The Dairy Council of Iowa has presented the late Bill Strief, who dairy farmed near Farley, Iowa, with its annual Service Award. The recognition was presented to his family during the April meeting of the Iowa Dairy Nutrition Advisory Committee in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. The award is presented to a person who is committed to dairy nutrition education and dairy promotion at the local, state and national levels. Strief was a long-time member of the Committee, as well as a board member of Swiss Valley Farms and the Iowa State Dairy Association. He passed away on Sept. 26, 2010.

Strief and his wife, Donna, started their dairy 39 years ago with just 20 heifers. He and his son, Matt, most recently milked 240 Holsteins along with raising heifers and feed to maintain the herd. Matt Strief continues to operate the farm and manage the herd.

The honoree’s passion for the dairy industry and positive outlook were cited during the award presentation. His wife, Donna, two of his daughters, and a daughter-in-law accepted the award on his behalf. PD

—From Midwest Dairy Council news release

PHOTO:
The family of the late Bill Strief accepted his Service Award from Jolene Meyer, chairman of the award committee. From left, are Kristi Strief, Janda Waters, Donna Strief, Meyer and Jodi Kronlage. Photo courtesy of the Midwest Dairy Council.