The Wisconsin Custom Operators recently honored an Elkhart Lake, Wis., man for his hard work and dedication to a custom-farming business.

WCO’s 2018 Employee of the Year award was given to Steve Breher of Kraus Custom Forage Harvesting during the organization’s annual meeting at the Forage Symposium in Wisconsin Dells.

Breher has worked for Kraus Custom Forage Harvesting for 15 years and is engaged in all aspects of harvesting, packing bunkers, merging hay, hauling silage and manure, maintaining and repairing equipment, and washing equipment during the winter.

“Steve has always been a very devoted employee, never asking for a day off during the busy harvest season,” says Julie Kraus, who nominated Breher. “He is always willing to put in the extra hours needed to finish the customer’s harvesting needs, no matter what day of the week it is.”

WCO created the Employee of the Year award to honor an exemplary employee who demonstrates excellence in the areas of safety, efficiency, customer service, environmental stewardship and profitability of a custom-farming or custom-harvest operation.

“Many of our members have had the same crew for several years. These employees are highly skilled and keep our businesses going during the height of the season,” says Bryce O’Leary, WCO president. “Their commitment to safety, the environment and our clients is outstanding — and this award is our opportunity to honor them.”

In addition to being a dependable and knowledgeable team member, Breher has a mellow demeanor and positive attitude, which Bill and Julie Kraus credit as contributing factors to his outstanding safety record. He maintains a level head and awareness of his surroundings.

“He has great customer relationships, working hand in hand with them to get the job done efficiently and on time,” Bill Kraus adds.

Applications are collected for WCO’s Employee of the Year award in the fall, and the winner is announced at the group’s annual meeting in February. Members are encouraged to nominate employees who set a positive example for their entire crew.

Scholarship winners
WCO also awarded three scholarships to students pursuing further education. These students were selected based on leadership, civic engagement, academics and volunteer activities related to agriculture. Students also submitted essays detailing their educational and vocational plans. Scholarship winners are required to have ties to the WCO — either as a member, relative of a member or employee of a member. Students received a $1,000 scholarship.

“WCO understands that the foundation for the continued success of Wisconsin’s agricultural economy depends on a well-educated workforce,” says Kevin Shinners, chairman of the WCO Scholarship Committee and a professor of biological systems engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “We also recognize that the high cost of additional education can impact this need.”

Here are the winners of the 2018 WCO scholarships:

• Kaleb Cauffman, Fennimore, is a freshman at South West Technical College majoring in ag mechanics. He is the son of WCO member Cauffman’s Slurry Transfer.

• Jacob Kraus, Elkhart Lake, is a freshman at the Milwaukee School of Engineering majoring in mechanical engineering. He is the son of WCO member Kraus Custom Forage Harvesting.

• Rachel O’Leary, Janesville, is a third-year vet student at UW School of Veterinary Medicine. She is the daughter of WCO member O’Leary Brothers Chopping Service.

Applications for the 2019 WCO scholarships are being accepted and are due May 1. Interested students should visit the WCO website for more information, including eligibility, criteria and the application form. Again this year, WCO will offer three $1,000 scholarships.

Source: WCO