LYNDEN — Starting and operating an organic dairy is tough work, but one young family has already found success.

Derek and Heidi Blanken started GreenView Dairy almost two years ago, when milk prices were low, dairies were struggling and being certified organic meant more expense and paperwork than a conventional farm. They believed being an organic farm was the way to go, however, and the Blankens’ work in milk production recently got the attention of the National Mastitis Council, an organization focused on improving milk quality. Last week the Blankens were awarded a silver in the 14th annual National Dairy Quality Awards.

Winning the award came as a surprise to Derek Blanken, who is just 23 years old but grew up in the dairy business.

“We have some very good cows who have a good history, which I believe is worth a lot when it comes to quality milk,” Blanken said. “Getting this (award) so soon after starting this business was definitely a surprise.”

Judges for the NDQA looked at a wide variety of factors, including milking routine, treatment protocols, overall herd health and animal well-being strategies. More than 100 dairies were nominated for the award. In a press release, NDQA officials said the Blankens maintained a clean, stress-free environment for the 60 cows, which live on 33 acres.

Blanken said he started the dairy more for the lifestyle than a job. “I can have breakfast, lunch and dinner with my family, which is tough to do with a lot of jobs,” said Blanken. “I just love being out on the farm.”

The milk produced at the dairy is sold to Organic Valley Family of Farms, a cooperative that sells the milk under the Organic Valley label. That label is in many local stores in this region.

Blanken said the biggest differences between organic and conventional dairies is paperwork and operating costs. In order for the cows to be certified organic, they need to be raised on organic feed. This requires Blanken to get documents certifying the feed he buys is organic. He estimates that organic certified grain costs about 50 percent more than noncertified grain, while hay is about 25 percent more expensive.

For some in the local dairy industry, organic milk is an opportunity for growth. Henry Bierlink of Whatcom Farm Friends said he’s optimistic that local farmers can continue to carve out niches, such as the organic milk market, in order to be successful.

“Organic milk is one of many options local farmers have, and it’s great to see farms like them (GreenView Dairy) doing well,” Bierlink said. “It’s also encouraging to see younger people getting into the industry. They bring enthusiasm and hope to this industry, something that is needed in order for it grow.”