Dairy farms encouraged to host interns

By Blake Jackson

Dairy producers in Pennsylvania and beyond are encouraged to participate in two programs that provide opportunities for students and apprentices to gain hands-on experience on dairy farms.

The On-Farm Internship Program offers 10- to 12-week internships for Pennsylvania students interested in dairy production. Host farms are responsible for creating goals and areas of focus for the student's internship and providing them with the opportunity to work on a research project that benefits the operation.

The Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship Program provides 18 months of on-the-job training for individuals interested in becoming dairy herd managers. Employer farms must be willing to expose apprentices to all aspects of a successful dairy operation and pay them a minimum starting wage of $11.00 per hour with a progressive wage that ends with $16.00 per hour.

Both programs offer benefits to both host farms and interns or apprentices. Host farms can mentor the next generation of dairy professionals, gain an outside perspective on their operations, and lighten the workload of other team members. Interns and apprentices gain valuable hands-on experience, learn about different aspects of dairy production, and have the opportunity to contribute to the success of a dairy farm.

For more information about the expectations and requirements for farms that are accepted into either the On-Farm Internship or Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship program, visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/internship or www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/apprenticeship. Contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316 with questions.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-ahavelaar