Wisconsin dairy farmer and DFW Board Member Annaliese Wegner shares how everyday farm management translates into impactful industry leadership. She explores how the farmer-led checkoff creates unity among over 5,000 diverse operations to build global demand and protect consumer trust. Whether milking 30 cows or 3,000, Annaliese encourages all producers to lend their perspective to ensure a strong future for the next generation.

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Wisconsin dairy farmer and DFW Board Member Annaliese Wegner shares how everyday farm management translates into impactful industry leadership. She explores how the farmer-led checkoff creates unity among over 5,000 diverse operations to build global demand and protect consumer trust. Whether milking 30 cows or 3,000, Annaliese encourages all producers to lend their perspective to ensure a strong future for the next generation.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

From The Parlor To The Boardroom -- Dairy Farmers Are Leaders

It’s election time for the 9 open districts for the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board of Directors, so it’s a great time to talk about farmer leadership and their voice.

Today, we learn the story of Sandy Madland, a Wisconsin dairy farmer and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Director.  Madland was elected to represent Adams, Juneau, and Monroe counties. As a Director, she helps represent farmers, guide how checkoff dollars are stewarded, and make long-term decisions that support demand for Wisconsin dairy.

Madland's story is like many others in Wisconsin.  Their family operation in Lyndon Station involves 500 registered Holsteins, and their two sons.  Madland's involvement in the boys 4-H projects helped elevate her to county dairy activities, which fed her curiosity about Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Are you ready to step up and be a voice for fellow dairy operators?  Madland believes that Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is your checkoff and your voice. Farmer leadership is how we keep Wisconsin dairy strong for the next generation. She says if the DFW Board is not an option, consider running for a leadership position at the county level. Ask questions, bring your voice and advocate for Wisconsin dairy!


 

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It&rsquo;s election time for the 9 open districts for the<a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/Our-Story/Board-of-Directors-Elections"> Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board of Directors,</a> so it&rsquo;s a great time to talk about farmer leadership and their voice. Today, we learn the story of Sandy Madland, a Wisconsin dairy farmer and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Director.&nbsp; Madland was elected to represent Adams, Juneau, and Monroe counties. As a Director, she helps represent farmers, guide how checkoff dollars are stewarded, and make long-term decisions that support demand for Wisconsin dairy. Madland's story is like many others in Wisconsin.&nbsp; Their family operation in Lyndon Station involves 500 registered Holsteins, and their two sons.&nbsp; Madland's involvement in the boys 4-H projects helped elevate her to county dairy activities, which fed her curiosity about Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. Are you ready to step up and be a voice for fellow dairy operators?&nbsp; Madland believes that Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/Our-Story/Board-of-Directors">your checkoff and your voice</a>. Farmer leadership is how we keep Wisconsin dairy strong for the next generation. She says if the DFW Board is not an option, consider running for a leadership position at the county level. Ask questions, bring your voice and advocate for Wisconsin dairy! &nbsp;See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Elections Approach For Dairy Farmers of WI - Get Involved Like Sandy Madland

Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin dairy farmers are bringing the farm to the classroom with the launch of the Care for the Land Escape Room, a digital, game-based learning experience for high school students. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board member Gary Kohn joins Stephanie Hoff to discuss how this turnkey resource allows students to explore regional sustainability practices across four different Wisconsin farms. Launching Feb. 27, this interactive project uses modern technology to help the next generation connect with the science and heart behind local dairy production.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

The High School "Escape Room" That’s Changing How We See Dairy

For many dairy operators in the state - community is critical.  From community involvement to conservation practices on the farm, it's all connected.  In Wisconsin, 99% of dairy farms are family-owned like David Bangert's dairy operation in Clark County.  His commitment to his community stretch beyond the farm gate.

Bangert believes that in Wisconsin, the WIAA reaches people in a way that really matters. High school sports are the heartbeat of so many Wisconsin communities — whether you live in a rural town or a larger city. Through the WIAA, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin connects with tens of thousands of student-athletes, their families, and fans across hundreds of schools statewide. It starts early in the season with sponsored event programs and culminates with the state tournaments. That’s a huge opportunity to remind people that dairy farmers live in these same communities and care about the kids, and their futures. Milk is the official beverage of the WIAA.

Bangert tells Pam Jahnke that he feels confident about the investment being made by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin with the WIAA because it stretches beyond the spot.  Bangert says the WIAA promotes teamwork, leadership, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle, which align perfectly with the dairy community. Milk and dairy foods support growing bodies, strong bones, and active lives. When young athletes see dairy supporting their sports and schools, it reinforces dairy as a natural part of health and performance. Which he firmly believe as a dad, a youth basketball coach, and a dairy farmer.

Find out more about the partnerships paying dividends at wisconsindairy.org.

For many dairy operators in the state - community is critical.&nbsp; From community involvement to conservation practices on the farm, it's all connected.&nbsp; In Wisconsin, 99% of dairy farms are family-owned like David Bangert's dairy operation in Clark County.&nbsp; His commitment to his community stretch beyond the farm gate.
Bangert believes that in Wisconsin, the WIAA reaches people in a way that really matters. High school sports are the heartbeat of so many Wisconsin communities &mdash; whether you live in a rural town or a larger city. Through the WIAA, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin connects with tens of thousands of student-athletes, their families, and fans across hundreds of schools statewide. It starts early in the season with sponsored event programs and culminates with the state tournaments. That&rsquo;s a huge opportunity to remind people that dairy farmers live in these same communities and care about the kids, and their futures. Milk is the official beverage of the WIAA.
Bangert tells Pam Jahnke that he feels confident about the investment being made by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin with the WIAA because it stretches beyond the spot.&nbsp; Bangert says the WIAA promotes teamwork, leadership, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle, which align perfectly with the dairy community. Milk and dairy foods support growing bodies, strong bones, and active lives. When young athletes see dairy supporting their sports and schools, it reinforces dairy as a natural part of health and performance. Which he firmly believe as a dad, a youth basketball coach, and a dairy farmer.
Find out more about the partnerships paying dividends at <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/Checkoff-at-Work/Promotions">wisconsindairy.org.</a>

WIAA Partnership Pays - In Many Ways - David Bangert

Wisconsin dairy farmer Carolyn Alsteen joins the show to discuss the Born to Dairy campaign, a vibrant celebration of the grit, humor, and creativity that defines America’s Dairyland. Discover how Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is putting checkoff dollars to work, using unique personas to bridge the gap with consumers, and highlighting the authentic stories behind your favorite milk, cheese, and butter. DFW is preparing to launch 24 new farmer personas in 2026, including Carolyn's: Churned & Burned Farm Fit Farmer!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin dairy farmer Carolyn Alsteen joins the show to discuss the Born to Dairy campaign, a vibrant celebration of the grit, humor, and creativity that defines America&rsquo;s Dairyland. Discover how Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is putting checkoff dollars to work, using unique personas to bridge the gap with consumers, and highlighting the authentic stories behind your favorite milk, cheese, and butter. DFW is preparing to launch 24 new farmer personas in 2026, including Carolyn's: Churned &amp; Burned Farm Fit Farmer!See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

MacGyvers, Moomaws & Farm Fit Farmers Showcase Human Side Of Dairy

Nobody in Wisconsin's dairy community can deny - it is tough right now.  Milk prices are low, margins are tight, and there’s a lot of frustration out there. How does Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin view the year farmers just lived through?

That's where the conversation starts with Pam Jahnke and Ben Miller, Vice President of Industry Relations who's recently been named Chief Operating Officer at DFW. Bills don't wait, costs stay high, and the pressures never seem to end. That reality deserves to be acknowledged first, because no amount of talking around it changes what farmers are experiencing day to day.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin does not and cannot control milk prices, that's very clear. What can be managed is how Wisconsin dairy shows up in the world. DFW is charged with working to protect demand, strengthen trust, and expand opportunity so that when markets improve — as they eventually do — Wisconsin dairy is positioned to compete and win. That doesn’t fix today’s milk check, but it helps build a foundation for recovery.

Miller talks more about what the previous investments made by Wisconsin dairy operators have done to get us this far, and what is underway now to propel Wisconsin dairy forward.

Everyone in Wisconsin's dairy community is paying attention to the current economic situation operators are facing regardless of size.  The message of Wisconsin dairy - it's heritage - it's people - it's products, are still resonating with those buyers and partners.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nobody in Wisconsin's dairy community can deny - it is tough right now.&nbsp; Milk prices are low, margins are tight, and there&rsquo;s a lot of frustration out there. How does <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/Checkoff-at-Work">Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin</a> view the year farmers just lived through? That's where the conversation starts with Pam Jahnke and Ben Miller, Vice President of Industry Relations who's recently been named Chief Operating Officer at <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/Our-Story">DFW</a>. Bills don't wait, costs stay high, and the pressures never seem to end. That reality deserves to be acknowledged first, because no amount of talking around it changes what farmers are experiencing day to day. <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/Our-Story">Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin</a> does not and cannot control milk prices, that's very clear. What can be managed is how Wisconsin dairy shows up in the world. DFW is charged with working to protect demand, strengthen trust, and expand opportunity so that when markets improve &mdash; as they eventually do &mdash; Wisconsin dairy is positioned to compete and win. That doesn&rsquo;t fix today&rsquo;s milk check, but it helps build a foundation for recovery. Miller talks more about what the previous investments made by Wisconsin dairy operators have done to get us this far, and what is underway now to propel Wisconsin dairy forward. Everyone in Wisconsin's dairy community is paying attention to the current economic situation operators are facing regardless of size.&nbsp; The message of Wisconsin dairy - it's heritage - it's people - it's products, are still resonating with those buyers and partners.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

No Pretending.  Things Are Tough For Wisconsin Dairy Operators - Ben Miller

Stephanie Hoff sits down with Alice in Dairyland Sara Hagenow, the official ambassador for Wisconsin's dairy industry, to talk about the state's proudest tradition: butter. Hagenow explains that Wisconsin butter’s superior richness and flavor come from high-quality cream produced by local farms with lush grasslands and dedicated farmers. Beyond its unbeatable taste for baking and cooking, choosing this local dairy product supports the state's $52.8 billion economy and over 120,000 jobs. Shoppers can guarantee they are buying local by looking for the Proudly Wisconsin Dairy Badge or the 55-xxxx plant code on the packaging.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stephanie Hoff sits down with Alice in Dairyland Sara Hagenow, the official ambassador for Wisconsin's dairy industry, to talk about the state's proudest tradition: butter. Hagenow explains that Wisconsin butter&rsquo;s superior richness and flavor come from high-quality cream produced by local farms with lush grasslands and dedicated farmers. Beyond its unbeatable taste for baking and cooking, choosing this local dairy product supports the state's $52.8 billion economy and over 120,000 jobs. Shoppers can guarantee they are buying local by looking for the Proudly Wisconsin Dairy Badge or the 55-xxxx plant code on the packaging.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Wisconsin Butter Makes Everything Better

The holidays are upon us and grocery carts are filling up with all the essentials for baking, cooking, and entertaining. One big winner this time of year? Dairy. Today, we’re talking about how dairy sales grow in November and December, and what Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is doing at retail to support our local farmers.

Jonathon Hallock is a Board Director with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin representing Buffalo, Pepin and Pierce Counties. His dairy is just outside of Mondovi.

Hallock says that this is an incredibly important time of year for all of the dairy complex. People are baking more, cooking holiday meals, hosting parties, and that all drives demand for products like butter, cream, cheese, and specialty cheeses.

Across the U.S., you typically see a 3–5% increase in milk and butter sales in the fall compared to summer, and a lot of that is driven by November and December holiday shopping. Wisconsin especially shines because of all the specialty cheeses our cheesemakers have crafted. Specialty and entertaining cheeses usually can see sales really spike. In the week leading up to Christmas, specialty cheese sales at retail can be around 50% higher than average, because people are building cheese boards, gifting cheese, and using it in their recipes.

How can you find that specialty cheese - and maybe the story behind it?  Simple.  Hallock says to look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese badge.  He says when you see that badge, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a whole chain of people:
The dairy farm families who care for the cows
The cheesemakers crafting those specialty cheeses
The truck drivers, plant workers, and local communities built around dairy

Holiday sales help keep milk moving, plants busy, and paychecks flowing in rural communities across Wisconsin.

Remember, the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese message is rippling across the United States and around the world.  Hallock reminds everyone that 90% of our state’s milk is made into cheese. About 90% of that cheese is sold outside Wisconsin, so holiday demand across the country is a really big deal for our farmers back home.

If you'd like to find some of that specialty cheese for your cheese board or special event, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's making it easy on you.  Just click on WisconsinCheese.com and get ready to enjoy and share.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holidays are upon us and grocery carts are filling up with all the essentials for baking, cooking, and entertaining. One big winner this time of year? Dairy. Today, we&rsquo;re talking about how dairy sales grow in November and December, and what Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is doing at retail to support our local farmers. Jonathon Hallock is a Board Director with <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin</a> representing Buffalo, Pepin and Pierce Counties. His dairy is just outside of Mondovi. Hallock says that this is an incredibly important time of year for all of the dairy complex. People are baking more, cooking holiday meals, hosting parties, and that all drives demand for products like butter, cream, cheese, and specialty cheeses. Across the U.S., you typically see a 3&ndash;5% increase in milk and butter sales in the fall compared to summer, and a lot of that is driven by November and December holiday shopping. Wisconsin especially shines because of all the specialty cheeses our cheesemakers have crafted. Specialty and entertaining cheeses usually can see sales really spike. In the week leading up to Christmas, specialty cheese sales at retail can be&nbsp;around 50% higher than average, because people are building cheese boards, gifting cheese, and using it in their recipes. How can you find that specialty cheese - and maybe the story behind it?&nbsp; Simple.&nbsp; Hallock says to look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese badge.&nbsp; He says when you see that badge, you&rsquo;re not just buying a product&mdash;you&rsquo;re supporting a whole chain of people: <ul> <li>The dairy farm families who care for the cows</li> <li>The cheesemakers crafting those specialty cheeses</li> <li>The truck drivers, plant workers, and local communities built around dairy</li> </ul> Holiday sales help keep milk moving, plants busy, and paychecks flowing in rural communities across Wisconsin. Remember, the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese message is rippling across the United States and around the world.&nbsp; Hallock reminds everyone that 90% of our state&rsquo;s milk is made into cheese. About 90% of that cheese is sold outside Wisconsin, so holiday demand across the country is a really big deal for our farmers back home. If you'd like to find some of that specialty cheese for your cheese board or special event, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's making it easy on you.&nbsp; Just click on <a href="https://www.wisconsincheese.com/our-cheese/order-online">WisconsinCheese.com</a> and get ready to enjoy and share.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Ho Ho Holy Cheese!  It's Go Time For Wisconsin Dairy - Jonathon Hallock

The holidays are upon us and grocery carts are filling up with all the essentials for baking, cooking, and entertaining. One big winner this time of year? Dairy. Today, we’re talking about how dairy sales grow in November and December, and what Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is doing at retail to support our local farmers.

Jonathon Hallock is a Board Director with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin representing Buffalo, Pepin and Pierce Counties. His dairy is just outside of Mondovi.

Hallock says that this is an incredibly important time of year for all of the dairy complex. People are baking more, cooking holiday meals, hosting parties, and that all drives demand for products like butter, cream, cheese, and specialty cheeses.

Across the U.S., you typically see a 3–5% increase in milk and butter sales in the fall compared to summer, and a lot of that is driven by November and December holiday shopping. Wisconsin especially shines because of all the specialty cheeses our cheesemakers have crafted. Specialty and entertaining cheeses usually can see sales really spike. In the week leading up to Christmas, specialty cheese sales at retail can be around 50% higher than average, because people are building cheese boards, gifting cheese, and using it in their recipes.

How can you find that specialty cheese - and maybe the story behind it?  Simple.  Hallock says to look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese badge.  He says when you see that badge, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting a whole chain of people:
The dairy farm families who care for the cows
The cheesemakers crafting those specialty cheeses
The truck drivers, plant workers, and local communities built around dairy

Holiday sales help keep milk moving, plants busy, and paychecks flowing in rural communities across Wisconsin.

Remember, the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese message is rippling across the United States and around the world.  Hallock reminds everyone that 90% of our state’s milk is made into cheese. About 90% of that cheese is sold outside Wisconsin, so holiday demand across the country is a really big deal for our farmers back home.

If you'd like to find some of that specialty cheese for your cheese board or special event, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's making it easy on you.  Just click on WisconsinCheese.com and get ready to enjoy and share.

The holidays are upon us and grocery carts are filling up with all the essentials for baking, cooking, and entertaining. One big winner this time of year? Dairy. Today, we&rsquo;re talking about how dairy sales grow in November and December, and what Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is doing at retail to support our local farmers.
Jonathon Hallock is a Board Director with <a href="https://www.wisconsindairy.org/">Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin</a> representing Buffalo, Pepin and Pierce Counties. His dairy is just outside of Mondovi.
Hallock says that this is an incredibly important time of year for all of the dairy complex. People are baking more, cooking holiday meals, hosting parties, and that all drives demand for products like butter, cream, cheese, and specialty cheeses. Across the U.S., you typically see a 3&ndash;5% increase in milk and butter sales in the fall compared to summer, and a lot of that is driven by November and December holiday shopping. Wisconsin especially shines because of all the specialty cheeses our cheesemakers have crafted. Specialty and entertaining cheeses usually can see sales really spike. In the week leading up to Christmas, specialty cheese sales at retail can be&nbsp;around 50% higher than average, because people are building cheese boards, gifting cheese, and using it in their recipes.
How can you find that specialty cheese - and maybe the story behind it?&nbsp; Simple.&nbsp; Hallock says to look for the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese badge.&nbsp; He says when you see that badge, you&rsquo;re not just buying a product&mdash;you&rsquo;re supporting a whole chain of people:
<ul>
<li>The dairy farm families who care for the cows</li>
<li>The cheesemakers crafting those specialty cheeses</li>
<li>The truck drivers, plant workers, and local communities built around dairy</li>
</ul>
Holiday sales help keep milk moving, plants busy, and paychecks flowing in rural communities across Wisconsin.
Remember, the Proudly Wisconsin Cheese message is rippling across the United States and around the world.&nbsp; Hallock reminds everyone that 90% of our state&rsquo;s milk is made into cheese. About 90% of that cheese is sold outside Wisconsin, so holiday demand across the country is a really big deal for our farmers back home.
If you'd like to find some of that specialty cheese for your cheese board or special event, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin's making it easy on you.&nbsp; Just click on <a href="https://www.wisconsincheese.com/our-cheese/order-online">WisconsinCheese.com</a> and get ready to enjoy and share.

Ho Ho Holy Cheese!  It's Hot Holiday Demand Time For WI Dairy!  Jonathon Hallock

Wisconsin dairy is on a roll! Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Member Ali Straschinske says farmer checkoff dollars are driving real results at home and abroad, according to the annual report. From marketing wins that made WisconsinCheese.com rank #1 on Google, to cheese exports reaching over 50 countries, today's Check In With Dairy Checkoff highlights the quality, care, and pride of Wisconsin dairy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wisconsin dairy is on a roll! Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin Board Member Ali Straschinske says farmer checkoff dollars are driving real results at home and abroad, according to the annual report. From marketing wins that made WisconsinCheese.com rank #1 on Google, to cheese exports reaching over 50 countries, today's Check In With Dairy Checkoff highlights the quality, care, and pride of Wisconsin dairy.See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.

Checkoff Dollars Result In Big Wins For Wisconsin Dairy!

More than $32 million in dairy farmer generated funds are managed by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW).  Headquartered in Madison, DFW focuses on enhancing the value of all Wisconsin produced dairy products.

Ultimately the goal is to return those dairy invested dollars back to the farm gate.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin connects with farmers and consumers to take them behind the curtain of marketing, analytics, and consumer trends to try and show them the value generated on their behalf.

This program is sponsored by Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin

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