is this big of a deal,” he said. “It’s one of those jobs where you see just how much work is put into the final product.”
One of Berry’s favorite memories is the 75th anniversary of the Edam cheese.
“There were cameras everywhere in the plant,” Berry said. “It was pretty neat to be part of it.”
Berry worked in auto part sales before working at MSU. Several members of his family also work at MSU. When the opportunity arose to work at the dairy plant, he took advantage of it.
“I really didn’t know what I was getting into,” Berry said. “It’s worth it when I can see the work at the end of the day and be proud of it.”
Nathan, his younger brother, followed in his footsteps. He is a student worker in the dairy plant.
“If I didn’t work with him, I wouldn’t see him as much as I do,” he said.
Berry can be found in the outdoors when he is not at the dairy plant. He enjoys hunting, fishing and farming. He also likes to spend time with his wife, Amanda Berry.
Editor's note: The Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Spotlight Employee profiles are provided by the Office of Agricultural Communications at Mississippi State. For more information, please click here.
