UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and Pennsylvania Dairy Stakeholders have developed a new Web site designed to help dairy farmers find valuable business resources.

Dairy Farm Resource Planning Guide at http://dairydevelopment.psu.edu is a listing of service providers and educational resources to assist dairy producers, especially those developing a new business or expanding an existing business. "Providing this guide on the Internet allows for more flexibility in the addition and updating of information in a timely manner," says Karen Vines, distance education coordinator in the department of dairy and animal science.

The site lists many of the important, necessary items to be considered before embarking on an expansion or developing a new farm. It lists contact information related to all aspects of planning, including engineering, obtaining permits, building, employee training, neighbor relations and others.

"The Web site is designed to suggest a logical progression," says Vines, "starting with the links related to project planning, followed by financial resources and construction planning. Operational management and control relates to the ongoing implementation and monitoring processes following the expansion. Each section contains lists of service providers and informational links to assist you as you go through the project."

Partial funding for the Web site came from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

According to Vines, the Web site will be an ever-evolving project, constantly changing as regulations change and as new resources become available or current resources become outdated. She urges representatives of any business or educational entity interested in being listed in the guide to contact her at 814-865-3097 or at kvines@psu.edu for more information.

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EDITORS: Contact Karen Vines at 814-865-3097 orkvines@psu.edu.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-863-9877 fax #103