Winton, Calif., Dairy Farm Owner Chosen as 2007 Member of Distinction by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.

Ray Gene Veldhuis

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. selected Ray Gene Veldhuis, the owner and operator of RV Dairy of Winton, Calif., to receive its most prestigious award – the 2007 Member of Distinction Award. Veldhuis received the recognition based on his 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.; Crosswinds Dairy of Portales, N.M.; Diamond Three Dairy of Shelley, Idaho; 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.”

RV Dairy is a 600-acre, 2,500-cow operation. With the support of a talented team of employees, nearly 69 million pounds of milk was produced in 2005. Separate from the dairy, Veldhuis also farms 1,500 acres of almonds.

Raised in a dairy family, Veldhuis dreamed of one day operating his own farm. In the fall of 1994, he realized that dream when he bought R V Dairy from his parents, Ray and Jeanette Veldhuis.

Today Veldhuis and 26 full-time employees successfully operate the dairy. He has created a team environment, staffing it with like-minded people who take pride in doing a great job. He cites the importance of crafting a management team of key players who are highly educated and possess strong interpersonal skills.

Veldhuis is active in the community, particularly on the county level. He has joined in local planning and other issues and works closely with environmental groups and regulatory organizations, such as the regional air and water quality control boards. He also is taking a more active role in the cooperative. Recently, Veldhuis traveled to Washington, D.C., with DFA staff members to visit with legislators to discuss issues important to farmers.

A proponent of education, Veldhuis works with Cornell University, Syracuse University and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, providing students with access to RV Dairy. He also enjoys welcoming their youngest daughter’s classmates on field trips. Veldhuis and his wife, Laura, have two sons and two daughters. Jenna, the oldest, is 14; the boys, Drew and Evan, are 11 and 10; and Haley is 5.