By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

Earlier this month, Swamp Bottom Farm in New Woodstock/Sheds was named the recipient of the 2020 Dairy of Distinction (DOD) award for Madison County.

Developed out of the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program in 1983, the Dairy of Distinction Program recognizes the hard work and dedication of dairy owners and operators who have attractive, well-kept farms and promote a positive dairy industry image. All active dairy farms in New York, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Vermont are eligible to apply for the DOD award. Winners receive a special DOD roadside sign for their farmsteads.

Roadside farm judging is based on the condition of the farm and livestock. Winners are re-judged every year to ensure they maintain the high standards of the award.

According to the DOD website, the program is based on the idea that attractive farms enhance consumer confidence in the dairy industry.

“This grassroots recognition has been the key to the program,” said William Underwood, a Tully farmer and New York’s first DOD president. “This is one way dairy farmers can directly promote their industry. Honoring these farmers says ‘thank you,’ and by promoting this program we can encourage other farmers to do the same.”

Swamp Bottom Farm Owner Brian Darrow has been actively shipping milk since 1999, when he took over the family farm from his parents.

Darrow purchased and renamed the farm in 2003.

“I decided on Swamp Bottom Farm because I was told I needed a name when I started for my dairy herd information records,” said Darrow. “When I was asked, I was standing outside the back door of the barn and I had a clear look of the swamp below the flat behind the barn. I told the woman who asked [what I wanted to name it] Swamp Bottom Farm. She checked to see if was taken already in the U.S. It wasn’t, so I kept it.”

With help from his family, the farmer milks around 50 cows and raises about 50 young stock. Darrow also raises row crops, like corn, soybeans and extra hay for his livestock on 300-plus acres of land.

Darrow learned about his farm’s DOD award about two weeks ago.

“It’s an honor,” he said. “I never really thought I had a chance for it. I have slowly been able to fix and improve the look of the farm over the years. I think it’s important during these times to send a good message about dairy farms and the way we run our farms and the care we give to our animals.”

For more information on the DOD Program, visit dairyofdistinctionawards.com.