Milk quality specialists will discuss common obstacles to improving profitability and milk quality on the farm during October dairy PROS meetings hosted by the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence and the Penn State Extension Dairy Team. Dairy PROS meetings, held three times per year, are exclusively for Pennsylvania’s dairy industry professionals.
“Our October series will offer milk quality specialists the opportunity to discuss dairy profitability and learn more about milk quality – a common issue on the dairy farm – and to gather ideas from colleagues on what solutions could potentially help their customers,” said John Frey, executive director of the center. “The meetings will follow the same format as our April and July series, with a renewed emphasis on roundtable discussions and networking.”
During the “Take It to the Farm” session at each of the October meetings, Amber Yutzy, Penn State Extension Dairy Team educator, will lead a discussion on “Best Milking Practices – A Closer Look.” During her presentation, Yutzy will review a checklist she has developed to help consultants work with clients to promote better udder health and lower somatic cell counts.
Meeting dates and locations are listed below. All meetings will be from 8 – 9:30 a.m., with breakfast at 7:30 a.m.
· Thursday, Oct. 13, at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center, 1383 Aracadia Road, Lancaster, Lancaster Co.
· Friday, Oct. 14, at Premiere Events Catering Hall, 429 East Orange Street, Shippensburg, Franklin Co.
· Wednesday, Oct. 19, at Celebration Hall, 2280 Commercial Blvd., State College, Centre Co.
· Thursday, Oct. 20, at the Comfort Inn, 835 Perry Highway, Mercer, Mercer Co.
Source: Center for Dairy Excellence