DAIRY NEWS – Elected officials, legislators, community leaders, educators and engaged citizens are invited to take part in a one-of-a-kind experience – four on-farm tours around the state will offer a firsthand look at cutting-edge innovations in modern dairy production. In addition to the dairy tours, attendees will have an opportunity to participate in open conversations about the issues that matter most to rural Wisconsin.
The 2025 Agricultural Community Engagement (ACE®) twilight meetings are designed to bring people together to connect, learn, and explore how Wisconsin residents can better steward their shared resources. Hosted by dairy farms in Buffalo, Monroe, Manitowoc and Jefferson counties on August 25, 26, 27 and 28, respectively, the meetings are made possible by a partnership between Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), Wisconsin Counties Association and Wisconsin Towns Association.
Each meeting will begin with a tour of the host dairy at 6:00 p.m., offering attendees an insider’s perspective on how animals are cared for, housed and fed, as well as a look at the milking facilities, barns and technologies dairy producers use. Ice cream will be served at 7:00 p.m. with open dialogue about community issues such as wind and solar energy, water quality, conservation, roadways and transportation, educational opportunities and more. Meetings will conclude at 8:30 p.m.
“Agriculture is an important driver of Wisconsin’s economy and rural communities — generating more than $116 billion in economic impact each year — so it’s more important than ever for local leaders and elected officials to be part of the conversations about agriculture, natural resources and more,” said Paul Lippert, Pittsville, Wis., dairy producer, PDP board president and 2024 ACE twilight meeting host. “ACE twilight meetings are a great way to get involved in discussions about our common priorities and challenges and see firsthand some of the technologies and innovations that drive modern dairy production.”
The 2025 ACE Twilight Meeting host farms include:
- Mon., Aug. 25 – Buffalo County: Lindstrom Valley Farms, W2184 County Rd. K, Durand, Wis. Hosted by Randy, Becky, Deric & Andrew Lindstrom and Nora Gilles.
- Tues., Aug. 26 – Monroe County: Chapman Farms Dairy LLC, 21509 Gladeview Ave., Tomah, Wis. Hosted by Gail, David & Sienna Chapman and Duane, John & Peter Chapman.
- Wed., Aug. 27 – Manitowoc County: Grotegut Dairy Farm, Inc., 7427 Newton Rd., Newton, Wis. Hosted by Doug, Jean, Kip & Gavin Grotegut, and Eric Grotegut & Rosario Ibarra.
- Thurs., Aug. 28 – Jefferson County: Rosy-Lane Holsteins, N8106 County Hwy X, Watertown, Wis. (shop address). Hosted by Jordan Matthews, Sam Peetz, Tim Strobel, and Lloyd & Daphne Holterman.
Bring your questions and plan to be part of the discussions. To learn more and to register for the free event, visit www.PDPW.org or contact PDP at 800-947-7379. Follow along digitally in advance of and during the event by following @dairyPDPW on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.
Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP) is the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind, focusing on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
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