Dairy Cow Birthing Center Offers Educational Insight for Families
Individuals who have experience working in the Pennsylvania dairy industry are invited to volunteer at the Calving Corner during the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 4-11 in Harrisburg, Pa. The Calving Corner is the cornerstone in the new “Destination Dairy” Northeast Exhibit Hall, giving visitors a firsthand look at the Pennsylvania dairy industry and providing educational learning activities for children.
“As a Calving Corner volunteer, you can share your passion and knowledge of the dairy industry with the hundreds of thousands of people who attend the Pennsylvania Farm Show each year,” said Miriam Miller, project manager for the Calving Corner. “When we can engage the audience in meaningful conversations and showcase the stewardship that goes into dairy production, it’s a win for the entire industry.”
Four Pennsylvania dairy farms will share their story with visitors throughout the 2020 Calving Corner exhibit and demonstrate the dairy birthing process. Cows representing the four farms will calve on site during the entire length of the Farm Show. Farms include Yippee! Farms owned by Arlin and Deborah Benner of Mount Joy, Pa.; Meadow Spring Farm owned by Tom and Andy Bollinger of Lititz, Pa., Meadow Wood Farms owned by Dave, Bob and Tom Bomberger of Lebanon, Pa.; and Franklin View Farms owned by Jim, Nelson and Aaron Breneman of Washington Boro, Pa.
“These farms are essentially opening their farms and sharing their time and animals so that Farm Show visitors may witness the miracle of birth,” Miller added. “Their passion and commitment to the dairy industry will help educate visitors and enhance the public’s view and understanding of production agriculture.”
Calving Corner volunteer opportunities are available for the following individuals:
- Dairy farmers
- Veterinarians
- Nutritionists
- Industry representatives
- College students
- Other dairy professionals who have experience in the industry
Volunteers will serve in a variety of roles, should be at least 18 years old, and have a practical understanding of the dairy industry. They will be provided with a Calving Corner sweatshirt and should plan to wear proper attire, including clean and neat jeans or khakis. Calving Corner volunteers will also be required to complete a brief online training.
Individuals who are interested in volunteering at the Calving Corner exhibit can sign up online at signup.com/go/NgTDPvY and select the dates and times that match their schedule.
To learn more about the Calving Corner, contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org or call 814-935-4905.
The Calving Corner is made possible by the Friends of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, American Dairy Association North East, Center for Dairy Excellence, Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation, Inc., Mid-Atlantic/AgChoice Farm Credit, Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, Land O’Lakes Foundation, Allied Milk Producers and additional dairy organizations with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.