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:
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Provide oversight, direction, and guidance to Discovery Farms
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Assist in identifying topics and project possibilities, including project and cooperator selection
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Provide regional assistance to Discovery Farms cooperators
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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
Eric Allness
Credentials: Assistant State Conservationist- Partnerships
Position title: Natural Resources Conservation Service
Phone: Madison
Christina Anderson
Credentials: Water Protection Program Manager
Position title: WI Land + Water
Phone: Madison
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
Ken Hafstad
Credentials: Agribusiness
Position title: Wisconsin Poultry and Egg Association
Phone: Barron
Corey Hodorff
Credentials: Farmer
Position title: Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin
Phone: Eden
Scott Laeser
Credentials: Farmer/Water Quality Specialist
Position title: Clean Wisconsin
Phone: Madison
Tom Novak
Credentials: Farmer, Crop Consultant
Position title: Wisconsin Association of Professional Ag. Consultants
Phone: Sullivan
Erin O'Brien
Credentials: Policy Programs Director
Position title: Wisconsin Wetlands Association
Phone: Madison
Terry Quam
Credentials: Chairman, Farmer
Position title: Wisconsin's Cattlemen's Association
Phone: Lodi
Don Radke
Credentials: Farm Operations Manager
Position title: Northcentral Technical College
Phone: Wausau
Tim Ransom
Credentials: Custom Applicator
Position title: Professional Nutrient Applicators of Wisconsin
Phone: Darien
Rachel Rushmann
Credentials: Nutrient Management Coordinator
Position title: Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection
Phone: Eau Claire
Kay Zwald
Credentials: Vice Chairman, Farmer
Position title: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Phone: Hammond