Apply Online | Center for Dairy Excellence

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Completed applications include a $100 application fee. After completing this form, you can submit the application fee via credit card or mail a $100 check to:

Center for Dairy Excellence | Attn: Melissa Anderson | 1140 Mountain View Road, Shermans Dale, PA 17090

*Note: Program support is made possible through Ag Excellence funding provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All funding is subject to release of the current fiscal year funds. You will be notified of acceptance in the program upon receipt of this application and application fee. Farms that have 35 or more lactating cows or dairy heifer raising operations with more than 100 dairy heifers are eligible to apply.

Select Your Team's Focus Area*

Transition Team: Focused on transition in the business. (ex. succession, change in business structure, partnership) ($4,000)
Transformation Team: Focused on modernizing facilities and pursuing a business transformation or additional enterprise within the dairy operation ($4,000)

Producer's Name*

Farm Name*

Address*

Street Address City State ZIP Code

County*

Email Address*

Phone Number*

How did you hear about this grant?*

Milk market or cooperative*

Please provide the following data for the current month:

Total cows lactating & dry:*

Number of heifers 12 months or older:*

Number of heifers under 12 months:*

Total pounds of milk shipped in the prior year:*

Butterfat Percentage:

Protein Percentage: (See December's settlement check that you should have received mid-January)

Operational information (check all that apply):*

Tie stall
Parlor
Robotics
Organic
Grazing

How many times are you milking per day?*

3 times
2 times
Robotic milkers

If you checked "robotic milkers," what do you average for number of milkings per day?

Please list your DHIA number:

Please list your RAC number: (Find in righthand corner of DHIA report)

Are you happy with your milk production numbers?*

Yes
No

Would you like assistance with your milk production numbers?*

Yes
No

Do you use TMR?*

Yes
No

Please select all that apply to your farm:*

Our farm has a current Manure Management Plan or Nutrient Management Plan
Our farm has a current Conservation Plan or Ag Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
Our farm has a written Business Plan and budget that includes current financial information
Our farm participates in the National FARM or another welfare program
Our farm has a comprehensive written biosecurity plan
Our farm has a Risk Management Plan or uses risk management tools to protect profit margins

If you use risk management tools, please list the tools used:

Team Facilitator*

Facilitator's Business/Organization*

Facilitator Phone Number*

Facilitator Email*

What is the specific plan/project for this team?*

What is the most important issue your farm will need to address in the next 2– 5 years? (i.e. modernize, transition, buy/sell farm, retire diversify or realign labor)*

Would you like information about being a host farm for an intern or apprentice through the Center?*

Yes
No

Do you have a next generation that is interested in farming?*

Yes
No

Do you have any areas of your farming operation that might benefit from a coaching relationship with somebody? If so, what areas?*

Please upload your completed W-9 form. You can download a blank form above.

Max. file size: 100 MB.

Please upload a copy of your most recent DHI-202 form.

Max. file size: 100 MB.

Signature/Consent*

I agree to the following requirements.

In exchange for the allocation of funding and support, farms accepted as a Transition or Transformation Team will be expected to do the following:
– Work with a team of consultants and advisors to address the stated goals and provide feedback on teams impact on the operation.
– Provide meeting notes, invoices of team members and related team expenses to the Center for reimbursement by June 15, 2027.
– Complete a brief survey at the end of the grant.
– Provide a copy of your most recent DHI-202 form.
– A W9 must be provided to the Center before any expenses will be reimbursed—Any funding received through this grant will be
considered taxable income by the IRS.

Foundation Donation

Make a donation to the Dairy Excellence Foundation to support on-farm internships, scholarships, and dairy education curriculum for the next generation. Even $5 makes a difference.

Foundation Donation Amound*

Team Program Grant Application Fee*

Price:

Total

$0.00

Mailing A Check

I would like to mail a check

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Team Program Grant Applications (2026-27)