Congratulations to Idaho dairyman Ellis Roberts for being inducted to the Idaho Dairy Hall of Fame!
The 64-year-old Idaho native said receiving such a recognition was surprising. The Idaho Dairy Hall of Fame inducts one person a year. To be inducted, Roberts said there are three areas of consideration — service and leadership in the dairy industry, religious and civic service, and service to young people.
Roberts was nominated by the Dairy Farmers of America. He was recognized in November during a banquet in Boise.
Roberts said he enjoys farming because it allows him to work with his family. He currently operates a 400-acre dairy farm in Fairview with the help of his son. He also likes working with the land and animals and improving his farm.
The farm is grass-based and organic. He said there are about 10 organic dairies in the Intermountain West.
He began grass farming some 15 years ago. About five years ago, he got a contract to ship organic milk through Dairy Farmers of America to Organic Valley. Roberts said he and his son milk about 200 cows.
Roberts’ service includes positions on the Dairy Farmers of America Board of Directors and with the Idaho Holstein Association. As a member of the LDS Church, he said he has had many service opportunities. He has also had roles in Boy Scouts of America and 4-H.
Roberts grew up on a farm. He graduated from Utah State University with a degree in dairy science, and since 1982, he has been farming his own land.
Source: HJNews.com