By Blake Jackson
At the 2026 Pennsylvania Dairy Summit, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, the Center for Dairy Excellence, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association recognized four outstanding leaders with the 2026 Pennsylvania Dairy Industry Awards.
The annual program honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to advancing the state’s dairy sector. An awards committee made up of dairy producers and industry professionals reviewed nominations, evaluating candidates based on their industry contributions and peer support.
“There was an excellent pool of nominees for this year’s Dairy Industry Awards, but these individuals stood out for the impact they’re making in both their local communities and the dairy industry at large,” said Emily Barge, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Center, who oversees the award program.
“These are hard-working, passionate and community-focused dairy professionals who lead with heart and integrity. They are true examples of the Pennsylvania dairy industry’s commitment to service, innovation, and excellence.”
Jeremy Martin of Mountain View Holsteins in Berks County received the Distinguished Dairy Producer Award for expanding and modernizing his 49-acre family farm, growing his herd to 140 cows while improving production and efficiency through facility upgrades and technology adoption.
David Bitler of Vista Grande Farm earned a Dairy Service Award for three decades of supporting fellow producers with integrity in cattle marketing and sales.
Brubaker Farms LLC of Lancaster County was named Dairy Innovator Award recipient for boosting production, expanding operations, and integrating advanced herd management and feeding technologies.
Bernie Morrissey, of Morrissey Insurance, also received a Dairy Service Award for his tireless advocacy on behalf of dairy farmers, particularly during times of low milk prices and federal policy changes.
Nominations for the 2027 awards remain open through November 2026 at www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/awards or call 717-346-0849.
Photo Credit: center-for-dairy-excellence
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Livestock, Dairy Cattle