Innovative planting and cropping strategies are helping Pennsylvania dairy producer Ben Peckman weather the storm of high fertilizer and other input costs.

At Vale Wood Farms in Cambria County, Pennsylvania, dairy processing and agritourism have been embedded into the Itle family’s history for more than 80 years.

Name: Mikayla Davis
City, state: Leesport, Pennsylvania
Reign year: 2021-22

For dairy producer Josh Waddell, costs were just one reason to examine energy use on his family’s Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms LLC, in Crawford County, Pennsylvania. Directing electricity to where it was needed was also a major factor.

For Holstein breeder Duane Hershey from Ar-Joy Farms in Chester County, Pennsylvania, genomics have played a big role in the decisions he makes for his breeding program. As technology advances, Hershey uses genomic testing to strengthen the performance and longevity of his 725-cow herd.

Digesters are gaining popularity among dairy farms for several reasons. Not only do digesters reduce odor of manure and leave less of a residue, but they also help the condition of the soil.

A simple business plan helped Jason Frye and his family transform the family’s 40-cow dairy operation into a value-added business.