DBA Advocate of the Year Award
The Advocate of the Year award was established by DBA to recognize the outstanding individuals in Wisconsin’s dairy community and their significant contributions on and off the farm.
Our DBA advocates are active dairy farmers who excel in leading their farms, are active in their local communities and serve as leaders for various organizations. They work hard to promote dairy each and every day.
Sponsored by:
2024 Advocate of the Year: Paul Fetzer
“I’m really amazed by this award and thankful for everyone here and those who aren’t here,” Fetzer said. “Our farm wouldn’t have gotten to where we’re at today without DBA and our involvement with positive consultants. I hope that our farm carries on for many more years and future generations to come.”
Fetzer’s involvement in the dairy industry stems from the family legacy contributing to the greater good of the dairy community. He and his family manage their multi-generational centennial farm in Elmwood, Wis. The 100+-year-old farm has evolved over time into the modern, 1,400 cow farm it is today. Fetzer and his wife, Char, farm alongside his brothers, Steve and Joe. They utilize the latest technologies and innovations to maintain a productive dairy farm ready to face the challenges and unknowns of the future. Along with incorporating new ideas for their own farm, they are strong advocates of helping their neighbors and others understand how modern farms operate today.
From hosting Breakfast on the Farm to offering farm education tours for numerous groups and students, Fetzer and his family believe time spent within the local community is well worth the commitment. He has also participated in a variety of agricultural leadership roles, serving nine years on the DBA board of directors and 11 years on the Ag Partners Co-op board of directors. As a DBA board member, Fetzer spent much of his time on policy issues and made frequent visits to Madison to share his story with lawmakers.
His passion for advocating on behalf of the dairy community is evident in his commitment to engaging with lawmakers, and his desire to ensure policymakers understand the challenges farmers face today.
Award qualifications:
A DBA member in good standing (non-board member)
Active dairy farmer
Committed to sharing the real and positive message of dairy with today’s customers
Actively involved in other organizations, including leadership roles
Engages customers in farm tours and visits
Promotes the dairy community and farm through the use of social media
Develops opportunities to foster positive relationships with their community
Committed to standing up for the dairy community on a local and state-wide level
Past Winners
2023 – Tom Crave (Crave Brothers Farms)
2022 – Jim DiGangi (Darlington Ridge Farms)
2021 – Jerry Meissner (Norm-E-Lane)
2020 – Mitch Breunig (Mystic Valley)
2019 – Jim Winn (Cottonwood Dairy)
2018 – Dean Strauss (Majestic Crossing Dairy)
2017 – Sandy Larson (Larson Acres)
2016 – Jeff Endres (Endres Berryridge Farms)
2015 – Julie Maurer (Soaring Eagle Dairy)
2014 – Katie Grinstead (Vir-Clar Farms)
2013 – Daphne Holterman (Rosy-Lane Holsteins)
2012 – Jim Mlsna (Ocooch Dairy)
2011 – Dr. Don Niles (Dairy Dreams)
2010 – Crave Brothers Farms (Communicator) and Larson Acres (Leadership Award)
2009 – John Oncken
2008 – CALS Dean Molly Jahn
2005 – Terri Abing (Majestic View Dairy)
2004 – Mark Diederichs (Lake Breeze Dairy)
2003 – Ed Larson (Larson Acres)
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Learn how you can get involved with Dairy Business Association today!