Effective use of production management tools is important to revenue and production growth of dairy farms in New York and impacts the profitability and quality of life for farm owners.
The focus of this program area is to promote use of these tools through creation of effective and accessible educational programs and trainings that reflect the diversity of geography and production management systems that characterize New York’s dairy industry. The combination of cutting-edge research practices and tested best management practices enables farmers and their employees to make sound decisions for their farms and rural communities.
In the future, Dairy Production Management education will continue to be a crucial component of the success of the NYS Dairy Industry. As knowledge is generated through research, and as farm practices adapt to change, education becomes vital for farm success. Although information is ever more accessible, the need to be able to critically assess that information is key. Technology also offers the opportunity to increase the accessibility of educational programs across the state. The Dairy Production Management program will continue to use a variety of outreach methods tailored to the needs of the NYS Dairy Industry.
This program collectively reaches over 2,000 farmers each year.
Online Dairy Management Courses
PRO-DAIRY has successfully launched a series of well-received online courses attended by farmers and allied industry professionals from across the country and the world. Over seven weeks students enhance their dairy management skills in a flexible learning environment where they guide their own experience on their own time. Some dairy production management background is helpful, but the courses include basic to advanced content taught by leaders in the field. Webinars provide an opportunity to meet weekly and ask questions in real-time. Continuing education credits are offered along with a certificate of completion. In the course evaluation, 100 percent of participants indicate they would recommend the class to a colleague.
Podcasts
Podcasts hosted by PRO-DAIRY and partners inspire and inform on key aspects of dairy farm production.
Regional Programs
PRO-DAIRY staff partner with Cornell Cooperative Extension Regional Dairy Specialists to create effective and accessible educational programs that reflect the diversity of geography and production management systems that characterize New York's dairy industry. The combination of cutting-edge research practices and tested best management practices enable farmers and their employees to make sound decisions for their farms and rural communities.
Webinars
PRO-DAIRY regularly offers webinars in English and Spanish. Topics focus on the latest dairy research and practical on-farm information for dairy producers. Registration may be required. Most webinars are recorded and available for viewing after the live presentation.
Education in Spanish
PRO-DAIRY staff regularly offer webinars in Spanish.
View Spanish webinar recordings
Spanish Online Dairy Worker Training
This self-paced Spanish dairy worker training certificate program is designed to develop the workforce skills needed on a modern dairy farm. Each module focuses on common dairy worker areas of responsibility. All materials are presented and written in Spanish.
Many seminars and conferences were cancelled because of COVID, and PRO-DAIRY filled the gap. The online course gave me access to reliable and applied field knowledge, and I was able to improve my practice’s strategy for reproduction and calf management.Shinta Suwa, Yamamoto Herd Management Service Inc.
For More Information
Kathyrn Barrett
kfb3 [at] cornell.edu
(607) 229-4357