Today, there are roughly 53,000 licensed dairy herds in the U.S., and more than 12,000 of them are in Wisconsin. That's more than 20 percent of the nation's total–the most of any state.
How does Wisconsin rank #1 in number of dairy farms? Part of the reason is that Wisconsin dairy farmers are known for their proud heritage. They are also known for sharing that dairy pride and encouraging the youth to become part the Wisconsin dairy industry. Here are a few examples.
How to care for cattle
Farm and non-farm kids alike have benefited from the generosity and cooperation of Pat and Phyllis Agnew in Waukesha County.
The Agnews open up their farm and allow interested youth to "borrow" their cattle for exhibition at the Waukesha County Fair and Wisconsin State Fair. Pat and Phyllis share their farming knowledge and mentor the interested youth in how to train, prepare, care for and exhibit cattle.
| |
Katie Agnew (on the halter) works with a group of 4-H members. She's teaching them how to judge show cattle.
|
"Having young kids around is a lot of fun!" says Phyllis. "This activity makes the mundane and sometimes difficult job of training calves on the halter anything but. The kids always fill the time with chatter and enjoy the feeling of great accomplishment after washing and clipping their animals."
Farming values
Gordy Barlass is more than just a dairy farmer, 4-H leader and football coach from the Janesville area. Known for his big smile and heart, Gordy is the guy who drives kids home from practice when it's raining. He’s the guy who will stay out late in the barn to do chores so he can spend afternoons teaching non-farm kids about his farm.
He's also the one whose refrigerator is covered with senior pictures, given by kids who appreciate all that he does.
Gordy volunteers his time and shares his experiences throughout Rock County. He loves teaching people about farming and lets eight or nine kids borrow his dairy cattle each year for 4-H projects.
"I think young people's values are so much better when they've learned how to take care of animals. It gives them serious responsibility and teaches them to care about other lives."
~ Gordy Barlass
"I learned a lot from Gordy, not only about my dairy project but also about hard work and dedication," said Katie Arnold, who recently graduated from 4-H. Arnold, who grew up in the city of Milton, spent most of her summers on Barlass' farm working with her 4-H projects.
The Gerbitz family also has been privy to Gordy’s generosity. They sold their farm but still wanted their children to have the experience of working with cattle. Gordy Barlass, who has four sons of his own, provided all five of the Gerbitz children with dairy projects.
"One of the really big things I will always be thankful for is the Barlass family allowing us to work with their dairy cattle," said Becky (the oldest Gerbitz child), who is now majoring in agriculture education at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
"Gordy taught me patience, cooperation and a strong work ethic. The life skills you learn on the farm and the people you meet, it's just not something you can find everywhere."
~ Becky Gerbitz
That's why Barlass works with young people. He hopes to inspire a love of agriculture but wants even more to teach them the values associated with farming and rural life.
This Janesville dairy farmer is known for bringing out the best in young people. Gordy says he has a great job–and a great life.