Recognizing the Best in Dairy: Apply Now for the 2025 MILK Business Awards

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 16:41:41 GMT

In every successful dairy operation, there are standout individuals and teams who go the extra mile, whether it’s through smart innovation, passionate advocacy or exceptional work ethic. That’s why the MILK Business Awards were created to celebrate those people and shine a spotlight on the best in the business.

This year’s application deadline is Aug 11 , and there are three opportunities for recognition:

The Young Producer Award
Are you, or do you know, a young dairy leader making a difference both on and off the farm? This award recognizes a producer 35 years of age or younger as of Aug. 1, who not only excels in their operation but is also a strong advocate for the industry through community and organizational involvement. If at least half your income comes from farming or related ventures, you’re eligible to apply.

Previous Winners:

The Leader in Technology Award
From precision feeding to data-driven herd health, dairy technology is evolving and so are the producers who adopt it. This award honors a dairy farm that has strategically implemented technology to improve ROI, labor efficiency and time management. Innovations can span anything from milking systems and nutrient management to genetics, automation and more.

Previous Winners:

The Employee of Excellence Award
Behind every great dairy is a team of outstanding employees who make daily operations possible. This award recognizes an exceptional team member, such as a milker, calf manager or feeding specialist, who plays a critical role in the success of the dairy. Nominations must come from the employer.

Previous Winners:

Why Apply?
In addition to national recognition, winners gain the opportunity to connect with top producers and industry leaders at the MILK Business Conference in Las Vegas. It’s a chance to share your story, represent your farm and inspire others across the dairy community.

Winners will be featured in MILK Business Quarterly magazine and will receive a trip for two to the 2025 MILK Business Conference, Dec. 2-3, in Las Vegas, including airfare, hotel and full registration.

Apply or Nominate by Aug. 11
Don’t miss your chance to be recognized for the impact you’re making. Whether you’re a young leader, a tech-driven operation or an employer who wants to spotlight your top team member, now is the time to apply !

Successful CEOs Do These 4 Things

Wed, 19 Feb 2025 16:13:23 GMT

I’ve had the privilege to sit down with many incredible leaders, including the CEOs and high-level managers of dairy farms and dairy businesses. Each one is like a case study on success, an opportunity to listen in for the common threads of the characteristics, habits and mindsets of those who are leading operations that are both profitable and reputable.

So, what do these leaders have in common when it comes to developing both strong teams and strong balance sheets?

In a recent conversation with third-generation CEO of T.C. Jacoby & Company, Inc., Ted Jacoby III states so clearly what I’ve heard from many others as he highlighted these four keys to success as a CEO:

Step 1. Hire talented people.
“Don’t be afraid to hire the best people you possibly can,” Jacoby says.

That means hiring people whose aptitudes and skillsets surpass your own. Choose those who will make your business better.

Step 2. Communicate a clear picture of what success looks like for them.
As Jacoby describes, the clarity of that picture must be catered to the style of communication an employee best receives.

He said, “Some people are very detailed thinkers, and they have to build concepts in their own brain based on many details. Others are generalists … they don’t actually get into the weeds on the details.”

Step 3. Equip them with the skills and resources they need to achieve that success.
Whether it’s the right tools or the best training, employ the talent you bring to your team with what they need to make that picture of success a reality.

Step 4. GET OUT OF THEIR WAY.

“It sounds easy, but it’s not,” Jacoby said. If you’ve hired really good people, if you’ve trained them well, if they know what success looks like and if you provide them with all of the resources that they require to be successful, your most important job is to get out of their way.

These keys to success build upon each other within an organization:

The power is in the PEOPLE.
The ability to SUCCEED is rooted in the ability to LEAD.
And great LEADERS have the ability to LET GO in order to empower others to utilize their talents and make decisions - even when that means making mistakes.

To hear more from Ted Jacoby III, listen to this Uplevel Dairy Podcast:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4iD8Qh6YqDvJajb7xGngJd?si=sLaT7-9FR1C9NqLW1CNf0A