As we celebrate Dairy Month this June, we'd like to introduce Bob and Shelly Hart—two members of our Wisconsin team whose journey from dairy farmers to Auction Coordinators perfectly embodies what makes Steffes Group special. Their deep roots in the dairy industry haven't just made them skilled professionals; they've made them compassionate guides for farming families facing one of life's biggest transitions.

Getting Their Start

Ever since the beginning, Shelly has always considered the barn her second home. Both of her parents came from dairy farm backgrounds and started Pine Knoll Farms in 1978. Daily chores and care of the cattle were expected as well as appreciated. At the age of 6, Shelly continued in the family tradition of showing cattle. After high school, she earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in Dairy Science. 

In Dover, MN on a 30-cow registered Holstein and Guernsey dairy operation is where Bob got his start in the industry. In his youth, Bob helped with feedings and milkings as well as exhibiting dairy cattle, which led him to a career as a dairy cattle fitter, getting cattle ready for shows and sales across the nation, later leading him to dairy auctions where he would complete sales and herd dispersals for numerous auction companies. 

Pine Knoll Farms

Bob and Shelly reside in Galesville, WI, on Shelly’s family farm, Pine Knoll Farms. The 120-acre farm milked 50 Registered and Brown Swiss cattle in a 50-cow tie stall barn until 2017. “Our dairy was a family team consisting of Bob, myself, and my mom, Linda,” Shelly said.  Bob managed all the crop acreage, milking, and feeding programs, while Shelly’s responsibilities included care of the young stock and show heifers. Together, they were all knowledgeable in all areas to fulfill the farming tasks at hand. 

Bob and Shelly were asked, “What are some of your favorite memories or stories from the dairy?” To which they said, “Being able to share our farming successes as a team. It was and will remain a team effort to continue the farming operation at Pine Knoll Farms.”

 

Tying Two Industries Together

“The auction industry has always been a part of our lives.” Says Shelly. At a young age, both enjoyed traveling and purchasing cattle from live auctions. “Bob and I first met working at an auction in 1997!”

Every dairy farming family eventually faces crossroads, and for the Harts, that moment came when they had to choose between expanding and remodeling or selling. With market conditions favorable and Linda nearing retirement, they made the difficult decision to sell their dairy herd.

What happened next speaks volumes about the respect they had earned in their community. Although they considered having an auction, neighboring farmers approached them directly, wanting to purchase their cattle—a true testament to the quality of their farming practices and the relationships they had built.

Now Bob and Shelly, both Auction Coordinators at Steffes Group, where a majority of their time is dedicated to dairy sales specifically. “We truly enjoy being employed in an ag-related career, as well as working in a great team environment.” As Scott Steffes says, “We want our employees to do what they do best”, and that is exactly what Bob and Shelly are doing.

When asked if their experience in the dairy industry helps or is comforting when working with dairy farmers now, they said, “Having a committed support team and a planned exit strategy was beneficial to a successful transition”. Being able to communicate with sellers using correct terminology depending on the situation, how to work with the livestock, and knowing the markets and general background of the industry makes them a support team for any retiring dairyman. 

 

Life after the Dairy

While transitioning out of daily milking duties was difficult, Bob and Shelly chose to view it as the beginning of life's next chapter. The change has allowed them new freedoms—the ability to travel away from the farm and, as they joke, "go to dinner at a normal time!"

But their connection to dairy farming remains strong. "Dairy Month is a time to celebrate the role of the dairy farmer and the products produced," they emphasize. What they want others to understand about the dairy industry is universal: "All dairymen, whether milking 20 or 20,000 cows, have a common objective—the dairy cow herself. When you provide the best care and management, you reap the highest rewards."

Though they're no longer milking cows themselves, Bob and Shelly remain deeply committed to agriculture and helping others in the industry. They're always ready to assist with transitions and continue supporting family and friends with livestock 4-H and FFA projects, ensuring the next generation learns the values that have guided their own lives.

At Steffes Group, we're proud to have team members like Bob and Shelly—people who don't just bring professional expertise to their roles, but who understand that behind every auction is a family's story, dreams, and lifetime of hard work. Their journey from dairy farmers to trusted advisors perfectly reflects our commitment to serving the agricultural community with both skill and heart.