Erie County Fair: WNY Dairy Farmer of the Year Award nominations open

The Erie County Fair, in partnership with Milk for Health, will honor WNY’s Dairy Farmer of the Year during “Dairy Day” at the Erie County Fair (Saturday, Aug. 12). That day, a variety of activities will showcase dairy farming and products.

A press release stated, “The WNY Dairy Farmer of the Year designation could be awarded to an established or even newer Western New York dairy farmer who exhibits outstanding management of their dairy farm business and showcases leadership in the WNY dairy industry and/or their community. It’s not necessarily the farm putting the most milk in the tank, or with the fanciest cows – even though being efficient and having happy animals is important. Essentially, we are looking for the farmer that displays passion for the dairy industry and is an advocate for its purpose.”

Milk For Health Executive Director Bethany Hobin said, “It is our pleasure to partner with the Erie County Fair to honor an outstanding Western New York dairy farmer for the second year. We have amazing dairymen and women that give so much to the community, promoting the industry, and perfecting their trade that we find absolutely necessary for this award.”

The winning nominee will receive the award at a special presentation at the Erie County Fair.

To nominate a dairy farmer from any of the eight counties of Western New York, visit Dairy Farmer of the Year (ecfair.org) to complete the application. Forms must be submitted by June 1 to be considered.

Milk for Health on the Niagara Frontier was incorporated in 1941, making it one of the oldest dairy promotion organizations in the U.S. Since day one, the goal of the organization has been to support the dairy farmers of Western New York, promote dairy products and educate the public about the goodness of milk. The organization is funded through the New York State Dairy Checkoff program and works with family-owned co-ops and milk producers of all shapes and sizes in Erie, Niagara, Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Wyoming and Allegany counties, and part of Genesee County. Milk For Health educates its farmers on how to better communicate with the public and welcome the public to their farms. Milk for Health also works with several organizations like the Erie County Agricultural Society to promote the benefits milk had on a healthy lifestyle.

The Erie County Agricultural Society is a private, not-for-profit membership organization. Established in 1819, it is the oldest civic organization in Western New York. The ECAS sponsors the Erie County Fair. Its mission is “to preserve and enhance, by educational endeavors, the agricultural and historical legacy of New York state.” The Erie County Fair (Aug. 9-20) strives to fulfill appropriate aspects of the agricultural, educational, entertainment and recreational needs of Western New York.

Visit www.ECFair.org.