Meet Holly, an On-Farm Intern Who’s Getting an Inside Look at Robotic Dairy Farm

Love Holly’s story? Click here to meet more interns and read their stories! As an animal science major at West Virginia University with one semester to go, Holly Mahala decided to complete an On-Farm Internship to explore the dairy industry and consider whether she enjoys a farm-level role. Holly was paired with Vista Grande Farm in…

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

The Interactive Lesson Series Can Be Incorporated Into Both Virtual and In-Person Instruction Discover Dairy’s “Adopt a Cow” program is open for enrollment for the 2025-26 school year until September 15. The free program, which impacted more than 1.7 million students worldwide last year, is a year-long, interactive learning opportunity that gives students an inside…

Meet Shyanne, an On-Farm Intern Who’s Exploring Breeding and Herd Health Technology

Love Shyanne’s story? Click here to meet more interns and read their stories! Shyanne Ackerman grew up on a 100-cow, tie-stall dairy operation. When she had the chance to complete an On-Farm Internship this summer at Rohrer Dairy – a 1,700-cow dairy farm with a rotary parlor that’s vastly different from what she experienced growing up…

Meet Rylee, a Young Professional Who Realized How Fulfilling Dairy Farming Careers Can Be

Rylee Fuller grew up raising dairy-beef steers and participating in FFA, but she didn’t have much experience in the dairy industry. During her junior year of high school, her path led her to Laurel Grove Farm, a dairy operation in Perry County, Pennsylvania. The Comp family took Rylee under their wing and helped her realize…

Dairy Farms Encouraged to Host High School Graduates as Apprentices on Their Operations

Dairy Producers Who Are Looking for Herd Managers Can Apply for the Apprenticeship Program Pennsylvania dairy producers who are looking for an employee to serve in a herd management role are encouraged to apply for the Center for Dairy Excellence’s Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship Program. The program is registered through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor…

Meet Payton, an On-Farm Intern With Passion for Research and Veterinary Science

Love Payton’s story? Click here to meet more interns and read their stories! When Payton Eirman’s family decided to exit the dairy industry in 2017, it was a hard and emotional decision. Eight years later, Payton is now a college student entering her junior year at Delaware Valley University where she’s studying animal science with a…

Dairy Excellence Foundation Reaches Over 1.7 Million Students Last School Year Thanks to Donor Support

The Foundation Offers the “Adopt a Cow” Program, On-Farm Internships, Scholarships and More Thanks to support from donors and partners across the dairy industry throughout the 2024-2025 school year, the Dairy Excellence Foundation reached more than 1.7 million students through its dairy education programs, curriculum, on-farm learning experiences, scholarship opportunities, on-farm internships and more. With…

Nominate Young Individual with Exceptional Service to PA Dairy for Award

The Jan Harding Ruslavage Memorial Service & Promotion Award Recognizes Someone Between the Ages of 18 and 30 If you know an individual between the ages of 18 and 30 who has demonstrated exceptional service to and promotion of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, nominate them for the Jan Harding Ruslavage Memorial Service & Promotion Award by…

Speakers Announced for 2025 Dairy Financial and Risk Management Conference

Sessions Will Focus On Navigating Rock-Bottom Years, How High-Performing Dairies Can Level Up, and More Registration is now open for the 16th annual Dairy Financial and Risk Management Conference, titled “Leveling Up Pennsylvania Dairy.” Designed to help attendees protect their risk, navigate the ever-changing dairy marketplace, and make financial decisions with the future in mind,…

Meet Emma, an On-Farm Intern Who Is Honing Her Breeding Skills and Gaining Experience on Larger Dairy Farm

Love Emma’s story? Click here to meet more interns and read their stories! Emma McLaughlin’s first experience working with dairy cattle began in high school. She grew up in 4-H and FFA, showing a large variety of livestock. Her neighbors had a dairy farm, and she eventually started showing cows with the family. Emma’s dairy experience…