The owners of Wisconsin's largest group of dairy farms will be recognized by World Dairy Expo this fall as its 2021 Dairy Producers of the Year. Jim Ostrom, John Vosters and Todd Willer of Kaukauna-based Milk Source are among this year's recipients of WDE's Recognition Awards. The producers were nominated and selected last year, but the designations were postponed because of the cancellation of the 2020 show.
"We are humbled," Ostrom said. "This award really extends to all our team members, who show up every day and take pride in looking out for our cows, our neighbors and one another."
Milk Source was founded in 1994. They currently have farm operations across Wisconsin and Michigan, with each farm offering open house for the public to learn about food production. They also run an interactive website that provides information about how milk goes from the cow to processing plant to the grocery store. The high-quality animals of MilkSource Genetics are recognized for their success in milking parlors and show rings across North America.
The farm has also partnered with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh to capture the energy from Rosendale Dairy's manure, providing a renewable energy source and teaching opportunity. And they have been instrumental in the non-profit Dairy Cares of Wisconsin, which raises funds for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin.
Other award honorees at this year's World Dairy Expo will be Steve Eicker of New York, who will be the Industry People of the Year; and Wijnand Pon from The Netherlands, International Person of the Year.
A formal awards presentation will take place during the 'Dinner with the Stars' banquet on September 29 in Madison.
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle