EDWARDSVILLE, ILL. – Prairie Farms Dairy shared that ice creams, novelties, cheeses, milks and other dairy products made by its family of companies accumulated dozens of awards at various state fairs this summer.

Headlined by a pair of Governor’s Champion Awards in Illinois, a Best of Show and two Blue Rosettes in Missouri, and six gold medals in Kentucky, the dairy cooperative’s products racked up 137 awards in total, including 108 blue ribbons.

Prairie Farms’ Buckeye Fever ice cream and Shellsburg Creamery’s Bourbon Barrel Smoked Black Pepper Cheddar secured top awards in Illinois. Fire In The Hole ice cream from Hiland Dairy attained Best of Show in Missouri, where Hiland’s 2% Chocolate Milk and Prairie Farms’ Premium Chocolate Chip Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich each picked up a Blue Rossette. And in Kentucky, Prairie Farms earned gold medals for buttermilk, whole milk, lowfat cottage cheese, strawberry yogurt, butter and premium vanilla ice cream.

Matt McClelland, chief executive officer and executive vice president at Prairie Farms, said the company took pride in the accomplishments of its farmers and employees.

"During the fairs, our products and cows intersect when it comes to awards,” McClelland said. “We can't celebrate our accomplishments without spotlighting our 4-H and FFA members who prepare year-round to show their prize dairy cows at dozens of state and county fairs. These young leaders shape the future of our cooperative, and I am grateful to them for their hard work and dedication."