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REXFORD – McCarty Family Farms has been honored as the 2025 Dairy Producers of the Year at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin.
The award, presented on October 1, recognizes the McCarty family’s long-standing commitment to producing high-quality milk while advancing animal welfare, regenerative farming practices, and community stewardship.
Owned and operated by fourth-generation dairymen Ken, Mike, Dave, and Clay McCarty, with their father Tom McCarty playing a key role in the operation, the family farm exemplifies the balance between innovation and tradition.
Having established their roots in Pennsylvania in 1914 and relocating their operation to northwest Kansas with the opening of their dairy in 2000, the McCartys have grown into one of the most respected dairy families in the nation, overseeing the world’s largest registered herd of Holsteins. The McCartys operate five dairy sites: three in Kansas, one in Nebraska, and a partnership dairy, MVP Dairy, in Ohio.
McCarty Family Farms North, located in Rexford, is their newest location, completed in 2023, and stands as their most innovative dairy facility to date.
Eight inverted six-row, tunnel-ventilated free-stall barns house 10,000 Holsteins, which are milked on two 120-stall carousels. Each stall is sand-bedded, and more than 95% of the sand is reclaimed and reused through a flush system and solids separation process.
The site is also home to the newest addition to McCarty Family Farms’ sustainability efforts—an anaerobic digester. This system processes approximately 260,000 gallons of manure daily, breaking it down into methane gas that is injected into a nearby utility company pipeline. The remaining liquids and solids are repurposed as nutrient-rich fertilizer.
McCarty Family Farms has also invested heavily in on-site processing. In 2012, the family established an evaporative milk condensing plant, marking the beginning of their direct relationship with Danone North America. To support continued growth, the processing plant was expanded and upgraded in 2023 with the addition of ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis technologies. Today, McCarty Family Farms produces Non-GMO Project Verified milk exclusively for Danone North America.
Beyond their commitment to responsible farming, the McCartys also prioritize education and transparency through the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, established in 2024 and named in honor of their late mother. The 8,000-square-foot nonprofit center connects visitors to the story of dairy, from soil to yogurt cup. Guests can view the farm’s 120-cow carousel parlor, ride a guided shuttle through the barns, and explore interactive displays. Serving the community and the agricultural industry, the Learning Center provides research projects, internships, and leadership experiences for the next generation of agricultural leaders.
“We are deeply honored to be recognized as Dairy Producers of the Year by World Dairy Expo,” said Ken McCarty. “This award reflects not only the hard work of our family, but also the dedication of our incredible team and partners who share our commitment to innovation, animal care, and sustainability.”
Ken McCarty also emphasized the family’s long-term vision. “As fourth-generation farmers, we take seriously the responsibility of nourishing families while caring for the land and animals entrusted to us. This recognition inspires us to keep building on that legacy—producing nutritious food, advancing sustainable practices, and creating connections with the communities we serve.”
World Dairy Expo’s annual Recognition Awards celebrate individuals and families who make remarkable contributions to the dairy industry and their communities. McCarty Family Farms was honored alongside Industry Person of the Year, Jim Mulhern, and International Person of the Year, Juan F. Moreno.
About McCarty Family Farms Founded in 1914, McCarty Family Farms has evolved into a multi-state dairy operation grounded in the values of integrity, innovation, and stewardship. With locations in Kansas and Ohio, the family’s mission is to produce high-quality, nutritious milk while prioritizing cow care, environmental responsibility, and strong community partnerships. Through the Judy McCarty Dairy Learning Center, the family also provides education and transparency to consumers, helping to build trust and understanding of modern dairy farming.