2026 GroundBreakers of the Year

Built from the Ground Up – 2026 GroundBreakers of the Year

Bryanna and Dylan Handel had a non-traditional path to their family farm. It wasn’t passed down; it was built from the ground up.

Starting with a small herd in a rented barn, the Handels set out to create a dairy operation rooted in hard work, thoughtful decision-making and a strong connection to their rural community.

Over time, that vision has grown into B. Kurt Dairy, a first-generation farm shaped by resilience, innovation and a commitment to sharing agriculture with others.

This unique story helped this Iowa County, Wisconsin couple earn the title of 2026 GroundBreaker of the Year.

The $5,000 award honors young, beginning or small operation farmers who demonstrate resilience, innovation and dedication to advancing agriculture and their local communities.

After purchasing their farmstead from a retiring farmer in 2016, Bryanna and Dylan continued to grow their herd, improve their facilities and build a life around farming with their five children. But their impact extends well beyond their own operation.

In downtown Barneveld, the Handels launched a farm store designed to strengthen local food networks and support fellow producers. The store now features products from more than 30 area farmers, creating new income opportunities and a direct connection between consumers and local agriculture.

“You get to see so many businesses thrive off this one idea. All these farmers are gaining income from this store, which is great because as farmers we need that help to get it to the consumer,” Bryanna said.

Education and outreach are central to their approach. Through farm camps, on-farm markets and educational tours, the Handels regularly open their farm to the community, helping people better understand where their food comes from and what it takes to produce it.

“Whether it’s the farm store or events we do on farm, we do them to help educate people about agriculture and help the community,” Bryanna explained. “We had one kid at farm camp last summer who’d been here a couple times, and he started his own cup garden. His mom texted me and said he started a little pickle business, something he wouldn’t have done without coming to farm camp. It’s great to see that seed planted because he probably would have never been in agriculture.”

Their journey has not been without challenges. When a severe stray voltage issue impacted herd health and drastically reduced milk production, the Handels leaned into collaboration and problem-solving.

They enlisted experts and deployed solutions like rewiring and isolating their farm to minimize the impact. During their journey, the Handels encountered other farmers experiencing stray voltage challenges and helped them navigate their situations. They continue their fight as they engage with state and federal organizations to fund a new USDA study focused on better understanding stray voltage. Their goal is to uncover and correct the source cause so other farmers aren’t faced with stray voltage issues in the future.

“The thing that we’re most proud of is just still being here,” Dylan shared. “We put in a lot of blood, sweat and tears; that’s what makes it our home, that we did all the work. Getting to see our kids grow up and now that they’re getting older, seeing them do more is awesome.”

Through persistence, adaptability and a deep sense of purpose, Bryanna and Dylan Handel exemplify what it means to be a GroundBreaker in agriculture.

2026 GroundBreaker of the Year Honorable Mentions

Two farmers were selected as honorable mentions for the 2026 GroundBreaker of the Year. Read more about each below.

This young farmer brings a data-driven approach to farming, combining on-farm experience with financial analysis to strengthen both his own operation and others across his region. Farming alongside his family in Hills, Minn., he plays an active role in managing crop production while also supporting diversified income streams through off-farm ventures, including a crane business.

Nick also serves as a fieldman for the Southwest Minnesota Farm Business Management Association, where he helps other farmers analyze financial performance and make informed, data-based decisions. His willingness to think beyond traditional models and focus on long-term resilience sets him apart as a leader for the next generation of agriculture

A fifth-generation farmer, this farmer blends tradition with innovation through his commitment to regenerative agriculture and long-term stewardship. He operates a diversified beef and crop farm in Stoughton, Wisc., where he integrates rotational grazing, cover crops and biologically based practices to improve soil health and sustainability.

Karl actively shares his experience through field days and conservation partnerships, helping other farmers learn from both his successes and challenges. His leadership, curiosity and dedication to leaving the land better for the next generation reflect the values at the heart of a GroundBreaker.

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2026 GroundBreakers of the Year

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Karl Sime- Dane County, Wisconsin

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