WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-A Victory for a Vt. Farm Family

A Victory for a Vt. Farm Family

Hartland, Vermont - August 3, 2009

Gordon Richardson's grandparents bought a 450-acre parcel in Hartland back in 1905. Today, he and his family-- which includes several of his own grandkids-- tend to roughly 60 Jersey milkers.

"There is a lot of space to do pretty much whatever you want, we have a lot of mountain bike trails," fifth-generation farmer Ezra Richardson said. "We help with the cows."

The cows are making a name for themselves and the farm. Their health and the quality of their milk were big factors in the Richardson Family Farm being named 2009 Dairy Farm of the Year. However, if you ask Gordon Richardson why his farm won the award, you get a much more humble answer.

"That's a million dollar question, I don't know for sure," he said. "It is quite an honor. We try to do things right. Try to do a good job. Try to keep a neat place. Try not to waste our resources."

Gordon Richardson's son Scott said, "We also have always tried to make very valuable milk."

Scott Richardson says quality has always been the focus-- from the grass and grain diet to the comfort of the herd.

"The Jersey breed is known for making high component milk and then we try to maximize that," Scott Richardson explained.

The Richardsons are able to supplement their dairy income with wood fencing and sugaring. And that allows the family to focus what they do best. And this year the entire state has taken notice. The University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Dairy Industry Association helped determine the ranking.

Adam Sullivan - WCAX News