The Free Workshops Will Be Held on Four Dairy Farms Across the State This April
Dairy producers and their employees are invited to one of four animal care workshops that are being held on dairy farms across the state this April. Hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, PA Beef Council and the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP), the free workshops will focus on hands-on skill-building to help dairy producers meet National FARM compliance. A certificate will be provided at the conclusion of each workshop to show dairy producers’ commitment to National FARM and animal care.
A Spanish interpreter will be present at each event, making the workshops ideal for both English and Spanish-speaking employees. Lunch will be provided at each workshop as well.
“Thanks to the large number of dairy farm teams who have attended these animal care workshops over the last two years, we are looking forward to partnering with PDMP and the PA Beef Council to offer another series this spring. These workshops qualify as National FARM training, so they are a great opportunity to boost your skills in key animal welfare areas and develop safe and effective protocols for your operation,” said Allen Hess, Customer Relations Specialist at the Center for Dairy Excellence.
Four workshops will be held on dairy farms across Pennsylvania throughout April. The events will be held on the following dates:
- Tuesday, April 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Canon Dairy, Mercer County, PA
- Tuesday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Dry Creek Farm, Blair County, PA
- Tuesday, April 16 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Dotterer Dairy, Clinton County, PA
- Tuesday, April 23 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Zahncroft Dairy, Berks County, PA
During each workshop, attendees will rotate through multiple stations and gain training in several key animal welfare areas, including: calf care, lameness and locomotion, euthanasia and fitness to transport, stockmanship and more.
“Last year I sent our farm’s main animal handling employees to this workshop focused on training for the FARM program, or Farmers Assuring Responsible Management. They thanked me for sending them. They came back knowing more about biosecurity, animal welfare and handling, and lots of on-farm activities,” said Amy Brickner of Stover Farms in Cumberland County, Pa.
To register for one of the free animal care workshops, call 717-346-0849 or visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/animal-care. Please include the names of employees who will be attending from your operation.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information about the events, contact Allen Hess at ahess@centerfordairyexcellence.org or call 717-346-0849.
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 qualify as National FARM training for dairy producers and employees.