Bennink named 2010 World Dairy Expo Dairyman of the Year

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World Dairy Expo has named Donald T. Bennink of North Florida Holsteins in Bell its Dairyman of the Year at the annual Dinner with the Stars held in Madison, Wisconsin on September 30. Bennink was recognized for his contributions to the global dairy industry and received a custom plaque signed by President Barack Obama.
Bennink is a former New York attorney who gave up that life to become a dairy farmer. Though there was no farm in Bennink’s family while growing up in western New York, he worked for others and began building a herd of his own. Upon graduation from Cornell University, he started dairy farming as a business, renting a 35 tie-stall barn in his home county. While in Florida on a case, Bennink decided he liked the area and moved his herd to North Florida in 1980.
Today, Bennink is a successful dairy breeder with a herd of 4,000 milking age Registered Holsteins, the single largest dairy in the state and one of the largest Registered Holstein herds in the country. He led the innovation of dairy cattle comfort with tunnel ventilation to enhance production and herd health. His farm has developed more than 750 cows classified as Excellent and consistently ranks on cooperative quality honor rolls and receives premier breeder and exhibitor recognition.
In the board room, Bennink has been a leader for the dairy industry, serving as president of Dairy Farmers, Inc., now known as Florida Dairy Farmers, from 1993-1995. “Don’s contributions to the dairy industry as an ambassador, advocate, educator and leader are invaluable,” said Michele Cooper, chief executive officer of Florida Dairy Farmers. “He’s one of the most respected and successful farmers in our state and an example to us all, added Matt Lussier, preside of Florida Dairy Farmers.
Bennink regularly hosts foreign and domestic visitors to promote superior U.S. genetics and is sought for his efficiency and genetics advice in many countries. He has been an early adaptor of monitoring technology and environmental protection practices, including research trials of drugs and feed additives with the University of Florida’s School of Veterinary Medicine.