Discovery Farms is governed by a Steering Committee. The committee, chaired by a farmer, includes representatives from Wisconsin farm, agribusiness, and environmental organizations. Most of the Steering Committee members are farmers. In addition, there is a group of non-voting advisors representing various public agencies and the University system. The Discovery Farms Steering Committee has four main duties:
-
Provide oversight, direction, and guidance to Discovery Farms
-
Assist in identifying topics and project possibilities, including project and cooperator selection
-
Provide regional assistance to Discovery Farms cooperators
-
Help share Discovery Farms information to the membership of many statewide and local organizations
Duties of the Steering Committee do not stop at the board meeting door. Farmer leadership is a crucial component of Discovery Farms and the Steering Committee, as well as farmer cooperators, are encouraged to stay involved year-round.
Steering Committee Members
Christina Anderson
Credentials: Water Protection Program Manager
Position title: WI Land + Water
Phone: Madison
Chuck Bolte
Position title: Wisconsin Association of Professional Agricultural Consultants
Tom Bressner
Credentials: Agribusiness
Position title: Wisconsin Agri-Business Association
Phone: Madison
Andy Dierks
Credentials: Farmer
Position title: WI Potato & Vegetable Growers Association
Phone: Coloma
Ryan Gerlich
Credentials: Assistant State Conservationist
Position title: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Ken Hafstad
Credentials: Agribusiness
Position title: Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Association
Phone: Barron
Jake Hoewisch
Position title: Professional Dairy Producers
Shelly Mayer
Position title: Professional Dairy Producers
Amy Penterman
Position title: Dairy Business Association
Terry Quam
Credentials: Chairman, Farmer
Position title: Wisconsin's Cattlemen's Association
Phone: Lodi
Mark Witecha
Credentials: Soil and Watershed Management Section Manager
Position title: Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
Kay Zwald
Credentials: Vice Chairman, Farmer
Position title: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Phone: Hammond