HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Center for Dairy Excellence will host its first “Open House and Dairy Tour” at Hopeway Farm June 28, from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Hopeway Farm is located at 166 Helen Drive, Greensburg, Westmoreland County. Wayne and Hope Frye, along with their son and daughter, own and operate the herd of 310 milking Holsteins.
Daughter, Kelly, manages the farm’s reproduction program, while their son, Patrick, is involved with the field work and cattle feeding. In 1978, the Fryes entered into the dairy industry milking just 28 cows in a tie-stall barn.Improvements. Over the last 13 years, the Frye’s have made tremendous improvements in facilities, cow comfort, reproduction and milk production.These improvements have all contributed to the family’s success as dairy farmers.
“Hopeway Dairy is a dairy business that incorporates new technology to make improvements in their milking herd,” said John Frey, executive director of the Center for Dairy Excellence. “They continue to grow and demonstrate their passion for their role as dairy producers in Pennsylvania.
”The Frye’s operation is centered around the newly-built double-twelve parallel milking parlor. Recent additions were also made to the sand-bedded free stall barn to reduce overcrowding.
Select and detect
A unique aspect of the operation is the Select Detect System that is used throughout the herd. The open house will allow attendees to tour the facilities and view the new improvements on the dairy. The event will include a short program to introduce the Frye family and their journey through the dairy industry.
The program will also include information about resources available from the Center for Dairy Excellence. At 12 p.m., a picnic-style lunch will be provided free of charge.
The Westmoreland County event is the first of two “Open House and Dairy Tours” hosted by the center this summer. The second event will be held Tuesday, July 16, at Meadow Spring Farm LLC in Lititz, Lancaster County.
Both events are free and open to anyone within the dairy community. If interested, sponsorship opportunities are available. Pre-registration for both events is requested. Please register by calling the Center for Dairy Excellence at 717-346-0849 or email lroyek@centerfordairyexcellence.org.
