Cream of the Crop is a series that NOVIDADES will be doing on the contributions and personal stories of Californians with roots in the Azores and their dedication to all facets of agriculture in Central California. This story is from DairyHeard.com.
During the recent MILK Business Conference, several new awards were rolled out, including one honoring a top dairy employee who represents excellence in supporting the dairy through their role on the farm. This year’s winner exemplifies resilience and excellence; his journey is unique.
Employee Excellence Award Winner – Laurenio Vitorino of Countyline Farm in Denair, California
Laurenio Vitorino came to America with his family as a 15-year-old boy.
“I came here in 1991 – [my family was made up of] eight kids: five boys and three girls, and my mom and dad, of course. [So, a total of] ten people,” Vitorino says.
He was put straight into high school, where he says he faced bullying. Then, money got tight for his family. That’s when he started working on a dairy farm.
“I had to go work with one of my oldest brothers that was working here at [Countyline Farm,]” he says.
And very quickly, Vitorino found his calling.
“They asked me if I wanted to be the herdsman. I was young, but I said yes. There were a lot of challenges that we went through and it was a lot of hard work, but we did it,” Vitorino adds.
The operation is owned by Vance Ahelm and the Ahelm family. Vitorino has now worked for the family for 34 years.
“A few years ago, Vance said ‘Hey, I’m thinking about adding robots.’ I thought, ‘Robots?! What’s that?’”
“If I didn’t have his buy-in, we wouldn’t be doing what we’re doing today and we would not have transitioned as quickly,” Ahelm says. “He put his heart a soul into this process and making every [robot installation] better.”
Vitorino quickly pivoted to learn everything he could about the robots as the operation made the transition to robotic milking, bringing a new system online every two months.
“When he thinks about [the process of installing a new robot,] he’s thinking about how can we be easy on the cows, what will be the most comfortable for the cows,” Ahelm adds.
But not just the cows benefit from Vitorino’s years of experience. It’s really the entire crew.
“Laurenio is like family to us; he does a tremendous job,” Ahelm says. “He treats this facility as if he owns it. A lot of times, if I find something out that going on from the guys on the dairy before Laurenio does, he’s not happy about it because he takes so much pride in it. This is his baby to run, and he’s always there for us.”
Nell Moore, Countyline Farm veterinarian, agrees, adding, “I feel like L— has the unique ability to have really high standards, which could seem daunting to a lot of workers. But he also has the ability to get the respect from the guys, keep things fun and get people motivated.”
“If the guys want to learn, I’m here to help them,” Vitorino adds.
Vitorino was given the opportunity to start his own dairy a couple of years ago, but he said now. Instead, he was happy to stay right where he was.
“He’s very proud of what he does and how he does it,” Ahelm says. “He just wants it done right. If his name is going to be associated to it, it needs to be done the best it can be. He doesn’t do things halfway.”
Vitorino says he’s humbled to be a MILK Business award winner.
“It means a lot because we are a team, not just one person,” he says.
Celebrating his employee’s victory, Ahelm adds, “Congratulations, Laurenio! This is well deserved. The team you’ve put together is tremendous. Ashley and I, along with my parents, Jim and Carol, owe a lot to you. And we really appreciate all that you’ve done for our family and towards the success of Countyline Dairy and what was James Ahelm Dairy before.”
Congratulations to this year’s Milk Business Award Winner for Employee Excellence, Laurenio Vitorino of Countyline Farm in Denair, California.
From Marjorie Kulba in DairyHeard.com – we congratulate the Dairy Heard Site for all they do for the industry.
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