Alltech Wisconsin presented the 2023 Most Valuable Employee (MVE) Award to Carlos Galvan of Weltzien Farms in Arcadia, Wisconsin. This award recognizes the value of a dairy farm employee with an exceptional work ethic who exhibits integrity and engages in their responsibilities on a dairy farm. Nominations are made by a farm manager, dairy owner, farm consultant or nutritionist based on qualities such as perseverance, honesty and integrity.
“Alltech is proud to honor Carlos as this year’s award winner for his hard work and dedication to Weltzien Farms for the past 17 years,” said Jorge Delgado, manager of the Alltech Training, Talent Development and Retention Program for Dairy Workers. “This award is designed to recognize the people behind the cows. It highlights their exceptional work ethic, and Carlos is most deserving of this honor.”
Galvan was nominated by his employer, Collin Weltzien of Weltzien Farms. He joined the operation as a milker when they made the shift to milking 180 cows three times per day. His role has evolved to that of a “jack of all trades,” as he handles many tasks on the farm.
“I cherish the opportunity to work alongside Carlos every day, and it’s because of the quality employee that Carlos is. Our family can go to bed every night with peace of mind knowing that our cows, land and machinery are being treated in the best manner possible,” Weltzien said. “Thank you for this opportunity to recognize the most important asset on a dairy farm, its people. Nobody deserves it more than Carlos.”
Weltzien shared in his nomination that Galvan is a dedicated employee. “He is always in the parlor ready to work when he arrives in the morning.” Weltzien said he is in awe of how fast Galvan can milk cows, and even more impressed with his attention to cleanliness and detail. Galvan follows fresh cow and mastitis protocols and has a keen sense for detecting sick cows and cows in heat. Weltzien also recognized that Galvan is an expert with the parlor equipment. He often manages the cleaning, repair and maintenance projects.
Galvan’s expertise can also be found outside the parlor. He commonly mixes feed, helps to feed calves, and helps with field work wherever needed. He is also very skilled in the shop as he services most of the tractors and implements.
The other finalists honored during the Alltech Dairy School included Autumn Wozny from UW– Platteville Pioneer Farm and Pete Poet from Abts Champion Dairy.
For more information about the Alltech Wisconsin MVE award, visit this link.
