Elmo Wendorf Clinton, Wisconsin Operations Manager Red & White Dairy Cattle Association

What education are you bringing to this position?
I have a degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. I have also served on a number of boards of directors over the years including Holstein USA, World Dairy Expo and the Wisconsin Holstein Association.

Please describe your agricultural background.
I was born and raised on a small commercial dairy farm in Wisconsin. In 1961, my brother received the farm’s first registered Holstein calf as a gift from our father, who had no real interest in registered cattle.

After I graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Madison , I returned home and formed a partnership with my brother Niles.

Since that time our families have bred or developed 330 Excellent cows and more than 200 bulls that have gone into A.I. We have also bred or developed 49 All-American or Junior All-American nominations over the years. In 1991, we bred and owned the No. 1 CTPI cow of the breed with Crescentmead Rotate Amanda.

What territory will you cover?
RWDCA covers all of North America, plus we have membership in several other countries.

What are your new responsibilities?
I will be responsible for general oversight and accountability as it pertains to all activities, services and finances of the RWDCA. I’ll also be in charge of registrations and transfers, the recording of all milk records and other responsibilities as requested by the RWDCA board of directors.

What previous positions have you held?
After graduating from college, I owned and operated Crescentmead Farms until our sale in 2008 when two nephews took over for my brother and I.

I was hired and worked international sales for Accelerated Genetics after our sale and before I took this position with the RWDCA.

What excites you most about working in your new role?
The potential for growth is unlimited with the tremendous surge in popularity for the Red and Whites – not only in North America but around the world.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I have the experience as a producer and understand their needs and problems. Serving on several boards has helped me understand the working relationship between boards and staff. I have a passion for registered cattle and the value they can add to a dairyman’s bottom line.

I have a great interest in working with youth, shows and developing an international market for our red breeders.

Why did you choose this company?
The company has tremendous growth potential in all areas and this gives me the opportunity to grow with it.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
Foremost, I would like to help grow membership and registrations as well as develop more programs to help the membership, develop more youth programs, increase scholarship funds and start an endowment fund for future needs. I would also like to help grow the organization internationally. PD