Kentucky Dairy Awards
Recognizing Those Building Better Dairies
Photo Credit Brilee Tucker Photography.
The Kentucky Dairy Awards recognize the farms, leaders, and industry professionals whose dedication, leadership, innovation, and service strengthen Kentucky's dairy industry.
As an extension of the Kentucky Dairy Conference theme, Building Better Dairies Through Practical Solutions, these awards celebrate individuals whose commitment to continuous improvement helps build stronger farms, stronger communities, and a stronger dairy industry.
Award recipients are recognized during the Kentucky Dairy Conference & Awards Banquet.
As an extension of the Kentucky Dairy Conference theme, Building Better Dairies Through Practical Solutions, these awards celebrate individuals whose commitment to continuous improvement helps build stronger farms, stronger communities, and a stronger dairy industry.
Award recipients are recognized during the Kentucky Dairy Conference & Awards Banquet.
Quick Links
Who is Building Better Dairies?
Every dairy operation has a story.
A farm family committed to excellence.
A young leader shaping the future.
A producer dedicated to milk quality.
A milk hauler serving the industry with professionalism.
Help us recognize the farms, producers, leaders, and industry professionals whose commitment to excellence strengthens Kentucky's dairy industry.
A farm family committed to excellence.
A young leader shaping the future.
A producer dedicated to milk quality.
A milk hauler serving the industry with professionalism.
Help us recognize the farms, producers, leaders, and industry professionals whose commitment to excellence strengthens Kentucky's dairy industry.
About the Awards
The Kentucky Dairy Awards exist to:
• Recognize excellence in Kentucky dairy
• Highlight best practices
• Celebrate leadership and service
• Promote industry pride
• Encourage participation in the Kentucky Dairy Conference
• Showcase positive stories within Kentucky dairy
Recipients are honored during the Kentucky Dairy Conference, where dairy producers, industry leaders, educators, and industry partners gather to learn, connect, and celebrate the future of Kentucky dairy.
• Recognize excellence in Kentucky dairy
• Highlight best practices
• Celebrate leadership and service
• Promote industry pride
• Encourage participation in the Kentucky Dairy Conference
• Showcase positive stories within Kentucky dairy
Recipients are honored during the Kentucky Dairy Conference, where dairy producers, industry leaders, educators, and industry partners gather to learn, connect, and celebrate the future of Kentucky dairy.
Award Categories
Kentucky Dairy Farm of the Year
Recognizing dairy farms that combine strong leadership, dedicated employees, quality herd management, and sound operational practices.
Young Dairy Leader of Kentucky
Recognizing emerging dairy professionals whose leadership and commitment are helping shape the future of Kentucky dairy.
Kentucky Quality Dairy Producer Award
Recognizing dairy producers who demonstrate excellence in producing safe, high-quality milk through effective management and attention to detail.
Kentucky Milk Hauler Hall of Fame
Recognizing milk haulers/truck drivers who have demonstrated professionalism, exceptional service, commitment to milk quality, and dedication to the dairy industry throughout their careers.
Recognizing dairy farms that combine strong leadership, dedicated employees, quality herd management, and sound operational practices.
Young Dairy Leader of Kentucky
Recognizing emerging dairy professionals whose leadership and commitment are helping shape the future of Kentucky dairy.
Kentucky Quality Dairy Producer Award
Recognizing dairy producers who demonstrate excellence in producing safe, high-quality milk through effective management and attention to detail.
Kentucky Milk Hauler Hall of Fame
Recognizing milk haulers/truck drivers who have demonstrated professionalism, exceptional service, commitment to milk quality, and dedication to the dairy industry throughout their careers.
Important Dates
Building Better Dairies
August 2026
Call for Nominations Opens
September 30, 2026
Nomination Deadline
October 2026
Awards Committee Review and Selection
February 2027
Award Recipients Recognized at the Kentucky Dairy Conference
Call for Nominations Opens
September 30, 2026
Nomination Deadline
October 2026
Awards Committee Review and Selection
February 2027
Award Recipients Recognized at the Kentucky Dairy Conference
These awards recognize individuals and operations whose commitment to continuous improvement reflects the values of the Kentucky Dairy Conference and helps build stronger farms, stronger communities, and a stronger dairy industry.
Better Cows
Recognizing excellence in herd management, milk quality, animal health, nutrition, genetics, and overall cow care.
Better People
Recognizing leadership, mentorship, workforce development, communication, and investment in future dairy leaders.
Better Farms
Recognizing sound management practices, innovation, stewardship, technology adoption, and operational success.
Better Industry
Recognizing service, collaboration, advocacy, professionalism, and contributions that strengthen Kentucky's dairy community.
Better Cows
Recognizing excellence in herd management, milk quality, animal health, nutrition, genetics, and overall cow care.
Better People
Recognizing leadership, mentorship, workforce development, communication, and investment in future dairy leaders.
Better Farms
Recognizing sound management practices, innovation, stewardship, technology adoption, and operational success.
Better Industry
Recognizing service, collaboration, advocacy, professionalism, and contributions that strengthen Kentucky's dairy community.
Submit a Nomination
Nominations may be submitted by producers, employees, industry representatives, service providers, educators, family members, community members, or any individual familiar with the nominee or operation.
Help us recognize the farms, leaders, and industry professionals who are building better dairies across Kentucky.
Submit your nomination by September 30, 2026.
Help us recognize the farms, leaders, and industry professionals who are building better dairies across Kentucky.
Submit your nomination by September 30, 2026.
Questions:
Questions regarding award categories, nomination eligibility, or the nomination process are welcome. Please contact your regional KDDC consultant for more information or contact:
Melissa Huggett, KDDC Program Coordinator
859-516-2458
[email protected]
Melissa Huggett, KDDC Program Coordinator
859-516-2458
[email protected]
Nomination Forms
Select and download the nomination form that best matches the nominee's contributions to Kentucky's dairy industry. Completed nominations must be submitted by September 30, 2026. Completed nominations may be submitted online, by email, or by mail.
