DGA Executive Director, Joe Tomandl and Wife Christy Awarded The 2022 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

Sand County Foundation



Joe and Christy Tomandl of Medford have been selected as the recipients of the 2022 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®.


Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.


Dairy farmers Joe and Christy Tomandl were revealed as this year’s award recipient at the November 17 meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. A video celebrating their conservation success will be premiered during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual Annual Meeting on December 4.


View Full Story HERE

DGA Celebrates 8th Annual National Apprenticeship Week

The 8th Annual National Apprenticeship Week is a nationwide celebration where industry, labor, equity, workforce, education, and government leaders host events to showcase the successes and value of Registered Apprenticeship.

Read Full Story HERE


Mentors!

DGA has launched an all new discussion forum just for you!


Join us

On the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8pm Central for an informal conversation to build relationships with other grazing farmers and Mentors...and maybe even bring something back to your own farm that can improve efficiencies, profitability and quality of life.


Please watch your email monthly for the Zoom Link.


Next Scheduled discussion is set for 

Tuesday, December 13th from 6:30-8pm Central

DGA MONTHLY WEBINAR OPPORTUNITY:



'Succession Planning: What Is Important For Exiting Farmers & What Is Important For New Entrants Into Farming'


MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH @ 11:30AM CENTRAL




All Mentors, Journey Graziers, Apprentices & Apprentice Candidates & Interns are welcome to attend!



In our monthly DGA Webinar (every first Monday of the month from 11:30 until 12:30 CST) on December 5th we will discuss strategies to pass on the farm, either to family or non-family members. What steps should be taken to make the transition easier on all parties involved? How important is an “Exit Plan” even long before a succession takes place?


Joy Kirkpatrick is a Farm Succession Outreach Specialist for the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. Kirkpatrick has been working in the area of farm succession for over 25 years and has worked with dozens of farms around the state on their succession planning. She will discuss Ten Considerations for Farm Succession. Kirkpatrick will also provide resources that you can use as you get started. Please bring your questions and own experiences.


Kirkpatrick and other Extension colleagues are offering a virtual farm succession workshop series that starts in January. More information about that series can be found here: https://farms.extension.wisc.edu/cultivating-your-farms-futurevirtual-workshop-series-for-farm-businesses/


The Zoom Link for the monthly webinars comes directly to your email one week prior to the webinar date.



**Got webinar topic ideas??? Send your suggestions to

[email protected] If your topic is selected you will receive a DGA hat!


**Webinars are recorded and available anytime on the DGA website to all our participants. Go to your dashboard and click the “Resource” button to find them.


Have an upcoming DGA Event? Send it to
[email protected] to have it placed in our monthly newsletter!

Calendar & Registration Links


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWEST DGA GRADUATE TO JOURNEY WORKER


EMILY DEIER, MN


EMILY COMPLETED HER APPRENTICESHIP WITH MENTOR, LIZ ELSENPETER

DGA October Graduate, Nicole Broda receiving her Certificate of Completion from Education Coordinator, Altfrid Krusenbaum. Also pictured with her Mentor, Cliff McConville. Congrats again Nicole!

THE DGA LOGO STORE IS READY FOR YOUR ORDERS!!!!!


For every item you purchase $3 goes back to DGA to support dairy grazing training and initiatives.


Get your DGA Logo Gear TODAY!!

DGA Store

Dad Cow Jokes For Your Thanksgiving Table...



HAPPY THANKSGIVING

FROM ALL OF US AT DGA!!!