General News | Center for Dairy Excellence

August 25, 2023

Starting From the Ground Up: Blair County Dairy Producers Share How They Built Their Herd, Managed Cash Flow and Took the Leap

Donald and Gabrielle Miller don’t have a traditional background in dairy farming, but what they do have is a burning passion for the dairy industry and the courage to start their own operation from scratch. Growing up in Blair County, Pennsylvania, Donald has years of hands-on, boots-on-the-ground experience at local dairy farms. Gabrielle spent a…

August 22, 2023

Dr. Ken Bailey to Share Updates on Dairy Markets at Dairy Financial Conference

The Conference Will Be Held on September 13 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Dr. Ken Bailey, author of Dairy Economics: Pricing, Policy, and Risk Management and former professor at The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Missouri, will share a detailed update on the dairy market equation during the 2023 Dairy Financial and Risk Management Conference….

August 21, 2023

Franklin County Dairy Producer Opens Up About Pushing Forward After Barn Fire and Investing in Fully Automated Robotic Barn

Matt Brake Was Interviewed in the New Episode of “Cow-Side Conversations” In the Center for Dairy Excellence’s latest episode of the “Cow-Side Conversations” podcast, Matt Brake of Oakleigh Farm in Franklin County, Pennsylvania shares how they went from a true, 1950’s era dairy farm to a fully-automated, 21st century dairy operation in less than a…

August 18, 2023

Summer Intern Reflects on Her Roots and Role in Feeding the World

By Jordan Anderson, a sophomore at The University of Wyoming As cliché as this sounds, it seems like just yesterday I began my summer internship with the Center for Dairy Excellence and Dairy Excellence Foundation. To say I have enjoyed it would be an understatement. My heart is overflowing with gratitude for the opportunities, mentors,…

August 15, 2023

Meet Amanda, a College Senior Who Explored the Dairy Industry Through On-Farm Externship

Amanda Peirson didn’t grow up in the agriculture community, but thanks to the clubs and activities she joined at The Pennsylvania State University, she quickly discovered a strong interest in dairy science. “I have no background in farming whatsoever. I ended up joining Dairy Science Club and other agriculture activities my freshman year, and I…

August 15, 2023

Meet Cameron, an On-Farm Intern Gaining Experience on a Robotic Dairy

For Cameron Goodyear, dairy farming has been her source of comfort and how she has connected with family throughout her childhood. “I’ve been on farms since I was about 11 years old. I fell in love with cows, and they’re just my comfort. Farming was something I had an interest in. My stepdad showed me…

August 15, 2023

Business Consultants Available to Help Dairy Farm Families Achieve Their Goals

The Center Offers One-on-One Consulting Support at No Charge to Dairy Farm Families To help Pennsylvania dairy farm families with transition planning, business management consulting, and risk management planning, the Center for Dairy Excellence has several consultants available to work with Pennsylvania dairy farm families. Dr. Brian Reed and Dr. Charlie Gardner both serve as…

August 14, 2023

Dairy Financial Conference to Feature Two Panel Discussions on Climate-Smart Opportunities and Performance Indicators

The Panel Discussions Will Feature Several Industry Experts With a Wide Range of Perspectives Brett Reinford from Reinford Farms, Curt Gooch from Land O’Lakes, Matt Royer from Penn State, and Mike Hosterman from Horizon Farm Credit will lead a dynamic panel discussion on climate-smart solutions and how they offer opportunities to enhance dairy farm profitability…

August 11, 2023

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…

August 11, 2023

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…