Calving Corner Exhibit Seeking Dairy Industry Volunteers for 2024 Farm Show

The Dairy Cow Birthing Center Offers Educational Insight for Families

Individuals who have experience working in the Pennsylvania dairy industry are invited to volunteer at the Calving Corner during the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 6-13, 2024 in Harrisburg, Pa. The Calving Corner is the cornerstone in the “Destination Dairy” Northeast Exhibit Hall, giving visitors a firsthand look at the Pennsylvania dairy industry and providing educational learning activities for children of all ages. The Calving Corner also live streams the exhibit throughout the Farm Show, reaching more than 31,000 people virtually each year. Volunteers who want to receive a parking pass must sign up and submit mailing address by December 19. Passes will be mailed to approved volunteers at the end of December.

“Each year, hundreds of thousands of Farm Show visitors visit the Calving Corner exhibit, and our dairy industry volunteers are key to sharing the dairy industry’s story. We welcome approximately 16 newborn calves each year and talk to so many different families,” said Miriam Miller, project manager for the Calving Corner. “As a volunteer, you can bring your passion for the dairy industry, a smile and you will make a difference! We have volunteer opportunities for all levels of experience.”

Four Pennsylvania dairy farms will share their story with visitors throughout the 2024 Calving Corner exhibit and demonstrate the dairy birthing process. Cows representing the four farms will calve on site during the entire length of the Farm Show. Farms include Reinford Farms owned by Chad, Brett and Drew Reinford of Juniata County, Pa.; Kish View Farms owned by Keith and Kent Spicher of Belleville, Pa.; Schrack Farms owned by Kevin Schrack, Jim and Lisa (Schrack) Harbach and their family of Loganton, Pa.; and Mowrer Farms owned by Mike and Nate Mowrer and Family of Huntingdon County, Pa.

“I got into veterinary medicine because of dairy farmers and their families. I really like supporting those farmers, so the Calving Corner is a great way to do that. It’s also a good way to bridge the gap, so there’s a better understanding [from consumers] of how things work on the farm,” said Ann DiPastina, a veterinarian from Penn Vet. “It really just helps communicate to consumers how farmers are doing their best to safeguard our food supply and take care of their animals. Volunteering at the Calving Corner is a really fun time.”

Calving Corner volunteer opportunities are available for the following individuals:

• Dairy farmers
• Veterinarians
• Nutritionists
• Industry representatives
• College students
• Other professionals who have experience in the dairy industry

“I’m the fifth generation from a dairy farm. I love the way I grew up and wouldn’t have wanted to grow up any other way. But only one percent of the country live on a farm. The more we can connect consumers to dairy producers and show them where their food comes from through the Calving Corner, the better,” said Mikala Moorech, a volunteer at the Calving Corner.

Volunteers will serve in a variety of roles, should be at least 18 years old, and have a practical understanding of the dairy industry. They will be provided with a Calving Corner sweatshirt and should plan to wear proper attire, including clean and neat jeans or khakis. Calving Corner volunteers will also be required to complete a brief online training.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering at the Calving Corner exhibit should complete an online volunteer interest form at www.surveymonkey.com/r/calvingcorner as soon as possible. Contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org  with questions.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for businesses or organizations who are interested in helping consumers learn about agriculture and the world of dairy farming. To become a sponsor, contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org.

The Calving Corner is made possible by the Friends of Pennsylvania Farm Show Foundation, Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, American Dairy Association North East, Center for Dairy Excellence, Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, Allied Milk Producers, Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation, Inc., and additional dairy organizations with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The Center for Dairy Excellence is a non-profit organization initiated by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in 2004. Bringing together people from more than 40 different dairy organizations in Pennsylvania, the Center’s mission is to enhance the profitability of the dairy industry by empowering people, creating partnerships, and increasing the availability and use of resources. Learn more at centerfordairyexcellence.org.