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![]() Dec. 19, 2024 Source: Farm Journal news release Kansas City, Mo. -- A record-breaking crowd of nearly 500 leading dairy producers and industry professionals from across the U.S. and Canada gathered at the 2024 MILK Business Conference to honor industry peers, learn strategies to improve their operations and network with stakeholders across dairy production systems. Three award winners were recognized for excellence at the event Dec. 10-11 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. This year's honorees include standout individuals and organizations in the categories of Leader in Technology, Young Producer and Employee Excellence. "Milk Business Conference empowers dairy producers with the essential knowledge and skills they need to thrive and grow their businesses," said Karen Bohnert, Farm Journal's Dairy Editorial Director. "More than 1 million cows were represented at our conference this year." Young Producer Award: Perry Baeten The 2024 MILK Business Young Producer Award went to Perry Baeten of Baeten Dairy LLC in New Franken, Wis. Perry took over his parents' farm in 2012 and has since built his herd and equity solo, now managing 700 cows. The award is sponsored by Alltech. In a recommendation letter, Jim Smidel from Nicolet National Bank praised Perry's capabilities: "Perry has proven to me to be a reputable dairy farmer with the skills needed to succeed in the challenging dairy business of today. He understands the economics of scale and being efficient as he has plans to double in size in the future. I am impressed with their performance over the last eight years, and I am optimistic about their future in this industry." Leader in Technology Award: GenoSource The 2024 Leader in Technology Award was presented to GenoSource, Blairstown, Iowa. A decade ago, eight families united to form the GenoSource partnership. Today they milk 4,000 registered Holsteins in a modern 90-stall rotary parlor. Embracing advanced technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF), GenoSource produces 18,000 embryos annually and consistently generates numerous bulls for stud. The award is sponsored by John Deere. Mitch Hockett, director of Farmfit and Ancillary Products, highlighted GenoSource's innovative spirit in his recommendation: "GenoSource is exemplary in identifying novel technologies and deeply learning about them in their decision-making of which to implement. They follow this decision by wholeheartedly embracing the chosen technology across the entire workforce." Employee Excellence Award: Joaquin Vazquez The 2024 MILK Business Employee Excellence Award winner is Joaquin Vazquez of Vir-Clar Farms, LLC in Fond du Lac, Wis. Joaquin's role has transitioned to focus on managing the herd and working with the employees at the farm. The award is sponsored by Farm Credit Services. Katie Grinstead, owner of Vir-Clar Farms, shares that "Joaquin has been instrumental in developing a strong team atmosphere at the dairy. He is highly respected by his co-workers and has a unique ability to rally a large group of employees." Vazquez has been employed with Vir-Clar Farms for nearly 14 years and currently serves as the farm's herdsman. The conference provided a platform for industry professionals representing a total of 1 million cows and average herd size of more than 4,000 cows, to come together, learn and discuss the future of the dairy industry. The 2025 Milk Business Conference is set for Dec. 2-3 at the Paris Hotel in Las Vegas. About Farm Journal' Farm Journal is the nation's leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. The company serves the row crop, livestock, machinery, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences and tradeshows; nationally broadcast television and radio programs; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal is also the majority shareholder of the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. Trust In Food is a Farm Journal division dedicated to accelerating the adoption of climate-smart and regenerative agriculture in ways that work for producers and enhance connection to consumers. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture's ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment. Tweet |
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