The Tuls family believes in investing in future generations. That’s why Tuls Dairies — with farms in Nebraska and Wisconsin — returns approximately 10 percent of net earnings to the community and to programs geared toward helping youth.
Todd sums up the family’s philosophy simply, “We believe it’s important to invest in the next generation. We invest in the younger generation to help them achieve. “
Community contributions that support youth take many forms. Local libraries and reading campaigns that encourage kids to learn have benefitted from contributions from Tuls Dairies. They frequently seek out community projects that support youth activities such as local sports fields. Tuls is a consistent supporter of youth-oriented programs and organizations, especially those that also focus on agriculture like 4-H and FFA. On a larger scale, Tuls Dairies assists efforts that provide teens with an outlet to seek help for any of the problems they face daily through support of a national phone in and online teen help network called The Hope Line.
Often efforts focus on community projects. For example, Tuls Dairies has actively supported the repurposing of a former YMCA building in Columbus Nebraska into a contemporary worship venue that includes recreational facilities like basketball and tennis courts and offers a variety of youth programs.
At Double Dutch Dairy much of the money spent operating the dairy benefits local businesses. Double Dutch Dairy and the nearby Butler County Dairy annually spend between $2 and $3 million on hay, most of which is grown locally. The dairies spend more than $10 million in local grain purchased, including canola, corn, corn gluten, soybean meal and other supplements. Millions more is spent on maintenance and upkeep, benefitting local veterinarians, electricians, welders and plumbers. Approximately a dozen local farmers collaborate with Double Dutch Dairy on nutrient management. Double Dutch’s 70 employees earn family-sustaining incomes and live in the area, helping support the local economy.
Todd Tuls and everyone at Tuls Dairies believe that contributing to the community is an investment in the future and in future generations.