Experiencing the White House

WASHINGTON — On Jan. 14, Jamie Witcpalek stood in the White House Oval Office next to President Donald Trump and watched as he signed into law a piece of legislation near to her heart.

“The opportunity to witness the signing of a bill that has been worked on for many years was a win not just for dairy farmers, but for families and children across the country,” Witcpalek said. “Not all children have had access to healthy whole milk or 2% milk, but thanks to the passage of this bill, more children now will.”

Effective immediately, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act puts whole and 2% milk back on the lunch trays of students across America.

“I have been passionate about having whole milk, 2% milk and other options in the schools for quite some time,” Witcpalek said. “As a mom, I try to feed my kids what the farmer grows and what God has created so they are consuming the healthiest options for growth and development.”

Witcpalek and her family operate Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy LLC near Kewaunee, milking about 12,000 cows across five dairies. Witcpalek is a third-generation dairy farmer who farms with her two brothers, JJ and Bryan Pagel.

“Our dad (John Pagel) was an incredible leader in our industry, and I’m doing my very best to follow in his footsteps,” Witcpalek said. “I will proudly carry on his legacy as his daughter, a mom, a dairy farmer and an Edge Dairy Cooperative board member.”

Witcpalek was one of five dairy farmers invited to the White House. She was joined by Tara Vander Dussen of New Mexico, Thomas French of Virginia, Kevin Satterwhite of South Carolina and William Thiele of Pennsylvania.

“When I received the call, I wanted to scream from the rooftops,” Witcpalek said.
“I thought, ‘Wow, I have an invitation to go to the White House for the signing of the whole milk bill. I can’t believe it.’ I was nervous, thrilled and emotional all at the same time.”

The trip was a whirlwind, with Witcpalek receiving a call on a Monday afternoon, flying to Washington that Tuesday, and attending the signing on Wednesday.

A glass bottle filled with whole white milk sat on President Trump’s desk for this first bill signing of the new year.

“It was an incredible experience and honor to be in the same room as our president and some of the most powerful people in our nation,” Witcpalek said. “President Trump was kind, funny and matter of fact. What stood out most was his kindness and engagement with the farmers, especially the children. I got to shake the president’s hand, and he gave me a gift — a Presidential coin.”

Witcpalek also had the opportunity to address the president during the signing and speak about the importance of whole milk.

“We are very grateful and thankful that you passed this bill because it is common sense as to what we should be consuming — whole foods and whole milk — unfortunately, that has not been the case for a few years,” Witcpalek said in her speech.

Witcpalek said she is aware of the work that has gone into advocating and working with legislators on the importance of this bill.

“None of this would have been possible without congressman Tom Tiffany,” Witcpalek said. “He came out to the farm months prior, and we sat down and had a candid conversation about a wide range of agriculture-related topics. During our conversation, Tiffany advocated for the whole milk bill, something we discussed in depth.”

Witcpalek said it was impressive listening to the secretary of agriculture, the secretary of health and human services, and Dr. Ben Carson talk about the facts and importance of this bill during the signing.

“I admire Secretary Rollins and congressman Tiffany for their true commitment and sincerity in wanting to make a difference in agriculture,” she said.

After the signing, Witcpalek said she walked out of the White House on cloud nine and had the opportunity to visit congressman Tiffany and his team in the Capitol building.

Witcpalek said she is filled with overwhelming gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“I had the chance to advocate for the dairy industry, represent farmers, build relationships and be part of something that truly matters,” Witcpalek said. “It was such an unforgettable experience.”