UNIVERSITY PARK — Dairy farmers and industry representatives can learn about value-added dairy businesses by attending two “Women Rooted in Agriculture” events to be hosted by Penn State Extension in May.

The first event, “Women Rooted in Agriculture: Goot Essa Cheese Tour,” will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at 351 Wise Rd., Howard, Centre County.

Goot Essa is operated by Amish dairy farmer John Esh and his family. Attendees can tour Goot Essa’s small cheese-making facility and cheese caves and sample several handcrafted, European-style cheeses made from cow, sheep and goat milk. After lunch, Ginger Fenton, dairy extension educator, will talk about value-added dairy businesses. The registration deadline for this event is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.

The second event, “Women Rooted in Agriculture: Central Wedge Cheese Shop,” is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, May 6, at 25 W. High St., Carlisle, Cumberland County.

During this event, participants will hear from the owner of Central Wedge, Stephanie Beeman, who will discuss her journey to owning a cheese shop.

Pennsylvania dairy farmer Kendra Nissley, of Jubilee Heritage Cheese, also will talk about farm diversification.

In addition, Miranda Harple, Penn State Extension marketing and business development education specialist, will present on Google Analytics. The registration deadline for this event is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

These workshops are geared toward dairy farmer women, women in agriculture and women interested in value-added dairy business and cheese making.

Both events carry a registration fee of $15, which includes lunch and a cheese tasting.

The Center for Dairy Excellence provided partial funding for these workshops.

More information on each event is available on the following Penn State Extension webpages:

https://extension.psu.edu/women-

rooted-in-agriculture-goot-essa-cheese-tour.

https://extension.psu.edu/women-

rooted-in-agriculture-central-wedge-cheese-shop.