Dairy group issues call for award nominations

KAN staff report

Nominations close June 6 for the seventh annual Kentucky Quality Dairy Producer Award, given by the Dairy Products Association of Kentucky (DPAK).

“Now is the time to start thinking about who you feel will be a good candidate for this prestigious dairy producer award,” said Eunice Schlappi, Kentucky Department of Agriculture dairy marketing coordinator.

Any Kentucky dairy producer is eligible for the award, which recognizes the producer who best exemplifies production of high-quality, wholesome milk in Kentucky.

Nomination forms can be downloaded from the University of Kentucky Regulatory Services Web site, www.rs.uky.edu.  Click on “Milk,” “Kentucky Quality Dairy Producer Award” and “Nomination form.”

Nomination forms must be postmarked or delivered by June 6 to DPAK at 514 General John Payne Blvd., Georgetown, KY 40324.

The forms may be submitted by producers themselves or by dairy industry professionals such as dairy field representatives, veterinarians, Extension personnel, milk haulers and others. These professionals should work with the dairy producers to complete the forms.

A committee will determine finalists by considering four equally weighted areas: somatic cell, bacteria and preliminary incubation (PI) counts of the producer’s milk, and a farm inspection.

Criteria are based on producer data from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008. All nominees must have valid permits throughout this period from the Cabinet for Health Services, Milk Safety Branch.

The award will be presented at the Dairy Recognition Dinner during the Kentucky State Fair in August. Howard View Holsteins of Fleming County won the 2007 award.

Questions concerning the award may be directed to David Klee, DPAK executive director, at (502) 867-7843 or davidklee14@msn.com.

DPAK represents dairy processing and manufacturing plants in Kentucky, with membership including industry, technical and academic representatives. The award is also sponsored by KDA, UK, and the Kentucky Dairy Development Council.

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Dairy Night at Applebee’s Park in Lexington, home of the Lexington Legends class A minor league baseball team, will be Thursday, June 5. The Legends host the Greensboro Grasshoppers at 7:05 p.m. EDT. A block of seats has been reserved for dairy farm families and other agriculture interests. Tickets are $6 each.