Future National Farmers FARM Manager Meets With Midwest Producers, Field Reps
By Denice Rackley
Helping dairy farmers meet and exceed state and federal regulations and passing inspections with flying colors, our representatives help producers troubleshoot potential issues with equipment, water quality and storage. Dairy staff members also help them navigate animal health and environmental regulations, and ensure timely milk pickup and delivery.
Shelby Biasini, who holds a bachelor’s degree in sustainable agriculture and food systems, has been a National Farmers dairy representative in Eastern New York, Vermont and New Hampshire for five years.
National Farmers Dairy Director Brad Rach, has tapped Biasini to oversee the organization’s FARM program in the near future. This program ensures consumers that U.S. dairy farmers are committed to guaranteeing the health and comfort of their cattle while producing high-quality safe milk.
Recently, Biasini hit the road west to spend time in Iowa and Wisconsin, visiting with her fellow dairy representatives Temina Mai, Ashley Wurzel, Sammy Russell and Abby Wegner.
Tagging along on their farm visits, she was treated to warm Midwestern hospitality. Biasini joined Temina Mia, and the two toured several central Wisconsin farms, including the Olsons’ in Taylor, Wisconsin. Paul Olson, National Farmers president, and his wife, Judy, rolled out the red carpet, complete with a tour.
Meeting up with Ashley Wurzel, the two visited several farms in west central Wisconsin, discussing upcoming federal inspections. “As a procurement team leader, it was great to meet Shelby in person after spending so much time chatting during our weekly calls over the last five years,” Wurzel said.
Heading on to Iowa on the hottest day of the summer, Biasini met Sammy Russell, another National Farmers field representative. The pair dropped in to visit several Iowa farms in Steiger’s territory which covers the entire state of Iowa and southern Minnesota.
The next day it was back to eastern Wisconsin, where she joined Abby Wegner near Fond Du Lac and visited Kurt Kasuboski and Dale Issacson dairy farms to conduct evaluations for the National Dairy FARM certification program.
National Farmers dairy representatives undergo training in the FARM program annually to keep abreast of the latest changes in recommendations for animal care. The representatives then return to their producers where they continue to complete FARM evaluations on farms every three years.
Staying with Diane and Don Hamm overnight, Biasini had a chance to see the farm and then, in great Midwestern style, was treated to a sightseeing trip around Lake Michigan and the town of Port Washington.
Stocked up on cheese curds, and lunches from Culver’s, Biasini headed home with a huge helping of Midwestern hospitality from visiting with National Farmers Organization dairy farming families.
