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Hanover, Mich., Dairy Farm Owner/Operators Chosen as 2007 Members of Distinction by Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.
 Phil Weir, Joe Weir, Jeff Weir and Bruce Weir |
Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. selected Bruce Weir and Phil Weir the owners and operators of Weir Farms of Hanover, Mich., to receive its most prestigious award – the 2007 Member of Distinction Award. The Weirs 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 of Americus, Ga.; Crosswinds Dairy of Portales, N.M.; Diamond Three Dairy of Shelley, Idaho; RV Dairy of Winton, Calif.; Three Star Dairy of McCook, Neb.; 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 600-cow operation at Weir Farms has garnered numerous awards for its environmental stewardship practices, quality milk production and cleanliness. Owned by brothers Bruce and Phil, Weir Farms has prospered and grown steadily since 1972. The recent addition of their sons to the partnership has helped the Weirs farm 4,000 acres of crops as well.
The impeccable upkeep of Weir Farms is unparalleled. It’s been said that not only does the nine-year-old facility look like it is newly built, but that visitors may not realize they are on a working dairy farm because it is unusually clean.
In the past, Weir Farms has scored perfect checks on Grade A surveys as well as Federal Check Ratings. Extremely quality conscious, the dairy continually strives for perfection in producing the highest quality milk. Their constant efforts are recognized each year with DFA quality awards.
Weir Farms also has received commendations for soil conservation. And in August, the Michigan Agricultural Environmental Assurance Program certified it as an environmentally friendly farm. This proactive voluntary program promotes stewardship of the land and requires a great deal of time and effort. The Weirs are glad to have committed their resources to the certification, believing it to be positive not only for their farm but also for agriculture’s image on the whole.
Phil is a Hanover Township official, while Bruce serves on the township’s Board of Review. Dedicated to educating the public about dairying, the Weirs hold tours for area retirement homes, the Lions Club, Scout groups and government and township officials. Weir Farms was featured in a video sponsored by Michigan State University and the United Dairy Industry of Michigan, explaining how milk is delivered from the cow to the consumer.