The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program announced the winners for the FARM Excellence Awards at the Joint Annual Meeting. The awards were established to recognize farms and evaluators demonstrating excellence in their engagement with the FARM Program.
Animal Care and Antibiotic Stewardship
Carlson Dairy LLP
Pennock, MN
First District Association
Carlson Dairy began in 1891 in Pennock, MN, with humble beginnings of milking eight cows in a small red barn. Fast forward to today, the dairy has multiple generations of Carlson’s performing daily operations, milking roughly 2000 cows.
After every FARM animal care evaluation, areas for improvement are addressed in a timely fashion. The farm ensures all employees have annually signed Cow Care Agreements and have signed training logs during the onboarding process for new employees. Posters for correct handling of calves, non-ambulatory cows and transporting animals can be found throughout the farm, in both English and Spanish, to ensure the correct and proper methods are followed.
When it comes to the handling of antibiotics, Carlson Dairy works with its vet clinic to ensure judicious and appropriate use. In order to mitigate antibiotic use, Carlson Dairy created well-planned vaccination programs through its clinic, starting with newborn calves to minimize future health risks. All treatments are logged in the animal health log and stored in the locked drug room, making sure every single drop is accounted for. These efforts have paid off, keeping cows healthy and enhancing overall animal care.
Environmental Stewardship
Double S Dairy
Markesan, WI
Saputo Cheese USA, Inc.
Double S Dairy was established 25 years ago by brothers Dan and Steve Smits in Markesan, WI. Leadership at Double S Dairy extends beyond the Smits brothers with Butch Guenther, the farm’s dedicated herdsman, who has been a pivotal part of the team.
Today, the farm milks approximately 1,500 cows and manages its own crop production. The farm cultivates alfalfa and corn for silage, ensuring high-quality feed and reinforcing a circular system where crops are grown, fed to the cows, and manure is recycled back into the fields per its nutrient management plan, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency.
By leveraging the FARM Environmental Stewardship evaluation results and FARM resources, Double S Dairy has laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship. In 2023, the farm participated in a comprehensive farm assessment to establish its on-farm greenhouse gas and energy baselines through FARM ES Version 2. By sharing its knowledge and experiences, Double S Dairy supports the broader agricultural community in adopting sustainable practices.
Workforce Development
Oakridge Dairy
Ellington, CT
Dairy Farmers of America
Oakridge Dairy has a deep history in Ellington, Connecticut, founded in the late 1890s. The Oakridge herd has 2,550 cows milking on average with approximately 50 employees keeping things running – from feeding calves to payroll. Oakridge has a very clear vision to be the farm of the future, and a place where consumers know their farmer.
Oakridge has used the FARM Workforce Development resources and evaluation to support continuous improvement by adding to its detailed employee handbook and implementing safety trainings through company-wide monthly meetings. Over the past twelve months, the farm conducted training sessions covering 13 different topics for daily operations on the farm. Regular training assures employee safety and contributes to the farm’s overall success.
Oakridge knows its employees are the core of the dairy and work to make sure they are supported outside of work too, such as hosting an employee-organized soccer team. Its mission is to build a better future for families by producing safe and healthy food while delivering value to employees, owners, and its community.
FARM Program Evaluator
Nicole Frank
Litchfield, MN
First District Association
Since starting with First District in May 2021, Nicole Frank has conducted over 500 FARM animal care evaluations and 70 environmental stewardship assessments. She works diligently to ensure her farms are prepared for every FARM evaluation through ongoing support, assistance and striving for shared continuous improvement.
From a young age, Nicole has been a true advocate for the dairy industry. She grew up visiting her grandparents’ dairy farm, showing dairy cattle in 4-H, and serving as a local dairy princess. Nicole has truly embedded herself in serving the dairy industry through her role as a FARM evaluator.
During FARM Environmental Stewardship Version 3 development, Nicole took the initiative to take part in model testing. She also made it her mission to personally meet with veterinary clinics who service member-owners along with Minnesota Department of Agriculture dairy inspectors to answer questions about the FARM program and gain support when working with farmers. She has gone the extra mile, being an advocate and influencer on the FARM Program and its importance to industry professionals.