Bob Hagenow’s firm handshake reaches your soul, reflecting his 40-year commitment to transforming the dairy industry. From the show ring to the boardroom, Bob’s servant leadership and genuine passion for helping others succeed have made him a trusted voice and mentor, shaping the future of dairy one connection at a time.

With a firm handshake that reaches your soul and an unwavering commitment to making every interaction count, Bob Hagenow has spent four decades transforming the dairy industry through genuine connections and servant leadership. Growing up on a registered Holstein farm located south of Green Bay, Wisconsin, Bob learned early that success comes from helping others succeed. Whether he’s in the World Dairy Expo show ring, where he’s served as ring steward for 40 years, mentoring young professionals, or solving complex farm challenges, Bob approaches each interaction with the same level of care and attention that has made him one of the industry’s most trusted voices. His philosophy is simple yet profound: “If you don’t have people stepping up, if you don’t have vibrant organizations adding to a community, you don’t have a community.”

A Family Foundation 

The morning mist still lingers over the Holstein dairy farm just south of Green Bay, Wisconsin, where a young Bob Hagenow learned his first lessons about life, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of family. In the barn where his father taught him the value of hard work, Bob recalls those early years with a mix of nostalgia and reverence. 

“Growing up on the farm, you learn quickly that success isn’t just about the work you do – it’s about the people you do it with,” Bob reflects, his voice carrying the warmth of cherished memories. Alongside his sisters Carla Willis Gunst and Amy Ryan, he learned that family ties run as deep as dairy roots. 

Life took an unexpected turn for Bob’s family shortly after he graduated from college in the spring of 1985. The loss of their mother left a void that could have broken many families but instead became a testament to their resilience. At that time, Bob had just started working for the Brown Swiss Association, which limited his ability to support his family directly during this challenging period.
Bob’s grandmother, Naomi Otto (his mother’s mom), emerged as the family’s pillar of strength. Her unwavering support and guidance were crucial in helping Bob’s father navigate life without his wife and caring for young Amy, who was only seven years old.

Amy, born in 1978 when Bob was a sophomore in high school, had always looked up to her older siblings. In the wake of their mother’s passing, the family’s resilience and Grandmother Naomi’s supportive presence became even more crucial. This challenging period, while difficult for Bob to navigate from afar due to his new professional responsibilities, ultimately shaped the strength of character and commitment to others that would define his future contributions to the dairy industry.

“Those early years taught us that nothing is insurmountable if you support each other,” Bob shares, his firm handshake matching the conviction in his voice. The family’s strength grew when their father remarried, bringing two half-brothers into their close-knit circle. Today, one brother captures the beauty of agriculture through innovative drone videography, while the other serves rural communities as an accomplished electrician. 

“Every person has unique gifts,” Bob says, sharing wisdom from watching his blended family flourish. “My father showed us that leadership isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about helping others discover their path while maintaining those core values of hard work, integrity, and commitment to community.” 

This foundation of family resilience and the daily lessons learned in the barn influenced Bob’s belief that success results from assisting others in achieving their goals. This principle would shape his four decades of service to the dairy industry. 

A Philosophy of Service 

On a warm August morning at the Wisconsin State Fair, Bob Hagenow’s voice cuts through the humid air, ringing clear across the show ring as he announces the dairy show. Despite the heat, his enthusiasm is palpable as he weaves educational tidbits between class announcements, helping spectators understand the magic unfolding. The early morning start does little to temper the rising temperatures, but Bob’s engaging commentary captivates the audience, offering a welcome distraction from the summer heat.

“The only way you’re going to reach your goals or objectives in life is to help everybody else around you be successful,” Bob reflects, his eyes lighting up as he shares the philosophy that has guided his four decades of service to the dairy industry. This isn’t just a saying for Bob – it’s a way of life demonstrated through countless hours of volunteer work and mentorship. 

During his 11 years on the Rio Community Schools board, Bob dedicated 5-7 hours monthly to provide governance and oversight, bringing vital private sector perspective to public education. When faced with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership helped develop a three-pronged approach focusing on safety, adaptability, and normalcy for students. 

“If you don’t have people stepping up, if you don’t have vibrant organizations adding to a community, you don’t have a community,” Bob emphasizes, his commitment to service evident in every word. “It’s that simple.” 

His approach to building relationships goes beyond traditional networking. Like a master gardener nurturing seedlings, Bob cultivates connections through trust and genuine care. “Nothing happens without trust,” he often says, citing Stephen M. Covey’s “The Speed of Trust” as a guiding principle in his interactions. When trust is present, he explains, everything moves smoothly; without it, progress slows to a crawl. 

Bob maintains the same philosophy in the show ring at county fairs or board rooms, making crucial decisions: “I learn 25 different things daily.” This perpetual curiosity and willingness to grow have made him a leader and a beloved figure in the dairy community—someone who approaches every handshake to make a difference and touch souls, not just hands. 

Building Trust Through Connection 

Bob Hagenow stands as a pillar of calm amid the controlled chaos of championship classes in the bustling show ring at the World Dairy Expo. His steady presence has guided exhibitors, judges, and fellow volunteers through 40 years of challenges and triumphs. With each firm handshake and direct eye contact, he builds the foundation of trust that has become his trademark. 

As a ring steward at World Dairy Expo, Bob’s calm demeanor proved particularly valuable during the 2024 show, when the threat of H5N1 bird flu created unprecedented challenges. Through countless meetings with health departments and agricultural officials, his steady leadership helped ensure the show continued. Bob assisted the World Dairy Expo staff and Dr. Sheila McGuirk, a renowned veterinarian and long-time contributor to the World Dairy Expo, in implementing robust biosecurity measures and health protocols.

“The quality of the show we pulled off in 2024, despite all the uncertainties with H5N1, was a proud moment for everyone involved behind the scenes,” Bob reflects. “It took a lot of meetings and a lot of effort, but that’s what happens when people trust each other and work together. Dr. McGuirk’s expertise was invaluable in navigating the complex health and safety requirements we faced.”
Bob’s collaboration with Dr. McGuirk, who has been actively involved with the World Dairy Expo since 1983 and was named Industry Person of the Year in 2012, exemplifies the spirit of cooperation that has made the event a cornerstone of the dairy industry. Their combined efforts in addressing the H5N1 challenge demonstrated the Expo’s commitment to animal welfare and public health, ensuring that this vital industry gathering could continue safely despite the unprecedented circumstances.

His commitment to fostering trust extends to his work with youth in the industry. Over four decades, he has written hundreds of letters of recommendation for students, seeing potential in young people and helping them build their futures. In the show ring, he’s judged approximately 350 shows since college, always taking time to make each event a valuable learning experience for young participants.

Learning Never Stops 

In the bustling halls of the World Dairy Expo or the quiet moments before a farm team meeting, Bob Hagenow’s eyes light up with the same infectious enthusiasm he’s carried for over four decades in the dairy industry. “I’m proud almost to admit that the older I get, the dumber I’ve gotten,” he says with a characteristic warm smile. “I learn something or 25 different things every single day”. This perpetual curiosity isn’t just a catchphrase for Bob – it’s a way of life that shapes every interaction. 

Drawing from Stephen M. Covey’s “The Speed of Trust,” Bob has developed a unique approach to building teams and developing leaders. “Nothing happens without trust,” he emphasizes. “When trust is present, everything moves smoothly. Without it, progress slows to a crawl”. His innovative work with the Insights Corporation methodology from Scotland has transformed how farm teams understand themselves and each other. Rather than pigeonholing people into rigid categories, Bob uses a simple color system to help team members recognize their natural styles and gifts.  

What sets Bob apart is his commitment to servant leadership. “The only way you’re going to reach your goals or objectives in life is to help everybody else around you be successful,” he reflects. This philosophy has guided his approach to developing high-functioning, efficient teams where time isn’t wasted “putting out fires”. 

Despite the industry’s constant evolution, Bob maintains the enthusiasm reminiscent of someone just starting their career. “I wish I were 30 years younger,” he says, his eyes excited when discussing emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in dairy management. “The quality of students coming now and understanding some of this and the quick ways they can adapt is enjoyable to watch”.

Industry Innovation and Leadership

Bob Hagenow has driven Vita Plus Corporation’s growth and success for nearly four decades. His journey from nutritionist to regional business manager exemplifies his commitment to innovation and leadership in the dairy industry. 

Bob’s impact on Vita Plus has been transformative. His deep understanding of the dairy marketplace has been instrumental in the company’s significant growth. As a regional business manager, he leads multiple teams and maintains key dealer partnerships while continuing to provide nutrition and business consulting to farm customers. His influence reaches all 400-plus employee-owners at Vita Plus. 

Organizational Development 

Bob played a crucial role in shaping Vita Plus’s corporate culture. He was integral in developing the company’s values statement and spearheaded several employee cultural and leadership development programs. His pioneering work with Insights® Discovery and Crucial Conversations training has fostered the organization’s strong ownership and teamwork culture. 

Research and Innovation 

Bob’s extensive knowledge of dairy nutrition and farm business management has significantly impacted today’s producers. He has successfully implemented numerous company-led and university partnership research projects and on-farm trials. These initiatives have covered a wide range of areas, including: 

• Amino acid nutrition
• Housing developments
• Forage management
• Automated milking system (AMS) technology
• Sustainability practices
• Methane reduction strategies

People Development 

Perhaps Bob’s most enduring legacy is his role as a developer of people. His commitment to customers, extensive cow-side knowledge, farm management expertise, and highly developed communication and team-building skills have benefited countless employees, interns, and dealer staff. This focus on nurturing talent has helped create a strong, knowledgeable workforce. 

Bob’s exceptional contributions to Vita Plus have not gone unnoticed. He is one of only three employees in the company’s 75-year history to receive the Vita Plus Award of Excellence twice, a testament to his enduring impact and leadership. 

Through his innovative approaches, research commitment, and dedication to developing people and processes, Bob Hagenow has consistently demonstrated the qualities of a true industry leader. His work at Vita Plus serves as a model for how individual leadership can drive company-wide success and industry-wide progress.

Community Builder 

In the small town of Rio, Wisconsin, Bob Hagenow’s impact on the local school board resonates, even after his tenure ended in April 2024. For 15 years, Bob’s voice carried through the school board meeting room with the same warmth and conviction he brings to every interaction, helping shape the future of his community’s youth. 

“I pretty quickly could see that our small school district was a unique and vibrant district,” Bob recalls, his eyes lighting up as he shares the moment he first got involved. “It was also clear that a school district needs the community and parents to be involved to remain vibrant.” 

His journey into community service began unexpectedly. “I made the mistake – and I say this tongue in cheek – of attending a couple of school board meetings to see what they were doing for health insurance,” Bob chuckles. Those few meetings led to a conversation with the superintendent and a 15-year commitment that would help shape the district’s future. 

During the challenging times of COVID-19, Bob’s business acumen proved particularly valuable. The board developed a three-pronged approach focusing on safety, adaptability, and normalcy for students. “It’s similar to how we use the Vita Plus values to guide daily professional activities,” Bob explains, “or how farms use their mission statements to guide their work.” 

Even after stepping down from the school board, Bob’s philosophy about community involvement runs deep: “If you don’t have people stepping up, if you don’t have vibrant organizations adding to a community, you don’t have a community. It’s that simple.” This belief drives him to contribute wherever he can, from emceeing dairy breakfasts to announcing at the Wisconsin State Fair, where he weaves educational tidbits between class announcements to help spectators understand the magic unfolding before them. 

“You want to be energized? Do you want to get perspective? Go volunteer somewhere – anywhere,” Bob emphasizes. “It gives you a whole other look at life and fills your cup.” His dedication to community service, exemplified by his long-standing commitment to the Rio Community Schools, inspires others to get involved and make a difference in their local communities. 

Mentoring the Next Generation

Whether in the bustling halls of the World Dairy Expo or during a quiet moment at a county fair dairy show, Bob Hagenow’s commitment to developing future industry leaders shines through. His approach to mentorship extends far beyond traditional teaching—it’s about building confidence, character, and connections that last a lifetime. 

“The only way you’re going to reach your goals or objectives in life is to help everybody else around you be successful,” Bob emphasizes, sharing the philosophy that has guided his decades of youth development work. 

• Has written hundreds of letters of recommendation over twenty years for students competing for scholarships and awards
• Coached numerous dairy judging teams to success at both county and state levels
• Served as board president of the Wisconsin 4-H Dairy Fund
• Has judged dairy shows in over half of Wisconsin counties, always taking time to make each show a learning experience for young participants

As one of the first off-campus advisors for the Badger Dairy Club alongside his wife, Lisa, Bob played a key role in mentoring the next generation of dairy professionals. His dedication to youth development earned him induction into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame in 2020, recognizing his exceptional service and commitment to developing future industry leaders. 

“4-H was very formative to the development of Bob’s leadership skills and ability to work with many people. Skills he has used throughout his lifetime,” notes one colleague. These experiences shaped his belief in the importance of hands-on learning and mentorship. 

His mentoring approach focuses on building trust and fostering growth. “Nothing happens without trust,” Bob often says. Whether instructing at Badger Dairy Camps or conducting team meetings, his goal remains consistent: helping others discover and develop their unique talents while maintaining the core values of hard work, integrity, and commitment to the community. 

A Daughter’s Perspective 

Ashley Hagenow sees her father’s impact on the dairy industry as far beyond his professional achievements. “The definition of success is making others around you successful,” she recalls as one of her dad’s famous sayings—a philosophy he’s embodied throughout his career as a mentor, coach, volunteer, judge, nutritionist, father, and more. 

His dedication to youth development is perhaps best captured in a trademark moment at dairy cattle shows. “If you have had the honor of seeing Dad at a show, one of his favorite things to do is physically crawl (on all fours) under the animal of the winning showperson,” Ashley shares with a smile. “To Dad, this shows the utmost trust and respect that the animal has for their lead person, and the crowd loves this spectacle.” 

From her earliest memories, attending dairy shows was a family affair. While Bob demonstrated his talents as a judge at over 300 county and state fair shows, Ashley and her sister Sarah found their adventures, from purchasing rabbits for 4-H projects to consuming plenty of fair food. His passion for the industry inspired both daughters to become deeply involved in 4-H and FFA, with a special focus on judging and exhibiting dairy cattle. 

“Dad’s coaching style in dairy judging is to make every experience a learning experience,” Ashley reflects. “Whether you earned a 50 in the class or placed the class backwards from the officials, there was always something to learn from each class to improve for the next practice or contest.” 

For Ashley, who followed her father’s footsteps into agriculture and served as Alice in Dairyland, these values of accountability, intentionality, confidence, perseverance, leadership, community, curiosity, and a healthy dose of humor continue to guide her career path – a testament to Bob’s lasting impact on the next generation of dairy leaders. 

Looking to the Future 

In a quiet moment between meetings at the World Dairy Expo, Bob Hagenow’s eyes light up with the enthusiasm of someone just starting their career as he discusses the future of dairy. His contagious passion spreads to everyone in the room as he leans forward in his chair, gesturing animatedly.

“I wish I were 30 years younger,” he says, his voice filled with genuine excitement. “North America has the resources, infrastructure, people, and culture that positions us perfectly to feed the rest of the world.”

His optimism about the industry’s future is grounded in practical experience but fueled by emerging possibilities. 

For Bob, the future isn’t just about technology—it’s about the people who will shape it. “The quality of students coming now and their quick ways to adapt are just enjoyable to watch,” he says, his voice carrying the pride of someone who has dedicated his life to mentoring the next generation. It will be a bright future for a long time.”

The Bottom Line

When you meet Bob Hagenow, that firm handshake – the one that reaches your soul – tells you everything you need to know about the man who has spent four decades improving the dairy industry, one person at a time. His philosophy is succinct: “To reach your goals, help others succeed.” 

In a digital world, Bob’s genuine approach to relationships showcases the power of human connection. That iconic handshake symbolizes more than a greeting—it embodies a promise to make every interaction count, approach each challenge with unwavering integrity, and help others succeed before seeking personal recognition. 

“I hope they would say there’s a guy who always shook my hand with the intent to make a difference and shake with my soul rather than my hand,” Bob reflects on his legacy. This simple statement captures the essence of a man who has transformed countless lives through his commitment to servant leadership, whether in the show ring at the World Dairy Expo, mentoring young professionals, or solving complex farm challenges. 

As the dairy industry continues to evolve with new technologies and challenges, leaders like Bob Hagenow remind us that success isn’t measured just in milk production or profit margins – it’s measured in the lives we touch, the relationships we build, and the difference we make in our communities. His legacy isn’t just about what he’s accomplished; it’s about how he’s inspired others to reach higher, dream bigger, and always remember that nothing happens without trust. 

Next time you shake hands, follow Bob Hagenow’s example. Aim for their soul, not just their hand, to make a lasting connection. That’s how lasting change happens, one handshake at a time. 

Key Takeaways:

• Bob Hagenow has spent over four decades transforming the dairy industry through genuine connections and servant leadership.
• He grew up on a registered Holstein dairy farm in Wisconsin and has been with Vita Plus Corporation for 38 years, rising from nutritionist to regional business manager.
• Bob is known for his firm handshake and commitment to making every interaction count, embodying the philosophy that success comes from helping others succeed.
• He has been a ring steward at the World Dairy Expo for 40 years and has judged approximately 350 dairy shows since college.
• Bob has been instrumental in developing innovative feeding strategies and partnering with universities on research trials.
• He is recognized for his work in youth development, including coaching judging teams, writing recommendation letters, and supporting 4-H and FFA programs.
• Bob served 11 years on the Rio Community Schools board, bringing valuable private sector perspective to public education.
• He has received numerous honors, including induction into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame and the Honorary Recognition Award from UW-Madison’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
• Bob is known for his ability to facilitate difficult conversations and guide people to practical solutions, making him a respected leader in the industry.
• His impact extends beyond professional achievements, as he has mentored countless individuals and contributed significantly to community service and industry promotion.

Summary:

Bob Hagenow, a respected figure in the dairy industry for over four decades. Growing up on a Holstein dairy farm in Wisconsin, Bob has dedicated his career to serving and advancing the dairy community. As a regional business manager at Vita Plus Corporation, he has played a crucial role in the company’s growth and innovation. Bob’s impact extends beyond his professional role, encompassing youth development, community service, and industry leadership. His commitment to mentoring, judging dairy shows, and volunteering at events like World Dairy Expo has earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Wisconsin 4-H Hall of Fame. Known for his firm handshake and genuine approach to relationships, Bob embodies the spirit of servant leadership, consistently prioritizing the success of others over personal recognition.

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