Kansas City, MO., (September 14, 2026) – Today, Farm Journal, U.S. agriculture’s leading business information and data insights company,  announces three leaders in dairy production will be recognized for excellence in their operations and their commitment to the dairy industry at the 2026 MILK Business Conference. This year’s honorees include standout individuals and organizations in the categories of Leader in Technology, Young Producer and Employee Excellence.

“MILK Business Conference brings together some of the most progressive producers and leaders in dairy, and these awards give us an opportunity to recognize those making a meaningful impact on their farms, their teams and the industry,” said Karen Bohnert, Farm Journal dairy editorial director. “This year’s honorees demonstrate the leadership, innovation and dedication that continue to move dairy forward, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments at this year’s event.”

Conference attendees will honor the 2026 MILK Business Award winners for their contributions to the advancement of the dairy industry and their own operations. Honorees include:

Leader in Technology: Hunter Ridge Dairy, LLP, Ault, CO.
Hunter Ridge Dairy, LLP is a large, multi-site dairy and farming operation in northern Colorado that uses technology to improve animal care, efficiency and decision-making.

The operation utilizes activity collars to identify animals in heat or showing signs of illness and has partnered with Intelligent Dairy Solutions to turn herd and feeding data into actionable reports for managers and nutritionists. Hunter Ridge is also using AI and camera technology to monitor body condition, feed delivery and availability, with additional applications being evaluated for heat detection and identifying sick cows.

Other technologies include genomic testing, IVF and embryo transfer to accelerate genetic progress, along with a centralized methane digester that produces renewable natural gas. The dairy is committed to being an early adopter and continuing to test technologies that can improve efficiency and support future growth.

The 2026 Leader in Technology Award is presented by Fendt.

Young Producer: Christine Bender, Watertown, WI.
Christine Bender is a sixth-generation dairy farmer at McFarlandale Dairy in Watertown, Wis., where she farms alongside her parents, Peter and Cindy McFarland, her husband, Robb Bender, and the dairy’s team of employees.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 2013 with degrees in Dairy Science and Life Sciences Communication, Bender worked as a dairy nutritionist before returning to the family farm. She began managing the calf program and today oversees animal care for approximately 2,200 cows and youngstock across two dairy locations, along with approximately 30 employees.

Bender has helped lead improvements including redesigned transition cow facilities, herd expansion, new calf and heifer facilities and plans for an 80-stall rotary parlor. She is also passionate about employee development and agricultural outreach, participating in community events, school tours, June Dairy Month activities and the Adopt A Cow program.

The 2026 Young Producer Award is presented by Farm Credit Services of America.

Employee Excellence: Chris Granius, Ebert Enterprises, Algoma, WI.
Chris Granius serves as operations manager at Ebert Enterprises, a family-owned dairy and beef operation in northeast Wisconsin employing approximately 140 people.

Granius began working for the Ebert family in 1998 as a high school student and has since built a career spanning more than 28 years. Starting as a milker, he has worked in nearly every area of the operation and today supports day-to-day management, cropping, herd health, employee management and general site operations.

His broad experience and willingness to step in wherever needed have made him a trusted leader across the dairy. The Ebert family credits his knowledge, dependability, work ethic and commitment to both employees and animals as important contributors to the operation’s success.

The 2026 Employee Excellence Award is presented by Alltech.

Registration for the 2026 MILK Business Conference is now open, with early-bird pricing available through Oct. 15. Set for Dec. 7-9 at the Westin Kierland Resort & Spa in Scottsdale, AZ, the event will bring together more than 500 dairy producers and industry leaders for education, networking and discussion around the business of dairy.

Programming will cover markets and margins, technology, workforce, leadership and the future of the industry. For more information and registration, visit www.milkbusinessconference.com. 

Sponsors of the event include:
Elite sponsors: Bower Ag, Elanco, Endovac, Farm Credit, Laird Manufacturing, Lely, Merck Animal Health, smaXtec, Specialty Herd Solutions
Premium sponsors: Afimilk, Fendt, Forage Genetics, IDEXX, inBarn, Lipidol Protect, Madero Dairy Systems, Micro Technologies, NEOGEN, Novonesis, TLAY Dairy Video Sales
Supporting sponsors: Ever Ag, fairlife, FutureCow, MILC Group, Rabobank, Trioliet, Valmetal

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About Farm Journal
Farm Journal is the nation’s leading business information and media company serving the agricultural market. The company serves the row crop, livestock, produce and retail sectors through branded websites, eNewsletters and phone apps; business magazines; live events including conferences and tradeshows; nationally broadcast television and radio programs; and an array of data-driven, paid information products. Farm Journal owns the online equipment marketplace, Machinery Pete LLC. Trust In Food is a Farm Journal initiative dedicated to accelerating the adoption of conservation practices and regenerative agriculture in ways that work for producers and enhance connection to consumers. In 2010, the company established the non-profit, public charity, Farm Journal Foundation, dedicated to sustaining agriculture’s ability to meet the vital needs of a growing population through education and empowerment.