PALM DESERT, Calif., Jan. 26, 2026—Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms, LLC of Townville, Pa. was recognized today as the 2026 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year at the International Dairy Foods Association’s (IDFA) Dairy Forum. The award is presented each year by IDFA and Dairy Herd Management magazine. As detailed by Dairy Herd Management in its feature story on the award-winning farm, Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms is a high-tech operation with a holistic approach to managing its expansive 3,500-acre operation, which supports a 1,250-cow milking herd producing an impressive 38 million pounds of milk annually.
The dairy farm is a family operation, founded in 1976 by Robert and Lorna Waddell, along with their son Robert J. They remain true to this family legacy today, with Apple Shamrock Dairy Farm now led by third-generation farmer Josh Waddell. This family commitment and involvement in the business also extends to Josh’s brother, Joe, who is a farm partner, his mother, Christine, who manages the books, and his father, Robert J., who oversees the milk hauling side of the business.
“IDFA celebrates Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms, LLC for its leadership and innovation in so many different pillars of the dairy business,” said Michael Dykes, D.V.M., IDFA president and CEO. “The Waddell family are clearly pioneers and forward‑thinking leaders who understand the importance of pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in efficiency, sustainability, and animal comfort. Their commitment to continuous improvement is recognized not only within their local community but far beyond. We are truly honored to recognize such an outstanding dairy farm with this award.”
“Innovation in farming isn’t about chasing trends; it’s about adapting, learning, and finding better ways to care for our animals, our land, and the people we serve,” said Josh Waddell in his remarks when accepting this award. “Farming has never been easy, and it certainly hasn’t been predictable Weather, markets, equipment breakdowns, and the countless challenges we face daily require us to think differently and push forward even when it’s uncomfortable. For me, innovation has come from asking, ‘How can we do this better?’—better for sustainability, better for efficiency, and better for future generations.”
The Waddell family and Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms set a high standard for modern dairy farming. Their comprehensive three-cell manure system and low-maintenance sand separation allow for efficient nutrient reuse, while direct injection of liquid manure into the soil boosts crop yields, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and prevents runoff. Beyond their environmental commitment, the Waddells lead by example—actively sharing knowledge with peers, supporting neighbors in times of need, and engaging their community through education and advocacy for the dairy industry.
“This award isn’t just a reflection of what we’ve done—it’s a reminder of what’s still ahead. I’m proud to be part of an industry that continues to evolve while honoring tradition, and I’m grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey,” said Josh.
The award was accepted by Josh and Hayley Waddell. You can read more about Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms, LLC in this feature story from Dairy Herd Management magazine. Apple Shamrock Dairy Farms was nominated by Russell Redding, Pennsylvania secretary of agriculture, and recognized as the top nominee by a panel of industry judges.
Previous winners of the Innovative Dairy Farmer title are Mason Dixon Farms, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (1999); Clauss Dairy Farms, Hilmar, California (2000); Baldwin Dairy/Emerald Dairy, Emerald, Wisconsin (2001); Si-Ellen Farms, Jerome, Idaho (2002); Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy, Kewaunee, Wisconsin (2003); C Bar M Dairy, Jerome, Idaho (2004); North Florida Holsteins, Bell, Florida (2005); KF Dairy, El Centro, California (2006); Joseph Gallo Farms, Atwater, California (2007); KBC Farms, Purdy, Missouri (2008); High Plains Dairy, Friona, Texas (2009); Haubenschild Dairy Farm, Inc., Princeton, Minnesota (2010); Brubaker Farms, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania (2011); Sweetwater Valley Farm, Philadelphia, Tennessee (2012); McCarty Family Farms, Rexford, Kansas (2014); Hilmar Jerseys, Hilmar, California (2015); Holsum Dairies, Hilbert, Wisconsin (2016); Jer-Lindy Farms LLC, Brooten, Minnesota (2017); Schrack Farm Resources LP, Loganton, Pennsylvania (2018); Foster Brothers Farms, Middlebury, Vermont (2019); MVP Dairy of Kansas and Ohio (2020); Homestead Dairy, Plymouth, Indiana (2021); Hildebrand Farms Dairy, Junction City, Kansas (2022); Bar 20 Dairy, Kerman, California (2023); Bateman’s Mosida Farms, Elberta, Utah (2024); and Grotegut Dairy Farm, Newton, Wisconsin (2025).
A call for nominations for the 2027 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year award will be released this summer. You can learn more about the award here.
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Contact: press@idfa.org
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.