The Free Workshops Will Be Held in Five Locations Across the State This Spring
Dairy producers and their employees are invited to one of five animal care workshops that are being held across the state this March and April. Hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, PA Beef Council, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP), and Penn State Extension, the free workshops will focus on animal-related training and 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 through the workshops’ four training areas.
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, and attendees can attend an optional tour of a nearby dairy farm at the end of each event. Biosecurity protocols will be closely followed during each farm tour.
“These free workshops have become quite popular among dairy farm teams who are looking for a one-day opportunity to hone their skills and get refreshers on four pillars of animal care,” said Valerie Mason-Faith, Risk Education Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence. “The 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 this spring.”
Five workshops will be held across Pennsylvania throughout March and April. The events will be held on the following dates and locations:
Tuesday, March 4, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Cumberland County)
Cumberland County Extension Office
310 Allen Road
Carlisle, PA 17013
Optional Dairy Farm Tour: Stover Farms
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Lancaster County)
Lancaster Farm and Home Center
1383 Arcadia Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Optional Dairy Farm Tour: Franklin View Farms LLC
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Crawford County)
Crawford County Extension Office
1099 Morgan Village Road, Suite A
Meadville, PA 16335
Optional Dairy Farm Tour: TBD
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Mifflin County)
Belleville Community Center
95 N. Penn Street
Belleville, PA 17004
Optional Dairy Farm Tour: Kish View Farm
Tuesday, April 15, 2025 – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Bradford County)
Troy Fire Hall
88 Firehouse Drive
Troy, PA 16947
Optional Dairy Farm Tour: Gorrell Dairy LLC
During each workshop, attendees will rotate through multiple stations and gain training in several key animal welfare areas, including: Antibiotic Stewardship and Pain Management; Calf Care and Nutrition; Fitness for Transport and Quality Assurance; and Biosecurity. Attendees will have the opportunity to get recertified in Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) if they are interested.
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 Valerie Mason-Faith at vmason@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.