Chuck AhlemFor his strong work ethic, innovative spirit and willingness to embrace technology, dairyman Charles "Chuck" Ahlem is California's Agriculturalist of the Year.

Ahlem is owner/operator of Charles Ahlem Ranch and a founder of Hilmar Cheese, which produces 2.5 million pounds of cheese every day, serving customers in 50 countries.

The prestigious honor is bestowed annually by the California State Fair for leadership to California agriculture.

"Chuck is a leader among leaders in the dairy industry; one of eleven dairy families starting what was originally a niche market business for high protein milk and turning it into the largest cheese company in the world," said Tammy Anderson-Wise, chief executive officer of Dairy Council of California. "His pioneering efforts have raised the proverbial bar for animal welfare and sustainability practices on his ranches and at Hilmar."

Ahlem was the chief architect behind the California Dairy Quality Assurance Program, one of the first partnerships between the dairy industry, government agencies and universities, to proactively address dairy safety and environmental challenges.

Recently, Ahlem and his son Mark implemented an employee training program on animal care and stockmanship that created dramatic operational improvements, including a 50 percent reduction of injuries related to cattle.

Ahlem is chair of Dairy Cares, an industry group dedicated to the long-term sustainability of California's farming families through strong environmental stewardship, responsible animal care, and adherence to industry values for honesty, ethics, diligence, and community.He is a former undersecretary at the California Department of Food and Agriculture, current chairman of the Dairy Council of California and board member of the California Dairy Research Foundation.

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8.7.2015