Building relationships and fostering a sense of community among employees is critical in any industry, and the dairy sector is no exception.
In a unique and exciting initiative, employees from various dairies in the Green Bay area recently had the opportunity to come together on the soccer field for the inaugural Dairy Employee Soccer Tournament. Organized by Jorge Delgado with Alltech, this event marked a significant first for the dairy industry in this region.
“The main objective is to create an atmosphere of community among these dairy workers so they see the dairy industry and the community as a place where they can stay engaged and motivated outside of work,” Delgado explains, noting that this kind of initiative helps in building a “retention culture” for clients in what can often be a challenging work environment.
Participating Teams
The tournament was packed with excitement, with participants hailing from different Wisconsin dairies. The event featured tremendous participation, enthusiasm and sportsmanship, with the following dairies represented:
- Champion: Kinnard Farms, Casco
- Second Place: Ebert Enterprise, Algoma
- Third Place: Milk Source, Kaukauna
Additional Participants: Breeze Group, Appleton; Wayside Dairy, Greenleaf; and Paramount Calves, Darlington
Beyond the Field
Participating in this tournament was more than just a sporting event. For the employees, it was an opportunity to relax, bond with their colleagues outside of the work environment and nurture a spirit of teamwork and unity. It also promoted physical well-being, with the event being a much-needed break for workers.
To add to the festive atmosphere, a taco food truck was brought to the location, allowing participants and their families to enjoy familiar and delicious food.
Michelle Shambeau, human resource manager for Ebert Enterprise, says Aug. 16 was a day of bringing community, agriculture and families all together at the Alltech Family Dairy Day.
“Alltech did a great job on organizing a fun outing for our and other area farm employees, for that we are very grateful,” she says. “From the thought of signage to food, capturing pictures to team recognition, Jorge thought of it all!”
Recognizing Success and Dedication
The tournament celebrated the hard work and dedication of its participants. The top winners were honored with medals. As expected, some standout individuals showcased exceptional skills and talents, adding to the thrill of the event.
One of the most heartwarming aspects of the tournament was the presence of participants’ families and dairy owners. It was a testament to the strong community spirit and passion for soccer among the dairy employees.
“One of the most important things we saw during the tournament was the presence of their families and many owners of the participating dairies supporting and cheering for their teams,” Delgado says.
Fostering Community and Connection
Ultimately, the event was an opportunity for dairy employees to come together, enjoy themselves and build lasting relationships outside of their everyday work environment. It not only promoted physical activity and teamwork but also strengthened the sense of community among individuals who share a passion for the sport. The inaugural Dairy Employee Soccer Tournament was more than just a game; it was a celebration of community, connection and camaraderie.
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