Last month I had the opportunity to attend the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess Coronation. It was probably the first time I attended the coronation in more than a decade, with family and farm weekend responsibilities often keeping me away. This year was special, though. The Harding family had organized a memorial fund in memory of their…
Do you remember a time when you walked into a room and felt like you didn’t belong? It might have been the first day in seventh grade after you moved three counties away. Or it could be that first day of college, hours away from home. It could have been when you started your first…
Watching commodity markets right now feels a little like riding a roller coaster at Hershey Park that goes backwards. Over the past decade, we have gotten used to seeing strong commodity prices weighing down dairy margins while dairy prices remained relatively lackluster. There were a few tracks upwards for dairy, but they were typically countered…
In late June, I was invited to be part of Dairy Day at the Capitol where members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly celebrated June Dairy Month. Senator Elder Vogel Jr., the chair of the Senate Ag Committee, hosted the event, with Minority Chair Senator Judy Schwank, House Majority Chair Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and House…
Last month, I was invited to be part of the Lancaster Farming’s “Farmhouse” podcast series. They interviewed me about HPAI in dairy and more broadly about the Center, the Foundation, and the work we do to benefit dairy. One of the first questions they asked was if I always saw myself working in agriculture. I…
When the latest USDA Ag Census was released earlier this year, it provided a case for the importance of transition planning. More than 33 percent of all farm owners in Pennsylvania are above the age of 65 years old, while only 13 percent are under the age of 35 years old. In other words, it’s…
The spring planting season is quickly approaching. Are you ready? When most people think of getting ready for the spring planting season, they think of doing maintenance to equipment, ordering seed and fertilizer, and making sure you have all the supplies you need. Did you ever consider reviewing your farm safety protocols to make sure…
Editor’s Note: This column is written by Jayne Sebright, executive director for the Center for Dairy Excellence. It was originally published in Progressive Dairy. Have you ever considered what your core values are? Or better yet, have you thought about what the core values are for your farm or business? Someone once said that core…
Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? The month-long celebration was first established more than 50 years ago by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to remind everyone about how important informed food choices and healthy eating habits are to our overall health. This year’s theme is “Beyond the Table,” which is intended…
Editor’s Note: This column is written by Jayne Sebright, executive director for the Center for Dairy Excellence. It was originally published in Progressive Dairy. The winter months to me are some of the most peaceful on our small dairy farm in Adams County, Pennsylvania. Because of our milking schedule, I often go to the barn when…
