About Us
Brooks farms is a sixth-generation dairy farm located in central Wisconsin. Our family farm’s responsibility is to provide the highest quality care for our cows and land. Established in 1855, we have over 160 years of experience fueling our passion.
Current owners and operators of Brooks Farms are a father-daughter duo; Ron Brooks and Zoey Nelson.
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Our Cows
At Brooks Farms, our largest responsibility is caring for our hard-working cows. We milk 600 Holstein cows twice a day in a double 16 Germania parlor.
Cow comfort is always top of mind for us. Our cows have fresh sand bedding, self-grooming brushes and a daily buffet of TMR (total mixed ration). Their mixed ration is composed of haylage, corn silage, protein mix, vitamins and minerals for a well-balanced diet.
In Wisconsin, the weather can be unpredictable. To keep our cows warm in the winter, cool in the summer and overall safe from the ever changing climate; our barns are temperature-controlled and consistently comfortable.
Our milk is transported daily to Grande cheese. All of our milk is turned into high-quality Italian cheeses. Most likely, mozzarella on a pizza from a local pizzeria!
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Our Land
We have been farming the same land as our ancestors for more than 160 years. To leave a legacy and not a liability, our plan is to leave the land better than we found it. Currently, we operate 1,600 acres that rotate corn, alfalfa hay and wheat.
Our roots run deep for sustainable, regenerative agriculture. We use cover crops on our fields in between seasons of growing feed for our cows. Cover crops are planted to cover the soil to manage soil erosion, soil fertility, soil quality, water, weeds, pests, diseases, biodiversity and wildlife. In addition, we reduce our carbon footprint and leave the soil integrity with our farmland being “no-till.” No-till farming decreases the amount of soil erosion tillage would cause in certain soils, especially in sandy and dry soils.
In fact, Brooks Farms’ land is protected – forever. Our land will be farmland forever under the Protection of Agriculture Conservation Easements (PACE Program). In turn, the land cannot be purchased for commercial, residential or industrial development.
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Our Family
Hi! We are the Brooks Family – we are glad you’re here! From our family to yours, it’s a pleasure to virtually meet you.
Family is at the core of our values and mission.
Ron Brooks – co-owner, operator and father of four – is the fifth generation of Brooks Farms. He manages the marketing, agronomy, and equipment side of the business. His partner and third daughter, Zoey Nelson, is the acting Chief Operations Officer. Zoey manages and cares for everything with a heartbeat on the farm – cows and people.
In the News
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Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin
Learn MoreWe take pride in our family’s legacy and we are proud to be Wisconsin dairy farmers.
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Leopold Conservation Award
Learn MoreRecipient of the 2016 Leopold Conservation Award, we take care of our cows and land.
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Sleep Number
Learn MoreZoey Brooks Nelson shows how she prioritizes her family’s farm well rested with Sleep Number.