Nominations sought for 2023 Allamakee County Dairy Awards

Award nominations due by February 20; Dairy Banquet scheduled for March 25

The Allamakee County Dairy Promotion Board is asking for assistance from the general public in identifying worthy candidates to be recognized as this year’s top producers in Allamakee County at the2023 Allamakee County Dairy Banquet scheduled for Saturday, March 25. Every year, top producers and several other awards are nominated from members within the county. The Allamakee Dairy Promotion Board and the Allamakee County Extension office are accepting nominations for the following awards:

Outstanding Young Dairyman/Family Award - Honors young dairy farmers who have achieved excellence in managing their dairy enterprises, have contributed leadership to the dairy industry, and are respected in their communities. Dairy producers must be 35 years of age or younger to be nominated for this award.

Pioneer Dairyman - A long-time dairy producer who may or may not currently be in production. This producer has made a significant contribution to the dairy industry.

Distinguished Dairyman/Herdsman Award - Recognizes active dairy producers who have consistently exhibited exceptional milk quality and are outstanding in nearly all phases of dairy farming and service to the industry.

Service to Dairy Industry Award - For those people who have had long careers in the dairy industry and have made valuable contributions to its future. Submit letter of nomination indicating why person and/or business should receive this award.

Outstanding Woman in Agriculture Award, In Memory of Sandra Ehrhardt - Recognizes an active woman in agriculture through their hard work, creativity and perseverance who has positively contributed to agriculture with their farming operation, or who has made contributions to agriculture, committees or organizations promoting the ag industry. Submit letter of nomination explaining why the nominee should be considered to receive this award.

Golden Butter Knife Award - Given to county businesses for the promotion of real dairy products. Submit letter of nomination indicating why person and/or business should receive this award.

Dairy Scholarships - Sponsored by the Allamakee Dairy Promotion Board. The scholarship is open to any high school senior or college student who is a resident of Allamakee County and is/or will be enrolled in dairy science or another agriculture field of study.

In addition, applications are being accepted for Allamakee County Dairy Princess. Dairy Princess candidates must live in Allamakee County. She and/or her parents must either own dairy cattle and have cattle engaged in milk production, be actively employed in a dairy operation or have an invested interest in the Dairy Industry. Candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 22, and be at least a junior in high school and unmarried.  The Dairy Princess will make personal appearances during the year at events such as county banquets, parades, the fair, and other public events.

Nomination forms for each of these awards and a list of previous winners are available at the Iowa State University (ISU) Extension Outreach office in Waukon or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/allamakee. Nomination forms Dairy Princess applications are due to the Extension Office by Monday, February 20. They may be mailed to or dropped off at the Extension Office or emailed to dahlstro@iastate.edu.