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Walnut Ridge Dairy and Eileen Jensen honored

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  • Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • Cornell Dairy
  • PRO-DAIRY
  • Animal Science
Walnut Ridge Dairy and Eileen Jensen of the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition received PRO-DAIRY Agriservice Awards during the Dairy Day Recognition and Awards Ceremony on September 3, 2026 at the Great New York State Fair. The awards were presented on behalf of Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY by Associate Director Karl Czymmek and New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball.

The PRO-DAIRY Agriservice Awards recognize outstanding contributions to New York agriculture and long-standing support of the PRO-DAIRY program. 

“This year’s recipients represent the strong partnerships that help drive innovation, education and advancement across New York’s dairy industry,” said Thomas Overton, director of Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY. “Their commitment to collaboration, leadership and service has strengthened our programs and created lasting benefits for dairy farmers and agribusinesses across the state. We are proud to recognize their contributions and grateful for their support of PRO-DAIRY and the industry as a whole.” 

Eileen Jensen, New York Animal Agriculture Coalition, accepts the 2026 Agriservice Award, from NYS Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball and PRO-DAIRY associate director Karl Czymmek. 

Walnut Ridge Dairy has been a valued partner to PRO-DAIRY for many years, welcoming the program’s involvement in applied research projects, educational initiatives and on-farm demonstration activities. The farm’s willingness to collaborate and its leadership within the dairy community have helped advance practical solutions and foster learning opportunities that benefit New York dairy producers. 

“Walnut Ridge Dairy has consistently opened its doors to support research, education and industry development efforts,” Overton said. “Partnerships like these are critical to the success of PRO-DAIRY and the continued growth of New York’s dairy industry.” 

As executive director of the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition, Jensen has played a leading role in strengthening public understanding of dairy farming and agriculture. Through educational programs and outreach initiatives, she has brought dairy farmers, industry professionals and consumers together to build trust and awareness around modern food production and animal agriculture. 

“Eileen Jensen has been an exceptional partner in agricultural outreach and communication,” Overton said. “Her dedication to connecting consumers with farmers and sharing the story of New York agriculture has had a meaningful impact on our industry and complements the mission of PRO-DAIRY.” 

PRO-DAIRY’s mission is to facilitate New York State economic development by increasing the profitability and competitiveness of its dairy industry. PRO-DAIRY specialists have made a positive impact on the technical knowledge, management skills and economic strength of New York State’s dairy industry since 1988.

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