Nestled in the heart of Wrightstown, Wisconsin, Tinedale Farms stands as a testament to generations of dedication and growth. What began in 1863 with fewer than 10 cows has evolved into a thriving dairy operation, milking over 5,000 cows each day. For the Theunis family, this is more than just a business—it’s a legacy. Fifth-generation farmer and part owner Mike Theunis has spent his entire life on the farm and takes pride in how far it has come.
Working as the farms’ Dairy Manager, Mike says it’s a round-the-clock endeavor, with the farm’s 110-stall rotary parlor operating nearly 20 hours a day. Cows rotate through the parlor every eight minutes, collectively producing about 415,000 pounds of milk daily—enough to fill two 60,000-gallon silos. Each day, five trucks arrive to haul the milk away, keeping the flow of production in constant motion.
At Tinedale Farms, cow comfort is a cornerstone of daily operations. Each cow is fitted with an Alta cow watch collar and a radio-frequency identification (RFID) ear tag that tracks health and production data, allowing staff to monitor well-being in real time. Inside the freestyle barns, advanced ventilation systems replace the air every minute, ensuring a clean and comfortable environment. Digested solids produced by the digester are used for bedding. The digester is carefully cleaned and replenished multiple times each week, promoting hygiene while allowing the farm to reuse materials responsibly.
The farm has implemented a variety of sustainability practices that not only support the environment but also help reduce operating costs. During manure collection, the manure is sent to the digester where the solids are separated out. The liquid portion is then applied to the farm’s cropping land twice a year, equaling more than 7,000 acres of farmland. When harvest season arrives, silage is produced to feed the cows year-round, minimizing the need for outside feed sources. Additionally, the farm’s digester captures methane gas, which is processed and sold as renewable natural gas through a nearby pipeline, turning waste into a valuable energy source.
Tinedale Farms is also celebrating the completion of several significant facility upgrades. This includes a 110-stall BouMatic Rotary Parlor and a spacious holding area designed for efficiency and comfort. The project also includes a 12-row, 240’ x 970’ tunnel-ventilated freestall barn with 2,343 deep-bedded freestalls and a 2-way traffic system to improve cow flow and management. Existing barns 1–4 were extended and converted to tunnel ventilation, enhancing airflow and overall barn conditions. Additionally, a new connection breezeway now links the existing and new facilities, incorporating 2-way traffic. Reflecting on the project’s success, Mike says, “It has been an incredible journey — we want to thank Bayland Buildings for bringing our vision to life.”
For Mike, each day brings something new. “I look forward to the change that comes with each day,” he says. “There’s always a new challenge if you’re not staying ahead of things.” Being a member of Foremost Farms also helps keep daily operations running smoothly. Theunis says he values the cooperative’s ability to provide a reliable milk market and a supportive network, including long-time Field Representative Brian Ulness. “If we ever need specific resources, we know Foremost Farms will have them.”
Looking ahead, Tinedale Farms is honored to host the Brown County, Wisc. Dairy Breakfast in June 2026. The team is excited to welcome the community and showcase the farm’s commitment to excellence. They hope to see you there!
The Theunis Family of Tinedale Farms.
Photo credit: Tinedale Farms