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| The Wolf brothers (Paul, Dan, Bernie, Ray-not pictured) manage specific enterprises on their four-generation family farm. |
Since 1847, the Wolf family has farmed near Allenton. And for at least the last four generations, the Wolfs at Sunset Farms have placed a high priority on community involvement in conjunction with operating a progressive business that produces healthy and high-quality milk, alfalfa, corn, wheat, soybeans and red beets. Some of their bounty becomes livestock feed, some goes into food channels, and some fuels energy production.
While there are plenty of daily demands with a farm business that includes 800 milking cows, 750 young stock and 3,000 acres of cropland, volunteerism complements these farmers' and their employees' strong work ethic. Albert and Mildred Wolf, now retired, raised their children to give back to their community.
Sunset Farms includes Albert and Mildred and their sons and wives, Ray and Anne, Dan and Ellen, Bernie and Cindy, and Paul and Sue. In addition, some of the next generation has joined the family corporation, including Karen and Darren Hughes; Carl, Ed, Dave and Eric Wolf; and Tim Baier. Greg Ritger, a ten-year employee, and Marcus Asmus, a three-year employee, are also integral to the business's success and positive civic involvement.
"Whatever we can give to the community is going to not only help our neighbors and friends, but ourselves and the world we live in."
~ Paul Wolf
Each Wolf brother is responsible for specific duties:
- Ray - crop manager
- Dan - young stock manager
- Paul - adult herd manager
- Bernie - machinery maintenance and finance manager
While these roles provide some framework and empower the brothers to make decisions in their respective areas, they are not rigid roles. There's flexibility; there's cross training; there's management mentoring to support guidance for business succession to future generations; and, there's "time off" so owners and employees can serve their community and spend time with their families.
If there's a fire or ambulance call in the Allenton area, odds are Sunset Farms will be represented for the call of duty—whether it's one or more of the Wolf family members and/or one or more of the farm's employees. All of the Wolf brothers are volunteer firefighters, as are many of their employees and family members. They are responsible for many successful daytime responses to 911 calls.
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| Contributing to the community is a part of the Wolf family work ethic. |
While some farm duties must be done "now," some can wait. When an emergency call comes in, the volunteer firefighters at Sunset Farms determine who will go and who will stay.
Previously, Ray served as the fire department's chief for 16 years. Paul is the deputy chief responsible for emergency medical services, and Bernie is the deputy chief of support operations.
For Dan, his community service doesn't end with the Allenton Fire Department. He is also an Addison Town Board supervisor and planning commission and sanitary district board member. Plus, he helps out at his church and with the Allenton Youth Organization.
"It's important to help your neighbor; it doesn't get any more important than that. Your neighbor is your best friend," says Dan Wolf.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree either. The next generation seeks out volunteer opportunities and is involved in the Allenton Area Advancement Association, Washington County Farm Bureau and the Slinger FFA Alumni.