One of the only two contested incumbents running for re-election on the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin board this year has lost to their challenger. Longtime director Jay Stauffacher from Darlington has been unseated by Kyle Levetzow of Dodgeville after representing District 23 on the board for many years. But in District 5, Kay Zwald, Hammond, held on to her position after being challenged unsuccessfully by Randall Koller of Mondovi.
The only other change will occur in District 11, where Daniel Hinz of Pickett was the only producer nominated to replace retiring director Mike Verhasselt from Kaukauna.
Other district incumbents who did not face challengers this year include Connie Seefeldt, Coleman (District 2); Steve Sternweis, Marshfield (District 8); Patricia Kling, Taylor (District 14); Julie Maurer, Newton (District 17); and Sharon Laubscher, Wonewoc (District 20);
Each year one-third of the 25 seats on the board is up for election. As directors, the board members supervise the DFW's business affairs, formulate and set policies, and serve on one of three committees.
The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture says of the 2,029 producers eligible to vote, only about 13 percent returned ballots within the election period.
The directors will begin their next three-year terms on July 1.
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle