Believers

We thank our donors… But the thanks really come from all the people who benefit from a thriving dairy community: dairy producers, those who work in allied industry, residents of our rural communities, and those who create and retail quality dairy foods.

What does it mean to Believe?
In 2005, at the Annual Business Conference of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, those in attendance were asked what dairying meant to them personally.

• A way to make a living.
• A way of life.
• Family working together.
• Generations of commitment.
• Continuing education.
• Continuous improvement.
• Care for animals.
• Producing quality, nutritious milk.
• Stewardship of land and water.
• Giving back to our communities.
• Being a professional.
• Being seen as a professional.
• Working together with others to tell our story.

Shelly Mayer, PDPW’s executive director and a dairy producer herself, encouraged attendees to help get the Foundation going with “I Believe” gifts. That night, dairy producers and our industry friends pledged more than $10,000 in the first-ever “I Believe” campaign.

What does it mean to “Believe”? It means giving back to the industry that means so much to us, so that the next generation can learn and carry these values into their own communities.

It’s impossible to list all of those first Believers, because so many people gave gifts anonymously. Our I Believe campaign continues, and donors now have an opportunity to share why they Believe, here on our site.