Submitted by Eastern States Exposition
Exceptional dairy farm families from across the Northeast were rewarded for excellence in a variety of categories during the New England Green Pastures Recognition Banquet, held Sept. 15th, at The Big E, in West Springfield, Mass.
The Green Pastures program began in 1947, when New Hampshire’s then-governor Charles Dale bet that his state had greener pastures than anywhere else in New England. The claim sparked an annual competition that recognized innovation and pasture management. Extension services in each New England state facilitated the contest, and the program has evolved to annually recognize one extraordinary dairy farm in each state. Each year, previous winners interview, tour, and judge the nominated farms.
Now in its 75th year, the New England Green Pastures program has grown from a challenge that started with Governor Dale, into a successful regional initiative that emphasizes the importance of a viable dairy industry in New England.
“The New England Green Pastures program has evolved from one of promoting pastures and forage management, to its present objective of honoring an outstanding dairy family from each of the six New England States by considering their farm’s contribution to the agricultural community and other criteria,” said Green Pastures Program Coordinator, Gary Anderson.
The Green Pastures committee’s judging criteria includes business management, crop production, herd performance, environmental practices and community leadership.
The 2023 Outstanding Dairy Farms of the Year are:
- Connecticut: UConn Kellogg Dairy Center, of Storrs, Conn.
- New Hampshire: Huckins Farm, of New Hampton, New Hampshire.
- Maine: Green Valle Farm, of Newburgh, ME.
- Vermont: Ackermann Farm, of Hardwick, Vermont.
- Massachusetts - High Lawn Farm, of Lee, MA
Each family received a silver pitcher and a sign designating their farm as a New England Green Pastures winner. They were also invited to attend The Big E during their Massachusetts visit.
For more information on the New England Green Pastures program, contact Program Coordinator Gary Anderson at garya@maine.edu.
Image: Ackermann Farm, of Hardwick, Vermont, was honored with the Green Pastures Award for Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year at The Big E in West Springfield, Mass. Pictured left to right are: Tony Kitsos, State Coordinator, Andee Ackermann, Sara Ackermann, Allie Ackermann and Jim Ackermann.