Our Purpose

Dairy’s Foundation® understands we as people have so much in common, regardless of heritage, age, gender, belief system, or any other category that would divide rather than unite us. We also recognize each of us has an inherent desire to be cared for and encouraged. By bringing forth educational programs for our dairy community and those impacted by it, we nurture, develop, and build those around us to do the work they were called to do.

The Dairy's Foundation believes education is the key to the success of the dairy industry and the success of those following in our footsteps – inside and outside of dairy.

Your support of Dairy’s Foundation enables us to educate and help build the next generation.

“Continuous learning is essential for the dairy industry. The Dairy's Foundation helps ensure future generations are engaged and continue to be innovative in producing food and fiber to feed the world. Education is the key to progress.”

Dr. Jim Metz
Founder of ANIMART (now known as Armor Animal Health)

Our Farm Leaders

Dairy’s Foundation staff and board members recognize we do our best work when we collaborate with others; we’ve even integrated diversity into our board structure. Half our board members are active dairy producers and half are leaders in allied industry, ensuring our work is both relevant and creative, blending outside-the-boardroom strategies with off-the farm thinking.

Board of Directors

Brian Forrest

Board Chair
Maple Ridge Dairy Farm
Stratford, WI
 

Sonia Rarick

Secretary/Treasurer
Northside Elevator
Marshfield, WI
 

Russ Warmka

Warmka Holsteins
Fox Lake, WI
 
 

Floyd W. Sutton

Zinpro Corporation
Freeport, IL
 
 

Rosario Ibarra

Grotegut Dairy Farm Inc.
Newton, WI
 
 

Our History

In 2002, Dairy’s Foundation was established as the charitable arm of Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP), an organization that was formed by several Wisconsin dairy producers a decade earlier. To this day, the two organizations work alongside one another in their work to support educational dairy programs and expand the impact and reach of America’s dairy industry.


Our Founders

A special note of gratitude to our Founding Friends, who in 2002-03 raised their hands and opened their hearts to launch Dairy’s Foundation. Their belief in the American dairy farmer and the next generation of dairy farm leaders never wavered. We are indebted to their generosity, courage, and commitment to strengthening the dairy industry through continuous improvement and professional development.

Recognize a farm family or dairy leaders noted below? Consider making a donation in their honor or memory. We’d be honored to send them a note on your behalf.

Dairy Producers

  • Todd and Liz Doornink
  • Jim Fitzgerald, Soaring Eagle Dairy
  • Kevin and Chris Griswold
  • Eric and Carol Hillan, Rusk Rose Holsteins
  • Lloyd and Daphne Holterman, Rosy-Lane Holsteins
  • Koepke Farms
  • James and Susan Kruger
  • Levzow Dairy
  • William and JoAnn Maedke, Maedex Holsteins
  • Dwight and Shelly Mayer
  • Walter Meinholz, Blue Star Dairy Farms
  • Jeff and Jean Opitz
  • Quantum Dairy
  • Deb Reinhart and David Geiser, Gold Star Farms
  • Jay and Kristi Richardson
  • John and Karen Ruedinger, Ruedinger Farms
  • Carl and Sharon Theunis Family
  • Hank and Pam Wagner
  • Roger and Tammy Weiland, Weiland Dairy

Agribusiness Professionals

  • Jim Barmore
  • Dana Cook
  • Dave Dickson
  • Joel Hastings
  • Lisa Hull
  • Jim and Ruth Metz
  • Angie Molkentin

Companies/Organizations

  • Alliant Energy Foundation
  • ARM & HAMMER Animal Nutrition Group
  • Cargill Animal Nutrition
  • Citizens State Bank of Loyal
  • Cook's Countryside Trucking
  • CP Feeds, LLC
  • Culver's Franchising Systems
  • DairyBusiness Communications
  • Danisco Animal Nutrition
  • M&I Marshall & Illsley Bank
  • Monsanto Dairy Business
  • Twohig, Rietbrock, Schneider and Halbach
  • Wisconsin Farm Credit System

Thank you, donors!

The agribusinesses that partner with us as sponsors are a critical cog in the support structure of Dairy’s Foundation. We’re thankful to each of them for their commitment to advancing a legacy of learning for dairy. We invite you to join them – click the link to learn more!

Join Them

Newsroom

Up-to-date news, industry announcement and other Foundation happenings will be available to keep you in the know on current Dairy’s Foundation events and projects – and the lives being impacted.


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Dairy’s Foundation Live, Silent Auctions Raise $50,000

DAIRY NEWS – The dairy community showed its support for education, outreach and programs to support the next generation of dairy leaders at the 2025 Professional Dairy Producers® (PDP) Business Conference, held March 12-13 in Madison, Wis. Dairy’s Foundation hosted a silent auction and live auction during the conference, raising a total of $50,000.  

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Industry Heroes Lead the Charge as Dairy’s Foundation Kicks Off “Plant a Seed” Campaign

DAIRY NEWS – For the eighth year, the dairy community is coming together to invest in the future of dairy through education.

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Dairy’s Foundation “Plant a Seed” Campaign Kicks Off with a Friendly Competition

DAIRY NEWS – The race is on! Dairy’s Foundation® launches the eighth annual “Plant a Seed, Inspire a Dream” campaign, setting a goal of $75,000 to support initiatives that enhance leadership development, environmental sustainability, and community engagement across the dairy industry.

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Dairy’s Foundation Awards Grants to Strengthen Dairy Education and Outreach Efforts  

DAIRY NEWS – Dairy’s Foundation has awarded five grants to programs focused on building healthy and vibrant dairy communities across the United States

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Raise a Glass to Dairy’s Future by Supporting Dairy’s Foundation on Giving Tuesday

DAIRY NEWS – The countdown to Giving Tuesday is on! Dairy producers and industry leaders are encouraged to show their support of the dairy industry by participating in the Dairy Foundation’s “Raise Your Glass to Dairy’s Future” Challenge from now through Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3, 2024.

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We are in this together

Our farmers and their rural communities are the heartbeat of Dairy’s Foundation. We are all in this together and are eternally thankful for those who produce the nutritious dairy milk and food, fiber and fuel that sustains the people of our world.

What is Dairy’s Foundation?

Dairy’s Foundation raises funds and awards grants to support educational initiatives. We work to build a professional, proactive, and prepared dairy sector united through continuous improvement.

Donate Now

Contact us in a way that best serves your question or need:

Dairy’s Foundation®
820 N. Main St.
Juneau WI 53039

Main Office: 800-947-7379
Email: info@dairyfoundation.org  

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