The Center for Dairy Excellence hosts “All Things Dairy” bi-monthly conference calls to provide a platform for organizations and industry partners to share timely updates, resources, programs, and upcoming events relevant to the dairy community. The calls will highlight current news and developments in the dairy industry, helping dairy farmers and industry professionals stay informed, connected, and equipped with the tools you need to navigate an ever-changing marketplace.
The calls will happen on the second Wednesday of every other month. See how you can connect to the calls. Recordings or recaps of the calls will be posted here so you can listen back and view the key takeaways.
For future “All Things Dairy” Conference Calls, consider signing up for text alert reminders. We’ll text you a reminder the morning of the conference call and include the dial-in details. Text “Signup” to 844-765-2697. To receive email reminders, sign up at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/newsletter.
“All Things Dairy” Conference Call Recaps and Recordings:
- June 2025 “All Things Dairy” Call – Dr. Alex Hamberg, PA State Veterinarian, provided an overview of the New World Screwworm situation in Mexico, the current efforts to keep it from crossing over into the U.S., how NWS affects livestock, and what it could mean for the domestic and international cattle industries. He also shared the current state of HPAI in the U.S. and Pennsylvania. Dr. Aminata Kalley, Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Coordinator/ Epizootiologist at the PA Dept. of Agriculture, shared the basics and an overview of Foot and Mouth Disease. She expanded on the current global situation and preparedness efforts that the PA Dept. of Agriculture is taking. Click here to read a full recap.
- July 2025 “All Things Dairy” Call – Summertime means county fairs, farm tours and lots of opportunities to interact with the public. Beth Meyer, from American Dairy Association North East, shared tips on how to prepare for fairs and community events this summer, answer tough questions on timely topics, and connect with consumers. Seth Confer, Biosecurity Program Specialist at the PA Department of Agriculture, shared biosecurity tips and things to keep in mind to protect your animals this summer as you prep for fair season. Dr. Erin Luley also shared an HPAI update. Click here to read a full recap and click here to view a snippet of the call.
- September 2025 “All Things Dairy” Call – During National Farm Safety Month, Mark Harmon, Compliance Assistance Specialist from the Federal OSHA Erie Area office, shared training tips for helping workers respond to workplace emergencies and a review of the dangers of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms in Pennsylvania shared his personal story with farm safety. A few years ago, Brett was helping set up drag line equipment when a cap on a hydrant exploded due to pressure that had built up on the line underground. After multiple surgeries on his fingers and knee, Brett shared what he learned from the experience and what he wishes he would have known beforehand. Linda Fetzer, Extension Program Specialist at Penn State University, dove into the available services, equipment modifications, and success stories available through AgrAbility. Click here to read a recap and click here to listen to a recording of the call.
- October 2025 “All Things Dairy” Call – From trying to exchange air 8-10 times per hour in calf barns to setting a goal of 40–60% relative humidity during colder months, speakers from Penn State Extension provided very practical advice that farm families can use to navigate the upcoming colder weather with their herd. Dr. Luley from the PA Department of Agriculture also gave an update on HPAI and New World Screwworm. Click here to read a recap and click here to listen to a recording of the call.
- November 2025 “All Things Dairy” Call – A Pennsylvania dairy producer, local fire company chief, and an educator from Penn State Extension provided fire safety and prevention tips, firsthand perspective, and advice for emergency preparedness planning. Dr. Luley from the PA Department of Agriculture also gave an update on HPAI and New World Screwworm. Click here to read a recap and click here to listen to a recording of the call.
- December 2025 “All Things Dairy” Call – Panelists shared current grant opportunities for dairy farmers along with tips and best practices for completing grant applications. Click here to read a recap and click here to listen to a recording of the call.
- February 2026 “All Things Dairy” Call – Panelists shared federal legislation updates for dairy farmers, tax changes to put on your radar heading into tax season, and HPAI and biosecurity updates. Click here to read a recap and click here to listen to a recording of the call.
- April 2026 “All Things Dairy” Call – Panelists shared rural mental health tips and advice and resources from AgrAbility. What does stress really do to your mind and body? What are simple, realistic ways to handle day-to-day stress and how can you notice when someone might be struggling? Our panelists answered these questions and more. Click here to read a recap and click here to listen to a recording of the call.
- June 2026 “All Things Dairy” Call – Panelists from Penn State Extension shared heat abatement strategies, tips for feeding through the summer, and various tools to help maintain production through heat stress. Click here to read a recap and click here to listen to a recording of the call.