The Dairy Excellence Foundation is once again hosting a virtual farm tour this October focusing on dairy farmers. Attendees will learn firsthand how dairy farmers care for their cows and land while producing delicious milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream that we all enjoy.
On Friday, October 9, high school students are invited to learn about multiple career opportunities in the dairy industry during the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow virtual farm tour. Throughout the virtual event, students will meet farmers and industry professionals from two dairy farms in Somerset County, Pennsylvania and will be able to ask questions about today’s dairy farming practices and career opportunities.
To join the virtual farm tour, follow the Dairy Excellence Foundation on YouTube. No registration is required. The event will begin at 8:30 a.m. ET Friday, October 9, and will be live streamed directly from the farms in two separate streams. There will be a break in between segments, and the tour is expected to end by 3 p.m.
“We are excited to virtually welcome high school students and teachers to two progressive dairy farms in Pennsylvania during this year’s farm tour,” said Brittany Snyder, Dairy Education Program Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation. “This is an educational event that’s ideal for virtual learning, especially for high schoolers who are interested in exploring the wide range of careers in the dairy industry — from engineering and food science to veterinary care, dairy genetics, and accounting.”
The first segment during the virtual farm tour will be held at Maple Bottom Farm in Dawson, Pennsylvania. Students will get to experience the farm’s robotic milking technology and learn about the cheese-making process. For students who are interested in exploring careers in the value-added space, such as cheese-making or ice cream making, this will be an informative tour. Participants will also have the opportunity to hear from an engineer who operates the farm’s robotic milking equipment.
The second segment will take place at Pennwood Farms in Berlin, Pennsylvania. After taking a virtual tour of the Stoltzfus family farm, students will hear from the farm’s veterinarian and learn about herd health, animal care, and the In Vitro Fertilization process. They will also gain exposure to the financial side of the dairy industry and hear from an accountant who works with the dairy farm.
“This is a visual way for students to get a firsthand look at two modern, working dairy farms and speak directly with dairy professionals,” Snyder added. “We have a line-up of speakers who have extensive expertise in all facets of the industry. Students will be able to submit questions and chat live with these speakers during the tour.”
Visit dairyleadersoftomorrow.com to learn more about the educational, on-farm experience.
