Doug and Louisa Westendorp named Michigan Dairy and Memorial Scholarship Foundation Honorees
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EmailMOO-ville creamery and dairy farm owners work to advance the dairy industry in Michigan.
Doug and Louisa Westendorp grew up on dairy farms near Nashville, Michigan, moving to Westvale-View Dairy’s current location in 1991. At the time, their six children were all under the age of six and their operation included a foundation of 50 milk cows. Their farm has grown substantially over the years, now spanning over 1,000 acres and 240 Holstein milk cows with a herd average production of over 100 pounds of milk per cow per day. They also manage an additional 250 young stock and implant 150 embryos each year.
In 2005, the Westendorps realized Doug’s dream of opening MOO-ville Creamery, an expansion to their business located adjacent to Westvale-View and offering homemade ice cream and dairy products, a gift shop and farm tours. The creamery business has now expanded to include four retail locations, with additional products located in over 140 retail stores and 50 ice cream shops. The dairy’s operations evolved again in 2012 with a new milk barn and the incorporation of four Lely milking robots, increasing automation and allowing for more flexibility to expand the business. In 2020, Westvale-View upgraded to Lely Astronaut A5 robots, capitalizing on the latest robotic milking technology and showcasing the dairy’s passion for innovation.
Doug and Louisa’s management of the dairy reflects their tremendous work ethic and their passion for advancing the dairy industry while remaining responsive to consumer preferences. They work closely with their six children, who play active roles in the growth and success of the family business. Their oldest son, Carlyle, works in day-to-day management of the crops and, together with Eric in herd management. Troy and Levi split their time between the farm and the creamery, with Troy managing the ice cream production and calves and Levi focusing on other milk products. Tina manages employees and product sales for several of MOO-ville’s retail locations. Brittany’s contributions to the family and community are presently in her role as an adoptive and foster parent. She still enjoys selecting and organizing the show string with Levi at the MSU dairy shows.
Doug and Louisa give back to the dairy community by sharing their knowledge and expertise. Doug has served on the Advisory Committee for Michigan Milk Producers Association (MMPA) and received the Michigan Holstein Association’s (MHA) Master Breeder Award in 2018, the highest honor given to Holstein breeders in the state. Westvale-View took home a first-place win in the Brown Midrib Corn Silage Division in 2020’s World Forage Analysis Superbowl and a gold award in the 2009 National Dairy Quality Awards (NDQA), a program highlighting dairy producers who prioritize producing milk of the highest quality. Doug and Louisa’s early career achievements were also honored in 1996 when they received the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator award from MMPA.
The Michigan Dairy Memorial and Scholarship Foundation is pleased to recognize Doug and Louisa Westendorp as Foundation Honorees for their tireless efforts to advocate for dairy and to educate and support others.
