FFA Member Profile: Zach Dulmes, President

Tell us about your farm and family. My family farm started in 1915 in Sheboygan Falls as a small dairy farm. They farmed fewer than 70 acres of land using a 1-row plow and had fewer than 70 cows that were milked every day. Later on, the Herzog family joined a bigger corporation called Majestic Crossing Dairy, which now has two farms that each have about 1,000 cows and all new John Deere equipment. The Herzog family is part of the 5-family ownership of Majestic Crossing Dairy, which is now much larger. Of the two farms, one milks in a parlor, and the other is robotic. All calves are sent to Kansas to be raised and then are sent back to Wisconsin. The cows are a mixed breed between Holstein, Brown Swiss and Boškarin. The Herzog family farm now has about 130 heifers and over 350 acres.

Why did you join FFA? I first joined FFA because my brother, who is two years older than me, was in it, and I always had an interest in agriculture. It seemed like a fun thing to be a part of because my friends were going to be in it too. I also had a background in farming, and as soon as I joined, I liked it right away. After being in FFA, I learned many valuable skills and continued to be involved.

What is your role in the chapter? I am a third-year officer and the president this year. I lead the officer team and I see that everything runs smoothly throughout the year. I serve as the chair-person for our Kindergarten Field Trip. I schedule all the tours and coordinate with all 10 schools that come on the field trip. I am also one of the coordinators of our fruit sale. In this role, I call about 100 people to take their orders.

What FFA contests do you compete in? I participated in creed speaking my freshman year and learned a lot. I have also competed in the dairy judging Career Development Event for the past two years. In 2023, I competed at the state level for dairy judging. This year, I plan to compete in another speaking contest.

What do you look forward to most in the upcoming FFA year? I am most excited for our annual Kindergarten Field Trip, which I have had the privilege of being a part of for the past three years. I can’t wait to help schedule and plan the tours. It also takes place at the farm my grandparents co-own. I am also excited for Drive Your Tractor to School Day because I love driving them and seeing what tractors everyone else brings.

How has FFA shaped you as a person? I have definitely stepped out of my comfort zone. I feel more comfortable speaking professionally in front of large groups of people. I have learned to delegate tasks to others and also have worked on my communication skills.

What are your duties on the farm? I help wherever it is needed. Some of the areas I have helped include rock picking, covering bunkers and cutting the lawn for many summers.

What are your future plans? I am currently in a plumbing youth apprenticeship. After high school, I am going to pursue a career as a plumber. Someday, I want to have a hobby farm.