For Zach and Heidi Kreger of Kreger Farms, a 75-cow dairy in Tioga County, Pennsylvania, knowing their numbers and making their finances work is important to them since they both work full-time at the farm. By learning from outside consultants and taking advantage of programs like the Dairy Decisions Consultants (DDC) Grants through the Center…
Award Established to Honor Service of Janet Harding Ruslavage Cassandra Long, owner of Kolb’s Farm Store in Chester County, Pennsylvania, was recently recognized as the inaugural recipient of the Janet Harding Ruslavage Memorial Service & Promotion Award. The award program was created in 2024 to honor the memory and distinguished service of Janet Harding Ruslavage…
The Free Webinar Will Take Place on Friday, October 4 at 12 p.m. EST On Friday, October 4 from 12-1 p.m., the Center for Dairy Excellence will host a monthly “Protecting Your Profits” webinar titled “Where Does PA Stand? Annual Dairy Performance Indicators.” Rob Goodling from Horizon Farm Credit will share key takeaways and data…
The Grants Help Support Value-Added Consulting and Direct Implementation The Center for Dairy Excellence opened a competitive grant program for value-added dairy businesses looking to build their brand, create a marketing plan, and identify appropriate strategies to increase product sales and consumer access. Leveraging funds provided by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, the Marketing…
Darcy Heltzel grew up on her family’s 120-cow dairy, Piney Mar Farm, in Martinsburg, PA. Her responsibilities on the family farm included feeding calves and milking cows. While she enjoys caring for animals, she discovered an interest in food science and is a rising sophomore studying food science at the Iowa State University. “I knew…
All Data Will Be Reported in Aggregate and Anonymously Organic dairy producers who ship Grade A milk from Pennsylvania and Maryland are encouraged to share anonymous data from their milk checks to help the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) create market reports and better understand how organic milk is priced. Information will be reported in…
College Students and High School Graduates Can Apply for an Internship, Dairy Farms and Dairy Processors Can Apply to Host an Intern Undergraduate students, high school graduates, dairy farms, and dairy processors are encouraged to apply for the 2025 Internship Program. Applications are now being accepted for On-Farm Internships, Dairy Processing Internships, and a Dairy…
Trenton Canon and Josie Offerdahl Were Interviewed in the “Cow-Side Conversations” Podcast In the Center for Dairy Excellence’s latest episode of the “Cow-Side Conversations” podcast, Trenton Canon and Josie Offerdahl – the fifth generation on Canon Dairy in Mercer County, Pennsylvania – share how they are focusing on diversity as a way to grow. Throughout…
Adria Russell is a rising sophomore studying animal science with a minor in agriculture business at The Pennsylvania State University. Both sets of Adria’s grandparents owned dairy farms, and she grew up helping to feed calves and make hay on their farms. Now, she raises show heifers and cows at home with her family where…
Kelly Bliss grew up on her family’s farm in Huntingdon County, PA where they raise Jersey cattle, Angus cattle, and some breeding sheep. The 4-H and FFA programs she participated in allowed Kelly to become further involved in the dairy industry through showing which led to her joining the Huntingdon County Dairy Promotion team. Her…
