Join the Farm to Fork Celebration for Dairy Education

By Blake Jackson

To celebrate June Dairy Month and support dairy education, the Dairy Excellence Foundation will host its annual "A Toast to Dairy" event on Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 6-9 p.m. at Melhorn Manor in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.

This farm-to-fork celebration will feature meal stations highlighting Pennsylvania Preferred ingredients, an interactive chocolate and cheese tasting experience with artisan cheeses from the PA Cheese Guild, and samples of locally crafted wines, brews, and spirits.

Attendees will also have opportunities for networking and more. An early-bird ticket discount of $10 per person is available until May 1, and group discounts are offered for purchases of eight or more tickets.

“Last year, more than 375 people joined us at A Toast to Dairy to celebrate Pennsylvania dairy and enjoy an evening out while learning about programs that directly support students who are pursuing careers in dairy,” said Emily Barge, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Dairy Excellence Foundation. “We hope you’ll join us this June for a night to remember with locally sourced food and drink while hearing some fantastic stories and meeting individuals across the dairy community.”

This year’s event will include farm-to-fork food stations featuring local PA Preferred ingredients and artisan cheeses from across the state, a guided wine and brew tasting experience with local producers like Troegs Independent Brewing and Grandview Vineyard, and cheese and chocolate tasting sessions led by the Pennsylvania Cheese Guild.

A dessert bar will offer ice cream from local creameries and baked goods from regional favorites. Attendees can also participate in raffle baskets, enjoy caricature artists and a photo booth, and listen to live music by Julia Brown.

Jennifer Orr of Harmony Acres Dairy, a past attendee, described the event as "“Everything about this event was absolutely amazing! It was so well organized, so well put together, and the variety of food and drink was outstanding."

All proceeds from "A Toast to Dairy" will support the Dairy Excellence Foundation’s scholarships, curriculum, educational programs, and on-farm internships. Those unable to attend can still contribute by visiting the Foundation's website. Sponsorship opportunities are also still available for businesses and individuals looking to support this important cause.

Photo Credit: center-for-dairy-excellence