A Sauk County dairy farmer has been honored by the Dairy Business Association as its 2021 Advocate of the Year. Mitch Breunig of Sauk City, who owns Mystic Valley Dairy, was recognized at this week's virtual Dairy Strong Conference.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in dairy science, Breunig worked for Land O' Lakes as a livestock production specialist before returning to the family farm--which is among the state's top Holstein herds having won numerous Progressive Breeder Awards. He also served as president of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and was recently elected chairman of the Dairy Innovation Hub advisory council for the UW-Madison.

"I work with people who have received [this award] in the past and I can't help but to be inspired by them," Breunig said upon being named as this year's honoree. "They are tremendous people for the dairy industry and have given a lot back."

The Dairy Strong Conference was held January 19-21. The Advocate of the Year is the DBA's most prestigous award given to those who made a large impact on the dairy industry.