SAVE THE DATE for the 26th Annual NODPA Field Days, September 24 & 25, 2026

26th Annual NODPA Field Days, Berks County Agricultural Center, Leesport, PA

Mark your calendars for the 26th Annual NODPA Field Days. With a lot happening in the Organic Dairy industry, the NODPA Board is working to create a cutting edge education program that focuses on strategies to prepare your farm for the impacts of unpredictable climate changes, such as those we experienced in 2025. Pasture management, silvopasture, renewable energy, soil health to grow the best forage, and animal nutrition are the themes that have been identified.

These themes will all be considered in the context of sound economics to ensure that the farm is profitable and economically sound for the next generation. More details on workshop titles and presenters will be featured in the May NODPA News and online.

We have two excellent dairy farms to visit in the Berks County area. The Thursday morning tour will be at Nelson Martin family’s Country Sunrise Creamery and Farm Store, near Meyerstown, PA. The Martin’s have an on-farm creamery where they produce yogurt, cheese and sell their raw milk. The farm is grass based and, while not certified organic, is herbicide and pesticide free. The Friday afternoon tour will be at Spring Creek Farms, Wernersville, PA, owned and operated by the Stricker family, long time stewards of the land and early organic pioneers. It is a grass-based certified organic dairy farm, first certified organic in 1999. In addition, they have over 400 pasture raised poultry.

Look for more information in the May NODPA News or visit the NODPA website, www.nodpa.com. If you have questions about the NODPA Field Days or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, please contact Nora Owens, NODPA Field Days Coordinator, at 413-772-0444 or noraowens@comcast.net.

Posted: to Field Days on Tue, Mar 3, 2026
Updated: Sat, Mar 7, 2026