Shelley, Idaho, Dairy Farm Owners Chosen as 2007 Members of Distinction by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.

Trina and Brian Esplin

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. selected Brian and Trina Esplin, the owners and operators of Diamond Three Dairy of Shelley, Idaho, to receive its most prestigious award – the 2007 Member of Distinction Award. The Esplins received the recognition based on their 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 in Americus, Ga.; Crosswinds Dairy of Portales, N.M.; RV Dairy of Winton, Calif.; Three Star Dairy of McCook, Neb.; 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.”

When Brian was a young man, his father nearly made the decision to get out of dairying in order to focus on their crop-farm operation. Instead, Brian stepped up and saved the 70-cow dairy farm, later purchasing it from his father.

Today, the Esplins milk 575 cows three times daily at Diamond Three Dairy and produce nearly 17 million pounds annually.  Diamond Three Dairy’s strength is quality. They haven’t missed a DFA quality milk bonus in the eight and a half years since joining the Cooperative, and previously were nominated for several state quality awards. Brian credits much of the quality of his product to the caliber of his nine full-time employees. In addition to striving to produce only the best, the dairy also works to maximize its production. They milk as many cows as possible given the available facilities and personnel, pushing production without wasting time or resources.