STORIES OF IMPACT

The Waukesha County Historical Society and Museum in Waukesha, Wisconsin, located on the western edge of Milwaukee, received funding to help develop a “Cow to Carton” display as part of their Agricultural Legacies of Waukesha County exhibit. The exhibit features signage and interactive features to tell the story of modern dairy production from the farm to consumers’ tables.

Nearly 370 miles to the south, Dr. Genie’s Kids was awarded a grant to develop an interactive toy that introduces young children to animal care and veterinary careers. The St. Louis, Missouri-based organization created Mable the Dairy Cow as part of the Little Medical School collection of imaginative animal care kits called “Vetopia.” The Little Medical School is focused on inspiring children to see themselves in healthcare and STEM-related roles using interactive programs, activities and educational materials.

With an older student demographic in mind, the Tennessee FFA Foundation received grant funding in August 2023 to support its Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management Career Development Event. The program’s goal was to provide hands-on experience to students enrolled in agricultural education interested in dairy cattle to prepare them for industry positions, manage a modern dairy herd and be ambassadors in their communities for the dairy industry.

Each year, more than 200,000 visitors to the PA Farm Show visit the Calving Corner and an estimated 12,000 view a live birth. The Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation, based in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, coordinates the Calving Corner, with support from volunteers, dairy producers and sponsors.

The right skills, the right tools – both are needed to succeed in the dairy industry today. Financial Literacy for Dairy is a dairy-specific financial program that offers in-depth and best-in-class education for dairy farmers and other professionals to make sound business decisions in today’s challenging economic environment.

Agriculture is changing. It’s more scientific, efficient, regulated, global, and unpredictable. It’s more important than ever to invest in our youth and prepare the next generation of agricultural leaders with the best tools to succeed.

The past few years have seen a whirlwind of economic, trade, and regulatory policy issues that have impacted international markets and producers in the dairy industry. Understanding changing markets, regulations and consumer trends can make a world of difference when it comes to managing your business in these unpredictable times.

The goal of the Peninsula Pride Farms (PPF) farmer led watershed initiative is to leverage the ingenuity of the agricultural community, university research and scientist to meet water quality challenges.

The Dairy's Foundation seeks to shape a proactive and prepared dairy community, ready to meet challenges.

In the face of recent dairy worker challenges, a group of northeastern Wisconsin dairy producers and industry partners began to explore ways to be proactive and prepared.

Altoona-Blair County Development Corp held a two-day career day at Kulp Family Dairy Farm near Martinsburg, Pennsylvania.