Individuals who have experience working in the Pennsylvania dairy industry are invited to volunteer at the Calving Corner during the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 10-17, 2026 in Harrisburg, Pa. The Calving Corner is the cornerstone in the “Destination Dairy” Northeast Exhibit Hall, giving visitors a firsthand look at the Pennsylvania dairy industry and providing educational learning activities for children of all ages. The Calving Corner also live streams the exhibit throughout the Farm Show, reaching more than 37,000 people virtually each year.
“Volunteering at the Calving Corner is an exciting way to help share the story of Pennsylvania dairy farming directly with consumers and families. Farm Show visitors not only witness the miracle of birth and learn where their food comes from, but it’s a rewarding way to help enhance the public’s understanding of production agriculture,” said Miriam Miller, project manager for the Calving Corner. “We appreciate our farmers and dairy industry volunteers who give their time each year to share their firsthand experience with Calving Corner visitors.”
Four Pennsylvania dairy farms will share their story with visitors throughout the 2026 Calving Corner exhibit and demonstrate the dairy birthing process. Cows representing the four farms will calve on site during the entire length of the Farm Show. Farms include Rock Solid Dairy owned by the Garber family of Cumberland County, Pa.; Kurtland Farm owned by the Kurtz family of Berks County, Pa.; Sweigart Dairy owned by the Sweigart family of Lancaster County, Pa.; and Penn England Farms owned by the England family of Blair County, Pa.
“I got into veterinary medicine because of dairy farmers and their families. I really like supporting those farmers, so the Calving Corner is a great way to do that. It’s also a good way to bridge the gap, so there’s a better understanding [from consumers] of how things work on the farm,” said Ann DiPastina, a veterinarian from Penn Vet. “It really just helps communicate to consumers how farmers are doing their best to safeguard our food supply and take care of their animals. Volunteering at the Calving Corner is a really fun time.”
Calving Corner volunteer opportunities are available for the following individuals:
- Dairy farmers
- Veterinarians
- Nutritionists
- Industry representatives
- College students
- Other professionals who have experience in the dairy industry
Volunteers will serve in a variety of roles, should be at least 18 years old, and have a practical understanding of the dairy industry. They will be provided with a Calving Corner sweatshirt and should plan to wear proper attire, including clean and neat jeans or khakis. Calving Corner volunteers will also be required to complete a brief online training.
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