Farm Tour 2024
Mid-State’s Farm Tour is an annual showcase of innovative technology and agriculture practices designed to help producers enhance their current operations. All are invited to this in-person event, including current and past students, farm families, agribusiness partners, and other community and business associates.
The Farm Tour includes networking between current agriculture students, agribusinesses, and those interested in agriculture. Tour stops, lunch, and other events throughout the day will provide plenty of opportunities for discussion and sharing of ideas.
This year’s event includes:
- Norm-E-Lane Farm Inc.
- Seehafer's City View Dairy LLC
- Alice in Dairyland
- Vendor Show
- Lunch served at the Eagles Club in Marshfield
- Networking
Norm-E-Lane Farm, Inc.
Owned by the Meissner family
Norm-E-Lane Farm is a third-generation dairy farm currently owned and operated by the Meissner family in Chili. In the farm’s 80-year history, it has grown from 80 acres and milking cows by hand to 5,000 acres with 2,500 cows, 2,000 youngstock, and high-tech feeding and milking operations. Norm-E-Lane’s main output is milk, but they also provide dairy cows and steers for the beef market. Additionally, they capture their methane gas and produce marketable renewable fuel sources.
Seehafer’s City View Dairy, LLC
Owned by Ben, Bruce, and Kristine Seehafer
Seehafer’s City View Dairy, LLC, in Marshfield has been family owned since 1898. The main focus of Seehafer’s is cow comfort, care, and cleanliness. They have been able to increase to 270 milking cows with a goal to get to 300+ while focusing on the comfort of the cow. Seehafer’s also has a dedicated maternity and vetting area for cows who need to be vetted or are ready to calve.
Lunch Presenter: Alice in Dairyland
Ashley Hagenow is serving as the 76th Alice in Dairyland. As Wisconsin's agriculture ambassador, her goal is to educate audiences across Wisconsin about the importance of our state's diverse agriculture industry, the impact it has in our daily lives, and its $104.8 billion economic impact on the state’s economy.
Hagenow is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she earned her Bachelor's degree in agricultural communication and marketing, with minors in animal science and agricultural and food business management.
Growing up, Hagenow was active in 4-H and FFA. Throughout college, she was involved in Agriculture Future of America, the National Agri-Marketing Association, the Gopher Dairy Club, and the University of Minnesota dairy challenge and dairy judging teams. Hagenow also held various internships, gaining experiences with CHS, Curious Plot marketing agency, CLUTCH marketing agency, Progressive Dairy, and World Dairy Expo.
"To serve in the role of Alice in Dairyland, as the official ambassador of Wisconsin's abundant and diverse agriculture industry, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, " said Hagenow. “I have always loved connecting with others about agriculture, and Alice has the ability to connect with a wide variety of consumers to share more about this dynamic industry and the hardworking individuals who make it possible."
Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time public relations professional employed by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (WI DATCP). Each year, Alice in Dairyland travels more than 30,000 miles throughout the state, promoting Wisconsin agriculture (stat. 93.40(1) (e) and stat. 93.44 (2) to various audiences. Additionally, she conducts hundreds of media interviews, speeches, and school presentations.
Keep up with 76th Alice in Dairyland Ashley Hagenow by following her at:
Alice’s Adventures in Agriculture Blog |
77th Alice in Dairyland Finals in Walworth County, May 2–4, 2024
To Schedule Alice in Dairyland for an upcoming event, contact the Alice in Dairyland Program at 608.224.5116 or by e-mail at DATCPAlice@wisconsin.gov.
Other Tour Details:
Tour pick-up locations listed below. Please arrive on time as buses will leave promptly at the designated time, no personal vehicles are allowed on the tour.
- Pittsville Pick-up: Your pick-up location is Cenex - Allied Cooperative 8315 Hwy 73, Pittsville, WI 54466. Please park in one of the designated parking stalls by the building.
- Auburndale Pick-up: Your pick-up location is Cenex - Allied Cooperative 10391 Cty Rd K, Auburndale, WI 54412. Please park in one of the designated parking stalls behind the building.
- Marshfield Pick-up: Your pick-up location is The Eagles Club, 1104 S Oak Ave, Marshfield, WI 54449. Please park in one of the designated parking stalls on either side of the building.
Wednesday, March 13, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
In Person
Cost
Full Farm Tour: $10.00
Lunch/Networking Only (11:15 AM – 1:15 PM): $15
Groups Rate (5 or more): $7 per person
The cost of the Farm Tour is reduced to $10 thanks to the generosity of our Farm Tour sponsors. If paying to attend is a challenge, full scholarships may be available through the Mid-State Foundation.
Registration
Registration is required. Please select if you will be attending the full farm tour or lunch/networking only when registering. Registrations must be received by Wednesday, March 6.
Group rates must include five or more people from the same organization. The rate includes the full day of farm tour events including lunch. If interested in the group rate, please inquire with Ashley Borchardt (715.422.5347) or ce_events@mstc.edu.
2024 Farm Tour Book
Thank you again to all of our sponsors who make this event possible each year. These sponsorships provide funds to agriculture students every semester!
Questions
If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns please contact Ashley Borchardt (715.422.5347).
If you have a disability and require accommodations to participate in this activity, contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.
