Summer Tour Comes to the Chippewa Valley on June 27

Summer Tour Comes to the Chippewa Valley on June 27 

[CHIPPEWA VALLEY, WI] - The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association invites beef producers from across the state to gather in the Chippewa Valley for the 2026 Summer Production Tour on Saturday, June 27. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to learn from fellow producers, build industry connections, and see firsthand how Wisconsin cattle operations are adapting and thriving in today’s beef industry.  

The day will start at Rooney Angus just outside Chippewa Falls. Rooney Angus is a family-rooted Angus operation built on hard work, integrity, and a commitment to producing functional cattle that perform in real-world environments. In partnership with Green Mountain Angus, the program combines proven bloodlines, performance-focused development, and decades of experience to raise cattle known for calving ease, maternal strength, growth, soundness, and carcass quality.  

At their ranch in Chippewa Falls, the operation includes 250 cows and youngstock, totaling approximately 400 head of cattle. Their bulls are developed at the Rooney Angus Bull Development Center in White Sulphur Springs, Montana, where the focus is on slow, steady growth to promote longevity and lasting performance. With an emphasis on honest service, attention to detail, and building long-term relationships, Rooney Angus works to provide dependable genetics and consistent results for cattle producers year after year.  

As part of this tour stop, participants will also visit Ranch Brand Meat Company, a vertically integrated beef company founded through the partnership of Rooney Angus and Antczak Angus. Ranch Brand oversees every step of production — from genetics and ranch management to finishing and processing — giving visitors a firsthand look at how premium beef is raised and brought directly from pasture to plate. The operation was built on a commitment to transparency, quality, and craftsmanship, offering a unique perspective on how ranchers are creating stronger connections with today’s beef consumers.  

From there, attendees will head south to the Strey Farm. The Strey farm near Foster was purchased in 1998 by Steve and Leslie Strey. The original five cows and 80 acres has grown to the current operation of 160 Angus/ Simmental commercial cows and 1,000 acres of crops. The Streys raise their own replacement heifers and sell their feeder calves in the fall. The Streys raise hay, corn, soybeans, wheat, and oats for feed and cash crops. Additional land is rented for summer pasture. Steve and Leslie's daughter, Heidi, and her husband Sam Sipiorski are now part of the operation and planning for the future.  

The Streys live each day by trying to follow their mission statement: Fostering stewardship, stockmanship, advocacy, and leadership with faith and family, through success and hardship for the betterment of the next generation.  

The final stop on the tour will be Kostka Ranch near Strum – a growing beef operation owned by Cody and Leeza Kostka. After purchasing Cody's family farm in their early 20's, the couple transformed the former dairy facility into a beef cattle operation that would meet their needs as they steadily built their foundation of the operation. What started as a single calf turned into approximately 90 head today with a strong emphasis on Charolais genetics.   

As young producers, Cody and Leeza have grown their operation through hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to continuous learning. In addition to raising cattle, they market beef directly to consumers and have built a loyal customer base through transparency, education, and open communication. They are passionate about inspiring the next generation and other young farms, while also giving the public a deeper understanding of the hard work, stewardship, and respect that goes into the operation. 

The day will also include recognizing the 2026 Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association award recipients and scholarship winners. Lunch is included with registration, and participants will be responsible for their own transportation between tour stops.  

Registration for this one-day program is $50 per person, or $45 per attendee for groups of four or more. Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association membership is not required to attend. Registration is available online. For questions, please contact the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association at 608-228-1457 or info@ wisconsincattlemen.com. 

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The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association is a trusted leader in the Wisconsin beef industry and gives a voice to Wisconsin’s beef producers on a local, regional and national level. Cattlemen and women can count on the WCA to protect their backs when it comes to legislation impacting beef farms. The association works closely with many industry partners to maintain a positive business environment for cattlemen through leadership and education. Become a member to ensure a viable Wisconsin beef industry now and in the future.