BURLINGTON, Vt. — The deadline for nominations for the 2021 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year has been extended to May 10.

This coveted award recognizes an exemplary dairy operation that demonstrates a strong commitment to dairying through its sound management practices, quality milk production, innovative ideas, sustainability and overall excellence. It is presented annually by University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Dairy Industry Association in cooperation with the New England Green Pastures Program.

Agricultural organizations, dairy co-ops, agribusinesses, farmers and other individuals are invited to nominate an outstanding farm. Previous nominees that did not win this award may be nominated again.

A link to the nomination form and details about the award and past recipients, including Sunderland Farm, the 2020 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, can be found at http://go.uvm.edu/vdfya. If questions, or to request a nomination form by mail, call Peggy Manahan at (800) 639-2130.

A judging committee consisting of previous award winners will visit farms in early summer to evaluate each on its total farm management, herd, pasture quality, conservation and environmental practices, among other criteria. The committee also will consider community service, including activities promoting the dairy industry and participation in agricultural organizations.

The New England Green Pastures Program began in 1947 as a way to publicly acknowledge farms with the “greenest pastures” in the region. Today it sponsors the Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year award along with similar awards programs in the other five New England states. In 1961 selection of a regional winner was eliminated with each state recognizing its own outstanding dairy enterprise instead.

–UVM Extension

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