By Blake Jackson
Members of the Dairy Innovation Hub advisory council came together on Tuesday, Aug. 12, for a day dedicated to collaboration, learning, and on-site visits that highlighted dairy research and innovation in southwest Wisconsin.
The gathering was held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Lancaster Agricultural Research Station (ARS), where researchers, farmers, and industry partners reviewed ongoing projects, discussed future opportunities, and observed how Hub investments are driving change across university stations and private farms.
The first stop featured a guided tour led by station superintendent Arin Crooks, who shared current projects and opportunities for further engagement with the dairy community. Faculty director Matt Ruark, also a professor and soil science extension specialist, emphasized the critical role of soils research.
“Our soils research is designed to provide practical, science-based solutions that farmers across Wisconsin can use,” Ruark said. “By connecting soil health with dairy nutrition and sustainability goals, we’re building a more resilient future for the industry.”
The council next visited Stone-Front Farm in Lancaster, owned by Andy and Lyn Buttles. Presentations from Buttles, UW-Platteville’s Tera Montgomery, and former professor Ryan Pralle demonstrated the impact of private farm participation in research.
“We participate in university research because the results mean more to us when the work includes real-world farming scenarios, like ours,” said Buttles. “The faculty and students are great to work with.”
Buttles also highlighted the importance of student involvement, noting he has hired more than 60 interns from high schools, colleges, and universities.
The group then toured Pioneer Farm, where investments in technology were on display, including automated milking systems, Ric2Discover feeding gates, and Greenfeed machines measuring GHG emissions. Research on manure processing, biochar, and anaerobic digestion was also highlighted.
“Investments like these are a direct result of the Dairy Innovation Hub’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge research into daily farm operations,” said Pioneer Farm director Chuck Steiner.
The day wrapped up with ice cream from Pioneer Sweets, providing a casual space for discussion and reflection.
“The Hub is about bringing people together farmers, researchers, students to create solutions that work in the field, in the barn, and in the marketplace,” Ruark said.
The Dairy Innovation Hub, supported by a $7.8 million annual state investment, has funded over 260 projects in six years and will next convene at the annual Dairy Summit on Nov. 18 at UW-River Falls.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-jevtic
Categories: Wisconsin, Business