As a dairy nutritionist for Poulin Grain out of Newport since 2003, Kevin Kouri, of Burlington, works with more than 30 Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle and Lamoille County farmers — and 6,500 cows — supporting them on nutrition issues, troubleshooting and problem-solving, while marketing feed. He has won numerous company awards for exceeding the company’s sales goals. But he has gone a step further. Felix Soriano, an outside consultant for the grain company, said, “Kevin has been instrumental in developing programs to help dairy workers achieve better performance and productivity. He has been able to help bridge the communication gap between Spanish speaking employees and English speaking farm owners.” These are among the accolades described by Tom Vogelmann, dean of UVM’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, as he honored this alumnus with its New Achiever Award on May 8 at the College’s annual dinner at the Davis Center on campus. Just out of college, Kouri was an assistant farm manager of a small Jersey herd, and while in high school in Dover, Massachusetts, he founded his own very successful swine operation. Kouri’s path is similar to many UVM dairy science alums: His interest in animals began when he was a 4-H Club member, UVM was his first-choice school, and he thrived in CALS’ CREAM Program (Cooperative for Real Education in Agricultural Management). While an undergrad, Kouri was chosen to present his research findings at the American Dairy Science Association annual meeting. He graduated from UVM in 2000, winning the College’s Elmer Towne Award for excellence and promise in dairy science. “And now he’s fulfilling that promise,” remarked Vogelmann. In 2003, armed with his MS in animal science and a specialty in animal nutrition from the University of Connecticut, Kouri returned to Vermont and took the position with Poulin. There he not only helps Vermont’s dairy industry, he gives back to the College by serving on UVM CREAM’s advisory board and chair of its alumni association. Nominating him for this award, Professor Emeriti Lyndon Carew wrote, “Kevin is passionate about the dairy industry in Vermont. This deep commitment translates into hard work, innovative ideas and dedication to providing consistent support to dairy producers to help them succeed and grow. His activities over the past 10 years prove that he is a rising star and a very deserving recipient of this honor.” CAPTION: Kevin Kouri of Burlington, proudly wears his work shirt -- more than selling grain to Vermont farmers he is their advisor on nutrition and health issues. These are among the reasons Kouri ireceived a 2010 New Achiever Award from UVM’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at festivities May 8 on campus. ~Todd Pritchard photo.