By Blake Jackson
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited Zahncroft Dairy in Womelsdorf, Berks County, to highlight the importance of Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeships for Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.
The visit, hosted by the Center for Dairy Excellence, underscored how these apprenticeship programs are vital for developing skilled managers and workers to sustain the state’s dairy farms.
“Apprenticeships are critical opportunities to get hands-on, real-world experience with the enticement of earning while you learn,” Secretary Redding said. “They are just one part of the Shapiro Administration’s comprehensive strategy to keep our agriculture industry a national leader by investing in opportunities for everyone to succeed in the field that is key to Pennsylvania’s future.”
The Center for Dairy Excellence, in partnership with the Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), sponsors Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeships and Farm Labor Pre-apprenticeships.
These programs provide practical training while maintaining apprentices’ income. With additional funding from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center, the program is expanding to offer more opportunities for workers over 18.
Zahncroft Dairy, a family-owned farm in Berks County, has been part of this effort. The farm, operated by Doug and Dave Sattazahn, transitioned to new ownership from their parents, Dennis and Betsy. Kristina Quinn is the first apprentice at Zahncroft, where she benefits from hands-on experience in dairy management.
“We were excited to engage with the Dairy Herd Apprenticeship program to help Kristina hone her skills,” Zahncroft Dairy Co-owner Katie Sattazahn said. “The combination of hands-on learning combined with the outside learning opportunities strengthens our operation and gives Kristina more perspective about PA's dairy industry.”
Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration has prioritized workforce development, investing in vocational training and apprenticeships. Secretary Walker emphasized, “Apprenticeship programs open doors for all Pennsylvanians by offering meaningful career pathways without the burden of debt.”
With the second-largest number of dairy farms in the U.S., Pennsylvania’s dairy industry is critical to the state’s economy, generating over $11.8 billion annually and providing more than 47,000 jobs. The state also continues to lead in ice cream, butter, and Swiss cheese production.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Livestock, Dairy Cattle