Pennsylvania

Butter Sculpture Celebrates 250 Years of American History

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 15:27:44 GMT

This year, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is spreading the celebration of 250 years of American history with its signature butter sculpture.

(American Dairy Association North East)

The 35^th annual butter sculpture, created by artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton, takes visitors back to 1776 Philadelphia. The piece shows Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers signing the Declaration of Independence and toasting the moment with milk. The scene also includes familiar symbols such as the Liberty Bell and Betsy Ross’ first American flag, with the base highlighting Pennsylvania’s long history of farming.

(American Dairy Association North East)

“While the Founding Fathers were shaping a new country, farmers here were building a strong dairy industry that continues to thrive today,” says Carolyn Matthews Eaglehouse, a dairy farmer in Chester Springs. “I’m proud to be part of that legacy.”

The artists used more than 1,000 lb. of butter, donated by Land O’Lakes, to bring the sculpture to life over several weeks on-site. After the show, the butter will be recycled at Reinford Farms via digester and turned into renewable energy, keeping the tradition of sustainability alive.

The sculpture is on display during the eight-day Farm Show and expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors. Watch the video below for a time-lapse look at how the butter sculpture came together:

The Sweetest States: Where America Loves Ice Cream Most

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:11:16 GMT

July is National Ice Cream Month, and Americans are indulging like never before. But which states truly have the biggest sweet tooth? Recent research from SpinBlitz analyzed Google Maps listings nationwide to rank states by ice cream shop density, specifically the number of ice cream shops per 100,000 residents. Here are the top states who take their frozen dairy treats most seriously.

Top 10 Ice Cream-Loving States

1. Vermont (18.51 shops per 100K residents) Vermont tops the list with the highest number of ice cream shops per capita, and it’s not just thanks to Ben & Jerry’s. The state has a strong dairy foundation and a deep appreciation for small-batch, locally made ice cream. Whether in rural towns or tourist-friendly spots, ice cream shops are a visible part of Vermont’s food culture.

2. West Virginia (18.08) West Virginia ranks second in ice cream shop density thanks to a strong presence of locally owned parlors, custard stands and small-town scoop shops. It might not be a headline-grabbing food destination, but the state has a steady, long-standing appreciation for traditional favorites like banana splits, hand-dipped cones and floats.

3. Rhode Island (17.84) Rhode Island earns bronze in the nation for ice cream shop density. Known for regional favorites like frozen lemonade and coffee milkshakes, the state also supports a strong network of ice cream parlors across its coastal towns and neighborhoods. From tourist areas to local main streets, frozen treats are easy to find.

4. Pennsylvania (17.58) Pennsylvania ranks fourth with a diverse ice cream scene that reflects its mix of communities. From family-run creameries in rural areas to innovative shops in urban centers, the state offers a wide range of frozen dessert options.

5. Wisconsin (16.44) Known far and wide for its cheese, Wisconsin also delivers big on ice cream. Known as the Dairy State, it’s no surprise the state is brimming with mom-and-pop scoop shops, custard stands and local brands producing rich ice cream. Whether you’re at a farmstead creamery or a college-town cone counter, Wisconsin’s pride for ice cream shines.

6. Illinois (16.12) Chicago might be the driving force behind Illinois’ ranking, with its booming food scene filled with Instagram-worthy sundaes, small-batch gelato and quirky flavors. But don’t overlook the rural towns and suburbs, where old-school diners and small-town scoop shops keep the classics alive.

7. New Mexico (15.89) The only Southwestern state to crack the top 10, New Mexico might surprise you. But with sizzling summer temperatures and a thriving local food culture, it makes sense frozen treats are in demand. You’ll find shops serving everything from chile-spiked chocolate to cactus fruit sorbet.

8. Michigan (15.79) Snow doesn’t stop Michiganders from indulging. With thousands of inland lakes and summer tourists flooding towns like Traverse City and Petoskey, ice cream is a lakeside staple. From old-fashioned scoops to cherry-studded blends, Michigan’s ice cream culture is powered by nostalgia, local ingredients and a serious sweet tooth.

9. New Hampshire (15.54) New England knows its dairy, and New Hampshire is no exception. This state might not be flashy, but its abundance of seasonal roadside stands, maple-infused flavors and mom-and-pop ice cream stops make it a solid contender. Summer drives through the mountains or along the lakes are rarely complete without a cone in hand.

10. New York (15.35) New York ranks 10^th, where ice cream is as diverse as the state itself. From trendy, creative scoop shops and food trucks in the heart of New York City to time-tested creameries in upstate towns, there’s a flavor and style for everyone. With tourists and locals alike lining up for their favorite cones, New York’s ice cream doesn’t disappoint.

See How Your State Stacks Up in the Ice Cream Race
Whether you’re craving a classic cone or something a little more adventurous, it’s clear that some states really know how to satisfy that ice cream craving. Curious how all 50 states stack up in the great ice cream showdown? Check out the full ranking and see where your home ranks:

Rank	State	Ice Cream Shops per 100,000 residents
1	Vermont	18.51
2	West Virginia	18.08
3	Rhode Island	17.84
4	Pennsylvania	17.58
5	Wisconsin	16.44
6	Illinois	16.12
7	New Mexico	15.89
8	Michigan	15.79
9	New Hampshire	15.54
10	New York	15.35
11	Massachusetts	14.99
12	North Dakota	14.92
13	Ohio	14.90
14	Maine	14.89
15	Nebraska	14.83
16	Alaska	14.79
17	Indiana	14.78
18	Idaho	14.27
19	Delaware	14.05
20	Montana	14.00
21	South Dakota	13.96
22	Hawaii	13.78
23	Florida	13.67
24	New Jersey	13.61
25	Wyoming	13.56
26	Mississippi	13.25
27	Iowa	13.02
28	North Carolina	12.58
29	Texas	12.40
30	Arkansas	12.23
31	California	12.10
32	Arizona	12.09
33	Kansas	11.71
34	Connecticut	11.60
35	Virginia	11.25
36	Oklahoma	10.66
37	Nevada	10.54
38	Utah	10.38
39	Minnesota	10.37
40	Oregon	10.37
41	Tennessee	10.26
42	Louisiana	10.20
43	Georgia	10.00
44	Colorado	9.98
45	Kentucky	9.73
46	Washington	9.43
47	Alabama	9.23
48	South Carolina	8.80
49	Maryland	8.56
50	Missouri	8.44

Pennsylvania Farmer Spreads Joy with Hay Bale Art

Mon, 05 May 2025 15:41:39 GMT

Running a dairy farm is tough work. But for Lorraine Thiele of Cabot, Pennsylvania, it’s also a canvas for creativity.

Between milking cows and working in the fields, Thiele has found time for a unique tradition that’s been turning heads along a busy highway near her family’s sixth-generation dairy farm. What began as a seasonal decoration has grown into a local spectacle: intricately painted hay bales that bring both agricultural pride and joy to passing drivers.

“It started all about 10 years ago,” Thiele said. “I had just one round bale, and I screwed together some wood and painted turkey feathers and put a wooden head on it. People seemed to really enjoy it.”

Since then, the art—and the following—has grown. Thiele now paints bales for nearly every holiday and season, often choosing themes that are both farm-related and patriotic. From tractors to Santa Claus to thank-you tributes for local fire departments, her hay bale creations are as varied as they are heartfelt.

“I’ve done tractors, fire trucks, Santa in his chair… I just enjoy making people happy, putting a smile on their face,” she said. “People were stopping and taking pictures of their kids sitting on the Santa chair. It’s just fun to watch people have fun.”

Her most memorable creation? A tribute to local firefighters following a devastating fire on their farm.

“A couple years ago, this hoop [barn] behind us caught fire, and all the round bales burned down,” she recalled. “I actually painted two fire trucks—six round bales, stacked in two rows—and labeled them for the Herman and Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Companies as a thank you. They’re public servants, and they deserve recognition.”

Thiele’s medium of choice is simple - spray paint.

“When I first started, paint was $2.99 a can. Now it’s $6.99-$7.99, just for one,” she said, laughing. “I’ve never figured out how many hours it takes me to paint one. We do it in-between milking cows and field work. Sometimes we run out of paint and have to quit and go to town.”

Over the years, she’s painted replicas of their family’s tractors, including a Farmall 230 and a John Deere 630. She even documents all of her creations.

“I did try making a little book just to try to keep track. I try not to do the same one twice,” she said.

Though she doesn’t do it for recognition, Thiele said her goal is to celebrate agriculture and make people smile.

“I do it because I can,” she said. “Because I just like to promote agriculture, and people like driving down the road just to see something out of the ordinary.”

And thanks to Thiele’s creativity and community spirit, that stretch of highway in Cabot, Pennsylvania, has become a little brighter for everyone.

Your Next Read: Economists Fear Trade War Will Push Agriculture Deeper Into a Recession

Pennsylvania's Painterland Sisters See Spectacular Success With “Side” Yogurt Business

Wed, 08 May 2024 19:54:38 GMT

When Stephanie and Hayley Painter started a yogurt business a couple of years ago to help support their family’s Pennsylvania dairy farm, they didn’t envision it quickly becoming the country’s fastest growing yogurt brand in the natural foods space. But that’s exactly what happened. Painterland Sisters Icelandic Yogurt is now sold in 2,200 stores coast to coast.

Stephanie explains how and why she and her sister achieved such success in a brand new podcast called Grow Getters , which explores “Agriculture’s most inventive side hustles.” Hosted by Davis Michaelsen and produced by Farm Journal Studios, Grow Getters takes a lively look at creative ways farmers are plugging into their passions and sometimes exploring new technologies to add revenue to their operations. In agriculture’s challenging economic climate, these resourceful “grow getters” are redefining what it means to be a farmer.

Watch episode one of Grow Getters here.

Forbes Magazine’s “30 Under 30" List

With their organic, nutrient-dense yogurt, made using milk from their farm and from nearby farms, the Painter sisters have taken moonlighting to a whole new level, even landing a spot on Forbes magazine’s most recent “30 Under 30” list .

“We saw cool, powerful women helping their family’s business on the Forbes 30 Under 30, so my sister and I looked at each other and said, ‘We want to do that,’” Stephanie explains on the first Grow Getters podcast. “We want to represent dairy. Farming, right? Agriculture. Wouldn’t that be amazing to make it relatable, to make dairy cool and fun to the general consumer?”

More than achieving accolades, however, the sisters’ mission is to connect consumers with the farmers who are producing their food every day. They’re also committed to continuing the succession process on the family’s fourth-generation farm, preserving and even increasing its value for the next generation coming up quickly behind them.

Read more about the Painter sisters and their exploding business.

Following its debut on May 7 with the Painter sisters, Grow Getters will release a new episode every other Tuesday. Blending stories of side-hustle highs and lows with plenty of humor and even some flashy singing and piano-playing by Davis, Grow Getters is like no other show in today’s ag media world. The goal of the podcast is to celebrate and match the unbridled moxie, energy and creativity of its guests. Subscribe to the Farm Journal YouTube page for the latest episodes.

Your Mental Health Toolbox: How To Recognize The Warning Signs

Thu, 22 Feb 2024 22:28:17 GMT

Working in agriculture isn’t easy, and factors such as commodity prices, weather and family dynamics often weigh heavily on those involved.

It’s important the friends, family, and business professionals close to farmers are prepared to recognize warning signs and effectively communicate in a mental health crisis. PennState Extension shares several tips to help.

What To Look For
Some of the ways increased stress presents itself is through physical changes such as headaches or frequent illness, loss of the person’s sense of humor, change in routine, isolation or the feeling that they can’t do anything right.

In farmers specifically, this could look like a decline in the care of livestock and the farmstead’s appearance, no longer stopping by the coffee shop in the morning to chat with friends, or giving up something they were previously passionate about such as volunteering as a 4-H leader.

Prolonged symptoms take a toll on a person’s body and can have long-term effects like high blood pressure and diabetes.

Extension experts also say increased stress has the ability to make farmers more accident prone and could lead to an uptick in the number of accidents or injuries around the operation.

How To Approach The Conversation
If you notice these changes in a customer, friend or family member, the way you approach them about the topic matters. Simply asking them how they’re doing will probably elicit a response similar to “I’m fine.”

PennState Extension advises using active listening during this conversation to help the person feel comfortable sharing more about what’s going on and understand that you care.

For example, if they brush off your initial question of concern, encourage them to elaborate by saying, “I’ve noticed you seem down. Is there anything on your mind?”. Restate and paraphrase what they’ve shared with you periodically, so they know you’re interested and listening. This also gives them a chance to correct anything you’ve misunderstood and give more context if necessary. You could say, “It sounds like you’re thinking/feeling X. Is that right?”

Focus on listening, rather than what you’re going to say next and make sure to give them adequate time to speak before you jump in.

Extension experts also recommend talking to the person with empathy, rather than sympathy, even if you don’t have personal experience with what they’re going through.

Phrases To Help Convey Empathy:
• I know of several farms in similar situations.
• Every situation is a little different. Help me understand better.
• I don’t know what to say, but I’m so glad you told me.
• I can see this situation is hard for you. What changes would you like to see?
• I’m eager to help. What are some things I could do for you?

Try to avoid saying things like, “at least X didn’t happen” or “at least you still have X”.

Next Steps
Make sure you check back in with the person, whether you told them you would or not, and don’t promise things you can’t commit to.

If the situation becomes urgent, ask if you can call a family member or for help. Local, state and national resources are available.

The Calving Corner Shares Real-time Births in Pennsylvania

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 19:29:20 GMT

A consortium of dairy industry leadership groups, supported by industry sponsors, is bringing the birth of dairy calves to life for consumers in Pennsylvania.

The Calving Corner Pennsylvania Dairy Cow Birthing Center is a live, daily feature at the Pennsylvania Farm Show, held each January in Harrisburg, Pa. The program brings in cows from partner dairies so spectators can witness the birth of a calf, live and in person. The project began in 2017 “to foster relationships between Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers and consumers by providing a unique educational experience at a live birthing center and through hands-on activities at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.”

The Calving Corner operators also strive to demonstrate to and educate consumers on how Pennsylvania’s dairy producers care for and nurture their dairy cows to ensure consistent, high-quality, healthy dairy products for consumers.

At the 2024 Pennsylvania farm show, four cows from each of four cooperating herds are expected to calve at the show, for a total of 16 calvings over the 8-day event. Organizers take great care to ensure both the cows and calving facilities are clean and comfortable. They emphasize stress-minimizing details like keeping the calving area quiet, and bringing feed from the cows’ home farms to the show.

Viewers have the opportunity to help name the calves, and can sign up to receive text updates at the show when calvings are imminent. Children also can participate in hands-on activities and experiments, and receive take-home mementos.

The Calving Corner is staffed by experienced herdsmen, a night caretaker, college interns, and dairy farmer and industry volunteers. Knowledgeable volunteers are on hand at all times during open hours to answer questions and narrate the calving process.

In addition to its website, The Calving Corner has a professional presence on Facebook , X , Instagram , and YouTube .

For more industry news, read:

Organic Valley Added 84 Farms to its Membership in 2023

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 21:22:45 GMT

During a year full of farm consolidation, Organic Valley, the largest dairy cooperative of organic farmers in the nation, added an additional 84 farms to its membership in 2023.

“This is who we are,” says Shawna Nelson, Organic Valley executive vice president of membership. “Last year, we brought in farms that were abruptly dropped by their milk buyers, and this year, we’ve welcomed 84 more into our organic dairy community. Our commitment to organic family farmers is unwavering, and we aim to be the go-to option for those seeking a stable future in farming.”

According to the company, the cooperative welcomed:

26 farms from Pennsylvania
22 farms from New York
12 farms from Wisconsin
6 farms from Ohio

Several other farms from Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont were welcomed as well.

“We can’t do this alone,” says Jaclyn Cardin, Organic Valley chief brand officer. “If you care about how your food is produced and who is producing it, we think we offer a lot. We want consumers to buy with both heart and head, knowing that Organic Valley products come from a place of integrity. Because we’re a farmer-owned cooperative, when you purchase our products, the farmers who dedicate themselves to caring for the land, the animals and their communities receive stable and farmer-determined compensation. We believe good food comes from good, small family farms.”

Looking ahead, Organic Valley plans to continue supporting small organic family farms in 2024.

For more industry news, read:

13-Year-Old Registered Holstein Cow Claims New Record for Most Lifetime Milk

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 20:50:51 GMT

There’s a new face in the winner’s circle for the most lifetime milk produced by a U.S. Holstein cow, and it belongs to Chrome-View Charles 3044, owned by Mason’s Chrome View farm in Nottingham, Pennsylvania.

The 13-year-old Registered Holstein cow is in her tenth lactation and broke the record with her lifetime milk production record of 478,200 pounds of milk, 14,447 pounds of fat, and 12,576 pounds of protein and counting, according to Holstein Association USA, Inc.

“As is typical of dairy cows, she prefers to spend her time eating, chewing her cud, being milked, or resting in one of her three favorite stalls,” the farm’s herd manager Sarah Cady shares. “She vocally protests her dry period and is notably more content once she freshens and resumes her place in the lactating herd.”

Alan and Pamela Mason own Mason’s Chrome View and manage it along with their son Paul Mason. Together with their employees, they focus on providing the highest standard of care possible to their herd of 500 Registered Holstein cows.

“It is not one or two main things, but rather diligence in a multitude of small things that were key to her success,” Paul explains.

According to Holstein Association USA, Chrome-View Charles 3044’s monumental milk production record surpasses the record of 460,720 pounds of lifetime milk, set by Stone-Front Leader Hilda in 2020. Prior to Hilda, Koepke K0017229-1660 broke the record in 2003 with a lifetime milk total of 458,616. The record was established in 1978 by Breezewood Patsy Bar Pontiac with her final lifetime total of 425,769.

The Mason family says 3044 requires very little attention beyond routine animal husbandry practices. Now in her 10th lactation, she has consistently bred back on her first or second service. The rockstar cow also has sound conformation.

“Her build is classic Holstein of average size, open rib, excellent dairy character, remarkable feet and legs, and an udder still beautifully attached as a tenth lactation dairy cow,” Cady says. “These features have undoubtedly contributed to her longevity.”

The impressive production cow is classified Very Good 88 as a four-year-old and is a Holstein Association USA Region 2 Elite Performer. Her maternal line has the Chrome-View prefix tracing back to an animal born in 1958. She is sired by Cee-Whit Shottle Charles-ET.

For many years, the Registered Holstein cow has been known as the most efficient producer of high-quality milk. Chrome-View Charles 3044 has fed an incredible amount of people in her lifetime. These calculations help put her lifetime milk production total into perspective.

Chrome-View Charles 3044’s 478,200 pound lifetime milk production record total is equivalent to:

55,605 gallons of milk
889,674 cups of milk
47,820 pounds of cheese
Enough cheese for 127,520 twelve-inch pizzas
593,120 scoops of ice cream
22,557 pounds of butter

Her lifetime milk production total would also feed 10 people for over 80 years, if each person had the daily requirement of three servings of milk per day.

Taking the average milk price over Chrome-View Charles 3044’s ten lactations, and the amount of milk she produced, her lifetime milk production has a value of $92,402.50

*All numbers provided by Holstein Association USA.

For more industry news, read:

Pennsylvania Dairy Farmer Takes His Love for the Eagles to a New Level for the Super Bowl

Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:10:56 GMT

A Pennsylvania dairy farmer, who’s also a lifelong Philadelphia Eagles fan, is taking his love for the team to a new level. Kurtland Farms named their newborn calves after the Eagles offensive line, all to celebrate the team’s trip to the Super Bowl.

Jared Kurtz of Kurtland Farms says his love for the Eagles started decades ago. The farm is located only an hour west of Philadelphia, so naturally, the entire family are Eagles fans.

“I have memories back in the late 90s, the Eagles weren’t the best team at that point. Growing up, when I was about 10 or 12 years old, when they didn’t sell out games, they would black out the games on TV. I remember sitting by the radio listening to the games,” says Kurtz.

Kurtz’s grandfather started their family farm in 1920. Then, they milked 12 cows by hand. Today, the operation has grown, but the focus on family and their animals hasn’t changed.

Just over the past year, Kurtz and his wife started the transition to take over the family farm. With his parents still part of the operation, he’s accepting more of the reigns, and when the Eagles clinched the NFC Championship, he and his wife decided to have some fun on the farm.

Related Story: Kansas Dairy Farmer’s Manure Mural Born Out of a Labor of Love for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs

“Through some conversations with the Checkoff, we came up with this cool idea and talked to them about how they could kind of help execute it,” he says.

(Farm Journal)

Kurtz says they average about a calf a day being born on the farm. So, with calves born over the past two weeks, the family decided to have some fun when choosing their names.

“The names that we primarily came up with were offensive linemen, but that was just kind of a coincidence,” says Kurtz. “The biggest one that we’re fans of, is Milkerson, which is named after Landon Dickerson.”

(Farm Journal)

Dickerson is a fan favorite at their farm. The Philadelphia Eagles guard is a Fuel Up to Play 60 supporter and ambassador, which is a checkoff effort to encourage active kids to drink milk. Dickerson even participated in a photo shoot with Kurtland Farms this year.

“We actually went and did a photo shoot with him, our family did back in back in December,” he says. “That was great. He’s an awesome guy.”

As for the other calves, well, they’re named after the Eagles offensive line and a wide receiver.

“We had Cowce, named after Jason Kelce, Moolata, which was named after Jordan Mailata, Seamalmoo, which is named after Isaac Seumalo and then Pascow, which is named after Zach Pascal.

(Farm Journal)

There’s no question who this dairy farmer will be rooting for this weekend, as Kurtz says their baby calves are already stealing the hearts of Eagles fans all around the Philadelphia area.

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Kansas Dairy Farmer’s Manure Mural Born Out of a Labor of Love for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs

Super Bowl Snack Price Report: Cheaper Chicken Wings, More Avocados

FDA Issues Warning Letter To JBS USA

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 05:24:47 GMT

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning letter to JBS USA concerning its Souderton, Pennsylvania, rendering facility. The FDA urges JBS, which does business as MOPAC, to take corrective actions to stop continued production and sale of beef tallow contaminated with pentobarbital, used by veterinarians to euthanize animals, including companion animals, horses and cattle.

FDA issued the letter after multiple investigations at the JBS Souderton facility. According to the FDA, pet foods containing even a trace amount of pentobarbital are considered adulterated. It is against federal law to release “adulterated” products into the stream of commerce.

FDA alleges that MOPAC continued to sell adulterated products after receiving formal notification of pentobarbital contamination from a customer on Feb. 13, 2018, and after formal notification of positive pentobarbital samples from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on or about April 5, 2018.

According to FDA, MOPAC said that as of May 2018 it had made several changes to try to correct the problems, including requiring suppliers to sign guarantees that they do not pick up euthanized animals to extensive tank cleaning to random testing of tallow. But the agency collected a sample on August 2018 from a tank that was positive with trace levels of pentobarbital, indicating the company’s efforts were not sufficient. Samples taken at customers’ facilities also indicated levels of pentobarbital, FDA said.

MOPAC was given 15 days from receipt of the April 23 letter to respond with a list of steps the company has taken to correct the issues.

The company said it is cooperating with FDA.

Related stories:

JBS, China Agree To $1.5 Billion Trade Deal

Intense Blaze Destroys 2 Barns at Pennsylvania Dairy Farm

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:59:09 GMT

At least two barns were destroyed in an intense dairy farm blaze in Pennsylvania, but no one was injured.

LNP reports the Friday morning fire north of Ephrata, in Lancaster County, broke out just after 7 a.m. It was under control around 9:30 a.m., but crews remained on site dousing hot spots.

A witness tells the news site the fire seemed to fully engulf the barns in less than a minute.

It wasn’t clear if any animals were in the barns.

Dairy Farmers Face Challenges in Bitter Cold Weather

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:52:02 GMT

Steven Woods and his employees milk cows every 12 hours at his dairy farm — at 3 a.m. and 3 p.m.

But what is typically a four-hour feeding, mechanical milking and cleaning process for 107 Holsteins and three Jersey cows takes longer in what’s been a stretch of below-zero temperatures and wind chills.

The chores could take 30 minutes to two hours longer, depending on the problems, Woods said.

On Monday afternoon, the temperature read zero, with a wind chill that made it feel like minus 15. But that was nothing compared with Friday, when the temperature plunged to minus 28 at 4 a.m.

“Just to be brutally honest, it’s terrible,” said Woods, 27, who employs one full-time worker and three part-time employees on his 320-acre farm. He farms another 130 acres that he doesn’t own.

The farm is off Water Street Extension in Washington Township, near Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

“No matter what the weather is, the same stuff has to happen,” said Woods, who holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural systems management from Pennsylvania State University.

And that’s complicated by the obstacles that the weather throws at Woods and other dairy farmers.

On the frigid Monday, Woods pounded away at ice to open the gates in the free-stall barn where the cows spend most of the day, and poured hot water onto valves to thaw the line so water could flow to the plastic drinking containers in the barn.

He also cleaned out frozen manure from the concrete floor in the barn — normally a twice-daily process that Woods sometimes can only get to once a day in this weather.

“It’s a lot more difficult to do because the manure freezes,” he said.

In warmer weather, Woods attaches a rubber scraper to a skid loader to push the manure into a pit. But in colder weather, he uses a rectangular steel bucket on the front of the skid loader.

“We need something a little more sturdy to bust that manure off the (floor),” he said.

On Friday, Woods said the cold caused diesel fuel to gel in his skid loader, and the line in a tank that holds diesel fuel snapped in half when he tried to fuel a tractor.

“You see more breakdowns with cold equipment, and the cows are more stressed out when it’s this cold,” he said.

And the cattle, Woods said, are the priority. Woods also owns 20 other cows scheduled to have calves in the next eight weeks, and 80 heifers.

“In order to be a successful dairy farmer, you have to understand that the cows always come first. Fortunately, my employees understand that,” said Woods during a respite in his new heated garage, or workshop.

Bitter cold affects production

On average, each cow at Woods’ farm produces 75 pounds of milk per day. But on bitterly cold or extremely hot days, he can notice a drop in production. He checked the load sheet at the farm’s milk house — which houses milking equipment and a bulk holding tank -- and it showed production of about 70 pounds on Friday, when temperatures plummeted to minus 28.

Farmers sell their milk in 100-pound units — not by the gallon — and the current price is taking a hit after what Woods said had been a record-breaking sales year in 2014.

In a fluctuating market, Woods said he gets about $14 to $16 per hundred pounds, compared with as much as $25 per hundred pounds in spring 2014.

“In December, we were still getting $24 per hundred pounds,” he said.

Ginger Fenton, dairy educator with Penn State Cooperative Extension District 1 covering Erie, Crawford and Mercer counties, said the price reduction is due to a decline in exports and a drop in U.S. milk consumption while milk inventories hold steady.

China and some other countries don’t have as much demand now, which is influencing the markets, she said.

The Wall Street Journal reported that demand from China has decreased as it has stockpiled supplies of nonfat, dry-milk powder. And Russia’s import ban on dairy products and other food has weakened global demand, the Journal reported.

From farm boy to farm owner

Woods has been working on the farm since about age 4, when he started feeding calves when his grandfather, Vere Woods, now 90, owned it. He started driving tractors on the farm at age 8.

He continued to work there when his father, Daniel Woods, took over the operation.

Steven Woods went to Penn State, but while at State College, his father was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

During his senior year, he came home every weekend to work because his dad was sick. Steven Woods graduated in May 2010, and his father was there for the ceremony.

But his father died in December 2010 at age 50.

“I had always planned on coming back and farming. The deal was that I would be allowed to farm if I got my degree,” Steven Woods said.

Steven Woods, who is single, and his father had planned to tackle farming together. “Of course, that all kind of fell apart,” he said.

Now Steven Woods is responsible for the operation, but he credits “great employees” for their work. Those employees are Nate Tallman, 21, of Edinboro, who works full time, and part-time employees Andi Marie Risjan, 43, her son, Jeremiah Risjan, 15, both of Cambridge Springs, and Mikayla Miller, 19, of Edinboro.

Steven Woods said he couldn’t get through the day — cold weather or not — without them.

In the milking parlor Monday, Miller directed cows to each of the eight milking stations and rotated them out for the next grouping.

When her toes get cold during extreme conditions, Miller, wearing her rubber boots, said she steps into a hot bucket of water in the milk house.

Even with a wind chill of minus 15, it wasn’t cold enough for that remedy on this day. The cold is bearable “as long as you can dress for it,” she said.

Miller added, “In the morning, it’s even colder.”

And the cows must be milked on that schedule, Steven Woods said, or infections can set in, the cows become uncomfortable and production will drop.

“Whatever makes them happy, you have to get done,” he said.

Pennsylvania Creates $5 Million Grant Program for Dairy Farmers

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:54:07 GMT

Pennsylvania has created a grant program that will make $5 million in funding available to dairy farmers who are looking to modernize and expand their businesses. The Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program was announced on Sept. 20 by Governor Tom Wolf and was established through Act 42 of 2018.

“Today’s market has presented new challenges to dairy farmers that are requiring them to innovate and adapt in order to remain successful,” Wolf says. “The new Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program is a key tool that incentivizes the dairy industry to support the often costly and difficult process of modernizing or expanding their business model or operation. My administration is proud to continue to stand with our hard-working dairy farmers and their families.”

The $5 million grant program is available to applicants for the following uses:

Researching new technologies, products and best practices
Marketing to new domestic and international markets and exploring new business opportunities to diversify their operation and revenue streams
Transitioning to organic production methods
Incorporating or expanding value-added dairy production, such as cheese and yogurt products

The Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program is now accepting applications after the program was approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) board.

“These grants will help enable Pennsylvania dairy producers to overcome existing challenges, diversify their businesses, and strengthen their operations to aggressively and effectively compete in an increasingly competitive market,” says Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This historic funding is not only a critical investment in an industry grappling with difficult global market conditions, but a critical investment in our largest sector of production agriculture and the people whose livelihoods rely on it.”

Funding is expected to be available to farmers in November, according to WGAL News .

More information about the Pennsylvania Dairy Investment Program can be found on the Department of Community and Economic Development website .

Select Sires Reveals Cooperative Merger Creating Premier Select Sires

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:53:45 GMT

Combining forces, the Select Sire Power, Inc. and Southeast Select Sires, Inc. will officially become one and renamed Premier Select Sires, Inc. effective Jan. 1, 2019.

The same specialists who currently serve beef and dairy customers will continue to support their local member-owners, only as part of a larger team with a wider network of in-house support, according to Select Sires. Premier Select Sires will combine the territories of the two previous cooperatives, covering a total of 23 states.

These states include:

Maine
Vermont
Maryland
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Delaware
Connecticut
New York
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Rhode Island
West Virginia
Virginia
North Carolina
Florida
Kansas
Tennessee
Arkansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
And Washington DC

“Premier Select Sires is the result of combining two financially strong cooperatives in order to benefit both memberships with pooled resources. We look forward to working together to continue to be the Premier genetic provider,” said Tim Riley, General Manager of Southeast Select Sires, in a press release.

Because of an aligned set of strengths and goals, the boards of Select Sire Power and Southeast Select Sires unanimously approved the affiliation agreement.

“This is a very exciting time for both organizations and we look forward to charting a successful future together. The larger cooperative will allow us to provide greater diversity of products and services to meet the modern needs of beef and dairy producers throughout our territory,” said Mark Carpenter, General Manager of Select Sire Power and future CEO of Premier Select Sires.

This is not the first merger the company has experienced throughout the past two years. In June 2017, Select Sires and Accelerated Genetics announced that Select Sires would acquire the assets of Accelerated Genetics.

This news also comes after the announcement of the holding companies Alta Genetics and GENEX forming their new organization, URUS. The intent to merge Koepon Holding BV and Cooperative Resources International (CRI) was first announced last December. Included in the merger are the following companies: AgSource , Alta Genetics , GENEX , Jetstream Genetics , PEAK/GENESIS , SCCL and VAS .

Pennsylvania’s Dairy Industry Creates $28.31 Billion Economic Impact

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:53:37 GMT

An economic report shows the importance of the dairy industry to Pennsylvania with impacts including a $28.31 billion boost to the economy while providing more than 137,000 jobs in 2017.

The direct employment of the dairy industry includes 45,029 people, while another 92,624 jobs are indirectly from dairy production through suppliers.

The jobs data comes from Dairy Delivers , the International Dairy Foods Association’s economic impact tool. “ Got Jobs ?” is a collaborative information campaign put together by the U.S. Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation, and International Dairy Foods Association.

Dairy exports from Pennsylvania accounted for $788 million in 2017 and created 3,979 jobs.

The report was shared at a recent Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board meeting.

“The Board understands its important responsibility to provide the regulatory framework underlying all segments of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, which contributes so much to Pennsylvania’s economy and culture,” Consumer Member Carol Hardbarger observed. “We will continue to directly engage with everyone involved in the industry, from the farm to the consumer, as we work to further improve the environment for dairy in Pennsylvania.”

More stats from the report specific to Pennsylvania can be found here .

Reports for other states are available at https://medium.com/dairy-exports-mean-jobs/state-bundles-6b9749625c77 .