The keystone of programs offered by the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania is offering opportunities for Pennsylvania producers to learn from other producers – to hear their experiences, visit their operations and network within the industry. And what better place to visit and learn than sunny California?

About 30 producers and industry professionals traveled to Pennsylvania April 10-12 as part of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin's (PDPW) bus tour. The tour showcased operations in Lancaster and Franklin counties, two of Pennsylvania's largest milk producing areas.

Kara Miller has always known that she wanted to be a veterinarian. She spent plenty of time around small animals, but thought her career would benefit from some experience with large animals. Kathy Mahon grew up in 4H, graduated from Delaware Valley College, and knows that she belongs on a dairy farm. Both young women say they have benefited greatly from participating in the dairy internship program at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet). The internship in dairy herd management takes place at Penn Vet’s Marshak Dairy, located on the university's New Bolton Center campus in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The farm houses 175 lactating Holstein cows, 30 dry cows and 160 young stock, and is staffed by a herd manager and three full-time farm workers. Veterinary care is provided by Penn Vet’s Field Service.

DeLaval has received orders from the dairy programs at two higher education institutions for the supply of its innovative milking solutions. Canada’s University of Saskatchewan and New York’s Alfred State College have each opted for one DeLaval VMS (Voluntary Milking System) and numerous herd management solutions. The move further signifies university officials’ confidence in DeLaval – especially as technology plays a greater role in the development of the dairy industry.