The 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 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 4-11, 2025 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 of all ages. The Calving Corner also live streams the exhibit throughout the Farm Show, reaching more than 31,000 people virtually each year.
“Volunteering at the Calving Corner is an exciting way to help share the story of Pennsylvania dairy farming directly with consumers and families. Farm Show visitors not only witness the miracle of birth and learn where their food comes from, but it’s a rewarding way to help enhance the public’s understanding of production agriculture,” said Miriam Miller, project manager for the Calving Corner. “Whether you’re a college student with firsthand dairy experience who’s home over break or a dairy farmer with years of experience, we appreciate our farmers and dairy industry volunteers who give their time each year to share their experience with Calving Corner visitors.”
Four Pennsylvania dairy farms will share their story with visitors throughout the 2025 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 Meadow Vista Dairy owned by Justin Risser and family of Lancaster County, Pa.; Dotterer Dairy owned by the Dotterer family of Clinton County, Pa.; Brubaker Farms owned by Mike, Tony, and Josh Brubaker and family of Lancaster County, Pa.; and Pennwood Farms LLC owned by Don, Glenn, Dwight, and Duane Stoltzfus and family of Somerset County, Pa.
“I did the Calving Corner internship when I was in college. Now, I’m a dairy herd manager and I volunteer. The Calving Corner has helped me learn how to talk to people and think about my job in a way that other people would – and seeing how people feel and learning how to answer tough questions. The Calving Corner was one of my favorite experiences from college,” said Shara Allman, a former intern and volunteer at the Calving Corner.
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
“I got into veterinary medicine because of dairy farmers and their families. I really like supporting those farmers, so the Calving Corner is a great way to do that. It’s also a good way to bridge the gap, so there’s a better understanding [from consumers] of how things work on the farm,” said Ann DiPastina, a veterinarian from Penn Vet. “It really just helps communicate to consumers how farmers are doing their best to safeguard our food supply and take care of their animals. Volunteering at the Calving Corner is a really fun time.”
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.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses or organizations who are interested in helping consumers learn about agriculture and the world of dairy farming. To become a sponsor, contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org. Individuals who are interested in volunteering at the Calving Corner exhibit can complete an online volunteer interest form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/calvingcorner. Contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org with questions.
The Calving Corner is made possible by the Friends of Pennsylvania Farm Show Foundation, American Dairy Association North East, Allied Milk Producers, Center for Dairy Excellence, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation, Inc., and additional dairy organizations with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.