Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast, your trusted source for insights and stories from the heart
of the dairy industry.
In our 174th episode, hosts Bella and Douglas dive into the remarkable career of Bob Hagenow,
a true legend who has been transforming the dairy world for over four decades. From his
roots on a Wisconsin Holstein farm to his current role as a regional business manager
at Vita Plus Corporation, Bob's journey is a testament to the power of genuine connections
and servant leadership. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about innovation, mentorship,
and the future of dairy farming. Now, here are your hosts, Bella and Douglas.
Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast. I'm Bella and with me today is Douglas. We're excited
to share an inspiring story about a true legend in the dairy industry, Bob Hagenow.
That's right, Bella. Bob Hagenow has been transforming the dairy industry for over four
decades through genuine connections and servant leadership. His story is a testament to the
power of helping others succeed.
Let's dive into Bob's journey. Douglas, can you give our listeners an overview of what
we'll be covering?
Certainly. We'll start with Bob's early years growing up on a Holstein farm in Wisconsin,
then explore his philosophy of service that's guided his career. We'll discuss his impact
at Vita Plus Corporation, his community involvement, and his dedication to mentoring the next generation
of dairy leaders. Finally, we'll look at Bob's vision for the future of the industry.
Sounds fascinating. Let's begin with Bob's background. Douglas, how has Bob's upbringing
shaped his career?
Bob grew up on a registered Holstein dairy farm in Manitowoc County, Wisconsin. From
an early age, he learned that success in this industry isn't just about the work you do,
but about the people you do it with. He was active in 4-H, FFA, and dairy judging programs,
which laid the foundation for his future career.
That's a great start. Can you tell us about Bob's education and early career?
Bob received his bachelor's in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
He began his career at the National Brown Swiss Association as an area field representative
for two years before joining Vita Plus in 1987, where he's been an employee owner for
over 35 years now.
Impressive. Let's talk about Bob's career at Vita Plus. What roles has he held there?
Bob has grown from a nutritionist to sales manager, and now serves as a regional business
manager. He leads multiple teams and maintains key dealer partnerships while continuing to
provide nutrition and business consulting to farm customers. His impact reaches all
400-plus employee owners at Vita Plus.
That's quite a journey. What sets Bob apart in his approach to business?
What truly sets Bob apart is his unique ability to combine technical expertise with genuine
care for the success of others. His philosophy is helping others become successful rather
than seeking personal recognition. This approach has created lasting positive impacts across
the dairy industry.
It sounds like Bob is deeply involved in industry education. Can you elaborate on that?
Absolutely. Bob regularly conducts farm team meetings and training sessions. He analyzes
complex data from feed software, TMR programs, and dairy management systems to help producers
make informed decisions. He's also a frequent speaker at industry events and has written
articles for national dairy magazines on topics ranging from team management to farm transitions.
Let's talk about Bob's involvement with the World Dairy Expo. What role has he played
there?
Bob has been a fixture at the World Dairy Expo for 40 years, serving as a ring steward.
He's also on the World Dairy Expo Board of Directors, serves on the executive committee
as treasurer, and chairs the financial committee. His contributions have earned him the honor
of being named World Dairy Expo's Friend of the Year.
That's an incredible commitment. Douglas, how important are volunteers like Bob to events
like the World Dairy Expo?
They're absolutely essential, Bella. The World Dairy Expo is a massive undertaking, and it
simply wouldn't be possible without dedicated volunteers like Bob. His 40-year commitment
as a ring steward and his leadership on various committees have been crucial to the event's
success.
Bob seems to have a special focus on mentoring the next generation. Can you tell us more
about that?
Bob's commitment to mentoring is truly remarkable. He's written hundreds of letters of recommendation
for students over the years, coached numerous dairy judging teams, and served as an advisor
for various collegiate agricultural organizations. He's also been instrumental in developing
innovative personality assessment and team-building approaches for farm teams.
That's impressive. What recognition has Bob received for his efforts?
Bob was inducted into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2020 for his exceptional service
to youth development. In 2006, he received the Honorary Recognition Award from the UW
Madison College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the highest honor bestowed by the college.
He's also one of only three employees in Vita Plus's 75-year history to receive the company's
Award of Excellence twice.
As we wrap up, Douglas, what do you think is the most important lesson we can take from
Bob Hagano's career?
I think it all comes back to Bob's philosophy of helping others succeed. His approach to
leadership, characterized by that firm handshake and genuine desire to make a difference, is
something we can all learn from. As Bob says, to reach your goals, help others succeed.
Thank you, Douglas, for sharing these insights about Bob Hagano.
To our listeners, we hope this story has inspired you as much as it has us. Remember, in the
words of Bob Hagano, success in the dairy industry isn't just about milk production
or profit margins. It's about the lives we touch, the relationships we build, and the
difference we make in our communities.
And the next time you shake hands with someone in the industry, remember Bob's example. Aim
for their soul, not just their hand. That's how lasting change happens. One handshake
at a time.
That's all for today's episode of the Bull Vine Podcast. If you enjoyed this story, please
share it with your fellow dairy farmers and industry colleagues. Until next time, I'm
Bella.
And I'm Douglas. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you on the next episode of the Bull
Vine Podcast.
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Until then, keep innovating, keep connecting, and keep moving the industry forward.