Virtual Farm Tours
World Dairy Expo Virtual Farm Tours have brought some of the best dairy operations from near and far to Madison for over 20 years. Dairies featured each year excel in a variety of farm aspects including genetics, technology, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and cow comfort, while also representing a wide variety of sizes, locations and breeds.
During Expo's Virtual Farm Tours, dairy owners and managers share a visual presentation with time for questions and an open discussion afterward. The 2023 Virtual Farm Tour is below.
Thursday, October 5, 2023 - 10:00 a.m.
Feltz Family Farms
Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Sponsored by: DeLaval, Inc.
As a sixth-generation dairy farm, Feltz Family Farm has built a dynasty of high-producing cows while expanding through diversification and technology. Located in Stevens Point in Central Wisconsin, Ken and Jackie Feltz, in addition to their children Taryn, Jared and Jake and their spouses, milk 680 Holsteins. The Feltz’s have diversified their farm with a storefront, cheese plant, pumpkin patch and corn maze, and also host farm tours.
The Feltz farm and herd has grown over time with additional barns being built. Currently, they milk the majority of the herd with 10 robots, in addition to a parallel parlor. They boast a rolling herd average of 33,000 pounds and a somatic cell count of 150,000. The herd also includes 70 feeder steers. Meat is directly marketed through their farm store. In addition, they utilize a manure separator, bedding with recycled sand and selling compost to the public.
The Feltz family is extremely welcoming to their community, opening up their farm for visits. Aside from farm tours, they have hosted many local events and fundraisers, such as the local dairy breakfast, an annual Humane Society fundraiser and Wisconsin Farm Technology Days in 2014. Come and learn more about dairy technology, direct marketing of products and community engagement during this virtual tour!
