Who We Are
The Wisconsin Custom Operators is an organization comprised of individuals throughout the state who derive their income in whole or part from providing custom farming services. These services include: forage harvesting (alfalfa and corn silage), forage bagging, baling, tillage, planting, combining, trucking, manure handling, spraying, among other services.
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News & Events
A passion to chop
Posted On: November 20, 2023
The hills of Wisconsin’s Driftless Region were masked in a smoky haze from wildfires burning much farther north. Earlier that morning, it had rained. It wasn’t the best of hay drying days. Even so, by late morning, Ray called and said it was a “go.”
On this particular afternoon, 38-year-old Ray Liska was chopping alfalfa for Ocooch Dairy near Hillsboro, Wis. Chopping forage runs in the sixth-generation farmer’s blood. Between planting and harvesting their own crops, producing broiler chickens, and raising a family, Ray and his wife, Holly, own and operate a successful custom forage harvesting business called Apollo-Vale Enterprizes.
Read the fall issue of the Custom News
Posted On: November 19, 2023
In this issue:
- Feature: A passion to chop, Ray and Holly Liska
- Auction info
- WCO elections and news
From the President's Cab: short but sweet
Posted On: November 19, 2023
This is my last column as president. I still have a few months left in my term, but it’s the last time you’ll see me in this in this section.
We knew my time as your president would be short because I was on the last year of my second term on the board, but like everything, the time has flown by.
It’s been short and sweet. 2023 has been a good year for WCO, not only are we making progress as an association, but we had a chance to influence legislation and make some allies both in the Capitol and with agriculture partners.
Online equipment auction benefits WCO; now accepting consignments
Posted On: November 19, 2023
WCO is proud to announce another online auction, starting in late November through Dec. 12, coordinated by Hansen Auction Group. Consignments are being accepted through November 27. The auction includes machinery typical for custom operators, but virtually all items will be considered.
As an association, WCO is looking for creative ways to maintain a strong financial position. WCO’s investments are slowly recovering and membership is strong, but sponsorships are not as easy to come by due to industry consolidation. In addition, we have ideas for several new programs that could become a reality with additional funds.