Dairy Stream and the Menn Law Firm are proud to present the third annual “How We Got Here” podcast series featuring dairy farmers sharing the history of their farm and steps they have taken to get to where they are today.

Dairy Stream host Joanna Guza and guests, Chuck Ripp and Kailyn Kippley, third and fourth generations at Ripp’s Dairy Valley, discuss early influences, improvements to be better the farm, challenges, financial preparations and the future for the farm and dairy industry.

This three-part series is sponsored by the Menn Law Firm.

About the guests:

• Chuck Ripp is a third-generation farmer with his brothers, Troy and Gary, and they own Ripp’s Dairy Valley in Dane. They manage more than 1,800 head of cattle and farm 1,600 acres. Chuck was awarded the DBA Advocate of the Year award at the Dairy Strong conference for his contributions to the Wisconsin’s dairy community. He is also an a board member of Yahara Pride Farms.
• Kailyn Kippley is the daughter of Chuck and the fourth generation to be taking over Ripp’s Dairy Valley. She has been working as the herdsperson since 2022.

Season 1: How We Got Here (2024):

• How We Got Here: Norm E Lane in Chili, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Solhawk Dairy in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Verhasselt Farms in Kaukauna, Wisconsin

Season 2: How We Got Here (2025):

• How We Got Here: Ocooch Dairy in Hillsboro, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Melichar Broad Acres in Port Washington, Wisconsin
• How We Got Here: Scheps Dairy in Almena, Wisconsin

Season 3: How We Got Here (2026):

• How We Got Here: Bomaz Farms in Hammond, Wisconsin
• Next episode releasing this fall.

Compeer Financial is proud partner of Dairy Stream. Learn more about Dairy Stream sponsorship.

This podcast is produced by the Voice of Milk, a collaboration of individual dairy organizations working to improve the future of dairy farm families. Become a sponsor, share an idea or feedback by emailing podcast@dairyforward.com.