By Blake Jackson
A long-standing collaboration between Wisconsin dairy producers and local government associations is once again inviting residents to connect over farm tours, conversations, and ice cream.
For more than two decades, the Agricultural Community Engagement (ACE) Twilight Meetings have brought together rural communities, city leaders, and county officials to learn about modern farming and discuss shared issues.
The 2025 ACE Twilight Meetings will take place August 25-28 at four host dairies. The events are organized by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) in partnership with the Wisconsin Counties Association and the Wisconsin Towns Association. Attendance is free, though registration is encouraged or by calling 800-947-7379.
“Wisconsin’s agriculture industry generates more than $116 billion in economic value each year, and it starts with individual farms and farm families,” said Shelly Mayer, Slinger, Wis., dairy producer and PDP executive director.
“We’re proud to partner with Wisconsin Counties Association and Wisconsin Towns Association each year to give community members and elected officials the opportunity to go behind the scenes on progressive dairy operations to see how they care for their animals, team members, land and water, as well as open conversations about how to make rural Wisconsin even better.”
Each evening begins with a 6:00 p.m. tour, giving visitors a first-hand look at cow care, housing, feeding, milking facilities, and the technology behind today’s dairy farms.
Ice cream will be served at 7:00 p.m., followed by open discussions on topics such as renewable energy, water quality, conservation, transportation, and education. Meetings will wrap up at 8:30 p.m.
The 2025 hosts include:
- Lindstrom Valley Farms - August 25, Durand, milking 1,600 cows and raising alfalfa and corn.
- Chapman Farms Dairy LLC - August 26, Tomah, a three-generation family farm with 1,110 cows.
- Grotegut Dairy Farm, Inc. - August 27, Newton, milking 3,600 cows, operating anaerobic digesters, and recognized as the 2025 Innovative Dairy Farmer of the Year.
- Rosy-Lane Holsteins - August 28, Watertown, milking 1,750 cows with an emphasis on sustainability.
For details or to sign up, visit www.PDPW.org or call 800-947-7379.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-digitalvision
Categories: Wisconsin, Livestock, Dairy Cattle