By Blake Jackson
At the 2024 Northeast Dairy Management Conference on March 6, Jason Karszes, a PRO-DAIRY farm business management specialist based in Stanley, NY, was honored with the Friend of NEDPA Award for his outstanding contributions to New York's dairy industry. This accolade recognizes industry partners making a positive impact.
Karszes, with a history of service since 1991 in Extension in Western, NY, and joining PRO-DAIRY in 1998, has earned a reputation for thought-provoking insights, conference development, and unwavering dedication to dairy farming. PRO-DAIRY Director Tom Overton praised Karszes, stating, "Jason works tirelessly and selflessly to help our New York dairy producers improve their businesses and make better decisions."
As a Senior Extension Associate with PRO-DAIRY, Karszes manages and supports various programs, including the Dairy Farm Business Summary & Analysis Program, Peer-to-Peer discussion groups, Dairy Profit Monitor, Activity Cost Analysis Projects, and management training initiatives.
Expressing gratitude for the award, Karszes emphasized the collaborative effort behind his success, acknowledging the farms' contributions, stating, "The program and the impact are the result of many staff working behind the scenes, who also help lead the programs."
Karszes spearheads multiple dairy profit discussion groups, focusing on budgeting, decision-making, activity analysis, and goal setting to enhance business performance. These sessions provide a platform for farmers to share and discuss performance data, fostering peer-to-peer interactions crucial for understanding the links between management decisions and financial outcomes.
Fellow industry professionals recognize Karszes' unparalleled dedication. A participant in his discussion groups, Gilbert, commended Karszes as a "huge asset" deserving of the Friend of NEDPA award, emphasizing the value of the environment cultivated by Karszes during these meetings.
The Northeast Dairy Management Conference, a biennial event spanning over three decades, has consistently brought together progressive dairy farmers from the Northeast to discuss industry developments. A collaboration between Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and the Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA), the conference remains a vital platform for industry engagement and learning.
PRO-DAIRY, with over 35 years of service, continues to lead in extension and applied research, contributing significantly to the dairy farming community. Jason Karszes' recognition reflects his lasting impact and commitment to the industry's growth and success.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: New York, Livestock, Dairy Cattle