Rail View Dairy Honored as Vermont's Top Dairy Farm

Rail View Dairy, located in New Haven, Vermont, has been awarded the title of 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year. This prestigious annual award is granted by the University of Vermont Extension in collaboration with the Vermont Dairy Industry Association. The selection criteria for this honor include excellence in agronomic practices, superior herd management, high-quality milk production, land stewardship, and innovation.

The farm was established in 1985 by Phil and Diane Livingston. Initially, they started with a tie-stall barn and 40 cows, gradually expanding their operations as finances allowed. Today, Rail View Dairy has grown significantly, with the Livingston family now milking 740 cows housed in free-stall barns. They have also installed a new milking parlor in their original barn to ensure calves receive fresh, whole milk.

In addition to dairy operations, Rail View Dairy manages approximately 2,500 acres of field crops. This comprehensive approach to farming impressed the judges, who noted the high level of management and enthusiasm evident on the farm. Whitney Hull, a dairy specialist with UVM Extension, praised the Livingstons, stating, "You can see their positive attitude reflected in the farm and how they operate. They’re just really fantastic ambassadors for the dairy industry in Vermont."