De Snayer Dairy earns industry recognition

The De Snayer family, owners of De Snayer Dairy in Lod, has been named among the 2020 Members of Distinction by Dairy Farmers of America (DFA).

In recognition of the De Snayer family, a $2,000 donation has been made to Second Harvest Food Bank in Manteca in their name and will go toward the purchase of much-needed dairy products.

The Members of Distinction program recognizes dairy farmers who excel in their operations, in their communities and in the industry. Honorees inspire others through their actions, leadership and involvement.

DFA is comprised of more than 13,000 farmerowners across the United States. Each year, one notable member farm from each of DFA’s seven regional areas is honored for leading the industry with vision, dedication and innovation.

De Snayer Dairy represents the cooperative’s Western Area.

After Leen and Paula De Snayer married in the Netherlands and Leen immigrated to California, they shared the dream of operating their own dairy. Together, they built De Snayer Dairy in Lodi, starting with 500 cows and growing to milking over 1,600 cows on 1,000 acres.

Always striving to perfect their herd’s genetics, Leen and Paula placed a heavy focus on continuously improving the operation and facilities, including a remodel of the milking parlor. The pair also worked on providing the best in cow comfort such as keeping bedding fresh and installing herd soakers and fans.

After seeing his American dream come to life, Leen tragically passed away in a fatal car accident near their family farm.

To help carry on the legacy of her late husband, Paula has taken the helm and credits the dairy’s continued success to a wonderful family, dedicated employees and a committed nutritionist and veterinarian who ensure healthy diets for the herd.

The formula seems to work well because De Snayer Dairy is among the top producers for herds milking twice a day.

Together with her family, Paula continues to ensure that Leen’s legacy of a positive and resilient mindset carries on today through their operation and the entire De Snayer family.

“Leen would be really proud of us. He’d be really excited about all the things we’ve done on the dairy,” Paula says.