The Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmer(OYF) program is pleased to announce Travis and Melissa Marti, Vesper, Wisconsin, were selected as the 2023 Wisconsin Outstanding Young Farmers during the 69th Annual Awards Weekend Jan. 27-28.
When Travis joined the farm, the family milked 160 cows and had 150 replacement animals. Today the herd has grown to 535 cows with 450 replacements. Milk production has also increased, with the rolling herd average rising to 30,600 pounds of milk. Travis credits dedicated employees and ag professionals for helping him through the farm’s growing pains. He is grateful to his grandpa and Dad for sharing their knowledge and support over the years as he and Melissa gradually assumed ownership of the farm. They now own 614 acres and rent an additional 800 acres.
Animals also benefit from new technologies. A BouMatic activity and location system helps track milk weights, heat detection, rumination, eating time and cow health. A robotic calf feeder and robotic feed pusher further increase farm efficiency.
Cows have always been the center of the family’s business and Travis follows his dad’s advice: “Take care of the cows and they will take care of you.”
Learn more about the program: http://www.wi-oyf.org/
