COCHRANVILLE, PA — Cochranville dairy farmer Benuel S. Beiler received Horizon Organic’s 2026 innovation award after investing in a compost-bedded pack barn and milking parlor designed to improve labor efficiency, cow comfort, and manure management at his roughly 80-cow organic operation.
Beiler, who previously farmed organically on rented land before purchasing his own farm, received the Innovative/Pioneering Award through Horizon’s annual Horizon Organic Producer Education program.
His new barn-and-parlor configuration is among the first of its kind within Horizon Organic’s eastern Pennsylvania farmer network, according to the company. The system is designed to reduce runoff and manure volume while improving working conditions and cow comfort.
Beiler has also opened the barn to other farmers interested in learning about the system, extending the project beyond his own operation.
The Cochranville farmer was one of seven recipients recognized through Horizon’s 2026 HOPE Awards. Other categories covered farm longevity, young farmers, environmental practices, community impact and farm partnerships, while an Indiana milk hauler received the company’s Hauler of the Year award.
Pennsylvania farmers accounted for three of the individual farm awards. Jerry Clapper of Laceyville received the Farmer Legacy Award, while Lucas Waugerman of Manns Choice received the Young Farmer Award.
Horizon also named four recipients of its 2026 HOPE Scholarships, including Evan Frescura of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Established in 2007, the scholarship program supports young people from Horizon farm families pursuing careers in organic or sustainable agriculture or large-animal veterinary science.
The company said it has awarded 114 scholarships totaling more than $300,000 over the program’s 19 years.
Horizon works with more than 500 farmer partners nationwide. More than one-quarter have supplied the company for at least a decade, while 30 have shipped milk to Horizon for more than 20 years, according to the company.
The awards come as Horizon is also backing two September industry events. The company sponsored the Organic Trade Association’s Organic Week, held Sept. 14-16 in Washington, D.C., and is sponsoring Farm Aid’s Sept. 26 benefit festival in Virginia Beach.
Horizon Organic is part of Horizon Family Brands, which also includes Maple Hill and Wallaby.
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