If you’ve ever wanted to meet someone who is a wealth of knowledge regarding grazing dairy– then with 25 years of experience grazing dairy cow– Duane is the guy to meet! He and his wife June started Moo-Echo Farms in 1978 with 60 cows. Initially they were a total confinement operation with a milking parlor.

In the early 90’s he and June transitioned to a grass based operation, and he’s been grazing ever since. He’s keeping grazing in the family, and has transitioned ownership of Moo-Echo Farms over to his son Neil, and daughter-in-law Kilah.

They now have a herd that consists of 300 milking cows and 300 young stock and as of 2017 are considered an organic dairy operation.

Duane wears many hats these days! He serves on the National Grazing Lands Coalition board representing the Northeast Dairy industry as well as serving on the PA Grazing Lands Coalition board representing the PA Forage and Grassland Council. He’s a mentor for the PA Center for Dairy Excellence, and is a Dairy Commissioner for the PA Animal Health & Diagnostic Commission.

In 2000, Duane won the Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer award, the Charles Conan award in 2006, and in 2010 he was recognized for his contributions to the Pennsylvania Forage Industry. On top of all of this, he’s grandpa to six grandsons and two granddaughters!

Duane feels that the PAGLC brings together grass-minded farmers, educators, and industry to learn and increase knowledge and understanding of grass based farming and conservation. He is happy to answer any questions related to grazing and farm financials. You can reach him at mooecho@embarqmail.com

Thanks for your dedication to grazing Duane!