June is Dairy Month, one of my favorite times of the year! I am excited to kick it off by working on the serving line at the Green County Breakfast on the Farm, which is being hosted by Heaven View Dairy near Monroe. Thank you to Josh and Liz Steiner for hosting this amazing event. Dairy Month is a great time to reflect on how important our dairy farmers are, learn where your food comes from, and support local businesses. Best of all, it is a great excuse to have ice cream for breakfast!
I highly recommend you check out one of our great Dairy Breakfasts hosted by family farms across the 17th Senate District this summer:
● Green County Breakfast on the Farm — May 31, 6:00-10:00 a.m. hosted by Josh and Liz Steiner at Heaven View Dairy (N303 County Highway HK, Monroe)
● Crawford County Dairy Breakfast — June 7, 6:00-10:00 a.m. hosted by Steve Achenbach at Hy-View Farms (29245 State Highway 27, Eastman)
● Iowa County Dairy Breakfast — June 7, 6:30-10:30 a.m. hosted by Bryanna and Dylan Handel at B. Kurt Dairy (4239 Reeson Road, Barneveld)
● Grant County Dairy Breakfast — June 8, 7:00-11:00 a.m. hosted by Andy, Sarah, Brian, and Bridget Schilling at Schilling Farms (1345 Ebenezer Road, Fennimore)
● Dane County Dairy Breakfast — June 14, 7:00-11:30 a.m. hosted by Duane and Tina Hinchley at Hinchley’s Dairy Farm (2844 State Road 73, Cambridge)
● Lafayette County Dairy Breakfast — June 14, 6:30-10:30 a.m. hosted by Travis and Stephanie Holmes at Holmes Family Farm (6074 Everson Road, Argyle)
Going to your local Dairy Breakfast is a great way to see your county’s ag community in action. In addition to getting a delicious breakfast, you also have a chance to learn all about farming. Even though I grew up on a farm, I learn something new every time I attend a Dairy Breakfast. I catch up with local farmers, check out the latest technology they are using, and get to see some amazing animals!
The dairy industry in Wisconsin is a huge economic driver in our state. It contributes nearly $53 billion to our economy and provides more than 120,000 jobs. These jobs are not only on the farm or in processing plants. The dairy industry touches all kinds of professions. Our cheesemakers, restaurant owners, equipment manufacturers, and feed mill operators all benefit greatly from Wisconsin’s high-powered dairy economy.
Members of our dairy industry do such important work. They feed us, lead our communities, hire our friends and neighbors, and give back in so many ways. The farm families who host Dairy Breakfasts give countless hours of their time, and make a big financial investment in putting on a great event that brings together their whole county. So come, bring your family, enjoy a great breakfast, and celebrate everything dairy farms bring to our community. I hope to see you there!
As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call my team at the State Capitol — 608-266-0703 — or email me — Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready and willing to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.
— Sen. Howard Marklein represents Wisconsin’s 17th Senate District.
