Milwaukee Magazine | A Sustainable Future for Cattle Ranching

A Sustainable Future for Cattle Ranching

How these Wisconsin cattle producers are passing on sustainable practices to the next generation.

By ARCHER PARQUETTE

When Jerry Huth was 11 years old, his father bought him a couple of Black Angus heifers to show at a 4-H fair. Those cows sparked what would become a lifelong family business. Three years later in 1965, his father bought a farm outside Oakfield, Wisconsin, and took up ranching full-time. Over 60 years, that small operation has grown into Huth Polled Herefords and S&H Livestock Enterprises, a cutting-edge, award-winning ranch with over 400 acres and 150 cows. Almost 60 years later, Jerry is now looking to pass on the business to the next generation.

Growing up, Josh Scharf was friends with Jerry’s two sons and would play at the Huth family’s ranch. In eighth grade, Scharf started helping out a little, working for Huth in the summers through high school. But after graduating college, he took a completely different career path – spending five years as a claims adjuster for an auto company, where he worked long hours.

“My wife and I had two daughters, and one day we just said, ‘What are we doing? We’re spending a fortune on day care. We’re not getting to see our kids.’ So, I quit my job, and I went back to Jerry to see if he needed some help,” Scharf says.

What started as a part-time gig quickly grew, as Huth saw the young man had a knack for the work. “Josh is extremely talented,” Huth says. He brought Scharf on full-time, and then partnered with him to buy a new herd of beef cows.

The ranchers operate a cow-calf operation, which means that every year they breed their cows. Then, the newborn calves graze throughout the warm months, before being sold to different cattle operations around the country where they continue to grow.

Over the years, Huth has been at the forefront of sustainable ranching practices, like rotational grazing. His cows are rotated to different paddocks of grass every day. After they chew the grass down to a healthy length, they’re moved again to allow the grass to grow over time. Through this process, cattle grazing helps to restore nutrients in the soil. Since the grass is constantly growing across his land, it pulls in more carbon from the air. This system of grazing and rest is much like the patterns of other herd animals, like bison and deer, that have been on the land for centuries.

Sustainability isn’t new to cattle producers across the U.S. They have seen these benefits for generations. “It’s good for the soil, good for the cattle, and great for the environment,” Scharf says. “With our model, cattle production is almost carbon neutral. We’re converting a non-edible product, grass, into a healthy, high-protein product with almost no carbon footprint.”

Their work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2022, Huth Polled Herefords and S&H Livestock Enterprises received an environmental sustainability award recognizing their efforts. The award also honored their efforts to keep the nearby Horicon Marsh clean and prevent land erosion. “The environmental aspect of our work is very important to me,” Scharf says.

As of 2017, the ranchers have also been grazing on public land rented from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The land was initially heavily overgrown with invasive woody vegetation that the DNR was burning or attempting to control with herbicides. But when Huth and Scharf began grazing there, within just the first year, they already saw the overgrown vegetation heavily reduced and replaced by the natural prairie grass that the land used to be. Partnerships like this take place across the country, and cattle producers of all kinds have seen similar benefits.

Now, Huth is looking to retire in the next few years and spend the winters somewhere warm, while Scharf is ready to step up, grow his herd, and lead the next generation of grazing at this local ranch. “I think sustainable grazing is the future of farming,” Scharf says. “There are so many benefits environmentally. It’s a great way to feed the world.” ◆

Jerry Huth, left, and Josh Scharf

Cancer Care

Learn more about treating cancer in the Milwaukee area –and find the city’s top oncologists.

ASK A CANCER DOCTOR

Dr. Barbara Buttin is a gynecologic oncologist with City of Hope Cancer Center located on the border of Wisconsin and Illinois. We asked her to share her expertise on diagnosing and treating gynecologic cancers.

Why did you decide to specialize in gynecologic oncology?

My main motivating factor was that my mom had breast cancer. I was in the first year of my residency when she passed away, and I knew I wanted to work in women’s cancer. I always say that I help cancer patients because of my mom. From a scientific perspective, gynecologic oncology is a major frontier that needs more work. At City of Hope, we have the most leading-edge technologies when it comes to cancer medicine. We also have the best supportive medicine team – we have naturopathic physicians and

dietitians that work side by side with us, and I think that makes the biggest difference in survivorship. People come here from other places where they were told they were terminal, and then here they not only beat their cancer but also regain amazing quality of life.

What are some common symptoms of gynecologic cancers?

There are obvious symptoms, but there are also quiet symptoms. Common symptoms of cervical or uterine cancer are abnormal bleeding, pain with periods or sexual intercourse. But subtler symptoms often apply in slightly older women – there’s subtle weight gain, more belly fat, constipation, swollen legs. Women sometimes brush these off and attribute them to normal aging. If these symptoms persist for a month or so, I really encourage women to have an evaluation.

What treatment options are available?

If it’s in early stages and hasn’t spread, the usual treatment is surgery. If it’s spread to lymph nodes and adjacent organs, the treatment becomes much more complex. Oftentimes, treatment will be a combination of radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

What are some of the latest developments in gynecologic oncology?

One development is early detection. Ovarian cancer doesn’t have an effective early screening test, like a pap smear or ultrasound or mammogram, so a lot of research is going into that, and we’re getting closer to detecting ovarian cancer early. There are also treatment trials that are very exciting – they’re helping people fight cancer in its more advanced stages, when it’s much harder to treat. Over the past year, new therapies are also being developed that are less toxic than traditional chemotherapy and can help women live longer.

FIGHTING LEUKEMIA IN MILWAUKEE

Some of the most exciting research in leukemia treatment is happening right here. Milwaukee’s Versiti Blood Research Institute (VRBI) is leading the way in learning more about blood cancers. The team of researchers is currently discovering new treatments that are less damaging to patients’ bodies and can spare their healthy cells. For example, CAR-T therapy modifies a patient’s immune cells so they can recognize and kill tumor cells. They’ve also been developing a treatment that targets the mutations that cause healthy cells to turn cancerous, which would decrease tumor growth while still preserving healthy tissue. Learn more about VRBI’s innovative work on page 70 or online at milwaukeemag.com/ versiti

People with terminal illnesses can find a caring, compassionate home at Cedar Community in West Bend. The hospice services team specializes in providing care for life-limiting illnesses. They work with the families through the transition. Cedar Community provides art and music therapy, massage, pain management and much more for its patients. The team also supports family members with bereavement support and counseling from its social worker and chaplains.

MILWAUKEE’S TOP CANCER DOCS

These highly regarded medical professionals, listed by specialty, come recommended by their peers.

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Jonathan H. Berkoff

Madison Medical Affiliates (Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s – Water Tower Medical Commons), Milwaukee, 414-289-9669

Erin Bishop

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

William H. Bradley

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Elizabeth L. Dickson

Michelson

Aurora BayCare Gynecologic Oncology, Green Bay, 920-288-8208

Scott Kamelle

Aurora Gynecologic Oncology, West Allis, 414-329-5656

Janet Sue Rader

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Brooke A. Schlappe

Aurora Surgery, Milwaukee, 414-329-5656

Denise S. Uyar

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY

Ehab L. Atallah

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

John Burfeind

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Kathryn A. Bylow

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

John A. Charlson

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-805-6800

Francis J. Cuevas

Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Mayfair Road Cancer Care, Wauwatosa, 414-256-1940

Timothy Fenske

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-805-0505

Patrick C. Foy

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-805-3000

Christopher Hake

ProHealth Care – UW Health Cancer Center, Waukesha, 262-696-0909

Mehdi H. Hamadani

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Peter H. Johnson

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center – Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-298-7250

Michael E. Keefe

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center – Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-298-7250

Leena V. Maramattom

Sherman Cancer Center – Ascension SE Wisconsin Hospital – Elmbrook Campus, Brookfield, 262-780-4111

Scott Maul

Aurora Cancer Care, Grafton, 262-329-5000

Laura P. Mcgartland

Aurora Cancer Care, Milwaukee, 414-384-5111

Laura Michaelis

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-805-0505

Colin J. Mooney

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert West Bend Hospital Cancer Center, 262-836-7200

Ranveer K. Nand

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center – Ascension

Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital –Ozaukee Campus, Thiensville, 262-243-7454

Anand D. Patel

Reiman Cancer Center –Ascension Wisconsin Health Center – Rawson Avenue, Franklin, 414-427-6230

Douglas E. Puffer

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center – Ascension

Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital –Ozaukee Campus, Thiensville, 262-243-7454

Rubina Qamar

Aurora Cancer Care, Milwaukee, 414-384-5111

M. Ali Raza

ProHealth Care –UW Health Cancer Center, Mukwonago, 262-696-0909

Antony Ruggeri

Aurora Cancer Care, Milwaukee, 414-384-5111

Varsha V. Shah

Polly and Bill Van Dyke Cancer Center – Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-298-7250

Corey J. Shamah

Aurora Cancer Care, Milwaukee, 414-352-3100

Adam P. Siegel

Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic, Summit, 262-434-8800

Jonathan S. Treisman

Reiman Cancer Center –Ascension Wisconsin Health Center – Rawson Avenue, Franklin, 414-427-2360

Timothy Wassenaar

ProHealth Cancer Center, Oconomowoc, 262-696-0909

Stuart J. Wong

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 414-805-0505

PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY AND ONCOLOGY

Kerri D. Becktell

Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 414-266-2000

Meghen B. Browning Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 414-266-6750

Veronica H. Flood Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 414-257-2424

David A. Margolis

Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 414-266-2681

Nathan J. Schloemer Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 414-266-2420

Richard L. Tower

Children’s Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 414-266-2000

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Manpreet Bedi

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Michael Christensen

Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5050

Joshua K. Elson

Aurora Radiation Oncology, Kenosha, 262-857-5700

Beth A. Erickson

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Selim Firat

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Perry Gould

Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5040

William Hall

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Gregory Kauffmann

Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5040

Jeffrey Kittel

Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5040

Daniel Lindsay

Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5040

Shannon Offerman

Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5040

William Pao

Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5040

Lewis Rosenberg Radiation Oncology Associates, Mequon, 262-241-5040

Christopher J. Schultz

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, 866-680-0505

Craig A. Schulz

Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Ozaukee Campus, Thiensville, 262-243-8384

Monica E. Shukla

Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin – Froedtert Menomonee Falls Hospital, 262-251-1000

Erika L. Swanson

Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital – Ozaukee Campus, Thiensville, 262-243-8384

Ellen L. Ziaja

Aurora Radiation Oncology, Summit, 262-434-1800 ◆

The professionals listed herein were selected by their peers in a survey conducted by Professional Research Services Company of Troy, Michigan. The doctors surveyed and selected were from Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington and Racine counties. Professionals may be screened and selected through the verification of licensing and review of any infractions through various applicable boards, agencies, and rating services. For further information, visit prscom.com or email PRS at sshevin@prscom.com.

Every

. Two bedrooms and two bathrooms

. Luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout the kitchen, dining, and family rooms

. Tile floor bathrooms

. Quartz countertops

. Amish custom cabinetry

. Spacious design–most with wooded views

. Outdoor green space, trails, and lake access

. Intimate courtyard garden

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. Exercise atrium

. Lounge and gathering spaces

. Pet friendly

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. Indoor parking

. Monthly housekeeping

. Internet and basic cable included

. All utilities included (electric, heat, air conditioning, water, sewer, trash)