College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Animal Science

EAST LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan State University Department of Animal Science has named De Grins Oer Dairy of Blanchard, Michigan, the 2026 Dairy Farm of the Year.

Presented annually since 1958, the Dairy Farm of the Year award is the highest honor bestowed by the department, recognizing farms that demonstrate excellence in management, innovation and leadership within Michigan’s dairy industry.

“The Okkema family’s focus on milk quality and their implementation of innovative technologies have made De Grins Oer Dairy a model for the dairy industry”, said Cathy Ernst, chair of the MSU Department of Animal Science. “We appreciate their dedication to consumer and youth education programs, including hosting Breakfast on the Farm twice, and also their willingness to open their farm for research and extension activities. We are excited to recognize De Grins Oer Dairy as the 2026 Dairy Farm of the Year.”

From seven cows to a family-run operation

De Grins Oer Dairy — translated from Frisian as “Over the Border Dairy” — was founded in 1999 by Tjerk and Ramona Okkema, whose shared backgrounds in dairy farming molded the operation from the start. Ramona grew up on a dairy farm in New Hampshire and met Tjerk, who was raised in the dairy industry in the Netherlands, through a 4-H exchange. After living and working together in the Netherlands, the couple decided to immigrate to the United States and establish their own dairy farm. The family arrived in Michigan in 1999 and began building De Grins Oer Dairy from the ground up in Blanchard.

What began with just seven cows has grown over more than two decades into a modern, highly efficient dairy operation shaped by the involvement of the entire Okkema family.

Today, Tjerk and Ramona, along with Evelyn Okkema-Damveld, Aaron Damveld, Cora Okkema and Dirk-Thomas Okkema, all contribute to the farm in ways that span daily management, animal care, fieldwork and community engagement. That spirit of familial collaboration continues to guide the farm as it grows and adapts to modern dairy practices.

The farm now milks approximately 690 cows three times daily in a 40-stall rotary parlor and grows crops on 1,800 acres. The herd’s rolling average is 32,230 pounds of milk, with 4.0 percent fat and 3.0 percent protein, and an average somatic cell count of 49,000, well below state averages.

Innovation guided by shared responsibility

At De Grins Oer Dairy, progress is guided by attention to detail and a focus on animal well-being. Advanced systems, including automated post-dip teat spray robots and ear-tag monitors that track eating and activity patterns, help detect health concerns early and enhance operational efficiency.

These technological advances are most effective because they complement a strong management structure. As owners, Tjerk oversees the farm’s overall direction and Ramona manages administrative needs. As herdsperson, Evelyn leads day-to-day animal care and herd health, working to implement protocols and training that support consistent, high-quality care. Aaron oversees crop production and feed management and supports field and mechanical operations. Cora provides continuity and perspective from her previous experience managing the herd, while Dirk-Thomas helps connect the farm to the broader community through social media and outreach. By integrating innovation with teamwork and expertise, the family ensures that both technology and human judgment reinforce high standards and consistent quality.

Developing people and cattle

Employee training and animal care are central to the farm’s approach. Working with partners through the Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and MSU Extension, De Grins Oer Dairy provides approximately 15 employees with guidance on processes, equipment and herd management. Farm leadership meets quarterly with a management team of advisors who analyze performance and recommend ways to improve results.

Under Evelyn’s leadership, updated protocols for colostrum handling and treatment have strengthened calf and heifer health outcomes and reduced mortality rates. By investing in both people and animals, the farm fosters a culture of learning, responsibility and continuous improvement — qualities that underpin its award-winning performance.

Leadership beyond the farm gate

De Grins Oer Dairy regularly engages with local schools and community groups, creating opportunities for students and educators to learn about dairy production. The farm has hosted MSU Extension’s Breakfast on the Farm in 2014 and 2023, opened its operation to researchers and provided learning opportunities that connect the public with modern dairy practices.

The family sees outreach not as an extra task but as an extension of the farm’s values, helping build understanding of dairy farming and strengthening trust between producers and the public.

“Being a first-generation farm and growing a highly successful business is impressive on its own,” said Doug Chapin, chair of the MMPA. “Their willingness to welcome the community and researchers onto their farm builds understanding and trust, creating a bridge between dairy producers and the public.”

The Okkemas are also active in industry organizations and youth mentoring. Tjerk has served as a district delegate for the MMPA and Ramona has been active with the Mecosta County Farm Bureau. Evelyn serves as a dairy conformation judge, while Cora and Dirk-Thomas hold leadership and volunteer roles within Farm Bureau and other agricultural organizations.

A record of excellence

For the Okkema family, recognition such as the Dairy Farm of the Year award offers a chance to reflect on the collective effort that has distinguished their operation over time. That commitment to excellence is reflected in state and national honors, including consecutive MMPA Gold Milk Quality Awards, National Dairy Quality Awards, MMPA Roy G. Chapin Milk Quality Excellence Awards, Michigan Farmers Hall of Fame and Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program verification.

These accolades celebrate not only the farm’s high-quality milk and innovative practices but also the family’s dedication to shared responsibility, integrity and the long-term success of their operation.

“The Okkema family and De Grins Oer Dairy exemplify the standards for MSU’s Dairy Farm of the Year Award through their exceptional herd management and deep dedication to serving their industry and their local community,” said Miriam Weber Nielsen, chair of the award selection committee. “Their consistent focus on the details drives the herd’s impressive milk quality and overall performance.”