MSU Honors De Grins Oer Dairy As 2026 Dairy Farm Of The Year

Jan 28, 2026

By Sierra Jezuit

The Michigan State University Department of Animal Science has named De Grins Oer Dairy of Blanchard, Michigan, the 2026 Dairy Farm of the Year.

Presented annually since 1958, the Dairy Farm of the Year award is the highest honor bestowed by the department, recognizing farms that demonstrate excellence in management, innovation and leadership within Michigan’s dairy industry.

“The Okkema family’s focus on milk quality and their implementation of innovative technologies have made De Grins Oer Dairy a model for the dairy industry”, said Cathy Ernst, chair of the MSU Department of Animal Science. “We appreciate their dedication to consumer and youth education programs, including hosting Breakfast on the Farm twice, and also their willingness to open their farm for research and extension activities. We are excited to recognize De Grins Oer Dairy as the 2026 Dairy Farm of the Year.”

From seven cows to a family-run operation

De Grins Oer Dairy — translated from Frisian as “Over the Border Dairy” — was founded in 1999 by Tjerk and Ramona Okkema, whose shared backgrounds in dairy farming molded the operation from the start. Ramona grew up on a dairy farm in New Hampshire and met Tjerk, who was raised in the dairy industry in the Netherlands, through a 4-H exchange. After living and working together in the Netherlands, the couple decided to immigrate to the United States and establish their own dairy farm. The family arrived in Michigan in 1999 and began building De Grins Oer Dairy from the ground up in Blanchard.

Source : msu.edu

Video: Exploring Precision Data in Swine Production - Dr. Janice Siegford

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Janice Siegford from Michigan State University discusses how precision livestock farming data can support pig health, welfare, transparency, and decision making. She explains why data ownership, privacy, consumer perception, and cost sharing must be addressed as technology becomes more common on farms. Listen now on all major platforms.

“Precision livestock farming data can support producers, veterinarians, certifiers, and consumers by enabling improved monitoring, prediction, and decision-making across the entire production system.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Janice Siegford / janice-siegford-24318839 is a Professor and Associate Chair in the Department of Animal Science at Michigan State University. Her expertise in animal welfare, neuroscience, and zoology supports research on pig behavior, stress resilience, and precision livestock farming. Her work explores early weaning, genetics, and stakeholder perspectives on technology adoption to improve pig care, health, and productivity. Learn more from Dr. Janice Siegford on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.