Shumway Farm Named
Dairy of Distinction'

The Vermont Division of the Northeast Dairy Farm Beauification Program (NEDFBP) and the VT Agency of Agriculture have awarded seven new Vermont Farms Dairy of Distinction Awards for 2005.

One of them is Green Acres Milking Shorthorns, owned and managed by Ruth Shumway on Route 14 in South Randolph

The Dairy of Distinction program recognizes the hard work and dedication of dairy owners and operators who maintain attractive, well-kept farmsteads in an effort to promote a positive dairy industry image. Those deserving of distinction receive the coveted Dairy of Distinction sign to be placed on the roadside of the farmstead.

Some 165 Vermont farms previously have held the Dairy of Distinction designation and will continue to do so.

All active dairy farms in Vermont, including sheep and goat dairy farms, are eligible to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award. Farm judging is based on several criteria, including clean and attractively finished buildings; neat landscaping; and well-maintained ditches, roads, and lanes. Also taken into account are the conditions of other aspects of the farm operation such as cleanliness of animals, the barnyard, feed areas and manure management.

The award is based on the concept that these attractive farmsteads will enhance consumer confidence in the wholesomeness of milk, stimulate milk sales and encourage public support for the industry.

The signs are presented at a special awards banquet held at the Champlain Valley Exposition in September.

Also honored this year were the farms in North Ferrisburg, East Burke, Hardwick, East Thetford, Sheldon, and East Hardwick.