Innovation, perseverance and passion drive Wybrand Vander Dussen’s dairy success
Editor's note: This article was written by Karen Bohnert, Dairy Herd Management. It
was originally published at the following link and is being reshared with permission.
In the heart of La Salle, Colorado, a remarkable dairy legacy continues to unfold.
Wybrand Vander Dussen '21, the 2025 Milk Business Young Producer Award winner, is
not just a testament to the resilience of the dairy industry but a symbol of the perseverance
and passion that have defined his family’s legacy for generations.
The story begins in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where Vander Dussen’s great-grandfather
was a milk peddler, diligently making and selling milk. Fast forward to 2013, and
the Vander Dussen family had relocated from Southern California to Northern Colorado,
driven by their deep roots in the dairy industry. The move was more than just geographical;
it was a strategic step to create a lasting future for the family amid a mature dairy
market.
“At the time, Colorado was advantageous because it was not a mature dairy market,”
fellow dairy producer AJ De Jager shared in a letter of recommendation on behalf of
Vander Dussen. “Mark [Vander Dussen] jumped on this endeavor and developed a beautiful
and functional dairy that he was operating not much long after.”
Overcoming Early Challenges
Vander Dussen’s journey as a young producer was marked by both challenges and growth.
After the unexpected passing of his father, Mark, due to cancer, the family dairy
was managed by his uncle Danny while Vander Dussen completed his animal science studies
at Kansas State University. The summers spent working in the dairy industry laid a
foundation of practical knowledge and experience, preparing him for the responsibilities
he would eventually take on.
“A couple years later, Danny moved off to start his own venture in South Dakota,”
De Jager says. “While he was only a young man a few years out of college, Wybrand
possessed the work ethic and maturity to take over as the leader of the family dairy,
and Prado Dairy has done nothing but excel its trajectory ever since.”
KayCee Lytle with Bank of Colorado who works closely with Vander Dussen and Prado
Dairy says: “Wybrand came back and took over this operation at a really young age.
To have to go through some pretty hard things to get here and being supported by his
family is incredible.”
Embracing Leadership and Innovation
Upon returning from college, Vander Dussen assumed leadership of the dairy, bringing
with him a vision of growth and innovation. He sought to integrate new technologies
to enhance efficiency and cow comfort. This forward-thinking approach included the
installation of rubber flooring for cow comfort and the use of collars for health
monitoring and management, eliminating the need for headlocks.
“We’re going to be doing most of the the tasks, the breedings, the moves, the trims,
all in the milking barn through sort gates, and so we’re not going to have any headlocks
in here,” Vander Dussen says.
Vander Dussen’s quiet leadership, characterized by thoughtful inquiry and strategic
planning, set him apart. His ability to ask the right questions and seek guidance
from family and industry professionals reflects a commitment to continuous learning
and improvement. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as his dedication and innovative
spirit have earned him recognition as a leader among young producers.
It’s a task he’s taking on now with help from his family.
“My uncle taught me how to read cash flows and project your herd inventory and all
sorts of stuff,” Vander Dussen says. “It’s a lot of moving parts, and these larger
operations are really tough to wrap your arms around at times.”
Family and Community: The Heart of the Dairy
The support of Vander Dussen’s family has been pivotal in his journey. His wife, Amber,
and their children are integral to the family dairy, embodying the values of hard
work and community. The Vander Dussens have made it their mission to not only operate
a successful dairy but also provide a nurturing environment for their children, instilling
in them the same passion for agriculture that runs through their veins.
Vander Dussen’s journey, from overcoming profound personal loss to strategically relocating
and innovating Prado Dairy, perfectly embodies the spirit of the 2025 Milk Business
Young Producer Award. His quiet yet determined leadership, marked by a commitment
to embracing technology like rubber flooring and health monitoring collars, alongside
a deep appreciation for family and community, showcases a model for sustainable growth.
As the dairy industry navigates an uncertain future, the Vander Dussen legacy stands
as a powerful testament to resilience, forward-thinking management and the enduring
passion for agriculture, proving that with leaders like him, the future of dairy remains
incredibly bright.