Paul Lelinski

From City Streets to Green Pastures: The Journey of a Wisconsin Beef Producer

For Paul Lelinski, every day on the farm is a new adventure. "I love going out and doing morning chores because it's a whole new day," he said enthusiastically. The reward of witnessing a newborn calf take its first steps is what keeps him driven. "I get goosebumps just talking about it," he admitted. 

Lelinski's journey to becoming a cattle producer is anything but typical. Growing up in the city of Milwaukee in a family rooted in law enforcement, Lelinski chose a different path. He became a firefighter, drawn to the thrill of being outdoors and the desire to help others. He found a calling on a cattle ranch in Manitoba, Canada. "That's pretty much where I learned the little bit I do know about producing cattle," Paul shared. 

The skills Lelinski developed as a firefighter—attention to detail and a strong work ethic—translated well to life on the farm. "In the fire department, when the need arose, you had to go until it was done. You didn't get to take a break. You just worked," he recalled. "That's how it is on the farm." 

Today, Lelinski manages a herd of 36 cow-calf pairs on 80 acres of land, 10 of which are dedicated to hayfields. Through best management practices and a rotational grazing system, he maintains his herd's health while preserving the pasture's quality. "If I let them wander wherever, I'd have such erosion problems. I wouldn't have the lush grass that I have," he explained. 

One of Lelinski's biggest assets on the farm is his team of herding dogs. A lifelong dog lover, he began training herding dogs in the mid-1990s, which quickly became a passion. "Those four-legged employees of mine make my job a heck of a lot easier," Lelinski said with a smile. Whether it's gathering cattle, sorting them, or loading them into trailers, his dogs play an essential role in the operation. "It's extremely low stress, and I couldn't get done what I do here without them." 

For Lelinski, farming is more than a job; it's a way of life that demands continuous learning and improvement. He seeks advice from fellow producers, UW-Extension experts, and co-op nutrition analysts to refine his practices. "I'm always trying to get as much knowledge as I can to put out the best product that I can as effectively as I can," he said. 

Lelinski's dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of his work. "It's just what I do. I love doing it." With no plans to slow down, he added, "As long as I'm physically able to do it, I can't see me doing anything else." 

Paul Lelinski's story is a testament to passion, resilience, and a love for farming where each new day brings its own set of challenges and rewards.