FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June, 2015
Contact: National Dairy Shrine
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National Dairy Shrine Recognizes Barham and Heijkoop as Progressive Dairy Managers.
National Dairy Shrine is proud to recognize its 2015 Progressive Dairy Manager Grant Award winners. Each of these deserving recipients receives a travel grant of $2,000 to use for an approved education experience. Iris Barham of Mt. Berry, Ga.,will be honored in the small herd category, while Johan Heijkoop of Webster, Fla.,has earned recognition in the large herd category. Several organizations including National Dairy Shrine recognize outstanding breeders; however, this recognition is designed to recognize dairy managers that provide outstanding leadership and service to the commercial dairy industry.
Iris Barham
Since taking over as Dairy Supervisor at Berry College, Iris Barham has made a significant impact on the Registered Jersey Herd and the education of the students who work there. Barham manages the daily operations of the dairy herd, which employs about 50 students each on a part-time basis, across all areas of the daily herd management.
The Berry College Registered Jersey herd has been in continuous operation for over a century. Barham strives to improve the herd’s strong genetic base by guiding students through embryo transfer and carefully-planned matings. When taking her position as manager in April 2013, Barham has watched the herd’s production and reproductive efficiency significantly improve. Barham said, “I believed the genetic potential of the herd was much greater than what the cows were demonstrating. I knew it would take some time to achieve definite improvements; however, with proper nutrition and reproductive management, I believed the herd’s performance would improve.”
In addition to developing the Jersey herd, Barham is truly focused on the future of her students after graduating college. She said, “My goal is to develop advocates for the dairy industry as a result of their positive work experiences with our herd, no matter their chosen career path.”
Iris has been involved in numerous dairy industry organizations and groups. She has served as a board member for the Georgia Dairy Youth Foundation and the Georgia Milk Producers. In addition, she is a member of the Southeastern United Dairy Industry Association Scientific Advisory Board. Barham is also involved in the Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Program.
Johan Heijkoop
National Dairy Shrine is pleased to award the large herd honor to Johan Heijkoop. Managing 1,400 cows between two dairies, Heijkoop has learned to embrace technology and effectively manage people.
His two operations, Milk-A-Way Dairy, Inc.and K&H Dairy are semi-seasonal, modified grazing operations. The herds are 100% bred A.I. and stress efficient production, reproduction and low cull rates. Their health protocols are outstanding and Johan is able to have extremely low herd somatic cell counts even in the heat and humidity of Florida. In 2014, Heijkoop needed to add a heifer raising program to K&H dairy. With his progressive mindset, he researched and added an automatic calf feeder to this program. This addition has improved efficiency and reduced the cost of custom heifer raising. A key to Heijkamp’s progressive mindset is developing his employees. He said, “As the operation grows, we must continue to find and develop team leaders. These leaders within our organization will become one of the cornerstones to the long-term success of the dairy operation. We must continue to build people and pro vide opportunities f or their growth and success.”
Heijkamp spent time off the farm with Farm Credit of Central Florida. In 2010, he was awarded the lender of the year award. This experience provided him with financial management knowledge that is key to managing his business. In addition, he served as a board member for the Sumter County Farm Bureau. He has also been active in the National Milk Producers Federation, Dairy Marketing Inc. and the Florida Dairy Youth Advisory Board.Heijkamp has assisted in coaching a number of state winning FFA dairy cattle judging teams at the middle and high school level. Furthermore, in 2013, he was honored as the Southeast Milk Inc. 2013 Outstanding Young Dairy Leader and represented the cooperative at national meetings.
For more information about the individuals being recognized by National Dairy Shrine or tickets for the Awards Banquet, contact the NDS office at . National Dairy Shrine membership information also is available online at Dairy enthusiasts are encouraged to become a part of the only organization working to preserve and honor our dairy heritage, inspire present and future leaders, and promote the dairy industry.
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Pictures are available if desired. Please contact to obtain photos of honorees.