Farm Tour 2025 and WTCS Ag Day Celebration
Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | Marshfield Area
In honor of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Ag Day Celebration, this year’s Farm Tour will kick off with a free dairy breakfast. It is open to all, but an RSVP is required. Attendees will hear from special guest speakers, including WTCS President Layla Merrifield, Mid-State Technical College President Shelly Mondeik, and State of Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) Secretary Randy Romanski.
The 2025 WTCS Ag Day Celebration, hosted by Mid-State Technical College, is a unique opportunity to bring farmers, educators, leaders, and community members together to recognize and celebrate agriculture’s vital role in our daily lives.
The day will also feature Mid-State’s annual Farm Tour, an in-person showcase of innovative technology and agriculture practices designed to help producers enhance their operations. Open to all, the Farm Tour includes networking opportunities between agriculture students, professionals, and those interested in the field. Tour stops, lunch, and discussions throughout the day will provide ample opportunities for sharing ideas and insights.
Event Highlights
WTCS Ag Day Celebration
Breakfast service begins at 7:30 a.m.
Remarks begin at 8:00 a.m.
Full breakfast will be served at the American Legion in Marshfield with special guest speakers:
- WTCS President Layla Merrifield
- Mid-State Technical College President Dr. Shelly Mondiek
- DATCPs Secretary Randy Romanski
Cost
WTCS Ag Day Celebration Only: FREE
Farm Tour
Activities begin at 9:00 a.m.
Specific times may vary by pick-up location.
Mid-State’s annual Farm Tour, an in-person showcase of innovative technology and agriculture practices designed to help producers enhance their operations.
- Romadka View Holsteins: Romadka View Holsteins, owned and operated by Mark and Kelli Elmhorst, is a fifth-generation dairy farm located in Granton. The farm has been in continuous operation since 1897. The Elmhorsts focus on cow comfort and longevity, using modern technology to enhance efficiency while maintaining their traditional farming values.
- Heeg Brothers Dairy, LLC: Heeg Brothers Dairy, LLC, located in Colby, is an equal partnership between Mark, Gary, and Jay Heeg. The three brothers started the dairy farm in 1999 by combining their father's 120-cow stanchion barn and Mark's 140-cow barn. Over the years, they have expanded the operation, adding buildings and increasing the herd size to over 1,700 cows, milking over 1,500 currently
- Lunch & Networking: Lunch and networking will be held at the American Legion in Marshfield with special guest speaker, Alice in Dairyland.
- Alice in Dairyland: As Wisconsin's 77th agriculture ambassador, Halei Heinzel’s goal is to educate audiences about the importance of Wisconsin’s diverse agriculture industry, how it impacts our daily lives, and the $104.8 billion economic impact it has on the state’s economy.
Cost
General Farm Tour: $10
Lunch and Networking Only (11:15 a.m. - 1:15 p.m.): $15
Group Rate (5 or more): $7 per person
Registration
Registration is required. To ensure accurate food and bussing counts, registrations must be received by Tuesday, March 4.
If you plan to attend Farm Tour, you can also RSVP to the WTCS Ag Day Celebration in the same registration form. If you plan to attend only the WTCS Ag Day Celebration breakfast, select the second option.
I plan to attend only the WTCS Ag Day Celebration
Other Tour Details
Tour pick-up locations listed below. Please arrive on time as buses will leave promptly at the designated time, no personal vehicles are allowed on the tour.
- Auburndale Pick-up: Your pick-up location is Cenex - Allied Cooperative 10391 Cty Rd K, Auburndale, WI 54412. Please park in one of the designated parking stalls behind the building.
- Granton Pick-up: Your pick-up location is the Granton C-Store, N4461 County Road K, Granton WI, 54436. Please park in one of the designated parking stalls behind the building.
- Pittsville Pick-up: Your pick-up location is Cenex - Allied Cooperative 8315 Hwy 73, Pittsville, WI 54466. Please park in one of the designated parking stalls by the building.
- Marshfield Pick-up: Your pick-up location is the American Legion, 2100 S Maple Ave, Marshfield, WI 54449. Please park in one of the designated parking stalls.
Questions
If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns please contact Ashley Borchardt (715.422.5347).
If you have a disability and require accommodations to participate in this activity, contact the event coordinator as soon as possible, ideally 14 days in advance.
