The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.
A group of 155 dairy producers attended a series of animal care workshops hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, PA Beef Council, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) and Penn State Extension this spring. English and Spanish-speaking dairy employees attended the events and included dairy owners, herd managers, milkers, and calf feeders. Workshop speakers led sessions focused on National FARM training areas, including antibiotic stewardship, calf care and nutrition, fitness for transport, and biosecurity. Attendees also toured Stover Farms, Franklin View Farms, Apple Shamrock Dairy Farm, Kish View Farm, and Gorrell Dairy LLC to collaborate and learn from other producers in their area as part of the events.
In addition to workshop partners and speakers from Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians, Penn State and PA Beef Council, these events were offered at no cost to farmers thanks to industry-wide support from sponsors. Thank you to the following dairy businesses for sponsoring the workshops: Centerra Co-Op, Fisher & Thompson, Huber’s Animal Health LLC, JBZ Dairy Advantage, Keystone BouMatic, Dairy Famers of America, Allegheny Ag LLC, Apex Ag-Tek Solutions, Bank of Bird-in-Hand, Belleville Livestock Market, Clover Farms, Dairy One, Dairyside Veterinary Service, Diamond V, Hoober, Inc., K&K Feeds, Kish Bank, East Gate Feed & Grain, Lancaster DHIA, Maola Local Dairies, Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians, Milk Barn, Organic Valley, Phibro Animal Health, Premier Select Sires, Reliance Bank, Udder Comfort, Univest, Union Mill, W.G. Dairy Supply, Inc., and Zoetis.
“The workshops cover areas that producers have questions about pertaining to the FARM program and how it impacts their farm as well as why it is important for the industry to tell their stories,” shared one attendee. “The interaction was great during lectures, and the questions they encouraged us to think about helped with paying attention and retention."
Before the workshops, 74 percent of surveyed attendees had a somewhat or full understanding of the National FARM program. After attending the workshops, this level of understanding increased. A total of 97 percent of attendees now say they have a somewhat or full understanding of the National FARM program. 96 percent of the individuals surveyed would encourage another dairy producer or employee to attend the workshops in the future.
“This workshop was a valuable learning tool… I took away some valued points to share with other producers and help to better explain FARM,” added another attendee.
The workshops are expected to be offered again in the spring of 2026 in various counties across Pennsylvania. To learn more and get involved with future workshops, email Valerie Mason-Faith, Risk Education Manager at the Center, at vmason@centerfordairyexcellence.org or call 717-346-0949.
The National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management works to set the highest standards when it comes to animal care, workplace settings, and environmental and antibiotic stewardship. These workshops qualified as National FARM training for dairy producers and employes.
The Center for Dairy Excellence is a non-profit organization initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in 2004. Bringing together people from more than 40 different dairy organizations in Pennsylvania, the Center’s mission is to enhance the profitability of the dairy industry by empowering people, creating partnerships, and increasing the availability and use of resources. Learn more at centerfordairyexcellence.org
PDMP is a not-for-profit, farmer-driven organization advancing the State’s dairy industry through improved productivity and economic viability with continued stewardship of our animals, environment, and community. Programs offered by PDMP are designed by dairy producers for dairy producers. For more information on PDMP, visit their website at pdmp.org
The Pennsylvania Beef Council is a non-profit organization working on behalf of nearly 18,000 beef, dairy and veal producers in the Commonwealth. The Beef Council administers the Beef Checkoff Program assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. Checkoff revenues may be used for promotion, education and research programs to improve the marketing climate for beef.
