By Blake Jackson
Kevin Griswold has been awarded the Dean Strauss Leadership Award at the 2025 Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) Business Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. Griswold, co-owner of Tag Lane Dairy in Ixonia, Wisconsin, received the honor on March 13th.
Recognized for his extensive dedication to the dairy sector, Griswold was celebrated for his visionary thinking and commitment to servant leadership across his community and the broader dairy industry.
Growing up on a family farm, Griswold’s involvement in agriculture began early, participating in 4-H and FFA. He served as president of his FFA chapter and captain of the dairy judging team at Oconomowoc High School.
At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, he earned degrees in dairy science and agricultural economics, while also taking leadership roles in the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity and the Badger Dairy Club.
After graduating, Griswold worked for Tri-Star Dairy Breeders in Hartford, Wisconsin, before returning to his family farm in 1992.
Over the past three decades, he has focused on sustainable growth at Tag Lane Dairy, expanding the operation from 100 cows to 1,750, with facilities designed for optimal animal health and wellbeing.
“Kevin is one of the hardest-working people I’ve ever met and is truly selfless when it comes to helping other people and supporting the dairy community,” said Shelly Mayer, executive director of PDP. “He played an instrumental role in several important initiatives including animal wellbeing for dairy cows and establishing Dairy’s Foundation.”
Griswold served on the PDP board from 2002 to 2008, including a term as president from 2004 to 2007. Griswold also served on the board of Dairy’s Foundation, a national foundation supporting dairy education and initiatives.
The Griswolds have four children and two grandchildren. Their sons, Bradley and Ryan, have returned to the dairy, managing parlor and crop operations, respectively. Their daughters, Stacey and Briana, are also part of their family. Granddaughters Maxine and Madeline, children of Stacey and son-in-law Calvin, complete the family.
The Dean Strauss Leadership Award was established by the PDP Board of Directors in 2021 to honor Dean Strauss, a Wisconsin dairy farmer and industry leader who passed away in 2019.
Strauss, owner of Majestic Meadows Dairy, LLC, was active in various dairy organizations, including the PDP board, where he served as president.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: Wisconsin, Business, Livestock, Dairy Cattle