Adam (far left) and Trevor Hager receive the 2026 Delaware County Outstanding Young Farm Family Award from Janet Beken-Smith, a member of the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Committee and Paul Cerosaletti of the Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, during the 64th annual Delaware County Dairy Dinner, May 29 at the Andes Hotel. 

WEST HARPERSFIELD   – Julian Hager was honored by the Stamford Kiwanis Club as Farmer of the Year in 1983,  an award that recognized farmers who were innovative and progressive. On May 29, two of his grandsons were recognized as the Delaware County Outstanding Young Farm Family. 

The award is given out by the Delaware County Dairy Promotion Committee and Cornell Cooperative Extension at the annual Delaware County Dairy Dinner. It's a night to celebrate the dairy industry in the county as a new group of dairy promoters is tapped. The award is presented to a young farm family that represents all that is good in farming and as a way of life.    They are selected by an anonymous committee and must  be progressive, business minded, have a positive attitude, serve their community and maintain a farmstead that is a positive image to consumers.

This year's recipients are Adam and Trevor Hager, cousins and the third generation to carry on the progressive farming techniques initiated by their grandfather. Their fathers, Harry and Henry received the award in 1999.

Janet Beken-Smith made the presentation, saying they are the third generation at Hager Farms. Julian Hager started the farm in 1958 and Henry and Harry continued the operation and are still partners. 

Henry and Ellen and Harry and Linda all encouraged their children to spread their wings. Adam Hager joined the Navy and Trevor went to work briefly for a nearby equipment dealer.

They worked into management roles on the farm around 2015 and by 2020 they became partners with their fathers.

Each one followed in their father's footsteps as Adam, like his father  Henry,  became the guy to manage the animals, taking charge of the 450 milking cows on the farm and all the youngstock. Trevor, like his father Harry, became responsible for growing the crops, with 600 acres of corn and more than 1,000 acres of hay crop.

"As a fellow farmer pointed out, you don't achieve the average that the Hagers have 'without doing a lot of things well'. And I think anyone who has worked with them can agree," said Beken-Smith. "Their farmstead presents what we like to see. They are good stewards of the land and great neighbors.

"As an agriculture professional in Delaware County, I appreciate farm families like the Hagers and it is my privilege and honor to present the Outstanding Young Farm Family Award to Trevor and Adam Hager.

Trevor Hager, speaking for his cousin as well, said. "We thank you all for honoring us. We are grateful to be  carrying on the legacy and the lifestyle."

Beken-Smith said it takes a team and brothers Brian and Casey are also showing  interest in the farm operations.