The Dairy Quality Center (DQC) has named Elizabeth Kohtz, DVM, of Twin Falls, Idaho, as the 2020 Dairy Quality Veterinarian of the Year. In honor of the award, a $1,000 donation was made to the Magic Valley Dairy Heifer program in Dr. Kohtz’s name. The Dairy Quality Veterinarian of the Year award, sponsored by Diamond V, is awarded annually and serves to raise public awareness of the importance of bovine practitioners of animal care.

“We are proud to honor Dr. Kohtz with the Dairy Quality Veterinarian of the Year award. She is a conscientious professional who truly cares for each cow under her responsibility,” said Rodrigo Carranza, DQC Executive Director. “Dr. Kohtz works closely with her dairy clients to improve cow comfort; ensure judicious use of antibiotics and eliminate residue risks; maintain accurate records; train employees in responsible animal handling; and guide farm practices for sustainable food production. Through participation in the Verified Premium Plus Program (VPP), her dairy clients earn premiums beyond grade & yield for their marketed dairy beef delivered directly to the beef packer. This strengthens traceability and transparency, producing safe and high-quality milk and beef for consumers.”

Dr. Kohtz owns and operates a dairy veterinary practice, milk quality laboratory, and row crop farm. She performs traditional veterinary medicine as well as consults with large dairies. Dr. Kohtz has worked with DQC’s VPP program for the past three years. In 2020 she had the most dairies in the 90%+ grading list on the VPP walk-through audit, making them Sustainable Dairy Award winners. Learn more about Dr. Kohtz and the award here.

About Dairy Quality Center

The Dairy Quality Center provides US dairy producers, veterinarians, food processors, and consumers with information, education, and certifications on milk quality and dairy-beef safety. DQC facilitates third-party audit and certification services for dairy farms on behalf of milk and dairy-beef processors. DQC works with value-chain partners to differentiate supply chains and establish new potential markets. Working closely with producers and veterinarians, DQC creates the verification, traceability, and transparency these supply chains demand. DQC became a member of the Cargill organization in 2018.

About Diamond V

Diamond V is a leading global animal health business based in Iowa, USA. Diamond V conducts research in many species and manufactures natural immune support products for animal health, animal performance, and food safety worldwide. All Diamond V products are produced in Iowa. More than 75 years of science, innovation, technology, and quality have earned Diamond V the reputation of The Trusted Experts in Nutrition and Health®. Diamond V became a member of the Cargill organization in 2018.