The award-winning dairies serve as models for other operations around the state and are receiving credit from some high places. The recognition of these specific dairy farmers shows just how hard their industry is working to be good stewards of our land and water. Bailey Farms, Inc. of Cloverdale in Tillamook County, owned by Chuck Bailey. Kennington Dairy of Malheur County near Ontario, owned and operated by Hugh and Clinton Kennington. While each of the four dairies have unique characteristics that have caught the agency's attention, they all meet certain criteria necessary for the award.
All facilities are in compliance with their permit, water quality statutes, and rules.
All use an approved animal waste management plan. All follow a nutrient management plan that includes periodic soil testing, routine manure analysis, and irrigation water management. Most importantly, all are spending resources to make improvements in their operations. That's hard to do these days because they often don't have the money and don't have the time. It was ODFA that actually approached the Oregon Department of Agriculture and suggested an awards program as a good way to not only point out good efforts by individual operators, but as an example and inducement for others to follow suit.