When Michigan State University named De Grins Oer Dairy its 2026 Dairy Farm of the Year, the recognition reflected far more than impressive production numbers. It marked nearly three decades of deliberate growth, shared responsibility and a family-wide commitment to doing the small things right—every single day.
Founded in 1999 by Tjerk and Ramona Okkema, De Grins Oer Dairy—translated from Frisian as “Over the Border Dairy”—is a first-generation farm built on international roots, strong values and a clear focus on milk quality.
A farm shaped by two dairy cultures
Ramona grew up on a dairy farm in New Hampshire. Tjerk was raised in the dairy industry in the Netherlands. The two met through a 4-H exchange, worked together overseas, and eventually made the decision to start their own operation in the United States.
Arriving in Michigan with just seven cows, the couple began building what would become a modern dairy in Blanchard—one grounded in European efficiency, North American scale and a strong belief in family involvement.
Today, De Grins Oer Dairy milks approximately 690 cows, three times daily, in a 40-stall rotary parlor and farms 1,800 acres. The herd posts a rolling average of 32,230 pounds of milk, with 4.0% fat, 3.0% protein, and an average somatic cell count of 49,000, well below state norms.
Shared leadership, clearly defined roles
What sets the operation apart is not just technology, but how responsibility is distributed across the family.
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Tjerk Okkema oversees overall farm direction and long-term decision-making.
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Ramona Okkema manages administrative and business operations.
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Evelyn Okkema-Damveld, as herdsperson, leads daily animal care, herd health and protocol implementation.
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Aaron Damveld oversees cropping, feed management and mechanical operations.
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Cora Okkema contributes perspective from her previous role managing the herd.
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Dirk-Thomas Okkema supports outreach, communication and social media engagement.
Each role is distinct, but interconnected—allowing the farm to scale while maintaining consistency and accountability.
Technology that supports people—not replaces them
De Grins Oer Dairy has invested in automation and data tools that enhance cow comfort and early health detection, including automated post-dip teat spray robots and ear-tag monitoring systems that track eating behavior and activity.
These tools are effective because they support—not override—good stockmanship.
“The focus is always on animal well-being first,” the family notes. “Technology helps us catch issues earlier, but people make the decisions.”
That balance has helped the farm sustain high milk quality while managing growth and labor efficiency.
Investing in employees and future performance
The dairy employs approximately 15 team members, supported through structured training and clear protocols. The farm works closely with Michigan Milk Producers Association and MSU Extension, and leadership meets quarterly with a team of advisors to review performance metrics and identify improvement opportunities.
Under Evelyn’s leadership, updated colostrum handling and treatment protocols have improved calf and heifer health outcomes while reducing mortality—reinforcing the farm’s philosophy that strong foundations start early.
Leadership beyond the barn
Community engagement is woven into the operation, not treated as an add-on. De Grins Oer Dairy has hosted MSU Extension Breakfast on the Farm events, welcomed researchers and opened its gates to schools and community groups to help bridge the gap between consumers and modern dairy farming.
Family members are also active across industry and youth organizations:
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Tjerk has served as an MMPA district delegate
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Ramona has been involved with the Mecosta County Farm Bureau
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Evelyn serves as a dairy conformation judge
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Cora and Dirk-Thomas hold leadership and volunteer roles within Farm Bureau and other agricultural groups
Recognition rooted in consistency
The MSU Dairy Farm of the Year award adds to a long list of honors, including multiple MMPA Gold Milk Quality Awards, National Dairy Quality Awards, Roy G. Chapin Milk Quality Excellence Awards, and Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program verification.
For the Okkema family, these accolades reflect consistency more than milestones.
“This recognition is really about the collective effort,” the family says. “Everyone—family, employees, advisors—plays a role in where we are today.”
As De Grins Oer Dairy continues to evolve, the formula remains unchanged: strong people, healthy cows, thoughtful innovation and a willingness to lead—both within the industry and beyond the farm gate.
