Bart Mizee April 2010 Personality of the Month

The family’s dairy was established in 1918 by Fred Josi, who immigrated to Tillamook from Switzerland. Three generations later, Bart Mizee married Fred’s granddaughter, Terry Fenk, and began working on the farm.

Bart learned dairying from his father-in-law, Rudy Fenk, and took over the farm after Rudy retired. Now he farms alongside his own son, Kurt, the fourth generation on the farm.

Working on a generational farm has daily rewards, says Bart. “We’re fortunate to be able to work together in harmony. The heritage factor sets our farm apart.”

In 2018, Bart’s family will proudly celebrate 100 years of farming in the Tillamook valley. “Sustainability is a ‘today’ term, but it’s something that’s been practiced here for years,” Bart says. “I am thankful for our forebears and their vision.”

Bart is also proud to be part of the Tillamook County Creamery Association and a producer of the milk that makes delicious Tillamook products. “When we hear from people who have enjoyed our products and see the pleasure they take from what we make, that’s really neat,” he says.

Bart enjoys the variety inherent in farm life, and the opportunity to work outdoors. But the reward for his hard work is a beautiful day in the Tillamook valley: “when things are going well and the animals are healthy, that brings a lot of satisfaction.”