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Jack/Dorene’s family in black shirts: (front) Adam Hanke holding Hannah Hanke, Sara Hanke holding Aubrey Hanke, and Jayden Van Helden; (middle) Jack Hanke, Dorene Hanke holding Makayla Van Helden; (back, from left) Katie Van Helden, Douglas Van Helden, and Heidi Hanke. Jim/Bonnie’s family in red shirts: (front) Carson Anhalt, Erin Hanke holding Jordan Hanke, and Jason Hanke; (middle) Bonnie Hanke holding Cole Anhalt, and Jim Hanke; (back, from left) Jonathan and Tammy Anhalt. Since this photo was taken, Jason and Erin Hanke welcomed a son, Miles, into the family. Photo by Kelly Bindl |
Like many other Wisconsin dairy farm families, Jim and Jack Hanke (twin brothers) of Sheboygan Falls, proudly claim their family's farm heritage. Third-generation farmers, they also work with some fourth-generation family members, with the next (fifth) generation eager to follow in the footsteps of their parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles.
And, like many other long-tenured family businesses, Hanke Farms looks different than it did in its early days. Back in 1950, the farm included 15 cows and 80 acres. Twenty years later when Jim and Jack joined the operation, the herd grew to 80 cows. Then in 1976, the Hankes formed a corporation. Currently, the family manages 700 cows and 1,500 acres.
In addition to Jim and Jack, their wives, Bonnie and Dorene, respectively, work full time on the farm, along with three of their children and two of their sons-in-law. Jim and Bonnie's son, Jason, serves as the feed manager and helps with fieldwork, and their son-in-law, Jonathan Anhalt, works as the farm mechanic and helps with fieldwork. Jack and Dorene's daughter, Heidi, is the dairy herd manager. Their son, Adam, and son-in-law, Douglas Van Helden, hold full-time jobs off the farm, but both work part time on the family farm.
"Thanks to modern farming techniques, farmers are producing more food on fewer acres, continually seeking ways to improve the well-being and comfort of our animals, and being good stewards of the land and environment for future generations."
~ Jim Hanke
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| Educational programs were featured during Farm/City Night hosted by Hanke Farms. |
With many consumers being several generations removed from growing up on a farm, the Hankes place a high priority on educating area school-age children and consumers. They welcome more than 1,000 students each spring from Sheboygan, Kohler, Sheboygan Falls, Cedar Grove and Random Lake school districts to participate in Sheboygan County Farm Bureau's "Classroom on the Farm Field Trip." This event focuses on providing students with real-world educational experiences to enhance what they learn through classroom lessons. The third and fourth graders learn about milking equipment, animal health and nutrition needs, and develop an understanding of Wisconsin's diverse and nutrient-dense dairy foods.
"Our family is proud to share our farming heritage, while providing the students with a fresh perspective on the latest technologies and how these tools and information help us produce the highest-quality milk and crops possible."
~ Jack Hanke
The Hankes were recently named 2011 Master Agriculturists, an award given to top farmers for their proven ability and accomplishments as progressive farmers and for the time, effort and leadership they contribute to community, church and agricultural organizations.
Learn how the Hanke family concentrates on cow comfort.