Dairy Producers Win Farmer Made Ingenuity Awards

By Blake Jackson

Center for Dairy Excellence recently wrapped up its inaugural “Farmer-Made Ingenuity” Contest, spotlighting creative, practical solutions developed by dairy producers. Farmers were invited to submit original ideas designed to solve everyday challenges on their operations.

After submissions were collected, members of the dairy community cast more than 500 votes to select their favorites. Three producers emerged as winners and will receive cash prizes.

“Dairy farmers are the original engineers, finding creative solutions to solving common and not-so-common problems on the farm. That was the inspiration behind this contest, and we were so impressed by the ingenuity of our dairy farmers. We’ve already heard from other producers who are saying, ‘Hey, I could do this on my farm’ when they see some of the ideas,’ shared Jayne Sebright, Executive Director at the Center for Dairy Excellence.

“That’s what makes this type of idea-sharing so special. We learn the most from one another, so we hope these farmer-made ideas can continue to inspire others to come up with innovative solutions on their own operations to create cost savings and improve processes.”

First place went to Mary Creek of Palmyra Farm in Hagerstown, Maryland, for a calf hutch accessory designed to keep newborn calves warmer during winter. “We created an accessory to use on our calf hutches to help protect newborn calves in winter months. We used a piece of plywood approximately 30 inches by 30 inches," said Creek.

Second place was awarded to Donny Bartch of Merrimart Farms in Loysville, Pennsylvania, who combined a silage bucket and defacer into one piece of equipment. “We combined two pieces of equipment into one. We took a silage bucket and mounted a silage defacer on top of it," said Bartch.

Susan Spadaro of Love Haven Farm in Scottdale, Pennsylvania, earned third place for a homemade bale opener. “I created a simple bale opener that makes cutting baler twine quick and easy. The tool is made from a small wooden handle with an old haybine section screwed to it," said Spadaro.

A digital library of entries is available on the Center’s website, and the contest will return in November 2026.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-jesp62