In Valders, Wisconsin, more than 100 years of dairy history is entering a new chapter at Sunnyside Farms. Todd and Sue Borgwardt have grown an award-winning operation built upon generations with Foremost Farms and have recently made the decision to step back from dairy. They are now transitioning the farm into new hands—those just down the road. At the start of 2026, Rachel and Zak Kenneke, and Greg Gries of nearby Libertyland Farms began renting Sunnyside Farms’ facilities, continuing a close, long-standing connection between the two families.
Alongside their growing farming responsibilities, the Kennekes are also raising two young daughters, embracing this next chapter both as producers and as a young family. As Sunnyside Farms moves forward under new leadership, both families are optimistic about the future and proud to see the farm’s legacy continue.
What makes this transition especially meaningful is how it came together. The opportunity grew from decades of neighborly connection, mutual trust, and shared values. That history includes memories of Todd mentoring Rachel as she showed the Borgwardts’ cows at local fairs as a child. “Later on, Rachel even helped our own son, Bennett, show cows at the fair,” shares Sue Borgwardt. “So it was really cool to see it come full circle.”
Sunnyside Farms carries a proud legacy, earning numerous honors over the years, including a Hall of Fame bull, a class winner at the World Dairy Expo, and multiple Foremost Farms quality awards. These accomplishments reflect the family’s dedication and pride in their herd, values the Kennekes are eager to carry forward.
Today, Sunnyside Farms milks three times a day in a double-8 parlor and ships more than 27,000 pounds of milk daily. A major expansion completed in 1999 helped shape the farm into the expansive operation it is today. Known for producing high-quality cows and strong herd genetics, the Borgwardt family has long emphasized animal care and responsible land stewardship, values they see as essential to their legacy and success as members of Foremost Farms.
In addition to their work at Sunnyside Farms, Rachel and Zak manage roughly 2,500 acres and stay active in cropping, cover crop planting and custom trucking. As they settle into the new operation, they are focused on learning, adapting and growing with new opportunities. “You can have a vision for what you want your business to be,” says Zak. “But you also have to stay open to change and reevaluate as new opportunities come your way.”
One thing that won’t change is Sunnyside Farms’ commitment to its people. With some employees having spent more than 30 years on the farm, the Kennekes are keeping the entire team in place and working to maintain the strong family culture that has long defined the operation. “Many of the great people here are people I’ve known most of my life from growing up nearby, which makes this transition even more meaningful,” shares Rachel.
For the Borgwardts, that continuity means everything. They describe their employees as the heart of the farm, and it means a great deal to them that the entire team will remain in place as Sunnyside Farms moves forward.
As they step into this next phase, Todd plans to stay involved in breeding decisions and farm activities at a reduced pace, while Sue continues working off the farm and supporting the transition.
For the Kennekes, as they continue to embrace this new venture they say they’re also interested in connecting with other next-generation farmers to share ideas, compare operations, and build leadership skills. But above all, they are proud to carry forward what has been built at Sunnyside Farms.
“It’s an honor to continue what they’ve worked so hard to build,” Zak says. “We can’t wait for what the future holds.”
Sue agrees. “What made the transition with Libertyland so great is that they’re like-minded, active in their community, and they treat the land, the animals and their people well,” says Sue Borgwardt. “We have no doubt Zak and Rachel will be successful.”
The story of Sunnyside Farms and Libertyland is a reminder that agriculture continues to evolve—and that strong relationships, trusted teams, and a willingness to grow can help create a strong future for dairy.
