Producer of the Year

Minnesota Milk Producers Association recognizes one dairy operation as Minnesota’s Producer of the Year. Nominations are received on an annual basis from producer and associate Minnesota Milk members. The finalists, are selected by Minnesota Milk’s Board of Directors, and then a private committee determines the recipient for the year from the slate of finalists. 

Minnesota’s Producer of the Year is recognized at the Minnesota Milk Annual Meeting.  The recipient serves as representative of Minnesota’s dairy farmers and community throught their leadership and community involvment. Sharing the story of the producer of the year helps to bring more awareness to dairy farmers and their commitment to dairy farming. 

2025 Award Winner: Dave & Ann Buck, Bucks Unlimited

The Minnesota Milk Producers Association announced its 2025 Producer of the Year, Dave and Ann Buck of Bucks Unlimited in Goodhue.

Dave and Ann bought their farm in 1991, but they had been farming together with Dave’s family long before that. What started as a 70-cow dairy has grown into a multi-family operation with 1,400 cows, a manure management business, a custom chopping business and their own crossbred beef. Over the years, they’ve transitioned most of the farm management and responsibilities to their sons, D.J. and Chris.

Both Dave and Ann are very engaged in their local community, participating in activities and volunteering their time. Ann served on the local school board for 12 years, and Dave served as the Minnesota Milk board for 12 years, including four as board president. They’re also closely involved with Breakfast on the Farm each year.

“There are many excellent dairy farmers in the state of Minnesota, so this award means a lot,” Dave said. “We’re truly honored and humbled to accept this award.”

Minnesota Milk presents this award to exceptional dairy farmers who are leaders in agriculture and their community, demonstrating a commitment to Minnesota dairy.

“It’s important to be able to highlight families like the Bucks, who have such a positive influence on Minnesota’s dairy farms and their surrounding communities,” said Garrett Luthens, Minnesota Milk’s board president. “We appreciate their dedication to the dairy community and are honored to present them with this award.”

Do you know an outstanding dairy farmer leader?

Send in your nomination for the next winner of the Producer of the Year Award.

We’re looking for dairy farmers that are active in their local community in addition to the Minnesota dairy community. The recipient serves as representative of Minnesota’s dairy farmers and community throught their leadership and community involvment. Sharing the story of the producer of the year helps to bring more awareness to dairy farmers and their commitment to dairy farming.