Tell us a bit about yourself and your farm.
Shiloh Dairy is a 4th-generation dairy farm owned and operated by Gordon Speirs and me. Together, we milk 2800 cows, raise 75% of our youngstock on site, with the balance being raised either in Nebraska or at the neighbors'. We have a strong commitment to creating a culture where everyone is treated equally, recognized for achievements and has opportunities to learn and grow as we grow the business. I am 39, married with three kids, ages 10, 7, and 6, who all love coming to the dairy to see the cows and cats, and are interested in learning and working on the farm.
Tell us why you are committed to the organization and what it means to your farm.
DBA works behind-the-scenes advocating for us and the industry, not only in Wis., but regionally, and continues to grow its reach and desire to help. With that, it felt right to step back into the policy world, not politics, and be a champion for not only our success but also for our neighbors.
What are some challenges the dairy community is facing today that you feel our organization can take steps to address?
DBA has always been at the forefront of dairy farmers' challenges because it is member-led and continually seeks the advice of its members on where to focus energy for the biggest impact. Today's challenges are immigration, labelling (not only with non-milk but also with the truth about what is in milk), regulatory changes and oversight and animal care.
What are you currently enjoying the most in your role as vice president, and what are you looking forward to in the months ahead?
I am enjoying networking with the members on the board and hearing what is happening from a policy standpoint, as I have been removed from it. Now that I have been back involved for a year and have had an opportunity to get caught up with what is happening, I am able to voice my opinion and thoughts toward policy for the best outcome possible for the industry.