By Blake Jackson
Representative Gary Tauchen was honored with the Distinguished Service to Wisconsin Agriculture award at the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s 104th Annual Meeting in Wisconsin Dells. Recognized for his significant contributions to the state's agriculture, Tauchen's lifelong dedication began with a bachelor’s degree in animal science from UW-River Falls. In 1976, he co-founded Tauchen’s Harmony Valley Farm, showcasing his commitment to the family dairy farm.
Tauchen's impact extends beyond his farm, as he actively participated in various Wisconsin agricultural organizations. Serving as vice president of Shawano County Farm Bureau, director of the National Dairy Herd Improvement Association, and chairman of AgSource Cooperative Services, Tauchen played pivotal roles. He was also a founding board member of both Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and Wisconsin Livestock Identification Consortium, along with being a speaker for the National Institute for Animal Agriculture and the World Dairy Expo.
Elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2006, Tauchen represented the 6th Assembly District until 2023. During his tenure, he chaired and served on committees directly influencing agriculture and rural communities, demonstrating unwavering support for farmers across the state.
WFBF President Kevin Krentz praised Tauchen's multifaceted contributions, stating, "He has been actively involved in quite a few agricultural organizations, giving him the opportunity to provide information and influence at the state, national, and international levels."
Despite retirement, Tauchen continues serving his local community and pursuing passion projects to enhance the quality of life for people throughout Wisconsin. His exemplary service has earned him numerous awards, including the Friend of 4-H, Legislative Excellence award from the Dairy Business Association, and the Master Farmer award from Wisconsin Agriculturist magazine.
The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, the state's largest general farm organization, comprises 61 county Farm Bureaus, representing farms of all sizes, commodities, and management styles. Tauchen's recognition reflects a lifetime of dedicated service to Wisconsin's agricultural community.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-luc-pouliot
Categories: Wisconsin, Business