Hands-on Experimental Learning Experiences

Beginning in 2017, Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow Exploration Experiences offer students the opportunity to utilize formal education skills in hands-on experimental learning experiences. These “Experiences” will give high school students the opportunity to see firsthand the techniques and skills that were learned in the classroom being applied in a real-world setting, allow them to engage in STEM learning through agricultural-focused areas all while exploring potential career opportunities and cultivating a network of industry professionals.

The mission for the DLT Exploration Experience is to provide students and youth interested in dairy the opportunity to utilize formal education skills in hands-on experimental learning experiences. In addition, the DLT Exploration Experience is designed to cultivate interest in a variety of careers available in the dairy industry.


SAVE THE DATE: FALL EVENTS

DLT DelVal U Dairy Challenge Exploration Experience

Date: Friday, September 18, 2026 | 9 AM – 2 PM

Location: Delaware Valley University in Doylestown

Partnering with the Delaware Valley University Dairy Science Department, students will apply theory to a real-world dairy farm. During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 will get a firsthand look at the Dairy Science Center, a dairy farm on the campus of DelVal U, and investigate the data and finances of this operation. In addition, students will work together in teams to prepare and present recommendations to university leadership to be more efficient and profitable. Participants will interact with DelVal U professors, undergraduate students, and others to learn about ways dairy farms remain financially sustainable.

Cost: FREE (Must provide own transportation)

Registration Deadline: Application form will open on August 15.

Note: Space will be limited to 24 students on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students/groups must have a chaperone/advisor travel with them. Email Michelle Shearer if you have any questions.   


PREVIOUS EXPLORATION EXPERIENCES

2026 DLT UPenn Spring Veterinary Science Exploration Experience

Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary team, students learned about the dairy industry and the field of veterinary science. During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at Caristone Dairy Farm, a dairy farm in Lebanon County, and completed hands-on activities, such as calf ultrasounds, injections, cow physical exams, and milk quality tests. In addition, they toured Lancaster DHIA, a facility in Lancaster County that provides milk testing, on-farm field services for herd management, forage analysis, microbiology testing, and more. Participants interacted with UPenn professors, veterinarians, Lancaster DHIA staff, and other dairy professionals to learn about the skills and responsibilities of careers in the veterinary science field..

2025 UPenn Vet Science Exploration Experience Group Photo at Caristone Farm

2026 UPenn Spring Vet Science Exploration Experience Group Photo at Caristone Farm


2025 DLT UPenn Fall Veterinary Science Exploration Experience

Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary team, students learned about the dairy industry and the field of veterinary science. During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at Dry Creek Dairy Farm in Martinsburg through a tour and activities involving milk quality, calf lung ultrasounds, stomach and udder dissections, and nutrition analysis as well as cow health where they listened to the heart, rumen, and lungs of dairy cows. Students then heard from veterinarians, veterinary techs, and current veterinary graduate students about the careers and schooling in veterinary science as well as veterinary specimen show and tell and milk culturing activities.

2025 UPenn Vet Science Exploration Experience Group Photo at Dry Creek Farm


2025 DLT Agribusiness Exploration Experience with Horizon Farm Credit

Partnering with Horizon Farm Credit, students toured Brubaker Farms in Lancaster County to learn about their business and their focus on family and stewardship. High school students also learned about assets, equity, liabilities and profit by completing multiple business-focused rotations. They learned about lending, accounting, ag conservation and more – and met professionals from Horizon Farm Credit, the Lancaster County Conservation District, and Team Ag. They ended the day with a real-world balance sheet activity to bring agricultural finance to life.

2025 Agribusiness Exploration Experience Group Photo at Horizon Farm Credit


2025 DLT UPenn Spring Veterinary Science Exploration Experience

Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Team, students completed hands-on activities involving milk safety and testing, dairy cattle nutrition, colostrum quality, and herd health.

During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at Darkhorse Dairy Farm in Perkasie through a tour and activities involving colostrum quality, feed identification, TMR testing, and milk quality as well as cow health where they listened to the heart, rumen, and lungs of dairy cows. Students then went to Quakertown Veterinary Clinic for a hospital tour, exploration of various careers in veterinary science, and milk culturing activity.

2025 UPenn Vet Science Exploration Experience Group Photo at Quakertown Veterinary Clinic

2024 DLT UPenn Veterinary Science Exploration Experience

Partnering with the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Team, students learned about proper health and nutrition for dairy cattle as well as completed some hands-on activities exploring herd health.

During this event, high school students in grades 11 and 12 got a firsthand look at Marshak Dairy and learned from professionals who specialize in specific areas of veterinary science. They learned about colostrum quality, nutrition research, TMR testing, and cow health being able to listen to the heart, rumen, and lungs of dairy cows. Students then went to the New Bolton Center for a tour and opportunity to hear about .

2024 UPenn Vet Science Exploration Experience Group Photo at New Bolton Center

Examples of previous events:

  • 2023 Dairy Challenge Exploration Experience
  • 2023 Dairy Technologies Exploration Experience
  • 2022 “Foam to Fork” Exploration Experience
  • 2021 “Own It” Exploration Experience

Questions and More Information

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Michelle Shearer at mshearer@centerfordairyexcellence.org or 570-768-8316.