Dairy Farm of the Year
Reprinted with permission from
Agriview, published by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets.
by Gus Howe Johnson
Margaret and Walt Gladstone with sons Matt (10), John (12) and Will (14)
of Newmont Farm in Bradford, Vermont, are the recipients of the Vermont
Dairy Farm of the Year award for 2003.
A Connecticut River Valley dairy with an enthusiasm for farming has been
named the Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year for 2003.
Newmont Farm, a 600-cow dairy in Bradford, Vermont, is owned and operated by
Walt (Cornell alumnus) and Margaret Gladstone with help from their sons Will
(14), John (12) and Matt (10) and valued employees.
The coveted Dairy Farm of the Year award is presented annually by the
University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Dairy Industry Association
to an exemplary dairy operation, representative of the best farms in the
state for herd and crop management, quality milk production and commitment
to dairy.
The Gladstones purchased their farm, then 135 acres, in 1988 and have been
expanding the dairy business for the past five years.
Their herd is now over 600 cows with an impressive 27,000 lb. herd and milk
production average, they own and lease 1,100 acres of farm land and grow 150
acres of pumpkins and squash for wholesale markets.
The family is well suited to farm life, Walt grew up on a 34-cow farm in
upstate New York and Margaret grew up on a 90-cow freestall dairy in East
Montpelier.
In 1993 they received the White River Conservation District award and the
Orange County Farm Family of the Year award in 2002.
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