Creating positive impressions about the dairy industry among consumers who aren’t familiar with farm life starts at home and continues right on through to national promotion programs for the Horning family, of Manchester. It’s this family’s commitment to the Michigan dairy industry that earned them the distinction of being awarded the highest honor bestowed from the Michigan State University Department of Animal Science, the MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year.
Earl and Diane Horning accepted the 2010 MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year award during the fourth annual Michigan Dairy Industry Recognition Night held Feb. 12 as part of the annual Great Lakes Regional Dairy Conference in Frankenmuth. Ted Ferris, MSU professor of animal science, presented the award.
Joining Earl and Diane Horning in accepting the award were their son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Lynda. The Horning family works together to operate the six-generation family dairy operation started in 1877. Today, the farm consists of 360 milk cows, 410 head of youngstock and 700 acres of cropland. The Rolling Herd Average is 27,476 pounds of milk.
In addition to maintaining a high-producing, healthy herd of dairy cows, the Hornings focus their attention on helping consumers learn about and understand the dairy industry. Earl Horning serves on state and national dairy promotional boards and is a member of the Michigan Milk Producers Association board of directors. Diane Horning is active with the Michigan Farm Bureau promotion and education programs, and has served for many years as a dairy communicator for MMPA. Jeff and Lynda are also active in dairy industry groups.
“Earl and Diane Horning, along with their son, Jeff, and his wife, Lynda, are progressive dairy producers who actively engage in industry leadership and hands-on committee roles at the local, state and national levels,” said Dr. Karen Plaut, chairwoman of the MSU Department of Animal Science. “The family is also committed to actively promoting milk and dairy products to all audiences, and educating consumers and families about the dairy industry.”
“One of the challenges facing our industry is showing urban people who we are and how we operate,” Earl Horning said. “Lots of people want to tell our story for us, but we (dairy farmers) need to be the ones out there talking to people.”
Creating a positive image to neighbors and passers-by has always been a top concern for the Hornings. Because their farm is situated on a hill overlooking a popular recreational spot, Pleasant Lake, they have gone to great measures to keep the appearance of their farm neat and clean.
“We want to provide people with good impressions of what we do and how we do it,” Earl Horning said. “Given where we live, it has always been important to us to present a neat and clean image. We manage our farm to be as neighbor-friendly as we can.”
Recently, the Hornings were one of several Michigan dairy farmers involved in creating a news bureau offering interviews and images of the dairy industry to reporters and community leaders, an effort spearheaded by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. The Hornings have opened their farm to video crews and photographers as a modern-day example of dairy farming, and they are currently in the initial stages of planning a regional Breakfast on the Farm event on June 26 for community members and local leaders.
In addition to their promotion work, the Hornings – both MSU graduates – have partnered with MSU and MSU Extension on a number of research and education projects, and served as case study examples for dairy farm management courses. Earl Horning also serves on the MSU Extension Dairy Advisory Committee.
“We find we get as much back as we give when we participate in organizations and meetings,” Earl Horning says. “Being involved in these organizations gives us a new perspective. Every time I go to a meeting I pick up new things that we can apply to our farm.”
Nominations for the annual MSU Dairy Farmer of the Year award are gathered from MSU Extension dairy educators and animal science faculty members in the fall of each year. A team made up of faculty members and Extension educators selects a winner on the basis of commitment and contributions to the dairy industry.
The MSU Department of Animal Science has a 100-plus-year tradition of educating outstanding students, providing excellence in research and engaging communities through Extension activities. For more information, call 517-355-8383 or visit www.ans.msu.edu.
