Molly Brook Farm Recognized as Outstanding Dairy Farms of the Year at The Big E

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Molly Brook Farm in Cabot was one of the farms recognized by New England Green Pastures at a banquet on September 16 at The Big E in West Springfield.

The Green Pastures program began in 1947, when New Hampshire’s then-governor Charles Dale bet that his state had greener pastures than anywhere else in New England. The claim sparked an annual competition that recognized innovation and pasture management. Extension services in each New England state facilitated the contest, and the program has evolved to annually recognize one extraordinary dairy farm in each state. Each year, previous winners interview, tour, and judge the nominated farms. 

Now in its 74th year, the New England Green Pastures program has grown from a challenge that started with Governor Dale into a successful regional initiative that emphasizes the importance of a viable dairy industry in New England. 

“The New England Green Pastures program has evolved from one of promoting pastures and forage management, to its present objective of honoring an outstanding dairy family from each of the six New England states by considering their farm’s contribution to the agricultural community and other criteria,” said Green Pastures Program Coordinator Gary Anderson.

The Green Pastures committee judging criteria includes business management, crop production, herd performance, environmental practices, and community leadership. 

The 2022 Outstanding Dairy Farms of the Year also included Hyde’s Dairy Farm, of North Franklin, Conn.; MacGlaflin Farm LLC, of Claremont, N.H.; Paine Dairy Farm, of Madison, Me.; and Clessons River Farm, of Buckland, Mass.

Each family received a silver pitcher and a sign designating their farm as a New England Green Pastures winner.