The 2026 World Dairy Expo Producer of the Year is always looking to improve.
Jonathan Lamb is a 12th-generation dairy farmer from Oakfield, New York. He says the family farm began in 1965 with just 65 cows and now spans 10,000 head and 15,000 acres across New York and Ohio.
“We try to be in a state of continuous improvement. We make plenty of mistakes, you can come and visit our farm any day and there are things that we try to change. So, we always try to make small incremental improvements.”
Speaking to other dairy farmers at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin recently, he said milk prices are down, but processing expansion is supportive to margins.
“Especially in my area of northeast and New York, there’s really been generational investments made in dairy processing. It’s really injected an enthusiasm into the dairy industry, at least in my neck of the woods.”
World Dairy Expo officials say Oakfield Dairy is being recognized in part for its elite genetics through genome testing, embryo transfer, and IVF programs.
EDITOR’S TAKE:
Continuous improvement is a concept often associated with large companies or manufacturing firms, but in this instance, it’s being carried out on a dairy farm. I am constantly amazed by the progress made in agriculture to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability. Although farmers are not in control of the prices they receive, they constantly work on those things they can control. Mr. Lamb is a great example of how he has grown the operation and is constantly seeking methods to improve upon the outcomes. Congratulations Mr. Lamb on this well-deserved recognition.
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