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Portales, N.M., Dairy Farm Family Chosen as 2007 Members of Distinction by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
 Darci Collins, Dawn Idsinga, Dougie Idsinga, Derek Idsinga and Denver Collins |
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. selected the owners and operators of Crosswinds Dairy of Portales, N.M., to receive its most prestigious award – the 2007 Member of Distinction Award. Dougie Idsinga, Dawn Idsinga, Derek Idsinga and Darci and Denver Collins received the recognition, which is based on vision, leadership and innovation in the dairy industry.
One farm from each of DFA’s seven Areas was selected and members were recognized with a video and award presentation during DFA’s Annual Meeting Tuesday, March 20 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City, Missouri.
Other 2007 DFA Members of Distinction included the owners and operators of Anthony’s Dairy of Americus, Ga.; Diamond Three Dairy of Shelley, Idaho; Three Star Dairy of McCook, Neb.; RV Dairy of Winton, Calif.; Weir Farms of Hanover, Mich.; and Walker Farms of Fort Ann, N.Y.
“These members have found unique ways to ensure their success in the industry and are positive examples for us all,” says Rick Smith, DFA’s president and chief executive officer. “This is a great achievement.”
The Idsingas’ accomplishments came to DFA’s attention just a few short months after their parents, Doug and Debbie Idsinga, were tragically killed in a car wreck last year. Their four children – ages 20 to 27 – along with Darci’s husband, Denver, changed their life plans in order to take over the operation of Crosswinds Dairy. Today, they are operating the 2,100-cow high-yield dairy smoothly and are even considering a future expansion.
Even as they continue to get used to their new roles and responsibilities, the Idsinga brothers and sisters are doing a terrific job with Crosswinds Dairy. Their learning curve has been extremely short. They take excellent care of the farm, producing a high yield. As one field rep commented, the Idsingas pay attention to detail and run an extremely clean operation. Dougie says that attention to detail is a result of the high expectations they have for themselves and the farm. He adds that it helps that his parents had implemented good sound business practices for the farm – practices that they are following today.
As the Idsingas focus on learning the business and maintaining and building operational efficiencies wherever possible, they also are considering venturing down the road of expansion, perhaps adding another dairy to their operation.
Special Note – The Cooperative is planning the Idsinga Memorial Golf Tournament to be held in their parents’ name next month. The proceeds will help fund various projects in which the local dairy group United Dairy Women are involved.