Revolutionizing Pennsylvania Dairy: How Apprenticeships Are Shaping the Future of Farming

Pennsylvania’s Dairy Apprenticeship ProgramCredit: Commonwealth Media Services

WOMELSDORF, PA — Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector continues its forward momentum through innovative workforce training initiatives. Last week, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker joined the Center for Dairy Excellence at Zahncroft Dairy in Berks County to showcase the impact of the Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship program—demonstrating its crucial role in the state’s dairy industry.

“Apprenticeships are critical opportunities to get hands-on, real-world experience with the enticement of earning while you learn,” Secretary Redding stated. “They are just one part of the Shapiro Administration’s comprehensive strategy to keep our agriculture industry a national leader by investing in opportunities for everyone to succeed in the field that is key to Pennsylvania’s future.”

A Comprehensive Approach to Workforce Development

Supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry’s Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), the Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship program combines practical, hands-on experience with structured learning. The program caters to a critical need for skilled farm managers across the state, ensuring that Pennsylvania’s nearly 5,000 dairy farms maintain their productivity and economic contribution. By eliminating the financial burden of pausing work for education, the program attracts participants from diverse backgrounds, creating meaningful career opportunities in agriculture.

This year, additional funding from the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center has enabled expansion of the program, opening doors for more applicants over the age of 18 who are eager to develop skills in modern dairy farming.

“This program is a direct response to the workforce needs of the dairy industry. It is a commitment to workers and their families, our farmers, and a win for Pennsylvania’s evolving economy,” emphasized Secretary Walker.

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Zahncroft Dairy as a Model for Success

Zahncroft Dairy in Womelsdorf serves as a testament to the program’s real-world impact. Owned and operated by Doug and Dave Sattazahn, the family-run farm transitioned to the next generation of leadership after being in the Sattazahn family since the 1930s. The 270-cow operation averages 92 pounds of milk per cow daily, contributing significantly to the local economy.

As one of the farms working closely with the Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship program, Zahncroft Dairy welcomed its first apprentice, Kristina Quinn. Her training integrates hands-on responsibilities at the dairy with supplemental learning opportunities that broaden her understanding of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry.

“We were excited to engage with the Dairy Herd Apprenticeship program to help Kristina hone her skills,” said Co-owner Katie Sattazahn. “The combination of hands-on learning combined with the outside learning opportunities strengthens our operation and gives Kristina more perspective about PA’s dairy industry.”

Statewide Economic and Agricultural Implications

Pennsylvania’s dairy industry is a vital pillar of the state’s economy, supporting over 47,000 jobs and generating $11.8 billion annually. The state is ranked second in the nation for the number of dairy farms and eighth in milk production, further solidifying its role in U.S. agriculture. Programs like the Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship are critical for sustaining and enhancing this contribution by addressing the workforce challenges that dairy producers face.

“The Center for Dairy Excellence continues to hear from Pennsylvania dairy producers about their need for a more skilled workforce and how challenging it can be to fill this important leadership role within their team,” explained Michelle Shearer, Workforce Development Manager for the Center for Dairy Excellence.

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Now embedded as part of the broader agricultural workforce strategy spearheaded by the Shapiro Administration, the program represents just one of several measures aimed at preparing workers for specialized roles in farming—and beyond. Across the past two state budgets, the Shapiro Administration has added $61 million to workforce development initiatives, approved over 50 new apprenticeship programs, and enrolled nearly 10,000 apprentices statewide.

A Vision for the Future

With an emphasis on skills-based hiring and equitable access to career growth, Pennsylvania’s investment in agriculture-focused apprenticeships sets a national benchmark. The Dairy Herd Manager Apprenticeship program, in particular, not only addresses today’s labor challenges but also equips workers with the tools necessary to sustain and adapt the industry for future needs.

“Through collaboration with the Department of Agriculture,” said Walker, “this program strengthens Pennsylvania’s workforce while safeguarding an industry critical to both the state’s economy and identity.”

At the heart of these efforts lies a commitment to balancing tradition and innovation—ensuring that Pennsylvania remains both a leader in dairy production and a magnet for top agricultural talent.

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