The Indiana Dairy Producers Association (IDP) is focused on making Indiana the most desirable place to produce milk, with industry members leading the way. The organization announced the 2023 award winners at its biannual Indiana Dairy Forum recently held at French Link.
Producers of the Year
The Producer of the Year honor recognizes individuals who embody all that is great about the dairy industry. The 2023 award was presented to Charles and Margaret Carter, who operate Carterly Dairy in Thorntown. In addition to managing their 120 cows and being active in the herding community, the Carters work with hundreds of 4-H youth through a dairy heifer leasing program to encourage participation and interest in the dairy industry.
Young Producers of the Year
Steve and Abbie Herr are the IDP Young Producers of the Year. The Herrs, who operate the Herr Dairy near Kendallville, are innovators on the farm and in their outreach efforts. They have installed robots in their milking parlor to help meet labor needs, including manufacturing their own spare parts for the robotic systems. This couple shares their knowledge and experiences through social media and farm tours to help enhance understanding and appreciation for Indiana’s dairy industry.
Kuehnert Memorial Scholarship Recipient
The recipient of this year’s Alan Kuehnert Memorial Scholarship is Sophia Bollenbacher, Bolle-Acres Jersey Farm and Argos Holstein Farms, Argos. Passionate about the dairy business from a very young age, she was a 4-H member for 10 years and active in the FFA. She competed nationally in various pageants with numerous champion honors including State Senior Jersey Showman. Bollenbacher majors in animal science at Purdue University, where she is involved with the Purdue Dairy Club and she hopes to continue to make a positive impact by informing and educating people about agriculture.
IDP Scholarship Winner
This year’s IDP Scholarship recipient is Jacqueline Mudd, Nor-Lene Holsteins, Bern. She has been active in the industry her entire life, starting on her family’s registered Holstein farm. She has served as the National Queen of Jersey and as an Ambassador for Indiana Dairy. She has competed in dairy testing and national breed association activities. Mudd majors in animal science at Purdue University, where she is involved with the Purdue Dairy Club and she hopes to have her own dairy farm in the future with a focus on high-type show cattle while exploring direct-to-consumer markets.
“From the Carters who have humbly served our industry for decades to our up-and-coming industry members represented by our young farmers and scholarship recipients, our 2023 honorees embody the passion and leadership that make the dairy industry great,” he said. Steve Obert, Executive Director of IDP.