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Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Essex Junction, VT – There are 170 Dairy of Distinction dairy farms in Vermont and these farms were recognized with a luncheon on August 30, 2007 at the Champlain Valley Fair. This year, 17 new honorees (listed below) were named as a Dairy of Distinction. The Vermont Dairy of Distinction Program awards were developed to recognize farms that maintain a well-kept farmstead.
Farms are judged based on several criteria. Judges look at the cleanliness, physical condition, and uniform appearance of buildings; neat and appropriate landscaping; well graded roads and lanes; fences in good repair; neat ditches that are free of debris; cleanliness of animals; neat barnyards; clean roads free of mud and manure; manure storage facilities out of view; farm machinery that is parked in an orderly fashion; no apparent pollution of streams; clean feed areas; and all unnecessary machinery stored out of sight.
This year’s judges were from the dairy industry as well as the general public. Representatives from Conservation Districts, Farm Credit, ACA, Dairy Cooperatives, Farm Bureau, and Green Mountain Federation of Dairy Co-ops provided volunteer judges.
“I congratulate all of the Dairy of Distinction farms and applaud them for their dedication to producing an exceptional product,” said Governor Douglas. “This award showcases the best our state has to offer in dairy farming. Vermont has a long and proud history of dairy farming and we must do all we can to preserve and protect this heritage.”
The Dairy of Distinction program was developed because attractive dairies give the consumer greater confidence in the wholesomeness of milk, stimulates milk sales, and encourages public support for the dairy industry. Attractive farm operations also draw tourists to the state. The Dairy of Distinction Program is open to cow, goat, sheep and water buffalo dairy farms.
“These farms represent the highest quality of production for which our state is known,” said Roger Allbee, Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. “They are each an example of the beauty that our state farms provide and Vermont farmers take great pride in their contribution to the unique beauty of the state.”
This year’s 17 honorees will join 153 Dairies of Distinction already in Vermont. These dairies are judged yearly, and must maintain a clean appearance to keep their status.
Congratulations to all 170 Dairy of Distinction farms.
| Gray's Hilltop |
Orleans |
| Gervais Family Farm, Inc. |
Franklin |
| Bourbeau and Sons |
Franklin |
| P. Bourbeau Farm |
Franklin |
| THE PHELPS FARM |
Grand Isle |
| Joneslan Farm |
Lamoille |
| Trudell Family Farm |
Franklin |
| Ledge Haven Farm |
Addison |
| Shelburne Farms |
Chittenden |
| Chaput Family Farms |
Orleans |
| Two River Farm |
Franklin |
| Keewaydin Farm |
Lamoille |
| Parent Farm |
Franklin |
| Jockey Street Dairy LLC |
Rutland |
| Allandra Farm Inc. |
Addison |
| Taylor Farm |
Windham |
| Gentlemen Farm |
Orleans |
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