Matthew Fischer

I grew up on my family’s 90 cow registered Holsteins and Jerseys dairy farm. During my youth, I was actively involved in 4-H, FFA, NHS, Choir, and Theater, where I have taken on multiple leadership roles in all these organizations during my youth.

In my third year at UWRF, I have grown as a leader within student organizations. I am serving my second term as the Interfraternity Council President. This role has me working with university officials to support Greek Life on campus. I also have served in leadership roles on the executive teams for Alpha Gamma Rho-Alpha Psi Fraternity, UWRF Dairy Club, and the Collegiate Farm Bureau. Furthermore, I represent Fraternity life on the student senate. In addition to this, I have been participating in community service activities through the Honors Program. With all these opportunities, I have networked and worked with people of different backgrounds and beliefs, strengthening myself as a leader.

Academically, I continue to achieve high academic standards. I am focused on dairy cattle nutrition and agriculture finance. Upon graduation, I want to work in dairy cattle nutrition. With a Dairy Science degree and agriculture business, I will be equipped with the tools and knowledge to succeed in this field. I want to work in the industry to gain off-farm experience and be financially sound. I will use the knowledge I have gained to help farms achieve their goals while lowering the cost of production through the feed bill or other expenses. I intend to work in the industry for ten years and then return home to the family farm. The knowledge and resources I have received from UWRF and my industry experience will strengthen my family farm. When I return to the family farm, I plan to partner with my family on the farm. I aspire to expand the herd size and the cropland’s acreage for our family farm to prosper for future generations. I want this so that someday my kids will have the experience of growing up on the farm, learning those skills and values that no classroom can teach them.

It has become a significant talking point in the modern age, where people care more than ever about where their food is coming from. With less than 2 percent of the world’s population having a solid understanding or a background in agriculture, it is more important than ever to advocate for Agriculture’s future. Ag Advocacy is critical to the success of the industry. As I grow into my career field, I want to be a voice for agriculture and the dairy industry. If it is talking to students at the local school or communicating with consumers with questions and concerns at a grocery store, I am unsure where this might lead me. However, I am sure I will continue to build a greater understanding of agriculture and how to advocate for it. While my pathway to achieving my goals is long, I have a bright future with a career in agriculture.