According to the state Beef Council, 50% of the beef supply in Pennsylvania, comes from dairy cows. When better quality cows leave the farm and reach the market place, the producer, packer, and consumer all benefit. PA dairy producers have embraced animal care and quality assurance because it is the right thing to do; but they have also gained through increased profitability.

The condition of dairy market cows at the end of their productive life is a reflection of animal care, handling and marketing decisions, as is the quality of the beef harvested from these market dairy cows. Anywhere from $300 to $425 (per cow) may be left on the table when producers sell animals in poor condition.

On June 7th, PDMP, with their partners at the PA Beef Council and the Penn State Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, will show dairy producers how to identify management processes that can be improved for a better quality beef product.

Attendees will spend the morning rotating between three stations, including the Penn State Meats Laboratory where they will get an up close look at how injections, and other cow handling practices impact pounds of yield and what dairymen are paid for their cull cows. Health issues like lameness, weight loss, bull calf care, residue issues and rehabilitation prior to sale will be covered.

And as with all PDMP Issues Forums, networking with other progressive producers and subject matter experts will continue throughout the day. Lunch will be a unique experience; picnic style at Medlar Stadium, home of the State College Spikes. Then participants will tour Kish View Farm, east of State College, in Belleville where they will see the Spicher family’s methane digester and new rehabilitation area for reconditioning cull cows.