A lifelong farmer and agricultural professional, Thompson has owned and operated Brookview Farms in Glenwood City, Wisconsin, since 1986. With over 37 years of experience in dairy and crop production, he brings extensive knowledge in animal husbandry, agronomy, equipment maintenance, and farm management. Thompson currently serves as farm manager at the UW–River Falls Mann Valley Farm, supporting both educational and research initiatives. He holds BQA and FARM certifications, as well as a Private Pesticide Applicator license. He is a graduate of Glenwood City High School and completed the Farm Business & Production Management Program at WITC–New Richmond.
Palm fat, a by-product of palm oil production, is commonly added to dairy cow feed to increase energy levels, including at Mann Valley Farm (MVF). However, concerns about palm oil’s environmental impact, including deforestation, habitat destruction for endangered species, and unethical labor practices, have raised questions about its sustainability. High oleic soybeans offer a promising alternative, providing a locally sourced, eco-friendly feed option that benefits both farmers and the environment. These soybeans have been shown to improve milk fat production, protein yields, and overall milk quality while supporting dairy farm profitability. Currently, high oleic soybeans are rare in Wisconsin, and MVF lacks the equipment to efficiently process them for dairy feed. By acquiring a grinder-mixer, MVF will establish a standard for incorporating high oleic soybeans into Wisconsin’s dairy industry, fostering sustainability, improving milk production, and encouraging widespread adoption of this innovative feed solution.