Once again, Farm Journal recognizes individuals and operations that set new standards in innovation, leadership and dedication. The 2025 Milk Business award recipients exemplify the best of the dairy industry, from technological advancement to inspiring personal stories. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of McCarty Family Farms, Colby, Kan.; Wybrand Vander Dussen, La Salle, Colo.; and Travis Ties, Bellevue, Iowa.
2025 Leader in Technology Award Recipient: McCarty Family Farms, Colby, Kan.
Nestled in the heart of Kansas, McCarty Family Farms stands as a beacon of innovation in the dairy industry. With over 15,000 milking cows and a workforce of more than 200 employees across four farms and a state-of-the-art milk processing plant, the McCarty family has built a legacy rooted in both tradition and technological advancement.
Completed in 2023, McCarty Family Farms North is the latest and most advanced addition to the operation. This facility features eight inverted six-row, tunnel-ventilated freestall barns that house 10,000 Holsteins. These cows are milked using two of the world’s largest DeLaval E500 rotary milking systems — each with 120 stalls. This carousel-style system not only streamlines the milking process but also enhances animal welfare by providing a predictable, efficient routine, giving cows more time to eat, drink, rest and socialize.
Technology is at the core of McCarty Family Farms’ success. Each rotary milking system is equipped with DeLaval TSR2 teat spray robots, which automatically apply a protective solution to ensure optimal teat health. This automation delivers consistent, accurate application, reduces labor needs and supports the overall well-being of the herd.
Furthering their commitment to animal care, every cow wears a DeLaval behavior analysis ear tag. These tags use artificial intelligence to monitor activity, helping the team make informed decisions about reproduction and early illness detection.
To keep pace with the farm’s growth, the dairy’s processing plant was expanded and upgraded in 2023. The facility now boasts cutting-edge technologies like ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis, ensuring the highest quality milk and dairy ingredients. All products are Non-GMO Project Verified for Danone North America, the nation’s leading yogurt producer. Operating under Danone’s ‘cost-plus’ model, McCarty Family Farms enjoys stability and protection from market volatility.
Sustainability is also a top priority. The farm uses on-site anaerobic digesters, each holding 2 million gallons, with a lagoon capacity of 66 million gallons. These systems generate an impressive 450 million BTUs of renewable energy daily, enough to power approximately 2,500 homes each year.
2025 Young Producer Award Recipient: Wybrand Vander Dussen, La Salle, Colo.
Wybrand Vander Dussen’s story is one of resilience, determination and a deep-rooted passion for the dairy industry. Growing up in southern California, Vander Dussen was introduced to dairy farming at a young age. In 2013, his family made a pivotal move to northern Colorado, seeking new opportunities in a region less saturated than California’s mature dairy market.
Tragedy struck a few years after the move when Vander Dussen’s father passed away from cancer. Despite this profound loss, Vander Dussen’s commitment to the family business and the dairy industry never wavered. After finishing high school, he pursued an animal science degree at Kansas State University, returning home each summer to work on the dairy and gain hands-on experience.
Upon graduating, Vander Dussen returned to the family dairy, which had been managed in the interim by his uncle Danny. Under Danny’s guidance, the dairy continued to advance, providing Vander Dussen with invaluable experience in modern dairy operations. When Danny left to start his own venture in South Dakota, Vander Dussen, still just a few years out of college, stepped up to lead the family business.
Today, Vander Dussen oversees a thriving 4,000-cow dairy in La Salle, Colo. His work ethic, maturity and passion for the industry have been key to the dairy’s ongoing success. He exemplifies the next generation of agricultural leaders, proving that with dedication and resilience, young producers can make a significant impact in the world of dairy farming.
2025 Employee Excellence Award Recipient: Travis Ties, Holdgrafer Dairy, Bellevue, Iowa
For more than 25 years, Travis Ties has been an indispensable part of Holdgrafer Dairy in Bellevue, Iowa. Home to 500 mature cows, this family-run operation has benefited immensely from Ties’ unwavering commitment and multifaceted expertise. Owners Scott and Tricia Holdgrafer consider Ties not just an employee, but a driving force of the farm and a mentor to their five sons and a true member of the family.
Ties’ journey has not been without obstacles. He faced a serious childhood illness, but he prefers to focus on the present and the future rather than dwell on the past. His resilience is matched by his humility — never using his own health battles as an excuse and always striving to do his best for the farm and those around him.
Currently, Ties serves as head of feed operations and assists with crop production at Holdgrafer Dairy. He oversees tillage, planting and harvesting and manages employees involved in the farm’s custom harvesting business. During the winter, he takes on the role of farm mechanic, ensuring all equipment is well-maintained and ready for the seasons ahead.
Ties leads by example, never asking anyone to do a job he wouldn’t do himself. He treats the farm’s equipment as if it were his own, always seeking ways to improve efficiency and productivity. His proactive approach and attention to detail ensure no task is too big or too small.
Both the Holdgrafer family and the farm’s nutritionist agree: Ties embodies the qualities every dairy producer hopes to find in a team member. He is humble, hardworking and dedicated, treating the farm as if it were his own. Ties is a shining example of employee excellence, and his leadership continues to inspire everyone at Holdgrafer Dairy.
Congratulations to all the 2025 award recipients for their outstanding contributions to the dairy industry! These three award recipients will be recognized at the 2025 Milk Business Conference Dec. 2–3 at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nev. They will take the stage to share tidbits about how they have helped drive their dairy operations from good to great.
Mark your calendar and register today for the must-attend dairy event of the year. Last year’s conference drew a record crowd representing more than 1 million cows. This year promises even more — more networking, more insight and more energy.
The 2025 agenda is packed with sessions designed to sharpen your competitive edge and prepare your operation for the road ahead. You’ll walk away with real-world tools, innovative ideas and a renewed sense of direction.
Featured speakers include:
- Krysta Harden, president and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council: An Update from USDEC
- Dr. Oral “Jug” Capps, Jr., Texas A&M University and Barb O’Brien, Dairy Management, Inc.: Examining the Long-Term Impact of Farmer’s Investments
- Stephen Cain, National Milk Producers Federation: Navigate Uncertainty: Dairy Industry’s Path Forward
- Greg Bethard, High Plains Dairy and TJ Tuls, Tuls Dairy, Neb.: Transform Your Future: Insider Strategy Tips from Top Performing Producers
- Andrew Rose, BIO-ISAC: What’s the Next Big Threat to Animal Ag.
- Brandon Beavers, Full Circle Jerseys and Jason Anderson, Double A Dairy: Boost Your Farm’s Potential. Insights From Top Managers.
- Rick Naerbout, Idaho Dairymen’s Association: Exploring Labor Challenges and Opportunities.
Plus:
- Boots-on-the-ground discussion about beef-on-dairy
- Strategy insights straight from leading producers
- Live taping of “U.S. Farm Report” with Tyne Morgan
- Much more
Don’t Miss Out And yes, the fan-favorite Dairy DARTY is back. What’s a Dairy DARTY? A day party! Join us for an afternoon of networking, games and fun. Meet other dairy producers while enjoying the beautiful Paris Hotel pool deck with food, drinks and sunshine. You work hard — you deserve to celebrate.
Between the insights and the atmosphere, this is more than just another conference, it’s a chance to close out the year with momentum and purpose.
Don’t wait — early bird rates won’t last. Register today and learn more at MilkBusiness.com.
