Penn State Dairy Alliance Announces Programs for Winter-Spring 2008

Dairy Production Skills Training – In Spanish

January 31, 2008

• AM Session: Cow Sense
• PM Session: Obstetrics
• Site:  Franklin County Cooperative Extension, Franklin, PA

April 3, 2008

• AM Session: Obstetrics
• PM Session: Milking and Udder Health
• Site: Morrison’s Cove Memorial Park, Martinsburg, PA

April 10, 2008

• AM Session: Feeding and Calf Care
• PM Session: Cow Sense
• Site:  Livestock Evaluation Center,    Pennsylvania Furnace, PA
• Hours:  AM session – 8 to 11:30 a.m.; PM session – 1 to 4 p.m. Participants in both sessions are invited to attend lunch at noon.
• Fee:  $65 per person per session; $120 per person to attend both sessions. Register online at www.dairyalliance.org or call toll-free: 888-373-7232

Taught in Spanish, with Spanish-language materials, this program will expand the production skills of Spanish-speaking dairy employees and allow them to further their careers and contribute more fully to the success of the business. Spanish-speaking employees will more fully understand the reasons behind production practices. They will also learn practical skills that they can take home and put to work. Each session includes hands-on practice at a nearby farm.

Middle Managers Conference

March 20, 2008

• Site:  Wildwood Conference Center, Harrisburg Area Community College, Harrisburg, PA
• Hours:  8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fee: $125 per person. With WIB discount for PA dairy producers and their employees only: $75 per person. Register online at www.dairyalliance.org or call toll-free: 888-373-7232

This one-day conference is designed to help middle managers in all agricultural fields develop their leadership skills and network with their peers. Conference topics are selected by a committee of agricultural middle managers to ensure that presentations are on timely subjects of importance to managers. Interaction with other middle managers is a key feature of this program.

Penn State Business Planning Workshop

January 23, January 30, February 13, February 20, February 27, and March 5, 2008

• Site: Penn State Harrisburg Campus, Middletown, PA, and via videoconference to sites in Central PA, Tioga, and Westmoreland counties
• Hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Fee: $2,450 per farm; Up to 4 people per farm may attend. With $1,500 WIB discount for PA dairy producers and their employees only: $950 per farm. Additional $500 scholarships available through Center for Dairy Excellence and lenders. To register, call toll-free: 888-373-7232

This six-week program will enable a producer to develop a strategic business plan that will create long-term sustainability through improved profitability.

People in Ag: Success with Human Resources for Ag Advisers

Presented by Penn State Dairy Alliance in partnership with Cornell University

April 16-17, 2008

• Site: Ramada Inn and Conference Center, State College, PA

April 23-24, 2008

• Site: Comfort Suites, Clinton Park, NY
• Hours: Day 1 – 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Day 2 – 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Fee:  $85 per person for both days; $55 per person for Day 1 only.  Register online at www.dairyalliance.org or call toll-free: 888-373-7232.

Producers need information about human resource management, however, many educators and advisers don’t have a basic understanding of HR principles. This program provides educators, lenders, state employees, veterinarians, and other advisers in all fields of agriculture the professional development opportunity they need to put some HR tools in their toolbox.

Dairy Profit Team Training: Getting Started with a Dairy Profit Team

Presented by Penn State Dairy Alliance in partnership with the Center for Dairy Excellence

• Site: Interactive web-based training offered every third Wednesday of the month, October 2007 through April 2008 (Oct. 17, Nov. 21, Dec. 19, Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 19, and April 16)
• Hours: 9 to 11 a.m.
• To register: Contact the Center for Dairy Excellence: 717-346-0849 or info@centerfordairyexcellence.org

These workshops will allow Pennsylvania Dairy Profit Team members to learn the basic steps to form a team, establish team goals, and monitor team progress. Workshop participants will better understand the stages of team development and which team tools work best at different stages. Teams must have access to high-speed internet service to participate in the web-based training.