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Dairy Producers Vie for Seats on Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board

During April 14-28, 2008, dairy producers in nine Wisconsin districts may vote for representatives to the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Seventeen candidates are running for the nine available positions, which affect more than 4,000 dairy producers. Information about candidates running for three-year Board terms is included below.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture will mail ballots to all licensed dairy producers who reside within the districts up for election. Producers who do not receive a ballot by April 21 should call Noel Favia at the Department at (800) 942-5140. Eligible producers must return their ballots in certified envelopes postmarked by April 28.

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District 1 (Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer, Washburn)
Ben Peterson, Grantsburg (incumbent)
 

District 4 (Barron, Polk)
Lyle K. Jensen, Amery (incumbent)
 
District 7 (Clark)
William Herr, Greenwood (incumbent)
Jeff Meyer, Spencer
 

District 10 (Brown, Door, Kewaunee)
Roger Buresh, Luxemburg (incumbent)
 

District 13 (Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce)
Dianne Erickson, Mondovi
Lanette Harsdorf, Beldenville (incumbent)
 
District 16 (Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette)
Romona M. Averbeck, Fond du Lac (incumbent)
 

District 19 (Columbia, Dodge)
Richard Fink, Mayville (incumbent)
Sarah E. Lloyd, Wisconsin Dells 
Russell Warmka, Fox Lake
 

District 22 (Grant)
Laurayne Fischer, Boscobel
Ann Kieler, Platteville
Mary Wackershauser, Lancaster (incumbent)
 

District 25 (Green, Rock, Walworth)
Stacy Eberle, Monroe
David Kyle, Elkhorn
Doug Rebout, Janesville


(nominees listed alphabetically in each district - complete bios below)

District 1 (Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer, Washburn)

Ben Peterson (incumbent)
Four Cubs Farm
23138 S. Williams Road
Grantsburg, WI 54840


Spouse:  Nicki
County: Burnett
Began farming in 1999
The Petersons milk 700 Holsteins and ship to Burnett Dairy.  They farm 1,400 acres, cropping corn and hay.
Affiliations:
Dairy Business Association
Discovery Farms Steering Committee
Statement:
I believe that WMMB is having a tremendous influence on cheese in Wisconsin. In the 6 years that I have served, I have seen a constant push to do things better and I want to see that push continue. Farms are getting to be few and far between where we are, and we need to continue to push Wisconsin products to keep what is left.

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District 4 (Barron, Polk)
Lyle K. Jensen (incumbent)
Jens-Gold Farm
1378 80th Street
Amery, WI 54001


County: Polk
Began farming in 1974
Jensen milks 211 Guernseys, ships to Hastings Coop Creamery, and farms 900 acres, cropping alfalfa, corn, soybeans and barley. 
Affiliations:
Barron-Polk Guernsey Breeders
American Guernsey Association
Wisconsin Guernsey Breeders Association
Ag Source
Country Side Coop
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Statement:
I want to serve on the WMMB Board of Directors to help with the policy and direction the board takes to increase demand for all of Wisconsin’s great dairy products. This increased demand will lead to a strong future for our Wisconsin Dairy Industry.

Strong promotion and communication programs across Wisconsin and nationwide reach millions of consumers and educate them to purchase and enjoy our great tasting, award-winning cheeses and other dairy products.

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District 7 (Clark)
William Herr (incumbent)
Hyland Dairy Farm
N10550 State Hwy. 73
Greenwood, WI 54437


County: Clark
Spouse: Jane
Children: Karrie, Teri, Kristy, Tom, Brandon
Began farming in 1970
 
The Herrs milk 85 Holsteins and ship to Dairy Farmers of America.  They farm 750 acres, cropping corn, alfalfa, oats, and soybeans.
Affiliations:
Farm Bureau
National Dairy Board
Dairy Farmers of America (Corporate Board Member/CAC Secretary)
FFA Alumni
Statement:

I believe that promotion is an important part of the dairy industry. The dairy industry faces competition from many others and must be proactive to maintain and increase the consumption of dairy products. The food industry is more closely scrutinized than ever before; therefore, we must do all that we can to assure consumers of the nutritional value, quality and safety of our dairy foods.

I was born and raised on the farm that my wife, family and I operate today. Dairy farming has been and will remain very important to us. I would be honored to be able to continue serving Clark county as a WMMB Member.

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District 7 (Clark)

Jeff Meyer
Badger Holsteins
N11483 County Highway Q
Spencer, WI 54479

County: Clark
Spouse: Louanne
Children: Amber, Jake, Zack, Nathan
Began farming in 1985
The Meyers milk 640 Registered Holsteins and ship to Alto.  They farm 2,500 acres and crop corn and alfalfa.
Affiliations:
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Dairy Business Association
National and Wisconsin Holstein Associations
Clark County 4-H Leader
Harmony Country Cooperative Board Member
Statement:

To promote and help sustain Wisconsin's excellent dairy families, traditions, products and support industries. The dairy industry pumps more than $20.6 billion into the Wisconsin’s economy. We need to make sure that Clark county's dairy industry remains strong for the benefit of producers and their communities.

We are active members of St. Mary's Church in Colby. Our family is very involved with the Clark County 4-H, FFA and the Jr. Holstein organizations. Dairy promotion has always been a top priority for our family, and we highly encourage everyone to be proud of and to support the Clark County and Wisconsin dairy industry.

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District 10 (Brown, Door, Kewaunee)
Roger Buresh (incumbent)
Buresh Farms LLC
E166 Hwy. 29
Luxemburg, WI 54217


County: Kewaunee
Spouse: Barbara
Children: Jeff, Sherri, Joe, Dave
Began farming in 1975
 
The Bureshs milk 550 Holsteins and ship to Belgioioso Cheese. They farm 1,100 acres, cropping hay, corn and soybeans.
Affiliations:
Dairy Business Association
Lakeshore Farm Management
Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Statement:
I am running for my second term on WMMB because as a dairy producer, I believe in our industry and the promotion and marketing of our product. We need to use our check-off dollars to continue educating consumers about the healthful benefits of dairy products. We need to expand our markets and create new uses for our products for the consumer. Our cheese plant continues to expand its variety of cheeses that it sells across the Unites States.

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District 13 (Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce)
Dianne Erickson
Erickson Farms
W501 State Road 121
Mondovi, WI 54755


County: Buffalo
Spouse: James
Children: Amanda, Derek
Raised on a dairy farm; operated own farm last 25 years
The Ericksons milk 45 Holsteins and Jerseys, ship to Grassland Dairy, and raise their own replacement stock. They farm 240 acres, cropping corn alfalfa and oats.
Affiliations:
Countryside Cooperative
Ag-Source
Equity Livestock
Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative
Wisconsin Farm Bureau
Statement:

I was born on a dairy farm to John and Lorna Lisowski. I am a third-generation farmer. I have been interested in dairy farming all my life, and was able to start my herd 25 years ago. I am a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Alma, WI. I currently hold an off-farm job at Gilmanton Schools in the food service department, while also farming full-time.

I would like to become more aware and also inform other farmers of where our contribution is going. I would also try to promote more of the dairy products to the public. I feel the best way to promote a product is to get it out there for the people to sample.

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District 13 (Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce)
Lanette Harsdorf (incumbent)
Trim-Bel Valley Dairy
N6669 Hwy. 65
Beldenville, WI 54003


County: Pierce
Spouse: Jim
Children: Johnathan, Kristina, Laura, Justin
Began farming in 1988
The Harsdorfs milk 250 Holsteins and ship to Hastings Co-op Creamery.  They farm 1,500 acres and crop hay, oats, corn and soybeans.
Affiliations:
Hastings Cooperative Creamery
Pierce-Pepin Holstein Club
2010 Farm Tech Promotion Committee
Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Pierce County Farm Bureau
Statement:

I want to say “Thank You” to the producers of the 13th District, for the opportunity to serve on the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Having completed my first term, I remain committed to dairy promotion, dairy marketing and the great opportunities that are before us. In an ever changing world, dairy still offers the consumer a wonderful variety of products that are beneficial to our health, and taste great! I have enjoyed working with our employees at WMMB, and I am excited about their expertise and the commitment they have to the dairy producer. We face a variety of challenges, especially as our consumer loses their rural heritage, but informing the consumer of our nutritious, pure products, benefits them. I appreciate being part of the discussion and direction that WMMB provides. Marketing must have a proactive approach, which I believe offers a positive future for the dairy industry in Wisconsin.

As a partner with my husband, Jim, of Trim-Bel Valley Dairy, mother of four grown children, and a degree in Physical Education, I have been an avid consumer of dairy, a producer of dairy, and I appreciate the nutritious product that we produce! As the calf raiser, herd health overseer, bookkeeper, computer specialist…I wear many hats and I love our industry! I want to be a voice for the great WI dairy farmer! I do not want someone who does not live and breathe our industry to define us. I will always have a passion for our way of life, for our animals, and for my friends and neighbors in the dairy industry.

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District 16 (Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette)
Romona M. Averbeck (incumbent)
Century Farms
N8150 Townline Road
Fond du Lac, WI 54937


County: Fond du Lac
Spouse: Bill
Children: Louis [sp. Jenni]
               Adam [sp. Tami, ch Sloan, Nick, Courtney]
Began farming in 1977
The Averbecks milk 225 Holsteins and ship to Dairy Farmers of America. They farm 500 acres, cropping corn, alfalfa and soybeans.
Affiliations:

Dairy Farmers of America Delegate

Town of Eldorado Appeals Board
4-H Dairy Leader
Statement:

Our farm has been in the Averbeck family since 1848. Bill and I are the 5th generation to farm this land.

I have been very fortunate to serve as a WMMB director for the past six years. The scope of WMMB’s work to promote Wisconsin dairy products is far reaching. We, as Wisconsin dairy producers, should be proud to have an organization like WMMB to promote our Wisconsin dairy products throughout the United States.

The majority of Wisconsin’s milk is made into cheese and Wisconsin has a strong heritage of cheese makers. Our expertise in cheese making is very evident by the number of Master Cheese Makers that Wisconsin in home to. No matter where you travel, people are always asking where they can get that great tasting Wisconsin cheese. WMMB strives to promote our cheeses not only in our supermarkets and cheese industry but are also becoming very well known throughout the United States in high-end restaurants. Advertising and working one on one with food service and cheese market retailers will benefit all of our Wisconsin dairy producers.

Promotion and education are key roles necessary to inform the public about the healthy benefits of dairy products. As the world evolves, our consumers will be further removed from the understanding of where their food source comes from. We must continue the ongoing work of the Wisconsin Dairy Council to educate our young children on dairy and ag related areas. I feel this is where a major impact can be made to ensure future dairy consumption.

I would like to continue to work to inform the public on how, we, as dairy and ag producers, provide quality food and are good caretakers of our animals and good stewards of the land. After all, this is our heritage and the livelihood of our families.

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District 19 (Columbia, Dodge)
Richard Fink (incumbent)
N9650 Sunnyview Road
Mayville, WI 53050


County: Dodge
Spouse: Dorothy
Children: Dan, Lori, Patty, Ann and Rick
Began farming in 1963
The Finks milk 70 Holsteins and ship to Family Dairies USA.  They farm 300 acres and crop corn, hay and wheat.
Affiliations:
Mayville FFA Alumni
United COOP
Farm Bureau
Dodge County Dairy Leaders Group
CWT
Family Dairies USA
Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board
Statement:
I have been on the WMMB board for nine years. It takes two years for new board members to gain knowledge of the board because of all the areas and complex natures of the board. I enjoy being a board member because myself and other board members know that we are working really carefully with each Dairy Farmer’s Money. Yes we do not all agree on all matters, which is good. By this, we all gain more knowledge on an issue or budget processes. I would like to stay on the board because we just made major staff structure, budget and board committee changes. I would like to be around when these changes sell more milk and Wisconsin cheese.

I am a seasoned board member from past Church boards, the School board and the Town Board. So I know the laws and what is expected of a Board member of the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. Your vote is appreciated.

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District 19 (Columbia, Dodge)

Sarah E. Lloyd
NelDell Farms
W13615 Nelson Road
Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965

County: Columbia
Spouse: Nels Nelson
The Nelson family has been dairy farming in northwestern Columbia County for over 100 years. The farm where my husband and I live has been in the family operation since 1919. I married my husband in February 2007, so I have been directly involved with dairy farming for one year.
With spouse, Nels, Lloyd milks 300 Holsteins and ships to Foremost Farms USA.  They farm approximately 1,000 acres and crop corn, winter wheat, soybeans, rye and alfalfa.
Affiliations:
Wisconsin Farmers Union
Statement:

Although I did not grow up dairy farming, my father grew up on a dairy farm and our family maintained an ownership stake in the dairy operation on the Lloyd farm outside of Cambria until 1997. In 2001, I moved to that farm and became active in the community, including serving on the Town of Courtland Comprehensive Planning Committee and the Columbia County Board. These experiences have helped me to understand the changing conditions for dairy farming and agriculture generally in Wisconsin.

I am interested in serving on the WMMB Board because I want to be actively involved in efforts to take on the challenges and opportunities that exist today for dairy farmers of all shapes and sizes in our state. I am continually amazed by the great diversity that we have in the Wisconsin dairy industry. Although the number of dairy farms has fallen for many years, Wisconsin still boasts over 14,000 dairy farms, positioning us well to meet the complexities of changing market demand. Of course there are many challenges with today’s price and cost structures, but at the same time there are great opportunities. A strong dairy industry, based on strong and diverse markets for our unique set of producers and processors, is essential in building a vibrant future for Wisconsin farms, families, enterprises, and rural communities.

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District 19 (Columbia, Dodge)

Russell Warmka
Warmka Holsteins
W9397 Laurel Hill Road
Fox Lake, WI 53933

County: Dodge
Spouse: Laura
Children: Erik, Carrie, Brad, Danielle
Involved in farming my entire life

The Warmkas milk 175 Holsteins and ship their milk to Park Cheese.  They farm 400 acres, cropping alfalfa, corn and soybeans. 
Affiliations:
PDPW
Waupun FFA Alumni
Trenton Highlights 4-H Dairy Leader
Statement:
The dairy business is important to me and I would like to help in the promotion of the Wisconsin Dairy Industry.

I worked 2 years for East Central Select Sires as a relief AI technician. My family is involved in showing cattle at the county fair and other dairy related activities.

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District 22 (Grant)
Laurayne Fischer
15113 Tower Road
Boscobel, WI 53805


County: Grant
Spouse: Lonny
Began farming in 1974
The Fischers milk 35 cows (b/w and r/w Holsteins, Jerseys, Milking Shorthorns, Guernseys, Brown Swiss and Beef Crossed), shipping to Dairy Farmers of America.  They farm 200 acres and crop hay, corn and some small grains.
Affiliations:
Farm Bureau
Dairy Farmers of America (District Chairperson)
Statement:
I have two grown children, two granddaughters and one grandson. I'd like to serve on the WMMB Board to give back to producers in Grant County views from another producer. Also to have a better understanding for the 10 cents per CWT deduction on the milk check and how it benefits our state’s producers. I also want to know more about the WMMB.

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District 22 (Grant)
Ann Kieler
Kieler Farms Inc.
4315 Church Road
Platteville, WI 53818

County: Grant
Spouse: Louis
Children: Eric, Ryan, Doug, Renee
Began farming in 1980
The Kielers milk 250 Holsteins and ship to Foremost Farms.  They farm 2,000 acres, cropping corn, soybeans, oats, and hay.
Affiliations:
Farm Bureau
Statement:

I served on our local town board for 14 years. I was Chairman for eight of those years. During that time, I helped implement our town’s Smart Growth Plan to reduce the loss of ag land. I grew up on a dairy farm and am proud to be a dairy farmer.

I would like to serve on the WMMB because I believe Wisconsin is a great state for the dairy industry, and I would like to be an active participant in promoting our dairy products.

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District 22 (Grant)
Mary Wackershauser (incumbent)
Wack-E-View Farms
10027 Oak Ridge Road
Lancaster, WI 53813


County: Grant
Spouse: Carson
Children: Brian [sp. Kristi], Laura, Jennifer
Grew up on a dairy farm, married, and joined my husband dairy farming in 1975.
The Wackershausers milk 50 registered Holsteins and ship to Dean Foods.  They farm 200 acres and crop corn and alfalfa.
Affiliations:
County, state and national Holstein Associations
Grant County Dairy Promoters
Oak Hillclimbers Homemaker Club
GPAC - Grant County Extension Advisory Committee
1999 Grant County Farm Progress Days Executive Committee
Statement:

I'd like to continue to serve on the WMMB Board to monitor and continue the direction of the dairy promotion activities of the WMMB on behalf of the producers of Grant County who contribute to the funding of the activities.

These are just a few of examples of the excellent current WMMB programs that benefit the dairy industry:

  • Dairy Council – education through the Alice in Dairyland Program, working with school food service and teachers. Dairy Council also does radio and TV appearances promoting dairy.
  • Center for Dairy Research – our funding helps the Center work with the dairy processors in new technology, new production techniques and problem-solving for manufacturing plants. Our producers can be proud that the Center for Dairy Research leads the industry.
  • Marketing – staff work with national media to get newspaper and magazine stories featured on the Wisconsin cheese industry. Discover Wisconsin TV series features stories on the cheese & pizza industry. Through our Regional Marketing Managers – WMMB sets up promotions on a nationwide basis – coordinating Wisconsin Cheese Promotions in retailers throughout the US. They work with grocery stores for cheese signage.

I have conscientiously represented the Grant County dairy producers on the WMMB board since 1988. Grant County dairy producers can be proud that the WMMB programs are leading edge and effective in getting the dairy promotion and education message to consumers. I will continue to bring the details of our promotion efforts back to the Grant County Dairy Producers and answer their questions.

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District 25 (Green, Rock, Walworth)

Stacy Eberle
Eb-Acres
W6429 County Road P
Monroe, WI 53566


County: Green
Spouse: Randy
Children: Amanda, Maria, Josephine, Carlita
We own the dairy farm which Randy grew up on. I have been interested in the dairy business since high school. I spent my high school years working for an area lady farmer and did some relief work before Randy and I married.

On average, the Eberles milk 60 cows (primarily registered Holsteins; also do some cross breeding) and ship to Midwest Dairymen's Co-op. They farm 235 acres, cropping alfalfa, corn, soybeans and various small grains.
Affiliations:
Midwest Dairymen's Co-op
Accelerated Genetics
Ag Source
Equity Livestock
East Central/Select Sires
Green County Adult 4-H Leaders
Clarno 4-H
Monroe FFA Alumni
Statement:
When I was a director for Midwest Dairymen's Co-op, I was the board's representative for the Wisconsin Dairy Council. This involvement with the Dairy Council sparked my interest in the WMMB.

We as dairymen are contributing dollars from our paychecks on a monthly basis towards milk marketing efforts. Are we, as dairy producers, receiving the best value for our dollars spent? Prices are continuously going up and consumer's spending is on the watch. We need to be in the fore-front of consumer spending dollars. It's important for consumers to know the "people behind the products" and need to be reminded that dairy products are a good dietary choice. In general, my reason is Consumer and Product Awareness.

Also, on the industry side, are we, as an industry, meeting our consumer demands (are we producing the products to meet the demands)? If not, what can we do as the Wisconsin Dairy Industry to stay in the forefront?

Having a bachelor’s degree in accounting/financial management, I enjoy finances, financial reports, numbers and statistics. I not only enjoy promoting our dairy industry, but also all facets of agriculture. I think it is important to involve the youth; they are the future as producers, consumers, employees, and leaders.

I am a member of Clarno United Methodist Church, serving on council as Sunday School superintendent. Spending time with my family is also very important to me. Instead of a soccer mom, I am a gymnast mom. Three of our four daughters have been or currently are members of the Green County YMCA Gems gymnastics team.

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District 25 (Green, Rock, Walworth)

David Kyle
Kylecrest Holsteins LLC
W2888 Loveland Road
Elkhorn, WI 53121


County: Walworth
Spouse: Laurie
Children: Joey, Hayden, Mackenzie
Began farming in 1981

The Kyles milk 110 Holsteins and ship to Foremost Farms USA.  They farm 100 acres and crop corn and alfalfa.
Affiliations:
Foremost Farms USA
Walworth County 4-H Dairy Judging
Walworth County Dairy Promotion Committee
WIRED Dairy Peer Group
Walworth County Holstein Association
DMI/National Milk Producers Dairy Farm Spokesperson Group
Statement:
I am running for the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board because I feel we need to continue to be unified and work hard to educate the American public about the benefits about our high-quality milk and cheese. It is essential to teach young people about healthy choices.

I am passionate about this business. My wife and I decided to take the plunge and build a new dairy barn/compost barn in 2007, and we successfully moved in December 2007. We specifically designed it in order to be able to give tours to schools and to the public. We will be in this industry for a long time and we enjoy what we do. The American Public is loyal and has faith that dairyman are some of the most credible people.

Kylecrest Holsteins LLC is a first-generation dairy operation committed to hard work and success

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District 25 (Green, Rock, Walworth)

Doug Rebout
Roger Rebout & Sons Farms
6401 W. Mineral Point Road
Janesville, WI 53548


County: Rock
Spouse: Christine
Children: Natalia
I grew up on the farm and increased my responsibilities over time. I became a partner in 1997.

The Rebouts milk 120 Holsteins and ship to Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.  They farm 4,000 acres, cropping corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa.
Affiliations:
Equity Shipper Board
Growmark Farmers Service
Dairy Farmers of America
Rock County Dairy Promotion
Ag Business Council of Rock County
Badgerland Farm Credit
Farm Bureau
Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation Dairy Steering Committee
East Central Select Sires
Statement:
I would like to serve on the board because I believe in the value of our product. Growing up, I was taught to get involved in the things you believe in. I have enjoyed working with the different programs at the local level and would like to take my involvement to the next step.

Dairy producers should know that I am in a farming partnership with my parents and two brothers. Educating the consumer is important to me and if elected I would take the position very seriously.

 

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