Each December, the dairy industry’s most forward-thinking minds gather in the desert for the annual Milk Business Conference. It is a time for high-level networking, deep-dive educational panels and a shared vision of the industry’s future. But among the many highlights of the event, none are as prestigious as the presentation of the Milk Business Awards — a tradition that honors the grit, brilliance and heart of the American dairy producer.
As we look forward to the 2026 Milk Business Conference, held Dec. 9-10 in Scottsdale, Ariz., Farm Journal is officially opening the call for nominations. These awards are designed to identify and celebrate the leaders who aren’t just participating in the industry but are actively redefining it.
Three Pillars of Excellence
The awards are divided into three distinct categories, each representing a vital component of a successful modern dairy:
- Leader in Technology Award: This category recognizes operations that have moved past the data silo era to implement cutting-edge technology that improves efficiency, animal welfare and the bottom line.
- Young Producer Award: Reserved for producers 35 or younger, this award honors those who excel in their daily operations while serving as tireless advocates for the dairy industry within their communities and ag organizations.
- Employee Excellence Award: Success on a dairy is a team sport. This award allows dairies to nominate key employees who represent excellence in their roles and are vital to the operation’s daily success.
A Legacy of Leadership
To understand the caliber of these awards, one only needs to look at the previous winners who have set the bar high. These producers and employees represent the gold standard of the industry:
2025 Winners:
- Leader in Technology: McCarty Family Farms (Kansas) – Recognized for their massive 15,000-cow operation driven by data and innovative rotary milking systems.
- Young Producer: Wybrand Vander Dussen (Colorado) – Honored for his resilience and leadership in managing a 4,000-cow dairy.
- Employee Excellence: Travis Ties (Holdgrafer Dairy, Iowa) – Celebrated for over 25 years of dedication to feed and crop operations.
2024 Winners:
- Leader in Technology: GenoSource (Iowa) – A leader in genetic advancement and high-tech parlor efficiency.
- Young Producer: Perry Baeten (Wisconsin) – Awarded for his successful expansion and advocacy efforts.
- Employee Excellence: Joaquin Vazquez (Vir-Clar Farms, Wisconsin) – Recognized for his instrumental role in team building and herd management.
Apply Today
Winning a Milk Business Award is more than just a title; it is an opportunity to share your story with the national dairy community. Winners receive a free trip for two to the 2026 Milk Business Conference in Scottsdale — a premier destination for industry insight and professional growth.
The deadline to enter is Aug. 1. If you, or someone you know, represents the best of what the dairy industry has to offer, we want to hear about it. For the application details, visit: Awards: MILK Business Conference 2026
