Dairy industry leaders win excellence awards

Pennsylvania’s dairy industry leaders recently were recognized at the 2019 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit in Lancaster.

The Pennsylvania Distinguished Dairy Producer Award recognizes dairy producers who have demonstrated superior management capabilities within their businesses and provide outstanding leadership and service to the dairy industry.

The award was presented to Star Rock Dairy, which manages dairy, beef finishing, and hog and broiler enterprises, and crop farms more than 11,000 acres of owned and rented land.

Owners Tom, Rob and Abe Barley were recognized for maintaining a safe, friendly environment for employees and for conducting public tours on the farm.

The Pennsylvania Dairy Service Award recognizes individuals who have distinguished themselves in serving Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and its individual dairy farms.

The award was presented to Alan Zepp from the Center for Dairy Excellence and Michael Hosterman with AgChoice Farm Credit for encouraging business growth. Zepp also writes a weekly industry-focused column and presents a monthly webinar.

The Pennsylvania Dairy Innovator Award recognizes individuals or businesses that provide innovation in the marketplace or that create opportunities for innovation on the farm.

The award was presented to Turner Dairy Farms. The farm has redesigned its labels to appeal to consumers and began offering new products, such as limited-edition flavored milk and lactose-free milk.