Who We Are

At CentralStar we help dairy and beef producers maximize their herds by connecting key farm areas. We offer industry-leading genetics, reproduction services, herd health products, DHI, diagnostic testing, and consulting. As a member of our team, YOU help producers see the whole picture, enabling them to optimize efficiency and profitability. Our team members live in the communities they serve, forming one of the most comprehensive agriculture field services teams in the Midwest.

Jobs at CentralStar Cooperative
professional development fall 2023
Laura Styczynski with customer
Klevgard Jan 8 AIM and Christmas party

Our Culture

Fostering your passion through our FUSION Culture

CentralStar offers a FULFILLING career with a vision that aligns with your goals and principles. We value the UNIQUENESS of every team member and empathy for each other’s thoughts, ideas, and experiences to build camaraderie and a well-rounded team.

SYNERGY and teamwork are vital for supporting our customers and the future of their farms. INDEPENDENCE and accountability help you recognize your role and responsibility, fostering trust within the team.

We invest in OPPORTUNITY for learning and goal achievement, ensuring you have the necessary skills for your career. Our NURTURING environment includes job shadowing, recognition, mentoring, and guidance to support your personal and career growth.

Embracing our FUSION Culture empowers team members to create bright futures and unifies our diverse group into a cohesive team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Our culture is one of passion for our team members, the Ag industry, and producer success.

Jim Suddeth in about 2023
Deanna Rigby summer 2023 SMALL
Matt Staner gradually worked his way up in the company

Perks and Benefits for Full-time Careers

Paid training

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision-insurance options

Flexible-spending account

401 (k) retirement with company match

Sponsored life and long-term-disability insurance

Optional short-term-disability insurance

Team-member Assistance Programs

Continuing-education

Team-member awards program

 Team Member Award Winners 2024

Alicia Vanderpool DHI Specialist of the Year 2025
Andrew Schultz AI Specialist of the Year 2025
Brad Lorge DHI Specialist of the Year 2025
Dan Zernicke AI Specialist of the Year 2025
Denise Wagner Outstanding Effort Award 2025
Eric Gudex AI Specialist of the Year 2025
James Pals DHI Specialist of the Year 2025
Jordan Oehrli First Year DHI Specialist of the Year 2025
Julie Retzlaff Runner Up Team AI Technician of the Year
Liz Van Ruiswijk FUSION Culture and Mentoring Award 2025
Malissa Reed Consultant of the Year 2025
Pieter Koopmans Team AI Technician of the Year 2025
Tyler Freund ASM of the Year 2025

Life at CentralStar

Meet some of our team and hear their stories.

Candidate Journey

Once your application has passed the screening process, and caught the attention of the team, the hiring manager will reach out for next steps.

1. Phone Screening

A member of the hiring team will reach out to discuss potential opportunities and learn more about you, and possibly schedule a first interview.

2. First Interview

You will meet the hiring manager and another member of the CentralStar team to discuss your work experience. This interview will provide a better understanding of the responsibilities and expectations of the role you are interested in.

3. Interview / Job Shadow

This step varies by position and may include an interview or working alongside team members in the role you are applying for. This experience gives you a clearer understanding of the requirements, responsibilities, and FUSION culture at CentralStar.

4. Job Offer

The hiring manager will call you with the job offer and follow up with an email. If you accept the Human Resources team will send you the contract to sign electronically.

Behind the Scenes: Our Team’s Passions

Dan Zernicke

For CentralStar A.I. Specialist Dan Zernicke, supporting the agricultural community doesn’t stop when the workday ends. Whether he’s helping dairy and beef producers succeed on local farms or helping organize one of the area’s treasured county fairs, Dan is committed to serving the people who make agriculture thrive.

Dan has been a member of the Shawano County Agricultural Society, the organization that oversees the Shawano County Fair in Shawano, Wisconsin, for the past four years. Before joining the fair board, he spent two decades serving as livestock chairman, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also actively involved in the fair.

“I decided I wanted to be part of the fair board so I could be involved in all areas of the fair, rather than just one,” Dan says.

That involvement keeps him busy year-round. In addition to helping coordinate summer race nights, Dan and the fair board spend months preparing for the annual Shawano County Fair, which draws thousands of visitors each Labor Day weekend. From working with vendors and coordinating exhibits to supporting livestock events, Dan helps ensure the fair runs smoothly.

Dan Zernicke Shawano County Fair picture 2026

At the heart of his volunteer work is a passion for youth development.

“It gives youth the opportunity to get out and do something meaningful,” he explains. “I really enjoy watching youth grow and mature in their skills and communication.”

That passion closely connects to his work at CentralStar. As an A.I. Specialist, Dan works directly with dairy and beef producers across his territory. Many of the young people he meets on those farms are also involved in the fair.

“Usually, the youth on my farms are almost always involved with the fair in some way,” Dan says. “It gives me a great opportunity to get to know the kids on the farm and then at the fair.”

Over the years, Dan has also developed skills through volunteering that benefit his career. Serving on the fair board has strengthened his communication abilities and taught him how to navigate complex conversations, skills he relies on every day when working with customers.

“When controversy comes up, you have to learn to walk that line,” he says. “Helping people understand why certain decisions are made has really helped me in my career.”

One of Dan’s proudest accomplishments with the fair was helping transform the fairgrounds’ former dairy barn into a modern livestock coliseum. The renovated facility now features artificial turf and improved ventilation, creating a better experience for exhibitors, animals, and visitors alike.

For Dan, community involvement is about more than giving back. It’s about helping others see the value of service.

“Hopefully, it gets people interested in volunteering and serving the community,” he says. “If he can do it, I can do it, too.”

That commitment extends beyond the fairgrounds. Dan also serves as a volunteer firefighter and first responder, further demonstrating his dedication to the community he calls home.

He hopes more people realize that the Shawano County Fair is much more than a weeklong event. The fair serves as a gathering place where local organizations, nonprofits, and volunteers come together to support one another. From FFA chapters and church groups to fire departments and community clubs, many of the fair’s food and beverage stands are operated by volunteers raising funds for important local causes.

“Anything you can do to help out your community is going to benefit everybody, including yourself,” Dan says.

Whether he’s working with producers, mentoring youth, or helping prepare for fair week, Dan’s commitment to service reflects the values that make CentralStar strong: honesty, dedication, and a passion for helping others succeed.