The 2017 Dairy of Distinction application deadline is April 15.
The program is more important than ever for rewarding and recognizing New York state dairy farms for their devotion to the industry during difficult economic times and helping build consumer confidence in New York state dairies and agriculture as a whole.
The Dairy of Distinction program received 28 applications last year, and 18 farms were honored with Dairy of Distinction awards.
The program relies on volunteers to keep it running and is always looking for new volunteers, especially for judging the farms in the spring and promoting the program.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Nancy Putman (315-322-5493, nancy.putman@farmcrediteast.com) or Marylynn Collins, Dairy of Distinction president (315-736-3394,
ext. 132). Some reimbursement for mileage and meals will be provided.
For more information and to submit an application online, visit dairyofdistinction.com. Check out New York State Dairy of Distinction on Facebook.
Showing posts with label Dairy of Distinction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dairy of Distinction. Show all posts
Monday, February 13, 2017
Sunday, September 25, 2016
17 Farms Earn Dairy of Distinction Awards
From Empire Farm & Dairy magazine:
STAFF REPORTS
Seventeen farms in New York state earned Dairy of Distinction awards this year.
The winners received bright Dairy of Distinction signs to proudly display at their farms.
The purpose of the award, which has been presented by the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program for 32 years, is to recognize the hard work and dedication of Northeast dairy farmers and to honor those who maintain attractive farmsteads.
Well-kept farm businesses help promote the dairy industry and enhance consumer confidence.
Farms must score at least 90 out of 100 points to receive the award. Judges consider the cleanliness and physical conditions of buildings and the attractiveness of the surroundings, including landscaping, roads and lanes, fences and ditches. Judges also rate the cleanliness of the animals and barnyards.
Char-Marie Farm LLC in Bloomville, Delaware County, one of the winners, has been in operation for over 200 years.
Dairy has been the main source of income for the six generations who have run the business since 1815.
Now operated by cousins Brian and Jeff Haynes, Char-Marie Farm has increased production every year with advancements in feeding and care for the animals.
In 2014, Brian and Jeff were awarded a Delaware County Outstanding Young Farm Family Award.
The Vellenga family in Orange County are also Dairy of Distinction winners this year. Troy and Tina Vellenga and their children, Dustin, Brad, Kally and Tyler, are the owners and operators of Crestline Dairy LLC in Middletown.
Troy’s father purchased the farm in 1960, and Troy took over in 1992. The Vellengas have over 200 dairy cows, not including heifers and young stock. A milking parlor and slatted floor freestall were built last year to add cow comfort and improve production.
In Franklin County, the Hutchins Family Farm in Malone is a Dairy of Distinction winner. Owned by Robert, Barbara and James Hutchins, the picturesque farm is home to 50 Jersey cows and 50 head of young stock.
The Hutchins family grows all its feed, including corn, alfalfa and grass hay on 120 acres, plus an additional 30 acres of rented land.
The family suffered a devastating barn fire on July 19, 1993, on Barbara and Roberts wedding anniversary. The dedicated help of good neighbors and friends allowed the barn to be rebuilt in three months.
A lean-to for the young stock and a small freestall were added over the years.
Previously honored farms are judged again each year in order to maintain the Dairy of Distinction honor.
All active dairy farms in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Jersey and Maryland are eligible to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award.
To apply for the award in New York, an application must be submitted by April 15 to Nancy Putman, the state secretary for the program. She may be reached at 315-322-5493 or dairyofdistinction@gmail.com.
Visit www.dairyofdistinction.com for more information, including that for the other states.
STAFF REPORTS
Seventeen farms in New York state earned Dairy of Distinction awards this year.
The winners received bright Dairy of Distinction signs to proudly display at their farms.
The purpose of the award, which has been presented by the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program for 32 years, is to recognize the hard work and dedication of Northeast dairy farmers and to honor those who maintain attractive farmsteads.
Well-kept farm businesses help promote the dairy industry and enhance consumer confidence.
Farms must score at least 90 out of 100 points to receive the award. Judges consider the cleanliness and physical conditions of buildings and the attractiveness of the surroundings, including landscaping, roads and lanes, fences and ditches. Judges also rate the cleanliness of the animals and barnyards.
Char-Marie Farm LLC in Bloomville, Delaware County, one of the winners, has been in operation for over 200 years.
Dairy has been the main source of income for the six generations who have run the business since 1815.
Now operated by cousins Brian and Jeff Haynes, Char-Marie Farm has increased production every year with advancements in feeding and care for the animals.
In 2014, Brian and Jeff were awarded a Delaware County Outstanding Young Farm Family Award.
The Vellenga family in Orange County are also Dairy of Distinction winners this year. Troy and Tina Vellenga and their children, Dustin, Brad, Kally and Tyler, are the owners and operators of Crestline Dairy LLC in Middletown.
Troy’s father purchased the farm in 1960, and Troy took over in 1992. The Vellengas have over 200 dairy cows, not including heifers and young stock. A milking parlor and slatted floor freestall were built last year to add cow comfort and improve production.
In Franklin County, the Hutchins Family Farm in Malone is a Dairy of Distinction winner. Owned by Robert, Barbara and James Hutchins, the picturesque farm is home to 50 Jersey cows and 50 head of young stock.
The Hutchins family grows all its feed, including corn, alfalfa and grass hay on 120 acres, plus an additional 30 acres of rented land.
The family suffered a devastating barn fire on July 19, 1993, on Barbara and Roberts wedding anniversary. The dedicated help of good neighbors and friends allowed the barn to be rebuilt in three months.
A lean-to for the young stock and a small freestall were added over the years.
Previously honored farms are judged again each year in order to maintain the Dairy of Distinction honor.
All active dairy farms in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Jersey and Maryland are eligible to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award.
To apply for the award in New York, an application must be submitted by April 15 to Nancy Putman, the state secretary for the program. She may be reached at 315-322-5493 or dairyofdistinction@gmail.com.
Visit www.dairyofdistinction.com for more information, including that for the other states.
Tuesday, February 24, 2015
Dairy of Distinction Applications Due April 15
From the Dairy of Distinction website:
Applications for the Dairy of Distinction Program are due April 15.
"Established
in 1983, the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program recognizes the
hard work and dedication of dairy owner / operators who have
attractive, well-kept farms and promote a good dairy industry image," states the website. "All
active dairy farms in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and
Vermont are eligible to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award."
Winning farms receive the special Dairy of Distinction roadside sign for
their farmstead.
The
Dairy of Distinction Program is based on the concept that attractive
farmsteads enhance consumer confidence in the dairy industry. The award
also recognizes the hard work and efforts of all Northeast dairy
farmers.
“This grassroots recognition has been the key to the program,”
said William Underwood, New York’s first president and farmer from
Tully, Onondaga County. “This is one way dairy farmers can directly promote their
industry.”
To
apply for the award, an application must be submitted to the secretary
for your state by April 15. The New York state secretary is Nancy Putman, 80 Chipman Corners Road, Lisbon, (315) 322-5493, dairyofdistinction@gmail.com
Roadside farm judging takes place in May
and is based on the condition of the farm and livestock.Winning farms will be notified in late
May or June. Winners are re-judged every year to ensure they maintain
the high standards of the award.
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