No amount of torrential rain could keep 21 students, who participate in the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program, from attending this year’s farm tour.

Each year, students from all across Pennsylvania are encouraged to attend and observe how dairy producers manage their farms differently, yet successfully.The two farms featured as part of this year’s tour, both from Martinsburg, included Dry Creek Farm, owned by the Smith Family, where they milk 180 cows in a double six parallel parlor and ship milk exclusively to a local fluid milk processor.

They also toured the main farm at Kulp’s Dairy Farm, owned by Phil and Larry Kulp. There they milk 2,000 cows and run a double 25 parallel parlor 21 hours a day to help maximize efficiency, capitalizing on the investment of the building and its technology.

“We appreciate all the time the families gave the students to help inspire and fuel the next generation who want to be part of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry,” said Emily Yeiser, dairy initiatives manager with the Center for Dairy Excellence.

“These farmers run their businesses very differently. Yet, they shared a common passion for the importance of family and working toward the goal of sustaining profitability to support those involved with the business.”

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The sponsorship of Prince Agri Products Inc., a global animal nutrition company, made it possible for these students to attend the tour free of charge. The tour was also supported by the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania.

The center foundation’s “Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow” program was piloted in 2012 to provide dairy management-focused curriculum to high school-aged students. The tour is designed to expose these students and other dairy youth to successful and well-managed dairy farms. PD

—From Center for Dairy Excellence news release

PHOTO
Phil Kulp talks to students during a tour of his family farm, Kulp Family Dairy Farm LLC, during the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program and farm tour. Photo courtesy of Center for Dairy Excellence.