The Fond du Lac Chapter of the Wisconsin Alumni Association has selected Boyke Family members Gary Boyke,
Katie Grinstead and JR Boyke as the Chapter’s 2020 Badger of the Year. The Badger of the Year award is presented annually by local chapters of the Wisconsin Alumni Association to recognize a University of Wisconsin – Madison
alumnus that has demonstrated leadership in their profession and in the community. Gary Boyke is a 1972 graduate of UW-Madison’s Farm and Industry Short Course. A native of the Fond du Lac area, he returned to the family farm upon
graduation. Vir-Clar Farms became known throughout the world as a source of elite genetics. The farm sold cattle to 22 countries. Today, there are 2,400 cows on the farm, and they work 3,000 acres. Gary has been involved in the Farm Credit Services Board, a 4-H Leader, the Fond du Lac County Board of Supervisors, the county Holstein Association, Fond du Lac County Economic Development Corporation, and the Capital Resource Committee. Katie Grinstead is a 2000 graduate of UW-Madison with a degree in Agricultural Journalism
emphasizing in Sales and Marketing. While at school Grinstead was active in The Association of Women in Agriculture, Badger Dairy Club and The National Agri
Marketing Association. In 2006 Grinstead returned to Vir-Clar Farms to start raising the farm’s calves fulfilling
her dream to be a part of the family farm. She is
currently a member of the Fond du Lac Fair Board, Fond du Lac Charity Club, and Envision Greater Fond du Lac.
JR Boyke attended UW Madison’s Farm and Industry Short Course, receiving his dairy management certificate in 2007. While in school, JR Boyke was a part of the short
course judging team that placed fourth high individual at the World Dairy Expo – a highlight of his judging career.
JR also was part of Badger Dairy Club and helped fit cattle for the Badger Invitational. In 2011, JR returned to Vir-Clar Farms where he oversees the day-to-day operations. The Badger of the Year award will be presented at the Fond du Lac chapter’s annual Founder’s Day dinner Tuesday, March 31.
The Founders Day event will be held at the THELMA Sadoff Center for the Arts in Fond du Lac.
