Bouma Award

Live Bravely. Be a Bouma.

Why the Bouma Award Matters

Lawrence Bouma was more than a name; he was a visionary who uplifted his community and changed the game for the dairy industry.

To celebrate BouMatic's legacy, we proudly continue the tradition of the Lawrence Bouma Award; a heartfelt tribute to individuals whose dedication to service reflects the timeless values of our founder, Lawrence Bouma. This award honors those who embody his spirit by living bravely, trusting their instincts, and leading with compassion. It recognizes individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to agriculture's land, legacy, and lives.

Do you know someone making a lasting impact in your dairy community; someone who dreams big, tackles challenges head-on, and gives back without hesitation? Nominate them for the 2025 Lawrence Bouma Award.

Nomination Criteria and Timeline

2025 Award Timeline

Mark your calendars with excitement: Nomination Applications open on 05/05/2025 and close on 07/31/2025. And don't miss the grand celebration at the Award Ceremony on 10/02/2025! The winner will be announced at the celebration to be held during the week of World Dairy Expo in Madison. Visit 2025 Bouma Award Application to download the nomination form and join us in honoring those who make a difference. Together, let's honor Lawrence Bouma's enduring legacy and honor the power of service above self!

Nominations Open: May 5, 2025

Deadline: July 31, 2025

Award Ceremony: October 2, 2025 (World Dairy Expo, Madison)

Nomination Criteria

An independent selection committee composed of BouMatic global leadership and members of the Lawrence Bouma family will review the applications and select recipients (Lawrence Bouma award winners).

• Global eligibility
• Significant impact in business or humanitarian work
• Must have some connection with BouMatic
• Past winners are ineligible (past nominees may reapply)

A Legacy of Innovation, Faith, and Family: Honoring Lawerence Bouma

Dairy Innovator Legacy

Early in his career he set out to solve one of dairy’s peskiest problems: mastitis. Fueled by determination and innovative thinking, he developed a groundbreaking new milking machine that used lower vacuum, softer pulsation, and rubber teat cups. The idea was met with skepticism; a dealer even laughed at him—but the results spoke for themselves. Not only did it significantly reduce mastitis, but it also boosted milk production, instantly putting Bouma Supplying on the map and marking Lawrence Bouma as a pioneer in the field. Known for his gift of ideation, he never stopped thinking creatively or seeking better ways to serve both cows and farmers. His passion wasn’t just for the product, but for the community it helped. He was deeply ethical, always ensuring investors were paid back, and always conducting business with integrity.

Community Contributions

Lawrence Bouma was a devoted family man and pillar of the Chino dairy community. Alongside his beloved wife, he raised five children and created a warm, adventure-filled home life. “Dad was a fabulous father, he made every moment memorable and was a very ethical man.” – Dick Bouma His life was deeply grounded in faith. An active member of the church, he lived out his Christian values in both his personal and professional life. He was involved with the Gideons International placing Bibles in hotels, the Christian Businessmen’s Association, and generously supported local thrift stores whose proceeds provided homes, retirement care, and education for fellow Christians in the Chino area. Being part of the Bouma family meant more than a last name; it meant being part of a legacy rooted in service, faith, hard work, and big dreams. His impact is still felt in the dairy world and in the community he served so faithfully. We seek to memorialize his name and his service; not only because of what he accomplished, but because of who he was: a trailblazer, a family man, and a man of God.

Tribute to Bob Gehring: The First Bouma Award Winner

Professional Legacy

Established in 1941, Gehring’s began by selling Jamesway manure and feeding equipment. They became a Dari-Kool dealer in 1954 and a BouMatic dealer in 1962. Bob has been a pioneer of the dairy industry and of BouMatic’s growth and history. Over the years, they have sold, installed, and serviced everything a Dairy Farm Operation could need; always putting the farmer first and striving to provide the best service possible. Bob always puts customers first, exemplifying service, leadership, and a deep commitment to the people he serves. They've witnessed and contributed to the evolution of modern farming, transitioning from stanchion/tie-stall systems to free-stalls, parlors, and robotics.

"Bob is the true definition of a man who has dedicated his life to the Farming Industry. The success and longevity of his business and contributions to the industry are a testament to that. He has always been professional, knowledgeable, and keeps his staff well-trained for the day-to-day activities of a busy dealership. And from my experience, he always puts the customer 1st. Congratulations to Bob on this well-deserved award & acknowledgement!" — Deb Osborn

Bob has made positive changes to agriculture’s land, legacy, and lives. That’s why we’re proud to recognize his spirit of service, innovation, and positive change in the dairy world. A longtime leading BouMatic dealer dedicated to giving his customers the best service possible. Bob’s business is centered around serving dairymen with consistency and integrity. Gehring’s commitment to the Farming Industry and commitment to people nurtured his long term success. He invested in his technicians and BouMatic with classes and exploring innovative milking solutions. Bob achieved success and grew as a leader in service and Sales.

"The success of the Gehring dealership is an indicator of Bob’s hard work and passion. I can only imagine the lasting impact he has left on all those he has served. He has always been a kind and welcoming person to me during my time at BouMatic. My heartfelt congratulations to Bob on being the very first Bouma Award recipient." — Amy Steinke

Lasting Impact on Community

Bob and his business support local FFA and 4H, along with all dairy-related activities. His engagement helps cultivate the next generation of agricultural professionals. The Gehring dealership has always been an early adopter of BouMatic's newest technologies and equipment, contributing to industry innovation and efficiency. Without Bob, the adoption of new equipment in the marketplace would likely have been delayed, slowing progress in the dairy industry. Bob has offered strong support to his local community—both through generous financial assistance and by giving his time. Bob has lived bravely, trusted his gut, and led with heart; just like our founder Lawrence Bouma. We at BouMatic give a heartfelt thank you to his dedication to service.

"Bob’s lifetime dedication and achievements really capture the essence of the Bouma award. Bob’s gentle spirit has left his dairy community better than he found it, much in the same way Lawrence did." — Michael Fisher

We thank you Bob for all your contributions and for embodying what makes BouMatic different– living bravely, supporting the community, and leading with compassion.

Congratulations once again, Bob, on this well-deserved recognition." — Jean Olsen