A commitment to learning, innovating and adapting is the foundation for success in today’s dairy industry. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of working with many dairy farmers who have shown this commitment in every aspect of their lives. Sadly, we recently said a final goodbye to one of the best. Alan (known as “Al”) Koepke’s life, legacy and career in dairy farming set the standard and serve as a testament to the impact of continuous education on personal growth, business success and community development.
Koepke was raised on a dairy farm in Mapleton, Wisconsin. After earning a degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1963, he returned to the family farm where he worked with his parents and brothers – and later with his nephew and family – to improve and grow the dairy operation.
From the start, he recognized that success in dairy farming required more than hard work; he saw it demanded a commitment to understanding the science, technology and business strategies behind the industry. Whether it was adopting advanced herd management practices or exploring innovative feeding strategies, he approached each decision with a thirst for knowledge and a drive to improve.
The Koepke family built a reputation for productivity and longevity for cows on their farm, including raising a Holstein named Granny who broke the world record for lifetime milk production. They received the World Dairy Expo Dairymen of the Year Award in 2011 in recognition of their innovation and service to the industry.
Koepke Farms was also an early leader in adopting practices to preserve land and water resources, including no-till, contour-strip cropping, diversified crop rotation, nutrient management, cover crops and grassed waterways. They were early members of the Sand County Foundation, served as mentors to others adopting sustainable practices and earned the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award in 2011.
Al Koepke was one of the founding members of Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin – now Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) – in 1992. He passed away in December 2024. Image courtesy of the Wisconsin Alumni Association.
Koepke’s belief in the value of lifelong learning extended beyond himself. He became a mentor to young farmers, sharing insights gleaned from years of experience and encouraging them to pursue their own paths of learning. His leadership reflected a deep understanding that the future of dairy farming relied on the next generation’s ability to build on the foundation of past successes.
Koepke was one of the founding members of Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin – now Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) – in 1992. Nearly a decade later, it became clear that additional funding would be needed to develop and implement the programs that PDP envisioned for the industry – and Koepke was among those who voiced a need for the organization that would become known as Dairy’s Foundation.
When PDP celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2017, Koepke reflected on the founding and progress of the organization: “We decided to never be a lobbyist organization. We would work with those organizations. We wanted to educate on how to make dairy better. Today, seeing where [PDP] is brings tears to my eyes. [PDP] is one of the most important things I have done in my career in the dairy industry. It’s not about a bunch of old people looking for seed corn hats. It’s young people coming to make their business better.”
Perhaps most remarkable was Koepke’s ability to inspire others to take their own learning seriously. Through his involvement in community organizations and industry initiatives, he championed the idea that every farmer could be a leader in their own right. His story is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about titles or accolades but about the impact one has on others.
We can honor Koepke’s legacy by taking several lessons to heart and applying them to our own farms, businesses and lives:
- Embrace education: Attend industry conferences, participate in webinars and read extensively about emerging trends. Today’s technologies provide so many opportunities to learn in a way that fits your schedule and style. Educational programs from PDP and other organizations allow dairy owners and team members a variety of ways to connect with peers and learn from experts.
- Foster collaboration: Build relationships with other farmers, researchers and industry professionals – then take time to share your findings with others. Collaborative efforts often lead to breakthroughs that benefit everyone involved.
- Experiment thoughtfully: Don’t be afraid to try new methods or technologies. Start small, measure results and scale up when successful.
- Mentor others: Share your knowledge with younger farmers or those new to the industry. Mentorship strengthens the entire agricultural community and ensures a legacy of partnership and excellence.
- Stay curious: Approach each day with a mindset of discovery. Whether it’s learning about soil health, market trends or animal nutrition, curiosity is the driving force behind innovation.
Koepke’s humility and generosity left an indelible mark on the dairy industry in Wisconsin and beyond. As members of the dairy family, we are inspired by his example to pursue lifelong learning with passion and dedication. Let’s honor his memory by committing ourselves to personal growth, supporting educational initiatives and fostering a community where knowledge is shared and valued. One way you can do this is by attending PDP’s Business Conference March 12-13 in Madison, Wisconsin. By emulating Koepke’s example, we ensure the continued success and sustainability of the dairy industry that we love.
Shelly Mayer, of Slinger, Wisconsin, is a dairy producer and the executive director of PDP.
This column is contributed by Professional Dairy Producers (PDP), the nation’s largest dairy producer-led organization of its kind. PDP focuses on producer professionalism, stakeholder engagement and unified outreach to share ideas, solutions, resources and experiences that help dairy producers succeed.
