The roots of Four Hands Holsteins stretch back to 1977 when Merle and Thelma Betzold moved their family from Farmington, Minn., to Amery, Wisc.
Their daughter, Gwen, grew up on the farm, which would later become the foundation for her own family’s dairy operation. After careers in agriculture, Gwen and her husband, Rick Dado, returned in 2000 to continue the legacy. Seven years later, they officially purchased the farm, marking a new chapter in their commitment to dairy farming.
Today, Four Hands Holsteins continues to be a family dairy farm, milking 450 registered Holsteins in a step-up parlor, raising youngstock and managing 1,500 acres of corn and alfalfa. With a team of 10 full-time employees, the farm operates with its 20-year mission “…to produce high quality, low cost milk from cows of superior quality, to provide a safe and pleasant work environment for family members and employees, to adopt proven technologies that enhance profits, and to operate a financially and environmentally sustainable dairy farm.”
Rick, a former university professor and nutrition consultant, and Gwen, an agricultural education teacher, bring their expertise and passion for agriculture into everything they do. Beyond the farm, they are active in their local community, volunteering with 4-H and FFA, serving on the hospital board, and participating in church activities. However, their greatest pride is raising four children – Bethany, Ethan, Trent and Meikah – who have each pursued careers in agriculture, ensuring the family’s impact on the industry continues for generations to come.
Bethany Dado-Senn earned her Ph.D. in dairy science, now working outside of the farm as a calf and heifer technical specialist as well as on the farm as the Assistant Calf Manager to ensure their young animals receive the best start in life. Her passion for dairy calf management, animal welfare, nutrition and sustainability drives everything she does. Bethany is also deeply involved in industry advocacy through the Dairy Girl Network and the American Dairy Science Association. Her husband, Travis Senn, also works in the dairy industry; and their young daughters are already showing enthusiasm for dairy farming.
Ethan is also dedicated to agriculture. He teaches at Mankato Area Public Schools where he founded their program and chartered an FFA chapter in 2019. He also works as a National FFA facilitator, mentoring future leaders in agriculture. His husband, Chris Danner, works in the dairy industry to promote sustainability initiatives in the agricultural sector. Trent uses his agriculture expertise as an independent dairy farm nutrition consultant and also founded an aquaponics business. His wife, Mickie, is an attorney who balances her legal career with a shared appreciation for agriculture.
Four Hands Holsteins ships their milk to Foremost Farms, where it is transformed into mozzarella and provolone cheese, a true representation of Wisconsin’s dairy excellence. Every decision made is centered on sustainability, innovation and a deep love for dairy farming drive every decision.
Whether it’s implementing new technologies, mentoring young farmers or advocating for the industry, the Dado family remains dedicated to shaping the future of dairy farming—one generation at a time.
The Dado Family of Four Hands Holsteins
Photo credit: Four Hands Holsteins Facebook