The Animal Care Workshops Helped PA Dairy Farmers Get Trained in National FARM Standards
A group of 154 dairy producers attended a series of animal care workshops hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, PA Beef Council, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania (PDMP) and Penn State Extension this spring. English and Spanish-speaking dairy employees attended the events and included dairy owners, herd managers, milkers, and calf feeders. Workshop speakers led sessions focused on National FARM training areas, including down cows and transition cows, animal handling, meat quality, calving tips, dystocia management and farm safety.Rohrer Dairy, Tulpa Canal Farm, Breezy Farms, Mercer-Vu Farms, and Pennwood Farms hosted the events directly on their dairy farms.
In addition to workshop partners and speakers from Mid-Maryland Dairy Veterinarians, Penn State and PA Beef Council, these events were offered at no cost to farmers thanks to industry-wide support from sponsors. Thank you to the following dairy businesses for sponsoring the workshops: Pennsylvania Beef Council, Lancaster DHIA and DRMS, Mid Penn Bank, Martin’s Elevator Inc., Fisher & Thompson, Inc., Premier Select Sires, Huber’s Animal Health LLC, Clover Farms, King Construction, North Group Consultants, Sporting Valley Feeds, Bank of Bird-in-Hand, 4WardAg, White Horse Construction, Agricultural Veterinary Associates, Apex Ag-Tek Solutions, Dairy One, Kish Bank, ESB Dairy Supplies LLC, East Gate Feed & Grain, Allegheny Ag, Milk Barn, White Oak Vet Clinic, Somerset Trust Company, and Forrester Farm Equipment.
Before the workshops, 80 percent of surveyed attendees had a somewhat or full understanding of the National FARM program. After attending the workshops, this level of understanding increased. A total of 99 percent of attendees now say they have a somewhat or full understanding of the National FARM program. 94 percent of the individuals surveyed would encourage another dairy producer or employee to attend the workshops in the future.
“On-farm, hands-on training like this is great,” shared one attendee.
“All stations were interactive and hands-on. Very well done and informative,” added another attendee.
To learn more and get involved with future workshops, email Valerie Mason-Faith, Risk Education Manager at the Center, at vmason@centerfordairyexcellence.org or call 717-346-0949.
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 qualified as National FARM training for dairy producers and employes.