HARRISBURG, Pa., June 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff today introduced a new slogan, Web site and brochure to provide support and resources for the state's dairy industry growth during a meeting with some 70 members of the Pennsylvania Dairy Task Force, elected officials and industry leaders. The group met to discuss state and national issues impacting the commonwealth's largest agricultural industry.

The Center for Dairy Excellence is a 501 (c) (6) private, non-profit corporation initiated by Gov. Edward G. Rendell in January 2004. The organization provides guidance and insight to the dairy industry in Pennsylvania and the U.S.

"Communicating the value of Pennsylvania's dairy industry is important to producers and the general public alike," said Wolff. "These communication tools will help tell the story of Pennsylvania's largest agricultural industry, while helping producers access vast resources for increasing productivity and profitability."

A new rallying cry for Pennsylvania's dairy industry is Top 10! This new slogan is intended to encourage members of the dairy industry to increase their productivity by 10 percent or more. For example, a milk producer would be encouraged to "top" a 10 percent increase in milk production and an extension agent might set a goal "topping" 10 personal farm visits per month.

"This system offers measurable, yet attainable goals for the industry," said Wolff. "Goals can be customized to suit the needs of a producer or business."

Wolff also unveiled a comprehensive Web site for the dairy industry, http://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/. The new site features state, regional and national dairy industry information; an overview of the Dairy Task Force; and resources for producers and affiliated businesses to improve their operations and financial conditions.

Meeting participants were among the first to see the new dairy industry brochure about the significance of the commonwealth's dairy industry. The brochure is located on the Web site (click on 'Cash Cow'). Copies may also be requested from the Center for Dairy Excellence, 717-346-0849.

"We created this brochure to educate Pennsylvanians on the economic value and importance of the dairy industry to the state's economy," said Wolff. "Our 'Cash Cow' brochure is simple and fun, yet factual. For instance, few realize that Pennsylvania's 560,000 cows produce enough milk each year to fill 201,240 tanker loads. Placed end-to-end, they would stretch from Philadelphia to Los Angeles."

To learn more about the Center for Dairy Excellence, visit http://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/.

CONTACT: Stephanie Meyers, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, +1-717-787-5085.

CONTACT: Stephanie Meyers, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture,
+1-717-787-5085

Web site: http://www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/
http://www.state.pa.us/