Burlington--Exploring Vermont Dairy Fall 2021 will introduce youths, ages 12-18, to a number of different dairy topics from animal health to use of technology on the farm.
The five-part series will be offered via Zoom on consecutive Tuesdays from 3:30-4:30 p.m., beginning October 26. Although free to attend, registration is required at https://go.uvm.edu/exploredairy.
All sessions are interactive to encourage questions for a better understanding of dairy farming in the state and will include a post-lesson assignment. Dates and topics are:
October 26--Introduction and Technology on the Farm. Participants will gain an insight into how technology has changed dairy farming in the past 30 years and what farming may look like in the future thanks to technological advances such as robotic milkers, self-drive tractors and drones.
November 2--Animal Health and Nutrition. This session on feeds will take a look at how a cow's rations are formulated and how animal nutritionists balance feed rations to ensure optimal nutrition and good herd health.
November 9--Added Value and Diversification. For many dairy farms, diversification is the answer to survival. The conversation will involve ways farms are diversifying, including with farm stands, corn mazes, maple products, farm tours and other options.
November 16--Farm Business and Decision Making. The focus will be on the many tools farmers use to make management decisions on the farm, such as when to plant crops or which cows to keep or cull.
November 23--Soils and Conservation. The discussion will revolve around conservation practices, including measures to improve water quality, that farmers follow to be good stewards of the land.
The series is sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H and was developed in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, contact UVM Extension 4-H educator Martha Manning at martha.mannng@uvm.edu by Oct. 5.