What does it mean to be a fourth-generation farmer in today’s agricultural climate? For Tyler Baudhuin of Baudhuin Farms based in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, it means having the drive, passion, and determination to continue to grow and prosper what those who came before you started.
“I knew this is what I wanted to do since I was eight years old”, says Tyler. “I’ll never forget the day I missed baling hay with my dad because my mom had to take me in for a doctor’s appointment. I was so upset I missed it. I truly have felt like this has been my calling ever since I can remember.”
The Start of a Family Legacy
Baudhuin Farms was originally purchased by Tyler’s great-grandfather in the 1940’s. He bought it on a foreclosure deal from a Sturgeon Bay bank, with the original property spanning only 120 acres. The farm has remained in the family ever since, and alongside his father David, Tyler has helped grow Baudhuin Farms into the successful operation it is today.
“We currently farm over 900 tillable acres, and are milking around 200 cows every day,” says Tyler. The farm also produces cash crops such as winter wheat and beans, and raises a number of angus beef every year to sell.
As the farm has continued to expand, so has their need for improved infrastructure and better cattle management practices. “We were at the point where we needed to make an investment to improve our everyday practices to become more efficient long term and help our cows reach their full potential,” explained Tyler. “We needed a solution that allowed us to have all of our cattle on site in one location together, and something that would also improve their quality of life.”
A Lifelong Relationship
That’s where GreenStone came in. Now no stranger to working with the Farm Credit association, Tyler laughed as he recalled the first time he met with his financial services officer, now VP of Lending Antonia (Toni) Sorenson, before he was truly committed to the long-term farm business.
“I was about 18 years old at the time and walked into the GreenStone branch in Sturgeon Bay wanting to buy a piece of equipment. I remember she laughed and told me to come back when I had a plan,” he chuckled. “I knew I wanted to farm, but I wasn’t necessarily married to the idea yet.”
A few years later, David had just taken over the farm full-time from his father (Tyler’s grandfather). “At this point I was committed to farming, and knew it was truly what I wanted to do,” he said. He went back to GreenStone, this time intent on purchasing land for the farm. “Toni worked with me on the purchase of the land, and we’ve pretty much worked together ever since,” he says.
Their relationship with GreenStone has only continued to grow over time. “Whenever we need anything, we know we can go to Toni and she has our best interest in mind,” explained Tyler.
Since financing that first plot of land with GreenStone, Tyler and David have trusted GreenStone to support their operation through lending needs, tax and accounting services, and crop insurance, which Tyler advocated for.
“I was the one who brought it up to my dad that this could be a worthwhile investment for us even though we had never really used [crop insurance] before. We looked into it after GreenStone recommended we get coverage, and it has definitely paid off for us. There are some years I look back at and think if we wouldn’t have had the crop insurance coverage, I’m not sure what we would have done. We stick with GreenStone because we know we’re always going to be provided with honest answers about what we do and don’t need,” says Tyler.
Tyler and Toni have known each other for over a decade, and over time have built a relationship based on trust and friendship.
Building Towards the Future
Most recently, their construction project for the new free-stall barn and milking parlor is an example of the trust Tyler has working with Toni to find what the best solution for their farm is going to be - even if it takes some time.
The project first came to light around four years ago, with a vision to get all cattle in one location along with building a more efficient cattle housing and milking facility. At the start, Tyler recalls bringing plans to Toni to figure out realistically what the best option for their needs would be.
“We would look at plans and then have to start over again in order to find what was going to have the most impact on our everyday operations as well as what our return on investment would be on it,” Tyler explained. “It’s been about four years in the works to get this project perfected and underway, but we know this is the right solution that is going to help us continue to grow many years into the future.”
The Baudhuins officially broke ground on their new free-stall 300 cow barn and milking parlor in July of 2024.
“It’s really rewarding to see this project come to life and see Tyler continue to live out his family’s legacy,” commented Toni. “I’m really proud of what he has accomplished and it’s so exciting to see where the future of their farm is headed. I’m looking forward to watching them continue to grow!”
The new barn and milking parlor are expected to be completed in the spring of 2025. “The completed construction project will allow for better footing to promote cow hoof-health, improved air quality, and an overall larger and more comfortable facility for not only the cows but the Baudhuins and their employees as well,” added Toni. “Being able to support young farmers such as Tyler and help them achieve their dreams is what it’s all about for me.”
Tyler stands in front of the progress of the farm's new free stall barn that will be completed in spring of 2025.
A Sustainable Operation for Years to Come
Tyler’s story isn’t one that didn’t come without its own set of challenges. “There were plenty of days that we asked ourselves if all of this was worth it. At the end of the day, this isn’t just a job for me, or for anyone else who is a farmer. This is a lifestyle.”
Tyler has a great amount of gratitude for his family as they have worked to help him achieve this dream. Tyler appreciates his dad always doing anything that is needed on the farm, and he continues to learn from his mom, Sue, who has always been instrumental in great calf care. He feels lucky to have parents who are willing to believe and invest in the future of the operation.
Tyler had some words of advice for other young multi-generational farmers when it comes to facing the challenges of the ever-changing agricultural industry. “Listen and learn as much as you can. Don’t be so hard on yourself. Tomorrow is a new day, continue to persevere, and you will be successful.”
Tyler’s story is a testament to the value of what the right partnership can provide - an open line of communication, trust, and a united vision to continue to grow and prosper a family farm so it can stand for generations to come.
To view the winter 2025 issue of Partners magazine in its entirety, click here.
