Armon D. Hetzel Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Professional Services Veterinarian Animart, Inc.

Jim Henry Dakota Dunes, South Dakota Silage Specialist Mycogen Seeds

Colten Green Modesto, California Reproductive Specialist Genex Cooperative, Inc.

Western United Dairymen member Richard Michel, Waterford, California, has been elected chairman of the California Milk Advisory Board, which promotes products under the “Real California” label. Michel, a third-generation dairyman, milks 1,200 Holsteins and is a member of the California Dairies Inc. processing cooperative.

Raised on a dairy farm in Johnstown, William Wailes graduated from Colorado State University (CSU) in 1969 and joined the Marine Corps, spending nearly eights years serving. But within a few years of leaving the Navy, Wailes was back at CSU and today is the department head of animal sciences. He's worked as an extension specialist and as manager of the university's dairy research facility.

Larry and Gloria Crandall’s family has hosted thousands of toddlers and school-age children at their fifth-generation family dairy farm near Battle Creek, Michigan, over the years. One thing that teachers and day care providers know is that the family practices an open door policy when it comes to answering questions about farming and encouraging visits to the farm to learn about farming firsthand. The Crandalls are the recipients of the 2011 Michigan State University (MSU) Dairy Farmer of the Year Award. They were selected by MSU Department of Animal Science faculty members and MSU Extension educators on the basis of commitment and contributions to the dairy industry and local communities.

The Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Foundation recently recognized the dedication and service of James A. Coats, a Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) member, and Steve Davis, a manager in DFA’s Southeast Area. The Foundation awarded Coats its Leadership Award and Davis the Meritorious Service Award.

Former California Department of Food and Agriculture Secretary A.G. Kawamura recently appointed two dairy processors and a producer to the Dairy Council of California’s board of directors. The new members are Pete Garbani, director of Western Region Milk Supply for Land O’Lakes; Laura Burns, plant manager at Kraft Foods; and Kimberly Clauss, operations manager of Clauss Dairy Farms and co-owner of Hilmar Cheese.

Wendy Rahn Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Hoof products coordinator Animart, Inc.

Nick Uglow Lake Mills, Wisconsin Dairy Specialist Vita Plus