SYRACUSE, N.Y.  – Nominations are now open for the annual “Dairying for Tomorrow” awards, presented by the American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East). The awards recognize farmers’ production practices that will help sustain the dairy industry now and into the future.

Awards are presented in three categories: animal care, community outreach and environmental stewardship. 

“We want our farmers to know their efforts to produce high-quality milk are appreciated and critical to maintaining a positive image for the industry,” said ADA North East CEO Rick Naczi. “The awards recognize the dedication to the care of their animals and land, and to being a good neighbor in the local community.”

The overall winners and honorable mentions in each category will receive a farm photo shoot. Photos will be made available to winners and will be used by ADA North East in social media campaigns and educational projects. Additionally, to help demonstrate the impact dairy farmers have on their local communities, overall winners in each category will have a donation (valued at least $1,000) made in their name to an ADA North East retail or school initiative to drive dairy sales and develop young consumers’ enjoyment of dairy. 

Awards will be presented during the dairy awards breakfast at the New York State Fair, the ADA North East dairy farmer luncheon at Ag Progress Day in Pennsylvania, or the dairy show at the Maryland State Fair, depending on the location of the recognized farms. Winners will be notified in advance and invited to attend the award presentation.

Jan King, of King Brothers Dairy, 2019 Community Outreach winner said, “We’re very honored to win this award. We have a family tradition of promotion, starting with our parents, and are lucky to have a team of incredible people – from everyone on the farm to our retail staff. We know that we are part of a larger effort of dairy farmers who work every day, not just to provide nourishing milk and dairy products, but to share their stories.”

2019 winners:

Animal Care

Winner: Misty Meadow Farm, Smithsburg, Maryland

Honorable Mention: A Joy Swiss, Athens, Pennsylvania

Community Outreach

Winner: King Brothers Dairy, Schuylerville, New York

Honorable Mention: Fawn View Manor, Pylesville, Maryland

Environmental Stewardship

Winner:  Red Sunset Farm, Mifflintown, Pennsylvania

Honorable Mention: Wagner Farms, Poestenkill, New York