Center for Dairy Excellence

Start with determining your cost of production and on understanding of the purpose of risk management; then start asking questions. Center for Dairy Excellence http://ow.ly/PnX650CaBVb

Did you know the National Dairy FARM Program is holding quick convos for dairy farmers? Join the FARM Program staff and industry stakeholders to learn about program components, expectations and resources. Each conversation will be streamed live via Zoom and the FARM program Facebook. The first conversation is happening TODAY at 1 p.m. and will discuss FARM’s history, role within the dairy industry and an overview of the four distinct program areas. Learn more: http://ow.ly/V1rl50BZMTu

The U.S. Department of Agriculture opened 2021 enrollment for the Dairy Margin Coverage program on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The deadline to apply is Dec. 11. For more information and to find your local office, visit farmers.gov.

The DDC program was a really successful opportunity, and that’s what has allowed us to have the support to seek some other funding and try to add a value-added portion to our farm, said Jill Henry of Henry Farms of Knox, LLC. By jumping on this, we’re hopeful and excited for the future. This program gave us the courage to say ‘yes, we can keep going.’ Interested in seeing how our Dairy Decisions Consultants grant program can benefit your farm? Apply today: http://ow.ly/X4OO50BULgE

Pennsylvania requires agricultural and livestock operations to have Agricultural E&S, Nutrient Management and Manure Management plans in place. Currently, farm inspections are on the rise, and many operations either don’t have the required plans or their plans are out of date. The state’s Agricultural Plan Reimbursement Program can cover your costs. First come, first served, and for a limited time only. Learn more: http://ow.ly/ZvT050BULcM

Across the nation, uncertainty has been the word that has defined the 2019-20 year. With COVID-19 disrupting the economy and the marketplace, the Center for Dairy Excellence has worked tirelessly to help the Pennsylvania dairy industry adapt, pivot, and display resilience in the face of adversity. As a public private partnership, we believe in the power of collaboration and community. Over the last year, we have leveraged funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to provide direct support at the farm level in the form of grants, resource-sharing, and business consulting, while working to shape conversation around innovation within the processing sector. View our 2019-20 annual summary: http://ow.ly/BQk350C78HR

INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Do you know a college student with a passion for dairy who’s looking for an internship next summer? We’re hiring a Dairy Education & Communications Intern! The intern will assist with the continued development of dairy education curriculum programs, Discover Dairy and Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow, attend and plan youth educational events, and gain exposure to several facets of the dairy industry. Share with someone you know! Applications are due by November 1. Learn more.

We are now accepting nominations for the annual Dairy Industry Awards program showcasing leadership, stewardship and excellence in Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. Three industry awards are offered annually, with winners being recognized at the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit and throughout the industry: Pennsylvania Distinguished Dairy Producer Award Pennsylvania Dairy Service Award Pennsylvania Dairy Innovator Award... Submit nominations by November 16: http://ow.ly/1x8K50BUKYl

If you're a practicing veterinarian, join the Center for Dairy Excellence for a free virtual workshop and professional development opportunity on Wednesday, November 18 from 6-8 p.m. The two-hour webinar is designed to help you better understand the requirements of the FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) 4.0 Program and better assist your clients in meeting the program requirements. The workshop is approved for 2.0 hours of RACE continuing education credits. You mu...st participate live to earn the credits. "Staying up-to-date on the FARM 4.0 new requirements is crucial to helping my dairy producers. This workshop is a great opportunity to review the veterinarian's role in the FARM program assessments, learn the new changes for FARM 4.0 effective in 2020, and ask any questions about the program to an experienced auditor." Dr. Jody Kull, Valley Mobile Veterinary Service REGISTER TODAY: http://ow.ly/Kflj50BUL3M

How is the Dairy Checkoff Program impacting farmers during these uncertain times? What does the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program look like for 2021, and should you enroll? Can you still apply for Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP) Round 2 direct payments? Save the date for our next Dairy Industry Conference Call (Nov. 5 at 12 p.m.) and get your questions answered about these topics and more!

The Center for Dairy Excellence is hosting its monthly Protecting Your Profits webinar tomorrow, October 28 at noon. Led by Zach Myers, Risk Education Manager, the webinar will provide dairy farmers and industry professionals with current data and updates about the milk marketplace. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/OctoberPYP to join at 12 p.m. tomorrow. Text Sign up to 717-585-0766 to receive a simple text alert reminder tomorrow morning with the webinar link and dial-in details.

There’s still time to register for our free roundtable discussion this week on Thursday, October 29! Dr. King Hickman will be leading an interactive workshop centered around change management on your dairy. "The ability to implement change is the single greatest competitive advantage any consultant or business leader can possess. Successfully implementing change is a science that takes a framework of components, a replicable process and dedication to your clients’ success. T...his workshop will allow participants to learn and practice a simple method of introducing, managing, and predicting the success of change implementation." Dr. King Hickman REGISTER NOW: http://ow.ly/rl9650BUKMS

An exciting update for dairy -- The Calving Corner is live streaming directly from the farm this January and providing educational, virtual learning activities to families and schools!

GRANT OPPORTUNITY: The Center’s Team Program Grants are now open for the 2020-21 fiscal year. The following grants are available on a first come, first served basis: Dairy Profit Teams: Dairy farms with existing profit teams or that establish a new profit team to work in an advisory role for the farm can receive up to $1,500 in reimbursements for paid team members and discovery-related costs. Profit teams typically consist of the farm’s most trusted advisors, with a facil...itator designated to coordinate the meetings and work flow. Dairy Transition Teams: This grant is designed to help the farm establish a team to develop a transition or succession plan. Farms can apply to receive up to $3,500 in funding, which could cover the cost of paid team members, discovery-related costs and lawyer expenses. Dairy Transformation Teams: The Transformation Team option allows producers considering a major business transformation to apply to receive up to $3,500 to establish a team to help plan and work through that transformation. Learn more and apply online: www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/grants