HARRISBURG, Pa. — Individuals who have experience working in the Pennsylvania dairy industry are encouraged to volunteer at the Calving Corner during the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 7-14, 2023 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 37,000 people virtually each year.
“We are still looking for volunteers from the dairy industry to share your knowledge with consumers at the 2023 Pennsylvania Farm Show,” said Miriam Miller, project manager for the Calving Corner. “Our goal with the Calving Corner exhibit is to communicate with Farm Show attendees and showcase the stewardship that goes into dairy production. Many families who visit might be seeing a newborn calf for the first time or talking directly with a dairy farmer for the first time. Our volunteers really help us make sure their experience is a positive and educational one.”
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.
New this year, the Destination Dairy Northeast Exhibit Hall will also feature a “Moo U” interactive, STEM learning area with hands-on activities for kids of all ages. Veterinarians Dr. Jody Kull, Dr. Adrian Barragan, Dr. Hayley Springer, along with educators from the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and the Dairy Excellence Foundation, will lead interactive activities throughout the week that introduce families to the science and technology involved in modern dairy farming practices. Specific activities and times will be announced in the coming month.
“We appreciate the industry professionals who will be volunteering at the ‘Moo U’ learning corner and leading these interactive activities with visitors all week,” Miller added. “Kids will be able to explore topics like anatomy and physiology, ultrasound technology, color explosion, robotics and more. We encourage you to share this information with teachers or parents in your community who might be interested.”
Individuals who are interested in volunteering at the Calving Corner exhibit can sign up online at https://signup.com/go/LiVugNy and select the dates and times that match their schedule.
For individuals who are interested in sharing information about the “Moo U” learning activities with families in their communities, please contact Miriam Miller at Miriam@thecalvingcorner.org or call 814-935-4905 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 or call 814-935-4905.
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.
–Emily Barge, Center for Dairy Excellence