Franklin Co. farm wins dairy award
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Mercer Vu Farms Inc. of Mercersburg, Pa., recently received an American Dairy Association North East’s Dairying for Tomorrow Award for environmental stewardship.
The awards recognize local dairy farmers and showcase on-farm practices that will help sustain the dairy industry now and into the future, and are given in three categories: animal care, community and consumer outreach, and environmental stewardship.
“All dairy farmers are committed to caring for their cattle and their land to ensure a quality product and a sustainable environment, not only for consumers, but for their own families,” American Dairy Association North East CEO Rick Naczi said in a news release. “The Dairying for Tomorrow Award recognizes farmers in the ADA North East territory for their dedication to the industry and to their communities.”
The Hissong family of Mercer Vu Farms accepted the award Aug. 16 at Ag Progress Days in Rock Springs, Pa.
The farm was the overall winner for environmental stewardship. Mercer Vu Farms Inc. was started by Glenn and Mae Hissong in 1949, and the farm business is now managed by the third generation, Rod and Rick Hissong. Together with their team of 46 employees, they care for 2,800 milking cows at two locations.
Along with cow care, environmental stewardship has always been a top priority. All of their acreage has approved nutrient-management plans, and they employ many conservation tools such as cover crops, soil sampling, sand separation and recycled water for barn flushing. The Hissongs also use the latest technologies in variable rate applications/planting and satellite imagery.
Dairy farms in the ADA North East region of New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware and Northern Virginia were eligible for nomination.
The overall award winners in each category receive a farm video and photo shoot.
Also, the farms will receive a $1,000 donation in their name to a local school to help implement a dairy smoothie program in the cafeteria.
