GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Dairy Business Association honored Paul Fetzer of Fetzer Farms yesterday with the association’s Advocate of the Year award for his contributions to Wisconsin’s dairy community. The award, sponsored by Vita Plus Corporation, was presented during DBA’s Dairy Strong conference at the KI Convention Center.
This annual award honors farmers who excel in managing their farms while actively engaging with their local communities and taking on agricultural leadership roles.
“I’m really amazed by this award and thankful for everyone here and those who aren’t here,” Fetzer said. “Our farm wouldn’t have gotten to where we’re at today without DBA and our involvement with positive consultants. I hope that our farm carries on for many more years and future generations to come.”
Paul’s involvement in the dairy industry stems from the family legacy contributing to the greater good of the dairy community. He and his family manage their multi-generational centennial farm in Elmwood, Wis. The 100+-year-old farm has evolved over time into the modern, 1,400 cow farm it is today. Fetzer and his wife, Char, farm alongside his brothers, Steve and Joe. They utilize the latest technologies and innovations to maintain a productive dairy farm ready to face challenges and unknowns of the future. Along with incorporating new ideas for their own farm, they are strong advocates of helping their neighbors and others understand how modern farms operate today.
From hosting Breakfast on the Farm to offering farm education tours for numerous groups and students, Fetzer and his family believe time spent within the local community is well worth the commitment. He has also participated in a variety of agricultural leadership roles, serving nine years on the DBA board of directors and 11 years on the Ag Partners Co-op board of directors. As a DBA board member, Fetzer spent much of his time on policy issues and made frequent visits to Madison to share his story with lawmakers.
“Paul is an exceptional individual who embodies what it means to continue moving dairy forward,” Tim Trotter, DBA CEO, said. “Paul was an insightful leader and helped us to grow some of our policy efforts. Upon his retirement from the DBA board in 2023 he became the longest-serving chair of the Government Affairs Committee.”
His passion for advocating on behalf of the dairy community is evident in his commitment to engaging with lawmakers, and his desire to ensure policymakers understand the challenges farmers face today.
More than 400 farmers and allied professionals, attended Dairy Strong. The conference featured presentations from leaders in dairy policy, farm management and sustainability.
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