The Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence has launched a new “Dairy Decisions Consultant” program. The goal of the new resource is to assist dairy farm families in the decision-making and planning processes that come in the wake of 15 months of low milk prices and negative margins. The program will offer professional consulting resources to help producers make informed decisions to shape their farm’s future.
Funded through grants received by the center, the consulting program will cover a maximum of 15 hours, or $1,500, of time for the Dairy Decision Consultant to spend with each individual farm business.
Participating farms can choose their consultant from a list identified by the center, and have a maximum of two consultations. In the first visit, the consultant will assess the farm’s current business status and financial condition, decision making process, and cost of production. During the second visit the consultant will offer observations of the farm business and provide a list of potential strategies and options for moving the business forward.
Together the consultant and producer will explore scenarios to strengthen the farm’s balance sheet and improve financial performance, and to identify strategies for making the effective future decisions.
To participate in the program, dairy producers must submit an application with a current balance sheet and income statement. All information will be kept confidential. A $175 application fee must also be submitted with the application, which will be returned if the application is not approved.
Farms applying to the program must demonstrate a need for unique consulting services and show sincere interest in improving herd performance and financial position. To download an application or for more information about the Dairy Decision Consultant program, visit the Center’s website.
Source: Center for Dairy Excellence