The DBA dairy advocate of the year is special recognition for passionate, leadership focused dairy farmers active in their communities — and we need your help in selecting this year’s honoree. We look to our DBA members and partners to help us make this notable presentation. 

Our DBA advocates are active dairy farmers who excel in leading their farms, are active in their local communities and serve as leaders for various organizations. They work hard to promote dairy each and every day.

I encourage you to submit a nomination for the next DBA Advocate of the Year. Nominations are open until September 30. The winner will be announced at the Dairy Strong conference.

DBA Advocate of the Year qualifications:

• A DBA member in good standing (non-board member)
  
• Active dairy farmer
  
• Committed to sharing the real and positive message of dairy with today’s customers
  
• Actively involved in other organizations, while also assuming leadership roles
  
• Engages customers in farm tours and visits
  
• Promotes the dairy community and farm through the use of social media
  
• Develops opportunities to foster positive relationships with neighbors
  
• Committed to standing up for the dairy community on a local and state-wide level

Nominate a farmer for the 2024 Advocate of the Year here.

Past winners:

2023 – Tom Crave (Crave Brothers Farms)
2022 – Jim DiGangi (Darlington Ridge Farms)
2021 – Jerry Meissner (Norm-E-Lane)
2020 – Mitch Breunig (Mystic Valley)
2019 – Jim Winn (Cottonwood Dairy)
2018 – Dean Strauss (Majestic Crossing Dairy)
2017 – Sandy Larson (Larson Acres)
2016 – Jeff Endres (Endres Berryridge Farms)
2015 – Julie Maurer (Soaring Eagle Dairy)
2014 – Katie Grinstead (Vir-Clar Farms)
2013 – Daphne Holterman (Rosy-Lane Holsteins)
2012 – Jim Mlsna (Ocooch Dairy)
2011 – Dr. Don Niles (Dairy Dreams)
2010 – Crave Brothers Farms (Communicator) and Larson Acres (Leadership Award)
2009 – John Oncken
2008 – CALS Dean Molly Jahn
2005 – Terri Abing (Majestic View Dairy
2004 – Mark Diederichs (Lake Breeze Dairy)
2003 – Ed Larson (Larson Acres)