Though originally started in 1947 as a challenge to find New England’s best pastureland, the aim of the Green Pastures Program has shifted over the years. Today, the goal of the program is to promote dairy farming in New England by highlighting and honoring outstanding farms. Every year the program’s review committee awards the “Dairy Farm of the Year” to an exceptional dairy farm from each of New England’s six states. Farms considered for the award are judged on a “total management” basis which includes a performance analysis of a farm’s production and finances, as well as the farm family’s personal contribution to the agricultural community. Each fall, the selected dairy farms are honored at a banquet held at the Storrowton Tavern on the grounds of the “Big E” (the Eastern States Exposition) in West Springfield, Massachusetts. The Green Pastures Program is supported by the Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program.
Forbes Farm, the New Hampshire Dairy Farm of the Year, is owned and operated by Scott and Allan Forbes. Established in 1902, Forbes Farm is a five-generation dairy operation that milks over 1,300 cows and farms over 2,000 acres of land. With an emphasis on feed quality and animal comfort, the farm has significantly improved milk production and quality over the last few years, boasting a herd average of 27,000 lbs of milk, 1,053 lbs of fat, and 837 lbs of protein. The farm employs 32 people—24 of which are hired labor. They are the second largest employer in the town of Lancaster, smaller only than the hospital! Beyond the farm, they have made a huge impact on the local community by donating to area schools and helping to promote ag. education.
Several generations of the Forbes family gathered to celebrate the award.
Dolloff Acres, the Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year, is owned by Mike and Heidi Dolloff. An 80-cow Holstein operation, the Dolloffs have proven that not only can small dairy farms survive in New England, they can prosper! By keeping herd size and milk quality consistent, Mike and Heidi have been able to keep their operation both profitable and sustainable. The Dolloffs credit herd management and genetics, as well as improvements to crop yields and cow comfort, as reasons for their success. Mike and Heidi's attention to detail and industry has allowed for stability. Their goal is to create and maintain a viable and successful family farm that can be passed on to the next generation.
Michael, Heidi, Hannah and Matthew Dolloff
Yankee Farm Credit would like to congratulate the Forbes Farm and Dolloff Acres on their Dairy Farm of the Year awards and for their continued excellence in the field of dairy farming!
