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Paul Bickford Obituary
Paul Bickford
RIDGEWAY - Paul Bickford, age 69, of Ridgeway, WI, a beloved friend and mentor to many, died in a farm accident on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.
Paul was an innovative organic farmer, a generous teacher, and a kind-hearted friend to countless people across generations and geographies. He began farming with his father Melvin in Sauk County before building the Bickford Farms dairy in Ridgeway in 1978. Paul and his family converted their dairy operations from confinement to grazing 1992, becoming pioneers and advocates for that movement. In the last decade, Paul transitioned to organic grain farming and mentorship, bringing on John and Halee Wepking as partners to ensure the farm's succession and bring new life to its operations as Meadowlark Organics and Community Mill.
Paul was a tireless advocate for organic farming and fostering the next generation of farmers, serving on Wisconsin's Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection's Organic Advisory Council and on the USDA Advisory Committee on Beginning Farmers and Ranchers. His contributions have been many and his legacy is already living on.
Paul's passing is felt deeply by all who knew him. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Melvin and Loretta; and son, Greg.
He is survived by his son, Levi; daughter, Olivia; stepson, Lance and their mother, Cyd; daughter, Michelle; six grandchildren; partner, Nan Fey; siblings: Carol, John, Jim and Bev; business partners/farm family: John and Halee Wepking; and all the Meadowlark Organics team.
A Celebration of Paul's Life and Legacy will be held on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at WHITE OAKS SAVANNAH, 4352 Hwy 23, Dodgeville, WI 53533.
Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home
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Kitty Eelocin
September 19, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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Gorgen-McGinley & Ayers Funeral Home400 East Grace Street, Dodgeville, WI 53533
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