Rhode Island names Outstanding Dairy Farm of 2015

Farm will be honored on Friday, September 18th

By Diego Flammini, Farms.com

The recipient of Rhode Island’s 2015 Outstanding Dairy Farm of the Year award is Cottrell Homestead in West Kingston. The farm will officially receive the honor on Friday, September 18^th, 2015 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Mass. along with other winning dairy farmers from each New England state.

"The historic Cottrell Homestead in West Kingston is one of Rhode Island's finest dairy farms and we are pleased that it has been selected for this special award," said DEM Director Janet Coit. "The success enjoyed by the Cottrell family and other dairy farmers who produce local milk products is helping to protect and preserve hundreds of acres of farmland that will support continued agricultural endeavors for this and future generations to enjoy."

The Cottrells have a long history in Rhode Island.

The farm started in 1900 when current owner Oliver Cottrell’s grandfather bought and farmed the land. The farm is currently operated by Mr. Cottrell, his sons Matt and Glen, his daughter Julie and his grandchildren.

The farm, which consists of a milking herd of over 70 Ayrshires and Holsteins along with corn and hay silage, sweet corn and other vegetables was chosen because of its relationship with the community and involvement with protecting the future of dairy farming in Rhode Island.

They are part of the Rhode Island Dairy Farms Cooperative and work with other dairy farmers to market their products under the “Rhody Fresh” label.

According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Rhode Island produced more than 17 million pounds of milk, worth nearly $4.5 million.

Join the conversation and tell us about some dairy farms in your area that should be recognized for their outstanding contributions to dairy farming.