The NDS Distinguished Dairy Cattle breeder is James S. Huffard from Crockett, VA. Huffard’s Jersey herd carries the Schultz prefix and is known worldwide for producing quality and sought after cattle. Huffard has served on several national & regional Jersey committees and was a leader in development of Dixieland Jersey Sires Inc… He has shown the foresight to utilize innovative breeding and environmental research and has actively worked with his home state university, Virginia Tech, on numerous dairy research projects.

Through an anonymous selection committee, Don Seipt, George Opperman, James Baird, Francis Eustis and Dr. Charles Plumb were selected as National Dairy Shrine Pioneers. This year’s honorees are an exemplary display of what this award is about. Don Seipt, Easton, PA., a well respected dairy leader, served as President of the U.S. Holstein Association during some of the toughest financial times of the association. His Keystone herd was one of the most respected Holstein herds for longevity and high production. George Opperman, Beloit, Wisconsin, started out as a very successful Iowa Brown Swiss breeder, but also served as the Executive Secretary of the Brown Swiss Association for 8 years. Later he pioneered the development of United States Livestock Genetics Export Inc program which aids all dairymen in increasing dairy cattle exports around the world. James Baird, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, was the long time art director for Hoard’s Dairyman. He created the Foster Mothers of the Human race artwork and his December Hoard’s cover artwork was a special feature for every subscriber. Jim also was the designer of the first displays at the National Dairy Shrine Museum and a tireless museum volunteer. Francis Eustis, Cincinnati, Ohio, was also a world renowned artist. His artistic skill was utilized to develop custom resin cast true type models for the Brown Swiss, Holstein, Jersey and Guernsey breeds. His other artistic work is represented in many notable collections throughout the United States and abroad. Dr. Charles Plumb, Columbus, Ohio was the first professor of Dairying at Purdue University in 1890. There he started the Indiana State Dairy Association. He later became professor of Animal Husbandry at Ohio State University from 1902 until 1931. The Ohio State University In 1932 named the building housing the Dairy Department as Plumb Hall to honor Dr. Plumb.

The NDS Progressive Dairy Producers selected for this year are Matt & Katie Stoll in the small herd division and Todd Galton in the large herd division. This award is a $2000 travel stipend to attend a conference or seminar to learn new techniques to improve their dairy business. Matt & Katie Stoll have an excellent herd of 220 Holsteins and Ayrshires in Cascade, Iowa. This young couple is very involved in the dairy community. Both have had leadership positions in state and national breed associations. Galton operates Roll-N-View LLC in Nunda, New York and Groveland View LLC in Groveland, New York. With his wife Meg and family they manage the two dairies that milk 1800 cows. Mr. Galton has been very active in his local school board, was a youth basketball coach and a leader of his local milk cooperative. The Galton family enjoys showing cattle at local, state and national shows.

Diesel Hitt, Adams Center, New York has been selected as the Graduate Dairy Production award winner. This award goes to an active dairyman who has graduated from college in the last nine years and has already demonstrated excellent dairy management ability and financial stability. Diesel and his partners Bill Morgan & Jon Gilbert operate Windsong Dairy LLC with Diesel as the managing partner. Mr. Hitt will receive a $2500 award sponsored by Elanco to be used toward the purchase of cattle to improve his herd.