Two Oneida County Farms Win Dairy of Distinction Awards

June is National Dairy month and means time for the annual Dairy of Distinction Awards. Two Oneida County operations brought home the honors. The envelope please...

The award is based on dairy operations that have "attractive, well-kept farms" across 5 states; New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland and Vermont. Farms are nominated by the dairy secretary of each state and judging is done by road side visits to each nominee. It's hoped that "attractive farmsteads will enhance consumer confidence in the dairy industry."

The award also recognizes the hard work and efforts of all Northeast dairy farmers. “This grassroots recognition has been the key to the program,” said William Underwood, New York’s first president and farmer from Tully, NY. “This is one way dairy farmers can directly promote their industry”. Honoring these farmers say’s ‘thank you’, and by promoting this program we can encourage other farmers to do the same.

This year's winners are By Design Farm owned and operated by Rodney and Brianne Willson from Ava, and the Lee Dairy Farm owned and operated by sisters, Mary Hill, Cindy Lee, and Judy Post in Boonville.  Check out some photos below from By Design Farm.

The Dairy of Distinction Award began in 1983 as [art of the New York Dairy Farm Beautification Program.  Over 30 Oneida Country farms have been recognized with the award.