Vermont’s Dairy of Distinction Farms Recognized at Champlain Valley Exposition

One hundred and forty dairy farms were recognized as “Dairies of Distinction” at the annual luncheon hosted at the Champlain Valley Exposition.  The Vermont Dairy of Distinction Program was developed to recognize farms that maintain a well-kept farmstead.  Attractive dairies give the consumer greater confidence in the wholesomeness of milk, stimulates milk sales, and encourages public support for the dairy industry.

Dairy of Distinction judges look at the cleanliness, physical condition, and uniform appearance of buildings; neat and appropriate landscaping; well graded roads and lanes; fences in good repair; neat ditches that are free of debris; cleanliness of animals; neat barnyards; clean roads free of mud and manure; manure storage facilities out of view; farm machinery that is parked in an orderly fashion; no apparent pollution of streams; clean feed areas; and all unnecessary machinery stored out of sight.

Two farms were recognized as 2014 Dairy of Distinctions. They are:

The Lazy Dog Farm

Jesse and Stefanie Wilbur

Orwell, VT

Gervais Family Farm No. 2, LLC

Charles, Lawrence, Clement and Paul Gervais

Enosburg Falls, VT

Farms that earn the Dairy of Distinction award receive a sign to display at their farmstead, an invitation to the luncheon at the Champlain Valley Exposition, and tickets to attend the fair.  The Dairy of Distinction program is funded by the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council and administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.  Volunteers are recruited to judge farms on an annual basis. 

For a complete listing of Vermont’s Dairies of Distinction, please visit www.vermontdairy.com .  Or for more information please contact Louise Waterman, Vermont Agency of Agriculture at Louise.Waterman@state.vt.us  or (802) 828-6900