Dr. Kimberley Morrill sees a lot of corollaries between raising kids and raising calves. “Our kids are the future, and my own boys are my life,” she declared. “Similarly, calves are the future of the dairy industry. For so long, they were viewed as an annoyance or a second-tier priority on dairies. “

When Nick Zubke started his job in maintenance at Strauss Feeds in 2013, it was a homecoming of sorts. “I’m from Watertown and live in the  house where I grew up, which is about 2 miles from the Strauss plant,” he shared. “The plant has been a part of our ‘neighborhood’ for my entire life.”

Starting as a laboratory technician, it was only a matter of months before Mariah’s organizational skills, attention to detail, and conscientious work habits earned her a promotion to Laboratory Supervisor. She now oversees two other employees and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the lab.