About the Host Farm
Schrack Farms is a multi-generation family farm established in 1773 and is located in central Pennsylvania near Loganton. Now managed by the 9th,10th, and 11th generation, the farm has grown to a 1200 cow dairy operation cropping around 2400 acres, with field elevations ranging from 1200 to 1600 feet. Schrack Farms has been an early adopter of regenerative agricultural practices, starting with no-till in the 1970s and planting cover crops for the last 20 years. These practices have significantly improved the water infiltration rates and help to protect the high-quality trout stream that flows through their valley. A methane digester in operation since 2006, produces electricity and heat energy, that reduces the farm's carbon footprint. They have been the recipient of numerous awards, including the 2018 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the year, presented by the International Dairy Foods Association.
Family members are active leaders in the community with such organizations as the PA No-Till Alliance, Professional Dairy Managers of PA, Clinton County Conservation District, Sugar Valley Watershed Association, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and serving on numerous state committees. They have been a positive influence in the promotion of soil health principles both near and far.
Course Description
This class will focus on transitioning the cropping systems in confined dairy operations. This school will focus on improving soil function in a high manure system. Students will learn ecological nutrient management, proper soil testing, no-till and learn proper cover crop management and other ecological principles to reduce costs.
June 9, 2022
Cost:
$500.00 US Dollars
Option to include Online Subscription to Regen Ag 101($499 value) for an additional $100.00
Email: info@soilhealthacademy.org with any questions
Who Should Attend?
- Anyone wanting to transform their dairy into a highly efficient and profitable business and transform their quality of life. You will learn how to build soil, animal, and economic health through a combination of classroom and field exercises. The school will tackle the biggest issues facing dairy producers, from herd health and reproduction, to crop and cover crop success, to waste management and fertility, to economics and building true net wealth. Hands-on experience will be heavily emphasized.
- Dairy producers of all sizes and types. Milk production is a fast-paced, highly demanding profession and dairy producers have the skill and revenue to accomplish great things. We hope to broaden your perspective on using your expertise and advantages with practical tools that increase your options, reduce vulnerability, and strengthen your resilience.
- Any producer that wants to know more about the “how do I get there from here”. Learn what can be done, what it might cost, how long it may take, and what it could look like along the way.
This is a power-packed session that will be backed up by future sessions and will change your perspective on what dairying should be and can be. Taught by highly experienced and expert regenerative farmers and dairy producers.
School Location
The Sportsman Club
55 South Sportsman Rd
Loganton, PA 17751
Farm Location
Schrack Farm
506 West Valley Rd
Loganton, PA 17747
Apply to automatically receive a $100 scholarship and pay only $400 per attendee. Click here to complete the scholarship form.
What You Will Learn
- Cover Cropping for Soil Health, Nutrient Dense Feedstuffs, and profitability.
- Designing cropping and cover cropping systems that fit your context.
- Improving net profit per cow and per acre.
- How to design and implement practical and flexible grazing plans.
- How to prepare for extremes and increase farm resilience.
- Strategic input cost reduction.
- Waste and fertility management – Avoiding issues and effective application.
Topics Addressed
- Cropping rotations for soil health
- Strategies for significant input cost reduction
- Integrating livestock into cropping systems
- Grazing alternative forages (heifers, dry cows) - crop residue, cover crops
- Maintaining cow comfort while using the herd to advance soil health.
- Manure and fertility management – Avoiding issues and effective application.
- Soil health evaluation
- Building and maintaining cow health and optimal performance.
- Addressing resource concerns
Hotel Information
Hampton Inn & Suites
24 Hospitality Ln
Mill Hall, PA 17751
570-726-3939
Closest Airport
Wilkes-Barre Scranton (AVP)
100 Terminal Rd,
Avoca, PA 18641
570-602-2000