Dairy Apprenticeship Program Builds Skilled Farm Leaders

By Blake Jackson

National Apprenticeship Week, taking place from April 26 through May 2, 2026, highlights workforce development opportunities across industries, including agriculture.

In Pennsylvania, the Center for Dairy Excellence is addressing the growing demand for skilled dairy farm managers through its Dairy Herd Manager Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program. This initiative is designed to equip employees with hands-on experience and technical knowledge needed for modern dairy operations.

Recently, two participants-Kristina Quinn of Zahncroft Dairy in Berks County and Rylee Fuller of Laurel Grove Farm in Perry County became the first to complete the program.

Their training included key areas such as herd health, reproduction, calf care, and data analysis, preparing them for leadership roles on dairy farms.

“We’ve heard from dairy producers about their need for a more skilled workforce in management on Pennsylvania farms and the challenges they face in filling this important leadership role,” said Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.

“Our Dairy Herd Manager Registered Apprenticeship can help dairy farmers develop a new employee or an existing employee or family member into a full-time, herd management role at the farm level. Rylee and Kristina are the first two individuals to complete the DHM RA, and they both developed a wide range of skills in herd health, reproduction, calf care, data analysis, and more.”

The program is open to both existing employees and new hires, offering structured training over an 18-month period.

Participating farms must provide exposure to all aspects of dairy operations while meeting wage requirements that increase over time.

“I knew the day Rylee walked in the door, she was going to stay. She really wanted to work and learn. Eventually, she [started the apprenticeship] and started taking over things that I did which was big because then I could do other things. We are proud of Rylee. We were so glad to have her. She is like a daughter that we never had,” shared Cindy Comp of Laurel Grove Farm.

Applications are accepted year-round for both farms and apprentices seeking to advance in the dairy industry.

For more information, visit https://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/apprenticeship/ or contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org  or 570-768-8316.

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