Meet Alex, an On-Farm Intern Who’s Gaining Experience on a Robotic Dairy in New York

Alex Coursen grew up on a 60-cow robotic dairy near State College, Pennsylvania. This summer, he decided to complete an on-farm internship at Hemdale Farms in Clifton Springs, New York. While he has experience working on a robotic dairy, Hemdale Farms was a push outside his comfort zone – the farm milks approximately 1,400 cows…

Meet Lillian, an On-Farm Intern Who’s Learning About the Dairy Industry Before Starting Her Master’s Degree

Lillian Corbett is graduating from Penn State University with a bachelor’s in animal science at the end of the summer. She had some ag exposure in high school and spent time in college doing research on the University’s dairy farm. While finishing her degree over the summer, she wanted to get direct, farm-level experience and…

“Adopt a Cow” Program Brings Agriculture to the Classroom, Enrollment Open Until Sept. 15

The Interactive Lesson Series Can Be Incorporated Into Both In-Person and Virtual Instruction Discover Dairy’s “Adopt a Cow” program opened for enrollment for the 2024-25 school year on May 1. The free program, which impacted more than 1 million students worldwide last year, is a year-long, interactive learning opportunity that gives students an inside look…

Nine Students Begin On-Farm Internships on Progressive Dairy Farms

These Internships Provide Students With On-Farm Learning Experiences This Summer Nine college students who are pursuing careers in dairy production recently began on-farm summer internships on progressive dairy farms in Pennsylvania and New York. The Dairy Excellence Foundation, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association created the program more than 10…

Save the Date for Annual ‘Toast to Dairy’ Celebration on June 13

Purchase Tickets by May 1 to Receive Early-Bird Discount The Dairy Excellence Foundation is hosting its annual farm-to-fork celebration, “A Toast to Dairy,” on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 6-9 p.m. at Melhorn Manor in Mount Joy, Pa. The event includes meal stations sourced with Pennsylvania Preferred ingredients, a selection of artisan cheeses, and locally…

Scholarships Available for Young Professionals at 2024 Dairy Summit, Expanded Programming and Career Development Workshop

The Young Dairy Professionals Scholarship Is Available for Individuals Between the Ages of 18-30 The 2024 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, which will be held on February 7 and 8, 2024 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, will help dairy producers and young professionals unlock their potential through dynamic sessions, networking opportunities, and a new career development workshop specifically for…

New Articulation Agreement Allows Dairy Students to Gain College Credits for Delaware Valley University

Students Who Complete Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow (DLT) Courses Can Now Gain College Credits Through a new articulation agreement between Delaware Valley University and the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow (DLT) program, Pennsylvania high school students can earn up to six college credits to Delaware Valley University after completing approved DLT courses throughout their high school…

Former Dairy Veterinarian Publishes Book With Proceeds Supporting Next Generation

Dr. Charlie Gardner Published The Blessed Life of a Cow Doctor To help support students who are pursuing future careers in the dairy industry, Dr. Charlie Gardner, a former dairy veterinarian and consultant who works with many Pennsylvania dairy farm families, has published a book with proceeds now supporting the Dairy Excellence Foundation. Titled The…

Meet Ryan, an On-Farm Intern Who Traveled 1,000+ Miles to Gain Experience on Minnesota Dairy Farm

Ryan Parker did not grow up on a dairy farm, but he has loved his time spent working with dairy cattle over the last six years. In high school, he was enrolled in an agriculture education program which meant he needed to pursue an SAE (supervised agricultural experience). As a high school freshman, that’s when…

Meet Mikayla, an On-Farm Intern Excited About Her Future as a Veterinarian

Mikayla DeReinzi has been fortunate to grow her dairy and agriculture story through her education and on-farm internship experiences. She did not grow up on a dairy farm nor did she have any agricultural background, but Penn State University helped expose her to the world of agriculture. Mikayla is currently majoring in animal science with…