Governor Scott with the Aires-Hill Farm family.
by Andrew Wood, VT Dairy Industry Association
The Vermont Dairy Industry Association (VDIA) was proud to recognize many significant achievements in the dairy industry at the Dairy Farmers’ Appreciation Banquet during the 2019 Vermont Farm Show. The 100th anniversaries were highlighted for Cabot Creamery Cooperative and St. Albans Cooperative Creamery, awards were given for dairy farm of the year, highest milk quality awards and the Finley Award.
Both St. Albans Cooperative Creamery and Cabot Creamery Cooperative started in 1919 and the VDIA was proud to honor their 100th anniversary at the dairy banquet this year for their dedication and service to the Vermont dairy industry over that time.
Vermont dairy farmers were recognized for producing high quality milk at the banquet. The 2018 overall highest-quality milk award was presented to David Houde of St. Johnsbury. There were 71 dairies nominated for the quality awards, based on the quality criteria for nomination. Quality parameters such as bacterial and somatic cell counts are factored when identifying the winners.
The Dairy Farmers’ Appreciation Banquet has been hosted by the Vermont Dairy Industry Association (VDIA) for many years in cooperation with the Vermont Farm Show and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. “Today is time we come together to recognize positive impact and successes with in the VT dairy industry”, said Emcee and VDIA Board Member Tony Kitsos.
The 2018 Dairy Farm of the Year, Aires-Hill Farm in Berkshire was recognized with a hand-painted sign. The Finley award was presented to Jed Davis, Director of Sustainability for Cabot Creamery Cooperative. The Finley Award recognizes that person whose character, education, accomplishments and dedication to Vermont agriculture most closely resemble those goals, ideals and achievements that were so important to former Deputy Commissioner of Agriculture, John Finley.
The Vermont Dairy Industry Association works for the mutual benefit of its members, dairy farm families, and the dairy industry; and encourages and promotes close cooperation with educational institutions and other agencies concerned with the dairy industry.
Jed Davis, John Finley Award winner.
Contact: Andrew Wood, 802-498-8865, andywoodvt@gmail.com