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 Lawrence Bouma Award.

Nomination Criteria and Timeline

2026 Award Timeline

Mark your calendars with excitement: Nomination Applications open on 05/04/2026 and close on 07/31/2026. And don't miss the grand celebration at the Award Ceremony on 10/01/2026! The winner will be announced at the celebration to be held during the week of World Dairy Expo in Madison. Visit 2026 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 4, 2026

Deadline: July 31, 2026

Award Ceremony: Thursday Night October 1, 2026 (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 Dr. Mofazzal Chowdhury: BouMatic Innovator of Liner Technology

Professional Legacy

Dr. Mofazzal “Mo” Chowdhury began his distinguished career in the dairy industry in 1981 and joined BouMatic in 1997. Over decades of work he has become one of the field’s most prolific innovators, holding 19 patents and directly driving the development of BouMatic’s Magnum liner series, including the 400-600M series and the Turbo series.

“A true pioneer, Dr. Chowdhury’s innovations are not only technological achievements but also serve as cornerstones of BouMatic’s commitment to quality milking: Gently, Quickly, Completely. His leadership in product development has had a global impact, benefiting dairy producers and dealers worldwide.” Greg Bardosy

From conception through testing and refinement, his liner designs improved milking efficiency, animal comfort, and performance for farmers, dealers, and dairy operations worldwide.

“Dr. Mo Chowdhury has dedicated over four decades to revolutionizing dairy farming with his passion for improving cow milking. His innovative ideas and groundbreaking designs have transformed the dairy industry. BouMatic is privileged to have partnered with Dr. Chowdhury, whose essential contributions have made our commitment to milking cows Gently, Quickly, and Completely a reality. Today, we proudly honor him with this well-deserved award.” — Greg Bardosy

Lasting Impact on the Global Dairy Industry

Dr. Chowdhury’s design of the entire Magnum liner family has changed BouMatic for the better. The 400-600M and Turbo series liners are now essential components on farms around the world, trusted for consistent performance, longevity, and alignment with BouMatic’s core milking philosophy.

“Congratulations to Mo! He has been a key factor in BouMatic’s success. Without his insights and ideas on BouMatic liner designs it’s hard to imagine where we would be in the market. Our liners are a big part of the heart of BouMatic and because of that so is Mo.” — Amy Steinke

We thank Dr. Mofazzal Chowdhury for his commitment to innovation, quality, and the people he serves. His leadership in liner design and product development has shaped the future of milking.