By Lisa Halvorsen, Freelance Agricultural Journalist for UVM Extension
Like many Vermont farms, Molly Brook Farm in Cabot can claim ownership by the same family for generations. Its current owners, Myles and Rhonda Goodrich, are the seventh generation of dairy producers on a farm established almost two centuries ago.
The farm has a distinguished history and is renowned internationally for its superior Jersey genetics. Since 2018, it's been a successful certified organic dairy with a high-producing herd that has earned several quality milk awards from Stonyfield Organic, where they ship their milk.
It comes as no surprise that this 565-acre hillside farm recently received another accolade, that of being named the 2022 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year. The farm is the only one to have won this award twice. The first time was in 1987 when Myles' parents, Walter and Sally Goodrich, operated the farm in partnership with Myles.
The award is presented annually to an exemplary, financially sound and efficiently managed dairy operation, representative of the best farms in Vermont by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension and the Vermont Dairy Industry Association, in cooperation with the New England Green Pastures Program.
Nominated farms are evaluated on a number of criteria including herd management, pasture quality, milk production records, land stewardship and conservation practices, promotion of the dairy industry and overall excellence in dairying. The winner is selected by a team of judges comprised of past Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year winners who interview the finalists and tour their farms to observe their operations.
Asked why their farming operation has endured for generations, Rhonda believes, "What's been consistent through the generations is love for the cows and the land that has been hard earned. That's what binds us, generation after generation. We are all in, in every aspect of this. We are always learning, using all resources available to us."
The family was honored at an awards banquet at Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, in September, along with the Green Pastures Program winners from the other New England states. Other finalists for this year's award were Mike and Denna Benjamin, Franklin, and Skyline Holsteins, Derby.