USA: UW-Madison, Organic Valley celebrate longstanding partnership with endowed award

Organic Valley, America’s largest cooperative of organic farmers, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences honors pioneer and leader in organic dairy with an endowed award.

The Louise Hemstead Award also underscores the successful partnership between Wisconsin’s higher education and business, informs a press release. On May 4 state officials, educators, farmers, business people and agriculture experts convened at Organic Valley’s Cashton campus to celebrate the successes of the public-private partnership between the University of Wisconsin – Madison and the nation’s largest cooperative of organic farmers.

This day the endowment honoring Louise Hemstead, Organic Valley Chief Operating Officer was announced. It will fund an annual award to an outstanding faculty or staff member at UW-Madison’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Ms. Hemstead was present to hear the announcement of the award, which celebrates her pioneering work in dairy science and dairy business. She has built many bridges between the UW System and agriculture as a longstanding member of the advisory board of UW-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Organic Valley will provide the seed money for the endowed award, and it is expected to draw additional funding from numerous sources.