Alltech hosts soccer tournaments in Wisconsin and Michigan to recognize dairy workers

[JUNEAU, Wi.] - Alltech, a global leader in animal health and nutrition, recently hosted soccer tournaments for local dairy workers in Kewaunee, Wisconsin, and Alto, Michigan.

"Our goal is to bring people together by combining two important parts of our community: agriculture and the sport of soccer," said Jorge Delgado, who provides training and talent development for dairy workers as part of the Alltech On-Farm Support People+ program. "The tournaments are designed to recognize, celebrate and thank the hardworking men and women of the dairy and agriculture industries for their dedication and commitment."

The tournaments in both Michigan and Wisconsin illustrated the strong partnership between the dairy industry and the local communities. Included among those competing in the Michigan tournament were teams from SwissLane Dairy, Spring Creek Dairy, Chase Crest Hill Farms, Crossroads Dairy and Willow Point Dairy. In Wisconsin, the tournament featured teams from Ebert Dairy, Dairy Dreams, Tinedale Dairy, Grotegut Dairy, Kinnard Dairy and Pagel's Ponderosa Dairy.

Along with the friendly competition on the field, these soccer tournaments provide an opportunity for local dairy workers, their families, employers, and community members to come together in a positive and welcoming environment.

"We believe that building relationships outside the workplace strengthens the dairy industry by encouraging teamwork, networking and a greater sense of belonging," said Delgado.

The tournaments also support employee appreciation and retention by giving dairy workers an opportunity to relax, relieve stress, enjoy friendly competition, and spend quality time with their families. Dairy farming is physically demanding, and the long hours can be challenging. Feeling valued and appreciated contributes to a stronger, more engaged workforce - and these events are a meaningful way to express gratitude and to recognize dairy employees for everything they do.

For many of those who attended the tournament in Alto, Michigan, the day was especially significant, as it honored the legacy of a fellow dairy worker. SwissLane Farms established the tournament to honor the memory of Sebastian Szymanski, who had worked as a hoof trimmer for the farm and who passed away unexpectedly several years ago. Soccer was one of Sebastian's greatest passions, and he had dreamed of organizing a tournament that would bring together dairy employees, their families and the local community.

To honor that dream and his legacy, SwissLane Farms built the Sebastian Szymanski Memorial Field, and the inaugural memorial soccer tournament made his dream of bringing people together a reality.

One particularly meaningful moment during the event was the dedication of the field. Sebastian's family, friends and coworkers were among those gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony - and in a touching tribute, members of his family cut the ribbon using one of Sebastian's hoof-trimming tools, symbolically honoring both the work he loved and his lasting impact on the people around him.

"Seeing Sebastian's dream of a dairy farm soccer tournament become a reality right here on this field was deeply moving," said Tommy Oesch, partner at SwissLane Farms. "Having our own SwissLane crew, neighboring farms, and Sebastian's high school teammates all playing side-by-side was unforgettable."

Another highlight of the tournament was the participation of Sebastian's former high school soccer team, Lowell High School - who went on to win the championship game. Their victory was a fitting tribute to Sebastian's passion for soccer and an especially meaningful moment for his family, friends and everyone who knew him.

For more information, visit alltech.com.