Hands-on Experimental Learning Experiences
Beginning in 2017, Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Exploration Experiences offer students the opportunity to utilize formal education skills in hands-on experimental learning experiences. These “Experiences” will give high school students the opportunity to see firsthand the techniques and skills that were learned in the classroom being applied in a real-world setting, allow them to engage in STEM learning through agricultural-focused areas all while exploring potential career opportunities and cultivating a network of industry professionals.
The mission for the DLT Exploration Experience is to provide students and youth interested in dairy the opportunity to utilize formal education skills in hands-on experimental learning experiences. In addition, the DLT Exploration Experience is designed to cultivate interest in a variety of careers available in the dairy industry.
Spring 2025 Exploration Experiences
Registrations Are Open!
UPenn Veterinary Science Exploration Experience
Thursday, April 3, 2025
9 AM – 2 PM at Darkhorse Dairy Farm and Quakertown Veterinary Clinic
Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary team, students will learn about the dairy industry and the field of veterinary science. During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 will get a firsthand look at New Bolton Center and the veterinary facilities on the campus of University of Pennsylvania. They will interact with professors, veterinarians, staff, and veterinary residents to learn about the skills and responsibilities of being an animal doctor and other careers in the veterinary science field. Hands-on demonstrations and labs will be conducted by participants as well.
Penn State University Taste of Food Science Exploration Experience
Tuesday, April 8, 2025
9 AM – 2 PM at Penn State Berkey Creamery, University Park
Partnering with the Pennsylvania State University Food Science Department, students will learn about the food science industry. During this event, high school students in grades 10 and 11 will tour the labs in the Food Science Building, complete a chocolate sensory test, and participate in a live lab experience in ice cream making. They will interact with professors and students learning about the academics of food science in college as well as careers within the area of food science.
PREVIOUS EXPLORATION EXPERIENCES
2024 UPenn Veterinary Science Exploration Experience
Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Team, students learned about proper health and nutrition for dairy cattle as well as completed some hands-on activities exploring herd health.
During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at Marshak Dairy and learned from professionals who specialize in specific areas of veterinary science. They learned about colostrum quality, nutrition research, TMR testing, and cow health being able to listen to the heart, rumen, and lungs of dairy cows. Students then went to the New Bolton Center for a tour and opportunity to hear about .
.Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Marshak Dairy and New Bolton Center, Kennett Square, Chester County, PA
2023 Dairy Challenge Exploration Experience
Partnering with Delaware Valley University, students learned about the dairy industry and the business aspect of dairy farming through their experience at Delaware Valley University. They also got a preview of the collegiate activity of Dairy Challenge.
During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at the Delaware Valley University’s Dairy Farm and their dairy operation from the calves to the cows. DelVal U professors, staff, and students presented the calf care, nutrition, milk production, milking parlor, herd health, and reproduction practices on the farm and shared data. Students used this information to investigate profitability and efficiency of the dairy farm and worked in teams to present their recommendations to DelVal U stakeholders.
.Friday, November 10, 2023 at Delaware Valley University, Doylestown, Bucks County, PA
2023 Dairy Technologies Exploration Experience
Partnering with Fisher & Thompson and Lely, students were able to learn about various technologies and advances in the dairy industry.
During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at the automation on Oakleigh Farms in Mercersburg and learn from professionals who specialize automation and robotics in milk, feed, manure, and barn management. They learned about robotic milking, automated Vector feeding and TMR, automated manure collectors, and automated barn systems. In addition, careers in dairy production, extension, sales, and service were presented by the dairy professionals facilitating rotations and activities.
Thursday, April 28, 2023 at Oakleigh Dairy Farm in Mercersburg, Franklin County, PA
2022 Veterinary Science Exploration Experience
Partnering with Pennsylvania State University and the Penn State Extension Services, students were able to learn about proper health for dairy cattle as well as do some lab experimentation.
During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at the Penn State Dairy Barns and learned from professionals who specialize in specific areas of veterinary science. They learned about hoof health, calving management, and cow health being able to listen to the heart, rumen, and lungs of dairy cows and to simulate delivering calves. Students then went to the Central Milk Testing Lab completing a heart dissection and a lab exploring parasites in animals.
Thursday, October 13, 2022 at Pennsylvania State University Dairy Barns and Central Milk Testing Laboratory in State College, Centre County, PA
2022 “Foam to Farm” Exploration Experience
Partnering with Troegs Independent Brewing, students were able to see the process of producing spent grain and how it is sustainably used on dairy farms.
During this event, high school students had a firsthand look at Summit Level Farm and their dairy operation from the calves to the cows. In addition, they learned about the crop production on the farm and how Farmer Jim uses spent grain from Troegs Independent Brewing to feed his dairy cattle. Students then visited Troegs Independent Brewing for an in-depth, behind-the-scenes tour of the mill room to see the hops grain and the process of production.
Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at Summit Level Farm in Elverson, Berks County, PA and Troegs Independent Brewing in Hershey, Dauphin County, PA
2021 “Own It” Exploration Experience
Partnering with Premier Select Sires, students learned about the four divisions of do-ers, analyze-ers, techies and sell-ers from industry professionals. Each presentation had a hands-on activity for students to engage in that type of career. Then in the afternoon, students toured Brubaker Farms and learned from the herd manager about his responsibilities around the dairy farm.
Thursday, October 14, 2021 at Brubaker Farms in Mount Joy, Lancaster County, PA
Questions and More Information
If you have any questions, feel free to contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316.