Tell us a bit about yourself and your farm.
I farm in Kewaunee, Wis., with partners Derek Ducat and Dale Bogart. At Deer Run Dairy, we milk 1,800 cows and manage 3,200 crop acres. I also have a background in nuclear power. I worked at a nuclear power plant for 44 years before retiring from the plant in 2021.
Sustainability is extremely important to me and our farm. In 2012, we built a digester on our farm, which allows us to use separated manure solids for bedding. I’m an active member and board president of Peninsula Pride Farms, a farmer-led group in Door and Kewaunee counties. This allows me to connect with other farmers committed to sustainable farming. I’m also involved with other organizations, including Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, Farmers for Sustainable Food and Wisconsin Farm Bureau.
Tell us why you are committed to the organization and what it means to your farm.
I am dedicated to DBA because of the organization's commitment to the dairy community, which includes farmers and industry partners. DBA was established when dairy farmers needed a stronger voice and an organization focused on improving the dairy industry, and that’s still needed today. Together, we are moving dairy forward, and I want to take part in sharing my story with legislators.
What are you looking forward to the most in your role on the board?
I’m excited about this opportunity to support the board and our organization however I can. I want to give back to a community that has been so supportive of my family and our livelihood. I believe I will learn a great deal, and I look forward to sharing my experiences serving on the DBA board.