The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management Program has announced the winners of the second annual FARM Excellence Awards. Through these awards, the FARM Program recognized three farms and one evaluator who go above and beyond industry standards through their commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.
“The 2022 FARM Excellence Awards winners are a truly special group that embraced FARM Program principles and have raised the bar for what is possible in our industry,” Vice President of the FARM Program Emily Yeiser Stepp said. “They’re great models for on-farm social responsibility.”
The 2022 FARM Excellence Award recipients are:
Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship — MVP Dairy, LLC (Danone North America)
MVP Dairy, LLC, is in Celina, Ohio and patrons of FARM participant Danone North America. MVP Dairy was awarded the 2022 FARM Excellence Award in Animal Care & Antibiotic Stewardship for their constant efforts to create the ideal environment for their cows, prevent potential illnesses and reduce the use of medications by following the FARM facility guidelines and best management practices.
Environmental Stewardship — Kibler Dairy Farms, Inc. (Dairy Farmers of America)
Kibler Dairy Farms, Inc. is in Warren, Ohio, and is a member of Dairy Farmers of America. Kibler Dairy Farms was awarded the 2022 FARM Excellence Award in Environmental Stewardship for their focus on conservation practices and water quality initiatives to lower their environmental impact.
Workforce Development — Double A Dairy, LLC (Glanbia Nutritionals)
Double A Dairy, LLC is in Jerome, Idaho, and patrons of FARM Program participant Glanbia Nutritionals. Double A Dairy was awarded the 2022 FARM Excellence Award in Workforce Development for their commitment to employees by prioritizing new employee onboarding, focusing on continuous improvement, and implementing a formal safety program.
Evaluator of the Year — Ruth McCuin (Agri-Mark, Inc.)
Ruth McCuin, field service supervisor and FARM Program coordinator for Agri-Mark, Inc., was awarded the 2022 FARM Evaluator Excellence Award for her superior commitment to the farms she represents and the help she provides in ensuring everyone is working toward continuous improvement.
Winners were announced Tuesday, Oct. 25 at the 2022 Joint Annual Meeting of the National Dairy Board, the National Milk Producers Federation and the United Dairy Industry Association in Aurora, Colorado.
The FARM Excellence Awards were created in 2021 to celebrate farms that are dedicated to continuous improvement in one or more FARM Program areas, and a FARM Program evaluator for their exceptional care and attention to the farms they evaluate. The awards are judged by FARM Farmer Advisory Council members and other subject matter experts. Farms and evaluators can be nominated by fellow dairy farmers and evaluators, members of their communities, extension, cooperative or processor staff, veterinarians, or other industry professionals.
