March 18, 2014
03/19/14 Mike and Jan Heckaman of Argos were recently awarded the 2014 Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year by the Indiana Dairy Producers Association. This award recognizes the outstanding accomplishment, professionalism and leadership among Indiana’s dairy producers.
The Heckamans portray the dairy industry in a positive light and have been very successful operating a good sized dairy farm on 18B Road. They milk 670 Holstein and Jersey cows in a double 12 parlor 21 hours a day.
The Heckamans operate the dairy farm jointly with their daughter and son-in-law, Carrie Jo and Max Bollenbacher. They have about a dozen workers who assist with the day to day operations along with a couple of grandchildren who are active in dairy judging and learning how the dairy farm operates on a daily basis.
The Heckaman’s advice to young dairy farmers? Focus on your attitude and your family. Mike said having a positive attitude with your employees despite the many challenges of the dairy industry will always solve problems much faster on the farm.
Hoosier Ag Today assisted with this story.