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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. |
Acrobat
Reader Required
Media
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District
1 (Ashland, Bayfield,
Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer, Washburn)
Ben Peterson, Grantsburg (incumbent)
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District
4 (Barron, Polk)
Lyle K. Jensen, Amery (incumbent)
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District
7 (Clark)
William Herr, Greenwood (incumbent)
Jeff Meyer, Spencer
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District
10 (Brown, Door, Kewaunee)
Roger Buresh, Luxemburg (incumbent)
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District
13 (Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce)
Dianne Erickson, Mondovi
Lanette Harsdorf, Beldenville (incumbent)
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District
16 (Fond
du Lac, Green Lake, Marquette)
Romona M. Averbeck, Fond du Lac (incumbent)
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District
19 (Columbia, Dodge)
Richard Fink, Mayville (incumbent)
Sarah E. Lloyd, Wisconsin Dells
Russell Warmka, Fox Lake
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District
22 (Grant)
Laurayne Fischer, Boscobel
Ann Kieler, Platteville
Mary Wackershauser, Lancaster (incumbent)
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District
25 (Green, Rock, Walworth)
Stacy Eberle, Monroe
David Kyle, Elkhorn
Doug Rebout, Janesville
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| (nominees listed alphabetically
in each district - complete bios below) |
District
1 (Ashland, Bayfield,
Burnett, Douglas, Iron, Rusk, Sawyer, Washburn)
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Ben Peterson (incumbent)
Four Cubs Farm
23138 S. Williams Road
Grantsburg, WI 54840
Spouse: Nicki
County: Burnett
Began farming in 1999 |
| District
4 (Barron, Polk) |
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Lyle
K. Jensen (incumbent)
Jens-Gold Farm
1378 80th Street
Amery, WI 54001
County: Polk
Began farming in 1974 |
| District
7 (Clark) |
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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
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| The Herrs milk 85 Holsteins
and ship to Dairy Farmers of America. They
farm 750 acres, cropping corn, alfalfa, oats, and
soybeans. |
| Affiliations: |
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Farm Bureau |
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National Dairy Board |
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Dairy Farmers of America (Corporate Board Member/CAC
Secretary) |
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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)
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Jeff
Meyer
Badger Holsteins
N11483 County Highway Q
Spencer, WI 54479
County: Clark
Spouse: Louanne
Children: Amber, Jake, Zack, Nathan
Began farming in 1985 |
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| The Meyers milk 640 Registered
Holsteins and ship to Alto. They farm 2,500
acres and crop corn and alfalfa. |
| Affiliations: |
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Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin |
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Dairy Business Association |
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National and Wisconsin Holstein Associations |
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Clark County 4-H Leader |
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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) |
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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
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| District
13 (Buffalo, Pepin, Pierce) |
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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: |
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Countryside Cooperative |
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Ag-Source |
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Equity Livestock |
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Manitowoc Milk Producers Cooperative |
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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) |
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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: |
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Hastings
Cooperative Creamery |
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Pierce-Pepin Holstein Club |
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2010 Farm Tech Promotion Committee |
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Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin |
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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) |
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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: |
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Dairy Farmers of America Delegate |
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Town of Eldorado Appeals Board |
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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) |
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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: |
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Mayville FFA Alumni |
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United COOP |
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Farm Bureau |
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Dodge County Dairy Leaders Group |
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CWT |
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Family Dairies USA |
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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)
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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. |
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| 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: |
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Wisconsin Farmers
Union |
| Statement: |
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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)
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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
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| The Warmkas milk 175 Holsteins
and ship their milk to Park Cheese. They
farm 400 acres, cropping alfalfa, corn and soybeans. |
| Affiliations: |
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PDPW |
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Waupun FFA Alumni |
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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) |
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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: |
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Farm Bureau |
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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) |
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Ann
Kieler
Kieler Farms Inc.
4315 Church Road
Platteville, WI 53818
County: Grant
Spouse: Louis
Children: Eric, Ryan, Doug, Renee
Began farming in 1980 |
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| The Kielers milk 250 Holsteins
and ship to Foremost Farms. They farm 2,000
acres, cropping corn, soybeans, oats, and hay. |
| Affiliations: |
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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) |
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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: |
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County,
state and national
Holstein Associations |
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Grant County Dairy Promoters |
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Oak Hillclimbers
Homemaker Club |
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GPAC - Grant
County Extension Advisory Committee |
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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) |
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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.
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| 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: |
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Midwest
Dairymen's Co-op |
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Accelerated
Genetics |
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Ag
Source |
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Equity
Livestock |
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East
Central/Select Sires |
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Green
County Adult 4-H Leaders |
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Clarno
4-H |
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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)
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David
Kyle
Kylecrest Holsteins LLC
W2888 Loveland Road
Elkhorn, WI 53121
County: Walworth
Spouse: Laurie
Children: Joey, Hayden, Mackenzie
Began farming in 1981
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| The Kyles milk 110 Holsteins
and ship to Foremost Farms USA. They farm
100 acres and crop corn and alfalfa. |
| Affiliations: |
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Foremost
Farms USA
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Walworth
County 4-H Dairy Judging
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Walworth
County Dairy Promotion Committee
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WIRED
Dairy Peer Group
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Walworth
County Holstein Association
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DMI/National
Milk Producers Dairy Farm Spokesperson Group
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| 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) |
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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.
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