Penn State Extension planning ‘Dairy Days’
Penn State Extension and regional dairy industry businesses are partnering to host the annual Southwest Pennsylvania Regional Dairy Day event next month in Blairsville.
The event March 10 will feature a trade show, presentations from dairy industry professionals, and a panel discussion.
The Dairy Day program will focus on key variables affecting the ever-changing dairy industry and long-term viability of farms. For the morning portion of the program, presenters will explain some of the current issues related to milk supply and marketing, both in the global market and locally in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
The speakers will include James Dunn, professor of Agricultural Economics at Penn State University, and Craig Weaver of Dairy Farmers of America. Following lunch, Justin Risser, from Meadow Vista Dairy in Bainbridge, will share the strategic approach that he and his family have adopted in recent years, working together to find sustainability and success. The day will conclude with an experienced financial advisor and two dairy producers discussing their approaches to management, experiences with financial analysis, and strategic decisions for long-term profitability.
This opportunity will provide dairy producers with an opportunity to interact with vendors, network with other producers, and gain valuable insight and tips for making their dairy business more profitable in the months and years ahead. Audience participation in the discussion will be encouraged.
The Dairy Day event will be held on Thursday, March 10 at the Chestnut Ridge Conference Center in Blairsville. The trade show will begin at 8:45 a.m., and educational presentations will be given throughout the day, concluding at 3 p.m. Lunch is included with registration.
Tickets will be distributed by local agri-businesses or are available by calling the Penn State Extension office in Indiana County at 724-465-3880. The registration deadline is March 4.
For more information about the SW Pennsylvania Regional Dairy Day, contact Andrew Sandeen, extension educator, by phone at 724-465-3880 or by e-mail at ats15@psu.edu. Details can also be found online at www.extension.psu.edu/sw-dairy-day.