The information below has been supplied by dairy marketers and other industry organizations. It has not been edited, verified or endorsed by Hoard’s Dairyman.
Woodstock Progressives is a collaborative association for milk producers. The co-op was founded in 1937. It has a long history of financial stability and prioritizing its members. Its disaster payment plan can provide partial payment for milk loss due to fire, wind, power outage, and other causes.
Scholarship opportunities are another important benefit of membership. Its check-off is $.01 per hundred pounds of milk, one of the lowest in the industry. It is now possible for producers to be members in two co-ops and enjoy the benefits of both. For membership information contact Emery Featherstone at erf0726@gmail.com or 262-215-2955.
Congratulations to the following students who were each awarded a $1,500 scholarship in 2024: Kyle Diedrich is the son of Philip and Kimberly Diedrich of Twin Lakes, WI. Kyle plans to graduate in 2026 with a major in Physical Education with a Health Education and Adapted Physical
Education emphasis from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Although Kyle’s intention after high school graduation was to work on his family’s dairy farm, he received a call to coach a girls basketball team and rediscovered his love and joy for teaching youth about physical education and health. To get experience he is currently a youth basketball and cross country coach for Randall Consolidated School in Burlington, WI.
Kenzie Nielsen is the daughter of Christopher and Jessica Nielsen of Lake Mills, WI. Kenzie started classes last fall at the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater pursuing a Special Education major with a minor in Communication Disorders. She has a passion for teaching and learning and finds much joy in working with children. As a college athlete in track and field she plans to graduate in 2027 and continue to inspire those around her.
Caden Washburn, of Darien, WI, is the son of members Shane and Gina Koehl. Caden was a student at Iowa State University last fall and transferred to the University of Wisconsin Whitewater this spring. He is finishing his first year in studying finance and entrepreneurship. His interest in finance led him to meet with a financial advisor at a young age. He is interested in becoming a finance manager for a large car dealership and eventually start his own business.
Riley Washburn, of Darien, WI, is the son of members Shane and Gina Koehl. Riley is a student at Iowa State University finishing his junior year as a mechanical engineering student. His obsession with taking apart Legos as a young child has fueled his passion for buying, selling and restoring dirt bikes and four wheelers. Riley currently is a manufacturing intern at Danfoss in Loves Park, Il where he works in repairing equipment and uses a 3D printer to ensure that 5S storage requirements are met. As a future engineer, he hopes to work at an automotive manufacturing company like General Motors or a space company such as NASA or SpaceX someday.
For more information about the Woodstock Milk Producers’ Association, contact President Ken Hildebrandt at hildebrandtfarm@gmail.com or 815-703-3765.
