The Maryland Dairy Shrine is reaching out to operators of dairy farms across the state for their interest in being rewarded as part of a statewide dairy farm beautification program. Known as the Maryland Dairy of Distinction program, 43 dairy farms have received the honor since its start in 2010.
Attractive dairy farms give consumers greater confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and stimulate milk sales, which encourages public support for the dairy industry. This award gives recognition to dairy producers for maintaining well-kept farmsteads.
Farms nominated for the Dairy of Distinction Award will be judged during April and May and notified in June. Winners will be recognized at the Maryland Dairy Shrine annual banquet in February 2026. Winning farms will receive a sign for display on their operations, which they will earn at the annual banquet along with a presentation and press.
All Maryland dairy producers are invited to submit an application for the award. Others may fill out and submit the application for a producer; however the dairy farmer must sign off on the application in awareness of the impromptu roadside judging that will occur.
The application can be found on the Maryland Dairy Shrine website at https://sites.google.com/site/mddairyshrine/awards/md-dod. Applicants can also contact Nicole Forsythe [email protected] or Kelsey Keadle [email protected].
Applications are due by March 31 to Nicole Forsythe by mail 10226 Downsville Pike, Hagerstown, Maryland 21740 or by email [email protected].
Previous recipients are encouraged to reach out with any updates, such as farm transition within a family unit or ceasing of their dairy operations. All eligible past recipients are subject to re-evaluation during the April and May judging period.
