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 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 7-15 in Harrisburg, Pa. The Calving Corner is the cornerstone in the “Destination Dairy” Northeast Exhibit Hall, giving visitors a firsthand look at the Pennsylvania dairy industry and providing educational learning activities for children.
“With the Pennsylvania Farm Show happening in-person this year, it’s a great opportunity to volunteer your time and share your passion of the dairy industry directly with consumers,” said Miriam Miller, project manager for the Calving Corner. “When we can have meaningful conversations with Farm Show attendees 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 2022 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 Brook-Corner Holsteins owned by Reid, Diane, Brad and Amy Hoover of Lebanon, Pa.; Burk-Lea Farms owned by Clint and Kara Burkholder and family of Chambersburg, Pa.; Mercer Vu Farms Inc. owned by Rod and Rick Hissong and family of Mercersburg, Pa.; and Walton Farms owned by Stephen and Matthew Walton of Cochranville, Pa.
“These farms are dedicating hours of their time so Farm Show visitors may witness the miracle of birth and learn where their food comes from,” Miller added. “As a volunteer, you can be a part of this exciting and rewarding experience to help educate visitors and enhance the public’s understanding of production agriculture.”
Calving Corner volunteer opportunities are available for the following individuals:
- Dairy farmers
- Veterinarians
- Nutritionists
- Industry representatives
- College students
- Other professionals who have experience in the dairy 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 https://signup.com/go/zJaGHVu and select the dates and times that match their schedule.
Sponsorship opportunities are available. To sponsor or learn more about volunteering at the Calving Corner, contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org or call 814-935-4905.
The Calving Corner is made possible by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, American Dairy Association North East, Center for Dairy Excellence, Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation, Inc., Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, Land O’Lakes Foundation, and additional dairy organizations with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.