Submitted By: Daniela Roland, Penn State Extension, Franklin County Dairy Educator
Pennsylvania dairy producers looking to improve grazing systems, reduce feed costs, and enhance pasture productivity will have three opportunities this season to learn directly in the field through Penn State Extension’s Pasture Walks with Extension: Grazing Dairy. These on-farm programs are designed to give producers practical, real-world strategies they can implement on their operations.
Participants will walk through working farms while discussing key management decisions that affect herd health, forage quality, and profitability. Some of the topics to be covered include:
- Rotational grazing practices
- Pasture management and evaluation techniques
- Forage and weed identification
- Strategies to extend the grazing season
As part of this free event, the first 10 registrants for each location are being offered a free forage sample analysis. Producers can bring a sample of their pasture, silage, hay, or other forage. Participants will be contacted with additional details.
Registration Details and Schedule
The Dairy Pasture Walks will be held at three locations across the region to ensure accessibility for producers. The pasture walks dates and location are as follows:
- July 30, 2026, from 10 AM – 12:00 PM: Hamilton Heights Dairy Farm, 2300 Edenville Rd., Chambersburg, PA 17202
- August 4, 2026, from 10 AM – 12:00 PM: Matt Bombgardner Farm, 970 N. State Rt. 934, Annville, PA 17003 from 10 AM – 12:00 PM
- August 6, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Daniel Glick Farm, 306 Haiti Rd., Quarryville, PA 17566
An optional lunch will be provided after the program. This event is being offered at no charge to participants. Registering before the event is encouraged and appreciated.
The pasture walks are part of Penn State Extension’s ongoing effort to support profitable and sustainable dairy operations across the region, allowing participants to engage directly with educators and fellow producers.
To register, visit extension.psu.edu/pasture-walks-with-extension-dairy or call the Penn State Extension customer service line at 877-345-0691. For more information or questions about the pasture walks, contact Franklin County Dairy Educator Daniela Roland at 717-809-2194 or djr6158@psu.edu.
