PORTLAND – Several local farms were recognized at the Oakhurst Dairy 12th annual Quality Producer Awards.

The 2002 awards were given in recognition of outstanding milk quality, according to Stanley T. Bennett II, Oakhurst president.

The 94 farms that supply Oakhurst milk are subjected to monthly quality tests, as well as on-site inspections to assess the cleanliness of milking and storage equipment and the general health of the cows. All Oakhurst farms also pledge in writing not to use artificial growth hormones in milk production.

The 2002 top winners are:

First place: Dirigo Holsteins, awarded to Steve and Debbie Keene of Auburn.

Second place: Brigeen Dairies in Turner, awarded to Bill and Betsy Bullard.

Third place: The Cole Farm in Winterport, awarded to Paul and Linda Cole.

Fourth place: Harrison Dairy Farm in Arundel, awarded to Bill Harrison.

Fifth place: The Wright Place, Clinton, awarded to Barney Wright.

Also recognized for their quality achievements were:

Buckley Farms, Leeds, awarded to Dwight and Gibb Buckley

Pineland Farms of New Gloucester

R.E. Hemond Farm, Inc. in Minot, awarded to Roland Hemond

Brigeen Farms, Turner, awarded to Steve and Mary Briggs

Agalhoma Farms in Thorndike, awarded to Harold and Galen Larrabee

Farms recognized for most closely meeting their predicted output for 2002:

Thompson Farm, Vassalboro, awarded to Jeremy Thompson

Brigeen Dairies in Turner, awarded to Bill and Betsy Bullard

Wormell Farm, Cumberland

Faithful Ventures Farm, Searsmont, awarded to Glendon Mehuren

Juniper Genetics, Gray, awarded to Lee Parsons

Doak Farm, Monroe, awarded to David and Bernice Doak

Hill and Dale Farm, Monroe, awarded to Kerry Ward

Thomas Jersey Farm, Dover-Foxcroft, awarded to Richard Thomas

Jo-Hill Farm, Swanville, awarded to Joe Dickey

Long Hill Farm, Brooks, awarded to Arthur Humphrey