Annual Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Farm Tour will take place in Berks County

On Friday, October 18, high school students are invited to get a firsthand look at three Berks County dairy farms during the annual Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Farm Tour. The day-long experience is ideal for students who are interested in exploring careers within the dairy industry.

“Our farm tour gives high school students the chance to tour three progressive dairy farms and interact with industry professionals,” said Brittany Haag, Dairy Education Program Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania. “This year’s tour will highlight agricultural technologies used to help improve today’s farming practices, including robotic milking and modern farming facilities.”

The first stop on the tour will be Vista Grande Farms, a family-run business with 240 milking cows. High school students will learn how the farm transformed its operations with an updated robotic milking system and the construction of a brand new facility.

Way-Har Farm and Way-Har Farm Market is the next stop on the Berks County tour. As a wholesale business distributing to 40 restaurants, camps and small convenience stores, Way-Har sells ice cream, baked goods, candy and milk. During the tour, students will get a behind-the-scenes look at the ice cream-making process and enjoy lunch at Way-Har Farm Market.

The final destination incudes a tour of Zahncroft Dairy, a multi-generational farm with 240 milking cows and 270 acres. Students will learn about the farm’s modern facilities, including a new sand bed system and milking parlor.

“We are excited to give students the opportunity to hear from industry representatives who are passionate about dairy and eager to share their knowledge with others,” said Haag. “Whether a student wants to learn about the wide range of careers available in dairy, or get an inside look at different types of business models, the farm tour will showcase all aspects of the industry.”

Hydrite Chemical Co., a company offering expertise in chemical distribution and food and dairy sanitation, is sponsoring the lunch and volunteering their time as a guest career speaker.

 

 

Students and teachers must register for the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Farm Tour by October 4. Locations for bus pick-up will be finalized at the end of registration. To register, email Brittany Haag or call 717-346-0849.

Visit dairyleadersoftomorrow.com to learn more about the educational, on-farm experience. The Farm Tour is funded by the Dairy Excellence Foundation.