Online course covers the basics
This introductory, self-paced course is designed for entrepreneurial dairy producers — including operators of sheep, goat and cow dairies — who are interested in making their own products. Organizers note that small-scale dairy food processing is one option for dairy farm diversification. When starting a value-added dairy business, producers should consider marketing, manufacturing, regulations and on-farm production.
Educational videos, readings and knowledge-check questions will guide participants through the aspects of launching a dairy food processing business.
The course covers how to:
— Describe basic good manufacturing practices and quality parameters for dairy production.
— Describe the basic processing steps, facility requirements and equipment needs for the major categories of dairy products.
— Identify national dairy food product trends and market drivers.
— Define the target audience.
— Calculate market demand and forecast sales.
— Develop an approach to product pricing.
— Prepare a resource inventory for a potential new enterprise.
— Use financial analysis tools to make decisions.
— Identify federal and Pennsylvania regulations that apply to dairy food processing businesses.
Some sections of the course offer downloadable tools, such as handouts, checklists and spreadsheets. The course also includes links for participants to access resources with additional information.
The course carries a registration fee of $59. Participants can access the course for 365 days from the date the course is started. The course takes approximately 5.5 hours to complete and contains nine sections with a quiz at the end of each section. Participants must score 80% or better on each quiz to pass the course and receive a certificate of completion.
More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/starting-a-value-added-dairy-foods-business-pennsylvania.
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