2023 IDP Producers of the Year: Charles and Margaret Carter
The Producer of the Year honor recognizes individuals who embody all that is great about the dairy industry. The 2023 award was presented to Charles and Margaret Carter who operate Carterly Dairy in Thorntown, IN. Along with managing their 120 cows and being active in the grazing community, the Carters work with hundreds of 4-H youth through a dairy heifer leasing program to encourage involvement and interest in the dairy industry.
2023 IDP Young Producer of the Year: Steve and Abbie Herr
Steve and Abbie Herr are IDP’s Young Producers of the Year. The Herrs, who operate Herr Dairy near Kendallville, IN, are innovators on the farm and in their outreach efforts. They have installed robots in their milking parlor to help meet labor needs, including making their own replacement parts for robotic systems. This enthusiastic dairy couple shares their expertise and experiences via social media and farm tours to help advance understanding of and appreciation for Indiana’s dairy industry.
2023 IDP Scholarship Winner: Jacqueline Mudd
The recipient of this year’s IDP scholarship is Jacqueline Mudd, Nor-Lene Holsteins, Berne, IN. She has been active in the industry her whole life, starting on her family’s registered Holstein farm. She has served as the National Jersey Queen as well as an Indiana Dairy Ambassador. She has competed in dairy judging and in national breed association activities. Jackie is an Animal Sciences major at Purdue University where she is involved with the Purdue Dairy Club and hopes to run her own dairy farm in the future with a focus on high-type show cattle while also exploring direct to consumer markets.
“From the Carters who have humbly served our industry for decades to our up-and- coming industry members represented by our young producers and scholarship winners, our 2023 honorees represent the passion and leadership that makes the dairy industry great,” said Steve Obert, Executive Director, IDP.
2023 Alan Kuehnert Memorial Scholarship Winner: Sophia Bollenbacher
The recipient of this year’s Alan Kuehnert Memorial Scholarship is Sophia Bollenbacher, Bolle-Acres Jersey Farm and Argos Holstein Farms, Argos, IN. Passionate about the dairy business from a young age, she was a 10 year 4-H member and active in FFA. She competed at the national level in several contests with numerous champion honors including State Senior Jersey Showman. Sophia is an Animal Sciences major at Purdue University where she is involved in the Purdue Dairy Club and hopes to continue to have a positive impact by informing and educating people about agriculture.