UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Dairy Specialists In Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences Are Offering An Online Version Of Their Dairy Herd Improvement Association Records Analysis Training For Consultants, Extension Educators, Producers And Ag Lenders Who Would Like To Learn How To More Effectively Evaluate A Dairy Business. Key Management Areas Addressed In The Course Are Production, Reproduction, Udder Health, And Culling And Replacements. T

Participants in the training will learn to implement a systematic approach to analyzing DHIA data, so they can detect and correct bottlenecks that are limiting herd performance. "Dealing with those bottlenecks will help improve the profitability of their clients' dairy businesses," according to Hilty, a course instructor.

Although the DHIA Records Analysis course has been offered in a classroom environment, more dairy professionals and producers across the United States will be able to access the information through the Web-based learning environment. The self-paced training takes 10 to 20 hours to complete -- depending on a participant's previous experience -- and costs $165. Those who successfully complete the certificate course can receive five continuing education credits. Participants will have six months from the time they enroll until they must submit their final assignment.

"The training consists of five lessons, opportunities to test knowledge, a practice analysis and a final analysis," says Karen Vines, senior extension associate and distance education coordinator in the department of dairy and animal science. "A participant will be able to download three different herd reports -- one to introduce them to the reports and data, a second to test their knowledge and a final herd report used for the final exam."

Discussion forums have been created for each lesson so participants can share questions, ideas or answers. The forums are intended to be a valuable resource and provide a way for participants to form networks that they can utilize not only during the training, but also in the future.

Prior to its release, the online training was reviewed by a team of industry professionals and recent graduates. One of the reviewers wrote, “I cannot think of a more organized source of information. Most consultants have already formulated their own opinions about this type of information, yet this provides an opportunity for them to refresh or gather new and more consistent ideals.”

For more information about the DHIA Records Analysis Training, visit the Web at http://www.onlinelearning.psu.edu/DHIA, or contact Vines at 814-865-3097 or by e-mail at kvines@psu.edu.

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Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719 FAX 814-863-9877