BROOMFIELD, CO — Horizon Organic has recognized Ben Stoltzfus of Swampy Hollow Farm in Parkesburg, Pennsylvania, with its 2025 Farmer/Partner of the Year Award as part of its Horizon Organic Producer Education (HOPE) Awards. The honor highlights Stoltzfus’ leadership in organic dairy farming and his contributions to advancing sustainable agriculture.
The HOPE Awards, announced alongside Horizon’s sponsorship of Farm Aid 40, celebrate family farmers who demonstrate excellence and leadership in organic dairy. This year’s honorees also include Todd Frescura of Latrobe, Matt and Megan Fry of Chestertown, Riley Smith of Idaho, Chuck Deichmann of New York, and Daniel Sparks of Michigan.
“This month we are recognizing all our farmer partners do to provide Horizon Organic with high-quality organic milk, while also advancing organic farming overall and inspiring the next generation to join the organic movement,” said Tyler Holm, CEO of Horizon Family Brands.
Nearly 150,000 family-owned and operated dairy farms closed between 2017 and 2022, according to Horizon. The company said programs like HOPE are designed to help stabilize family farm operations and encourage younger generations to remain in agriculture. Over the past 18 years, the HOPE Scholarship program has awarded 85 scholarships totaling $236,500 to young members of Horizon’s partner families.
By honoring Stoltzfus and other award recipients, Horizon Organic aims to showcase how individual farmers are strengthening the future of organic dairy while preserving the legacy of family farming in communities across the country.
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