The 2024 MILK Business Conference award winners have been revealed, and they are set to be honored at the prestigious event on December 10-11 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. This year’s honorees include standout individuals and organizations in the categories of Leader in Technology, Young Producer, and Employee Excellence.
Young Producer Award: Perry Baeten
The 2024 MILK Business Young Producer Award has been awarded to Perry Baeten of Baeten Dairy LLC in New Franken, Wisconsin. Perry took over his parent’s farm in 2012 and has since built his herd and equity solo, now managing 700 cows.
In a recommendation letter, Jim Smidel from Nicolet National Bank praised Perry’s capabilities:
“Perry has proven to me to be a reputable dairy farmer with the skills needed to succeed in the challenging dairy business of today. He understands the economics of scale and being efficient as he has plans to double in size in the future. I am impressed with their performance over the last eight years, and I am optimistic about their future in this industry.”
Leader in Technology Award: GenoSource
This year’s Leader in Technology Award has been given to GenoSource from Blairstown, Iowa. A decade ago, eight families united to form the GenoSource partnership. Today, they milk 4,000 Registered Holsteins in a modern 90-stall rotary parlor. Embracing advanced technologies such as In Vitro Fertilization (IVF), GenoSource produces 18,000 embryos annually and consistently generates numerous bulls for stud.
Dr. Mitch Hockett, Director of Farmfit and Ancillary Products, highlighted GenoSource’s innovative spirit in his recommendation: “GenoSource is exemplary in identifying novel technologies and deeply learning about them in their decision-making of which to implement. They follow this decision by wholeheartedly embracing the chosen technology across the entire workforce.”
Employee Excellence Award: Joaquin Vazquez
The 2024 MILK Business Employee Excellence Award winner is Joaquin Vazquez of Vir-Clar Farms, LLC in Fond du Lac, Wis. Joaquin’s role has transitioned to focus on managing the herd and working with the employees at the farm.
Katie Grinstead, owner of Vir-Clar Farms, shares that “Joaquin has been instrumental in developing a strong team atmosphere at the dairy. He is highly respected by his co-workers and has a unique ability to rally a large group of employees.” Vazquez has been employed with Vir-Clar Farms for nearly 14 years and currently serves as the farm’s herdsman.
Recognition and Celebration
Award winners received a trip for two to attend the 2024 MILK Business Conference set for Dec. 10-11 at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, where they will be honored by more than 400 of their industry peers. The conference will feature a variety of topics, including:
- Safeguarding the Future of Dairy: Understanding Activist Threats
- Attract & Excel Your Labor
- Reconsider These Immigration Solutions to Help Fill Your Farm Team
- Strengthening Producer-Processor Relationships
- Diving into Dairy Policy
- Beef on Dairy
- Much more
This event not only serves as a platform to recognize outstanding achievements but also as an opportunity for industry professionals to come together, learn, and discuss the future of dairy farming. The 2024 MILK Business Conference promises to be an insightful and inspiring gathering for all attendees. To see the full agenda and to register for the conference, click on MilkBusinessConference.com.
