Earl Kehrmeyer: From Wisconsin Farm Boy to Global Genetics Pioneer

Earl Kehrmeyer, born in 1928 in LeRoy, Wisconsin, grew up on a small dairy farm during the Great Depression. His family faced significant hardships, including high-interest loans and poor crop yields due to a prolonged drought. Kehrmeyer recalls the struggles of raising livestock under these conditions, noting that many of their cows did not calve annually, and the mortality rates of their swine were high. Despite these challenges, his mother made sacrifices to provide for their family of nine children.

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Kehrmeyer attended one-room schools, where he learned the value of community and helping others. After completing eighth grade at age 13, he began working on neighboring farms and later at the Crystal Cheese Factory, earning $1 a day. His early work experiences included various jobs, such as driving a truck to collect milk and working at a shoe factory, which instilled a strong work ethic in him.

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At 18, Kehrmeyer enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard, where he trained as a cook and eventually became head cook for a crew of 145. After his service ended in 1947, he returned to Wisconsin, where he sought employment due to his ineligibility for the GI Bill. He secured a position at Klomberg's Bakery, the largest bakery in Dodge County, where he worked long hours and honed his baking skills.

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In the late 1940s, Kehrmeyer shifted his focus to a trucking business with his brother, Vernon. They negotiated a deal with John Dibella to take over milk trucking for Grande Cheese, which allowed them to build a customer base and expand their operations. By the mid-1950s, they transitioned to bulk milk hauling, which improved efficiency and quality for local farmers.

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Kehrmeyer's journey from a struggling farm boy to a pioneer in the genetics marketing industry culminated in the publication of his memoir, *From LeRoy to the World: The Life & Legacy of Earl O. Kehrmeyer*, coinciding with his 98th birthday. His story reflects resilience and adaptability, showcasing how he paved the way for U.S. bull semen and improved genetics to reach global markets.

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In the upcoming continuation of his story, Kehrmeyer will share insights into his marriage, further career developments, and the impact of his work on the genetics industry.

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Kehrmeyer has expressed gratitude for the opportunities he encountered throughout his life, stating, "I always look back to how fortunate we were that John trusted us enough to do the milk trucking for Grande without any note of financing."

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• “I look back to my attending eight years in two different elementary one-room schools as the most important years of my life, as I never had the opportunity to continue in any other school, such as high school or college,” — Earl Kehrmeyer

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• “I was as 'green as grass' and was no more than five foot six inches tall and weighed 120 pounds.” — Earl Kehrmeyer

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• “ They didn't know that I understood German, so from the beginning I was challenged to prove them wrong," Kehrmeyer said.” — Earl Kehrmeyer

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• “In going to bulk hauling, it required less of my time and allowed Vernon to pick up bulk milk throughout the day.” — Earl Kehrmeyer

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