The first webinar, “Food Safety Practices of Small-Scale Dairy Processors in the British Isles,” will occur from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13. The event is designed for existing small and medium-sized dairy foods processors and entrepreneurs considering dairy foods processing.
Kerry Kaylegian, associate research professor of food science in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will discuss her sabbatical research experiences in Ireland and England. Participants can learn about where Kaylegian traveled, her research observations, and her thoughts on how practices in the British Isles compare with dairy food processing in the United States. Kaylegian will share her inspirations for improving food safety training for dairy processors domestically and globally.
The second webinar, titled “Promoting Farmstead and Artisan Dairy Foods,” is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. The event is intended for existing small and medium-sized dairy foods processors and entrepreneurs considering value-added dairy foods processing.
Organizers point out that promotional programs, campaigns and events are powerful marketing tools for value-added dairy processors. This webinar will showcase the efforts of three organizations to promote Pennsylvania farmstead and artisan dairy processing. Participants will learn about the experiences of participating dairy processers and how to become involved.
Instructors will discuss:
— How to join or participate in promotional programs, campaigns and events.
— Benefits of joining or participating in promotional programs, campaigns and events.
— How hosting organizations assist participating businesses.
— Key promotional campaigns and events held by the Center for Dairy Excellence, Pennsylvania Cheese Guild and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
“Get the Scoop: Agritourism for Value-Added Dairy Farmers in Pennsylvania,” the third webinar in the series, will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8. The event is designed for existing small and medium-sized dairy foods processors, entrepreneurs considering value-added dairy foods processing, dairy farmers, and those interested in learning more about Pennsylvania’s agritourism opportunities.
According to organizers, many value-added dairy food processors are interested in diversifying their businesses beyond processing to include agritourism. Instructors note that the biggest hurdles to adding agritourism are visitor engagement, marketing, biosecurity and risk management. Participants will learn how to get started with agritourism, expansion options and resources on managing associated risk.
The webinar will cover:
— Agritourism options for dairy farmers and dairy food processors in the Northeast.
— Regulations and steps to take when venturing into agritourism.
— Funding sources and support.
— How to engage with other operators and support organizations to get the most out of the venture.
— An overview of risks and resources on managing risks.
Penn State Extension offers this webinar series free of charge, but registration is required to receive the link to access each webinar. The first webinar has a registration deadline of noon Sept. 13. Registrations for the second and third webinar are due the day before the event. Registrants also will receive access to the webinar recording.
More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/value-added-dairy.
Be the first to comment