KANSAS CITY, Kan. — The Gibson family, owners of Ky Bluegrass Genetics in Eminence, Ky., has been named among the 2018 Members of Distinction by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA).
The Members of Distinction program recognizes dairy farmers who excel on their operations, in their communities and in the industry. Honorees inspire others through their actions, leadership and involvement. They represent the best of the dairy industry.
DFA comprises more than 14,500 farmer-owners across the United States. Each year, one notable member farm from each of DFA’s seven regional Areas is selected to receive this honor. Ky Bluegrass Genetics represents the Cooperative’s Mideast Area.
For Jeff and Lisa Gibson, dairy farming was in their genes, as they both came from a long line of small dairy operations in Kentucky. So, when the couple started dairying together in 1996, their goal was to stay small and focus on cow care, while also breeding top-quality animals in the business and boarding cows for others.
“Because of the challenges of a farm of our size, we’ve had to be creative and that’s one reason why we started merchandising more animals, having consignment sales and having the boarding,” Lisa says.
The farm produced a World Dairy Expo grand champion and All-American nominations in all seven breeds. Their daughter, Katie, has twice had the grand champion at the World Dairy Expo junior show.
The Gibson farm also was built with cow comfort in mind. Paired with their attention to every detail, this setup has had a tremendous impact on the quality of both the cows and the milk that they produce.
“Nobody loves their cows more than a dairy farmer, and we want wholesome milk. We want the best product we can put out there,” Lisa says.
By developing unique ways to diversify the dairy while still keeping the cows at the center of the operation, the Gibson family has continued the way of life they value.
— Dairy Farmers of America
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