HARRISBURG, Pa. – A group of 155 dairy producers attended a series of animal care workshops hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, Pennsylvania 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.

“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.”

“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.

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. Nearly all of the individuals surveyed would encourage another dairy producer or employee to attend the workshops in the future.

In addition to workshop partners and speakers from Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians, Penn State and the Pennsylvania Beef Council, these events were offered at no cost to farmers thanks to industry-wide support from sponsors. They included: Centerra Co-Op, Fisher & Thompson, Huber’s Animal Health, LLC; JBZ Dairy Advantage, Keystone BouMatic, Dairy Farmers 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 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.