Maple Leaf Farm, a familyowned operation that’s been in Hebron since the 1700s, has been named the 2011 Connecticut Dairy Farm of the Year.
A team of judges, comprised of past winners, gives the award annually to one progressive dairy farm in each of the six New England states. The award is sponsored by the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System.
Crew credited
Ned Ellis, who owns the farm on Gilead Street with his wife, Rene, said the success of the farm wouldn’t be possible without his crew. Ellis employs four full-time farmers and four part-time high school students.
“We have a good crew,” Ellis said. “They do things right — take pride in what they do.”
Ellis said his farm won the award in 1989.
Maple Leaf Farm produces about 5 million pounds of milk per year, Ellis said. There are 450 cows on the farm; 230 of them produce milk.
New technology
Ellis said he tries to keep up with new technology. He recently remodeled one of his barns, which now has comfortable stalls and increased air flow for cows about to calve. He said the changes have resulted in fewer injuries and more milk production.
“Everything has changed,” Ellis said. “You try to adopt new technology when it comes around.”
In September, Ellis installed 190 feet of solar panels after receiving state and federal grants that paid for about half the cost.
The farm also had an energy audit done to increase the efficiency of such things as lights and equipment.
Werner Rechlin, who has worked on the farm for 23 years, said everyone who works there has done a lot to make the land more efficient.
“We’re all proud,” he said.
Ellis said he and the workers are dedicated to producing high-quality milk. The farm is part of the Farmer’s Cow, a group of six family-owned dairy farms in the state that produce fresh milk, half-and-half, eggs and seasonal beverages.
“We try so hard every month to make sure we have quality milk,” Ellis said. “The community has been good to us, and the town has been supportive of us as a farm.”
Ellis said he and other local farmers feel it’s important to be in touch with local and state politicians to let them know how legislation affects the farm community.
“It’s nice to be noticed for continuing farming in this area,” said Dan Mund, Ellis’ nephew, who has worked full time on the farm for the past three years. “Ned is progressive and has a vision.”
A team of judges, comprised of past winners, gives the award annually to one progressive dairy farm in each of the six New England states. The award is sponsored by the University of Connecticut Cooperative Extension System.
Crew credited
Ned Ellis, who owns the farm on Gilead Street with his wife, Rene, said the success of the farm wouldn’t be possible without his crew. Ellis employs four full-time farmers and four part-time high school students.
“We have a good crew,” Ellis said. “They do things right — take pride in what they do.”
Ellis said his farm won the award in 1989.
Maple Leaf Farm produces about 5 million pounds of milk per year, Ellis said. There are 450 cows on the farm; 230 of them produce milk.
New technology
Ellis said he tries to keep up with new technology. He recently remodeled one of his barns, which now has comfortable stalls and increased air flow for cows about to calve. He said the changes have resulted in fewer injuries and more milk production.
“Everything has changed,” Ellis said. “You try to adopt new technology when it comes around.”
In September, Ellis installed 190 feet of solar panels after receiving state and federal grants that paid for about half the cost.
The farm also had an energy audit done to increase the efficiency of such things as lights and equipment.
Werner Rechlin, who has worked on the farm for 23 years, said everyone who works there has done a lot to make the land more efficient.
“We’re all proud,” he said.
Ellis said he and the workers are dedicated to producing high-quality milk. The farm is part of the Farmer’s Cow, a group of six family-owned dairy farms in the state that produce fresh milk, half-and-half, eggs and seasonal beverages.
“We try so hard every month to make sure we have quality milk,” Ellis said. “The community has been good to us, and the town has been supportive of us as a farm.”
Ellis said he and other local farmers feel it’s important to be in touch with local and state politicians to let them know how legislation affects the farm community.
“It’s nice to be noticed for continuing farming in this area,” said Dan Mund, Ellis’ nephew, who has worked full time on the farm for the past three years. “Ned is progressive and has a vision.”
Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as
ResponderEliminarthough you relied on the video to make your point.
You clearly know what youre talking about, why
throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when
you could be giving us something informative to read?
My page ... download sharecash