2022 Vermont Dairy Industry Association Awardees Receive Financial Boost from A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund
March 1, 2023 | Montpelier, VT - The Vermont Dairy Industry Association (VDIA), in partnership with the A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund, is pleased to announce the 2022 Vermont Milk Quality Awards. The awards recognize the dairy farmers who produced Vermont's best quality milk in 2022. These farmers were recognized recently at the annual Vermont Dairy Producers Conference, held for the first time in-person since the beginning of the pandemic.
The awards were presented to:
|
1st $2,500 |
Howmars Farm |
The Gates Family |
Franklin, VT |
|
2nd $1,500 |
Essex Farm LLC |
The Essex Family |
Vergennes, VT |
|
3rd $1,000 |
Dubois Farm Inc. |
The Dubois Family |
Vergennes, VT |
“The VDIA loves to promote the excellent work of our Vermont dairy farmers. The results of their hard work and dedication can be seen on the landscape throughout our state and in the wonderful dairy products produced with their milk in the state and the region.” said VDIA board member Amy Maxham “Vermont dairy farmers work hard year-round to produce top quality milk and it is our privilege to recognize 3 Vermont farms for their exceptionally high quality. This level of quality is the result of year-round attention to detail, hard work and persistence. “
This is the third year the A. Pizzagalli Family Farm Fund has provided a $5K grant to support the VDIA “Milk Quality Award” program. The grants are designed to encourage professionalism and quality in the industry and recognize dairy farmers for their daily hard work for Vermont. For many years, Angelo Pizzagalli has supported Vermont’s working landscape and its farmers, recognizing the importance of this segment of Vermont’s economy and shared heritage. The three award winners were part of 58 dairy farmers from across the state who achieved the standards necessary to be nominated for the awards. All worked hard to achieve a quality of milk that was considered for this recognition.
“Quality is the cornerstone of Vermont dairy,” said Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture. “It all begins with the care of the cow. Congratulations to our farmers who work day-and-night to deliver a quality product. We are grateful for the support of the Pizzagalli Family and their on-going commitment to excellence in Vermont Agriculture.”
The Vermont Dairy Industry Association works for the mutual benefit of its members, dairy farm families, and the dairy industry, while encouraging and promoting close cooperation with educational institutions and other agencies concerned with the dairy industry. It also provides educational opportunities, facilitates networking, supports youth activities in dairy and recognizes excellence in the dairy industry. The milk of all nominees has met strict quality criteria.
LINKS: VDIA – Milk Quality Award Criteria
Across the Fence interview with Jon Gates | Howmars Farm
CONTACTS: Vermont Dairy Industry Association - Andy Wood | vermontdairyindustry@gmail.com