HARRISBURG, Pa. — Individuals who have experience working in the Pennsylvania dairy industry are invited to volunteer at the Calving Corner during the 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 7-15 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.
“We are still looking for volunteers from the dairy industry to share your knowledge with consumers at the 2022 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Many of the families who visit the Calving Corner might be witnessing the miracle of birth and seeing a newborn calf for the first time,” said Miriam Miller, project manager for the Calving Corner. “Our goal with the Calving Corner is to communicate with Farm Show attendees and showcase the stewardship that goes into dairy production. Our volunteers really help us make sure that happens.”
Four Pennsylvania dairy farms will share their story with visitors throughout the 2022 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 Brook-Corner Holsteins owned by Reid, Diane, Brad and Amy Hoover of Lebanon, Pa.; Burk-Lea Farms owned by Clint and Kara Burkholder and family of Chambersburg, Pa.; Mercer Vu Farms Inc. owned by Rod and Rick Hissong and family of Mercersburg, Pa.; and Walton Farms owned by Stephen and Matthew Walton and family of Cochranville, Pa.
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
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 can sign up online at https://signup.com/go/zJaGHVu and select the dates and times that match their schedule.
To learn more about volunteering at the Calving Corner, contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org or call 814-935-4905.
The Calving Corner is made possible by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, American Dairy Association North East, Center for Dairy Excellence, Northeast Agriculture Education Foundation, Inc., Farm Credit Foundation for Agricultural Advancement, Land O’Lakes Foundation, and additional dairy organizations with support from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
–Emily Barge, Center for Dairy Excellence