Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow (DLT) recently collaborated with the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary team to offer high school juniors and seniors an immersive experience in veterinary science and the dairy industry. The team included Dr. Joseph Bender, Dr. Sarah Rassler, veterinary students, Dr. Mary Wright, Dr. Danielle Delp, Dr. Jenn, and vet technicians from Dairyside Veterinary Services. Michelle Shearer and Jordan Anderson from Dairy Excellence Foundation (DEF) were also instrumental in organizing the program.
Students visited Dry Creek Farm in Martinsburg, Pennsylvania, where they participated in hands-on herd health activities and interactive labs. They gained practical knowledge on lung health in calves using ultrasound technology, conducted physical exams with stethoscopes, and explored various organs. Topics such as milking and nutrition were also covered, providing essential preparation for future careers in the dairy industry and veterinary medicine.
The Exploration Experience attracted 25 students from FFA chapters across Pennsylvania, including Blue Juniata, LCCTC Willow Street, Oxford, Brandywine Heights, and Tyrone Area. The event was organized in partnership with Dairyside Veterinary Services and the University of Pennsylvania to allow the young participants to engage in interactive lab activities alongside UPenn professors, veterinarians, staff, and veterinary residents. This provided them with a deeper understanding of the skills and responsibilities essential to professionals in the field.
Participants shared their insights. Cassidy Fleck from the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter shared her experiences. “Seeing how veterinarians prepared calves for ultrasounds and conducted cow evaluations was incredibly interesting. From assessing the cow’s appearance to listening to internal organs, it was fascinating to learn how to determine a cow’s health,” said Fleck.
Students also examined the complex anatomy of a cow’s stomach, exploring the reticulum, rumen, omasum, and abomasum, and learned about milk production processes through an examination of the udder and its internal structures.
Reilly Rawlings, another Tyrone Area FFA member, reflected, “This event opened my eyes to a whole new realm of veterinary medicine that I have never seen before. It showed me the hard work and dedication required in caring for large animals and the importance of veterinarians serving our local dairy farmers.”
Students examine the anatomy of a cow’s stomach.
Overall, the event provided students with a comprehensive introduction to veterinary medicine, offering valuable insights into the daily tasks and responsibilities involved in such careers.
Blue Juniata FFA member Peyton Houck mentioned why the trip was special. “The trip gave me a firsthand experience into what life as a Veterinarian would look like. It was also very beneficial for me to speak to some industry professionals on the best way to be successful in the veterinary field. The trip definitely boosted my interest in becoming a veterinarian,” said Houck.
The Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow program, administered by the Center for Dairy Excellence Foundation of Pennsylvania, provides a robust framework for high school students aspiring to pursue careers in the dairy industry. This program encompasses three core components: classroom curriculum, on-farm experiences, and scholarship opportunities.
High school students have the option to enroll in the program either as self-taught learners or through an instructor by registering on the Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow website. This flexibility allows students to tailor their learning experience to their individual needs and interests. Additional information is available on the DLT website www.dairyleadersoftomorrow.com.
