By Blake Jackson
Nominations are now open for the 2026 Pennsylvania Dairy Industry Awards, an annual program recognizing Pennsylvania dairy producers and industry professionals for their leadership, service and contributions to innovation.
The awards are sponsored by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, the Professional Dairy Managers of Pennsylvania, and the Center for Dairy Excellence.
“These annual Dairy Industry Awards continue to be a meaningful way to shine a light on the people who are making a difference within the PA dairy industry,” said Emily Barge, Communications and Marketing Manager at the Center for Dairy Excellence.
“As we approach the last few months of 2026, help us recognize the dairy leaders you know who are providing outstanding leadership, service and innovation to our industry and submit a nomination to recognize them with a Dairy Industry Award.”
The awards are open to Pennsylvania residents, with this year’s honorees scheduled to receive recognition during the Pennsylvania Dairy Summit in February 2027.
Three award categories are available. The Pennsylvania Distinguished Dairy Producer Award honors individual producers or dairy farm businesses that demonstrate strong management practices while contributing leadership and service to the broader dairy community.
The Pennsylvania Dairy Service Award recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to advancing the interests of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and supporting dairy farms.
The Pennsylvania Dairy Innovator Award is presented to an individual or business that has introduced meaningful innovations designed to strengthen the state’s dairy sector. This may include developments that expand market opportunities or introduce new approaches and technologies for dairy farms.
Those interested in submitting a nomination can find the application at the Center for Dairy Excellence awards website.
Nominations must be submitted by November 16, 2026, and must include the completed application and a letter of support explaining why the nominee deserves recognition.
Nominees will receive electronic notification in late November and will be asked to provide additional information in December. Award recipients are expected to be notified in January 2027.
Eligible nominees remain under consideration for three years. Nominators may update submissions during the following two years. Winners cannot be considered for another category for two years after receiving an award.
Questions or applications can be directed to Emily Barge at 717-788-0300 or ebarge@centerfordairyexcellence.org.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-peopleimages
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Livestock, Dairy Cattle