Dairy of Distinction Program

You may see a distinctive sign in front of Vermont’s most handsome and best-kept dairy farms. This sign recognizes the farm as a Dairy of Distinction.

The Dairy of Distinction award recognizes the hard work and dedication of dairy farmers who maintain attractive, well-kept farmsteads in an effort to promote a positive dairy industry image. Those deserving of distinction receive the coveted "Dairy of Distinction" sign to be placed on the roadside of the farmstead.

All active dairy farms in Vermont are eligible to apply for the Dairy of Distinction award. Farm judging takes place in June each year and is based on several criteria: clean and attractively finished buildings, neat landscaping, ditches, roads and lanes; and well maintained fences. Judges also consider other aspects of the farm operation such as cleanliness of animals, the barnyard, feed areas and manure management.

The award is based on the concept that these attractive farmsteads will enhance consumer confidence in the wholesomeness of milk, stimulate milk sales and encourage public support for the industry.

The Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program (NEDFBP) was established in 1983 to recognize the hard work and dedication of dairy owner/operators who maintain attractive, well-kept farmsteads. The NEDFBP operates in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Vermont division is managed by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture.

Would you like to apply?

For an online application for Dairy of Distinction, click here.

Or an application can be mailed to you by contacting us at:

Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program - Vermont Division
c/o Vermont Agency of Agriculture
116 State Street, Montpelier VT 05620-2901

or email Dairy of Distinction at drusso@agr.state.vt.us