College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Animal Science

The Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Animal Science named Tony Jandernoa of Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC in St. Johns as the recipient of the 2025 Dairy Farm of the Year.

Presented annually since 1958, this award is the highest honor the department gives to outstanding dairy farms across Michigan. Recipients are selected from a pool of nominees who have exhibited outstanding (1) management of their dairy farm business and (2) leadership in the Michigan dairy industry or their community. Nominations are solicited from the industry each summer through a form available on the department’s website. The CANR faculty and Extension staff selection committee reviews the nominations and selects two or three farms to visit. Each farm has its strengths and weaknesses and the committee members balance what the nominees have done with their resources. The winner’s portrait is added to the display featuring previous winners at the Farm Bureau Pavilion at Michigan State University.

Tony Jandernoa is a first-generation dairy farmer who has demonstrated a commitment to advancing dairy farming practices and strengthening the Michigan dairy industry. He owns and operates Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC, established in 1987, and Meadowbrook Dairy LLC, built in 2016.

Over the past five years, the Jandernoa family has grown the business by acquiring a third dairy farm, Berlyn Acres, in Fowler, in late 2022. This purchase enables them to increase the milking herd by 2,000 cows and expand the land base significantly. The family now manages 6,000 milking cows across three facilities with 3,200 youngstock. The establishment spans 4,000 acres where they grow corn, alfalfa, sorghum and triticale, maintaining production metrics that exceed Michigan state averages.

As a respected figure in the dairy industry, Jandernoa is known for his leadership and dedication to the operation. His role involves facilitating the development and implementation of large-scale projects, managing cropping practices and overseeing the financial aspect of the business.

Throughout the years, Jandernoa has emphasized the integration of innovative, sustainable farming practices, positioning his farm as a leader in environmental responsibility and farm management. He was an early adopter of sand lanes to separate sand from manure, helping manage manure and positioning the farm for expansion opportunities. He shared his experience with the sand lanes at a previous Great Lakes Manure Expo and through various industry articles while assisting other dairy producers in designing similar systems.

Meadowbrook Dairy is set to begin operating anaerobic digesters and gas upgrading equipment in early 2025, further enhancing the farm’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency. These advancements will generate renewable natural gas to replace fossil fuels in the transportation sector and power the facility with clean energy. Jandernoa’s ability to combine cutting-edge technology with a deep respect for the land exemplifies his forward-thinking approach to dairy farming.

Beyond his farm’s operational success, Jandernoa has taken on numerous leadership roles that showcase his dedication to the broader dairy industry. As Vice Chairman of the Michigan Milk Producers Association and Chair of the Farmer Sustainability Advisory Committee, Jandernoa has played a pivotal role in shaping industry policy, advocating for sustainability and ensuring the long-term success of Michigan's dairy farmers. His participation in the MMPA Outstanding Young Cooperators program in 2002 further demonstrates his dedication.

Jandernoa and his wife, Patti, are also deeply committed to agricultural education and community engagement. In 2009, they hosted the inaugural MSU Breakfast on the Farm, showcasing the importance of Michigan’s agricultural heritage. Their additional involvement in the Alta Advantage Showcase Tour, MSU Extension research studies and willingness to host high school and university groups for educational visits reflect their commitment to sharing knowledge while supporting the next generation of dairy farmers.  

In addition to the MSU Dairy Farm of the Year Award, Jandernoa’s accolades include the Michigan Farmers Master Farmer Award, the Farm Bureau Philanthropy Award and numerous MMPA Quality Awards.

“The MSU Dairy Farm of the Year Award recognizes dairy farmers who exhibit outstanding management of their dairy farm business and provide exceptional leadership in the Michigan Dairy Industry,” said Dr. Pamela Ruegg, the David J. Ellis Chair in Antimicrobial Resistance in the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Tony Jandernoa fully meets these criteria and truly deserves this award. Over 37 years, he has built a multigenerational team that has effectively grown, and outstanding management is evident as the cows are highly productive, healthy and produce high quality milk. Congratulations to Tony and his team for their accomplishments.”

“Tony Jandernoa is an industry leader in the implementation of new technologies, especially related to manure management and sustainable farming practices,” said Dr. Cathy Ernst, chair of the MSU Department of Animal Science. “We appreciate his willingness to host 4-H youth and MSU students, as well as his collaboration for conducting on-farm research trials at their farm. We are pleased to recognize Tony Jandernoa of Dutch Meadows Dairy LLC / Meadowbrook Dairy LLC as the 2025 Dairy Farm of the Year.”

The award will be presented at the MSU Dairy Industry Celebration and Recognition Banquet on April 24, 2025.