Hi-Tower Farms

Located in Valders, Wisconsin, Hi-Tower Farms is a proud example of generational dedication paired with modern dairy excellence. Founded more than 105 years ago by Ethan Ulness’s great-great-grandfather, the farm has remained family-operated through five generations. Today, Ethan shares ownership with his father and a family friend, applying skills gained through Foremost Farms’ Young Cooperative’s program to help lead a quality, award-winning operation.

Hi-Tower Farms has expanded steadily over the years. Early expansions included adding a parallel parlor and free-stall barn to house 350 cows. A 2015 expansion later increased the herd to approximately 550 cows. The farm milks three times daily, producing roughly 45,000 pounds of milk or about 5,000 gallons each day. Hi-Tower Farms is also fully self-sustaining in feed production, growing all of its own crops across 1,100 acres to support the herd year-round.

Animal care and efficiency are central to the operation. All animals are genomically tested, helping drive genetic progress and herd performance. Ethan focuses on productivity rather than expansion, preferring to refine management practices within their current herd size. “We try to do well at the small things, and it all eventually adds up,” he says.

The farm has embraced technology to enhance efficiency and animal welfare, including activity monitoring systems and feed pusher robots. Sand bedding is refreshed weekly and plans are underway to tunnel ventilate the existing free stall barn. Looking ahead, a new heifer barn is planned within the next two years to further improve animal comfort.

Hi-Tower Farms has a long-standing relationship with Foremost Farms. The Ulness family’s connection to Foremost Farms and Golden Guernsey runs deep, highlighted by the 40-year tenure of Ethan’s uncle, Brian Ullness, who served as a Foremost Farms Field Representative. Brian, who recently retired after decades as the farm’s field man, remains a valued part of the family’s agricultural story. “My uncle says he’s going to be helping out more at the farm,” says Ethan. “We hope to see him out on the tractor one of these days!”

Hi-Tower Farms was among 37 Foremost Farms members to receive the 2025 Superior Quality Award, highlighting its exceptional milk quality, consistency and commitment to animal health.

Ethan is an active participant in the Young Cooperators (YC) Program, a two-year leadership initiative for emerging dairy leaders. The program fosters industry involvement and leadership development among members. Ethan described the experience as transformative, offering insight into how cooperative board members balance decisions that affect both their farms and the broader membership.

“The YC Program opened my eyes to how much thought goes into every decision,” Ethan shares. “It’s helped me grow as a leader and apply those lessons back home.” Through the program, he has improved communication with employees and co-owners, while embracing new ideas. Looking ahead, Ethan hopes to serve as a delegate and, eventually, a board member. His advice to future YC participants: “Go into it with an open mind and embrace it. You’ll learn more than you expect.”

 Blending heritage, innovation, and leadership, Hi-Tower Farms demonstrates that the strength of a family farm lies not only in its history but in its vision for the future.