Travis Tranel, a 5th generation dairy farmer, grew up on his family’s dairy farm in southern Grant County, near Cuba City. Here Travis learned the value of hard work and the importance of living within one’s means.
It also instilled Travis with an entrepreneurial spirit. He started his first business, T&T Labradors, while still in grade school. For his efforts he was recognized by the Entrepreneur Institute, of Milwaukee, as the Youth Entrepreneur of the Year. While a freshman in High School Travis became a certified WIAA basketball referee and traveled the Southwest Wisconsin area officiating at local middle school and high school basketball games, refereeing over 500 contests.
Today Travis maintains his passion for farming and production through his dairy farm, Tranel Farms USA Inc. Travis got an early start in farming, taking over the farm after his father became ill in 2002. This year will mark Travis’ 5th anniversary of being out on his own. Today the farm milks around 120 cows. Travis, who also farms in close cooperation with much of his family – also all dairy farmers – takes great pride in being able to keep small family dairies alive and viable. In addition to the dairy, Travis also runs a custom square baling operation with his cousin. The business, Fleege Tranel LLC, bales for over 40 farmers in Southwest Wisconsin and Northwest Illinois.
Always having an interest in public service, Travis Tranel ran for the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2008. He worked hard to bring a strong conservative message of lower taxes, a better job atmosphere, and strong Southwest Wisconsin values to the race. After winning a 3 way Republican primary, Travis went on to outperform John McCain in the 49th Assembly District by more than 2,000 votes.
After the 2008 elections Travis returned to dairy farming and took time to explore new entrepreneurial opportunities. He invested in a Cuba City rental property and embarked on a major home renovation project in Maquoketa, Iowa, taking an old run down home and renovating it into a new and improved duplex rental property. In 2009 he was elected to serve on his local parish church council and has recently become a member of the newly formed Southwest Wisconsin Young Professionals organization, a group that helps young area entrepreneurs network and better their communities.
Travis has decided after careful consideration and many conversations with family, friends, small business leaders, fellow farmers, and neighbors that people are looking for better representation in the 49th State Assembly district. Travis has decided to build on the momentum Team Tranel created in 2008 and once again become a candidate for State Representative. He is running to make Southwest Wisconsin a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
He is committed to the principles of lower taxes and more accountable government. Travis believes that jobs are the top priority and we need to work hard to make Wisconsin more attractive to employers. He is a true fiscal conservative that believes we need leadership, not politics.
Travis is a member of several community groups and organizations, including St. Joseph’s parish, in Sinsinawa, where he serves on the Parish Council. His is also a member of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau, Knights of Columbus, National Rifle Association, Ducks Unlimited, Platteville Area Chamber of Commerce, Southwest Wisconsin Young Professionals, and the Grant County Republican Party. Travis is a graduate of Loras College, where he received degrees in economics and finance.
He lives on his family dairy farm, in rural Cuba City, with his wife Stephanie, and their daughter Evelyn.
Special Note: About Travis section photo taken by Alexandria Herbst – aherbstphotography.com
