Communication is key in dairy advocacy

DBA board president Greg Siegenthaler

After Paul Fetzer's father passed away, Paul felt compelled to take on his father's role in advocating for the dairy community. Over the years, he has grown to enjoy engaging with policymakers and sharing his insights directly from the farm. 

Paul’s involvement in the dairy industry stems from his family legacy of contributing to the greater good of the dairy community. His family’s multi-generational centennial farm in Elmwood, Wis, Fetzer Farms, has evolved over time into the modern, 1,400-cow farm it is today. They utilize the latest technologies and innovations to maintain a productive dairy farm ready to face the challenges and unknowns of the future.  

From hosting Breakfast on the Farm to offering farm education tours for numerous groups, legislators and students, Paul 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, Paul spent much of his time on policy issues and made frequent visits to Madison to share his story with lawmakers. He’s also had the opportunity to take several trips to Washington, D.C. 

“What I’ve found is that many of our legislators in Madison are removed from the farm and may not be familiar with all of the things that agriculture is doing, especially when it comes to dairy,” Paul said. “That’s why it’s so important to be able to talk with them and share our insights to hopefully influence policies that impact our day-to-day lives.” 

Being an educational resource for those without an agricultural background might help lessen the impact of potentially burdensome policies on farmers, he said. 

“I’ve told this to people for years and years; if you’re not involved with policy, it might just run you right over,” he said. “As farmers, we need to take part in important conversations, instead of just reading about them or watching from the sidelines.” 

Paul is actively involved in his local town board and various committees. He strives to help people better understand the farming practices that are going on in the area and educate those who hold misconceptions about farming. 

“Farming is always evolving through technology and best management practices, so continuous communication is key,” Paul said. “If we want others to understand what’s going on in the dairy community, they need to know why we do what we do and how we do things responsibly.” 

DBA’s 2024 Advocate of the Year 

During DBA’s Dairy Strong conference this January, Paul was honored with the 2024 Advocate of the Year award for his contributions to Wisconsin’s dairy community. The award is sponsored by Vita Plus Corporation. 

“I’m really amazed by this award and thankful for everyone’s support,” Paul 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.” 

Paul was awarded for excelling in managing his farm while actively engaging with his local community and taking on agricultural leadership roles. 

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. 

“Paul was an insightful leader and helped us to grow some of our policy efforts,” Tim Trotter, DBA CEO, said. “He is an exceptional individual who embodies what it means to continue moving dairy forward.”