For Immediate Release
March 3, 2008
Contact:  Kristin Crawford
Executive Director
 Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee
717-787-4420
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Dairy of Distinction Application Deadline Approaching

Senator Brubaker encourages 36^th District dairy farms to apply

LITITZ – Pennsylvania dairy farms are invited to apply for this year's Dairy of Distinction award from the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program, Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Brubaker (R-36) announced today. 

All active dairy farms in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Vermont are eligible to apply by April 14, 2008. 

"The Dairy of Distinction program has been recognizing the hard work and dedication of dairy operators since 1983," Brubaker said. "Last year, 10 Pennsylvania farms received the honor, and 12 Pennsylvania farms were named winners in 2006." 

The award is based on the idea that attractive farms enhance consumer confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and the dairy industry and thereby increasing milk sales. 

Roadside judging will take place in May and is based on factors that can be controlled by the dairy producer, such as clean and attractively finished buildings; neat landscaping, ditches, roads and lanes; and well-maintained fences. They will also take into account other aspects of the farm, such as cleanliness of animals, the barnyard, feed areas and manure management.

Dairies receiving the highest scores in each of 10 Pennsylvania districts will be awarded an 18-inch-by-24-inch Dairy of Distinction sign to display in front of their farms; winners will be notified in late June. In addition, previous winners are re-evaluated each year to see if they are still maintaining the high standards of the Distinction. 

"Our dairy industry is the economic driver for Pennsylvania agriculture, and our farmers have a strong influence on the Commonwealth's economy and its residents," Brubaker said. "It is very important that we continue to promote a positive image for the dairy industry and its contributions to the state, and I encourage all dairy farms in the area to consider applying for the Dairy of Distinction honor." 

More information and application forms are available by contacting Michael O'Connor, 324 Henning Building, University Park, PA 16802, 814-863-3913, or by going online to dairyofdistinction.org.