Initial results of a statewide extension program in calf and heifer management in Pennsylvania

This study was designed to evaluate changes in calf and heifer management in a sample of Pennsylvania dairy farms in conjunction with a statewide extension program on dairy replacements. The extension program reached dairy farmers in addition to individuals in agribusiness, veterinarians, and others who have frequent contact with dairy farmers through a multiplicity of information channels. An extensive survey was conducted during the 1st yr of the project on 329 commercial dairy farms throughout Pennsylvania. The same farms were contacted 2.5 to 3 yr later for comparison. Most (84.7%) of the farmers in the original random sample learned new information about calf and heifer management during this time, and 77.3% reported that they received all or part of this new information from extension. Sources of information most often used by the farmers in this study were dairy magazines, extension newsletters, and meetings organized either through extension or agribusiness. Adoption by farmers of many of the targeted practices specific to calving management, preweaned calves, and health management increased over this period.