MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – Dec. 22, 2016 – Four dairy farms were awarded with Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation’s 2017 Dairy Farm of Distinction award during the organization’s annual meeting earlier this month in Peabody, Massachusetts. Winners included Balsam Hill Farm from Sheffield, Bristol County Agricultural High School from Dighton, Oka Real Milk LLC from Foxboro (Lawton Farms), and Pine Island Farm from Sheffield.
MFBF’s Dairy Advisory Committee developed this program a few years ago to recognize and present to the public those dairy farmers who set high standards and achieve a level of excellence in overall animal health, farm management and compliance with public safety.
“This prestigious award is meant to promote and enhance the positive image and visibility of the Massachusetts dairy industry,” said Alan Everett, a dairy farmer from Williamsburg who chairs the dairy committee. “We hope that the evaluations that occur as part of this program will help our dairy farmer members both economically and with best management practices.”
The farms were judged upon the following criteria: general appearance of the animals, including cleanliness and no signs of disease, lameness, sores or sickness; general appearance of care, including stalls, barnyard, feeding and ventilation; and standards and compliance, including any licensing, if applicable. Those that scored 85 percent or higher were considered a “Dairy Farm of Distinction” and received the award.
“Congratulations to all of our winners,” said MFBF President Ed Davidian, who farms in Northborough. “While I’m a vegetable farmer, I can see that these four farms go above and beyond what’s required of dairy farmers and am proud to present them with this honor.”
MFBF is now accepting applications for the 2018 Dairy Farm of Distinction program with judging expected to take place in June through August of next year.
Only regular members of Farm Bureau may apply. To learn more about how to become a member, please visit: http://mfbf.net/Membership/BecomeaMember/tabid/59/Default.aspx.