Faith, friendship, farmers, and ‘failure is not an option’; He’s determination personified

A successful businessman, a man of deep faith, a friend to farmers and a force to be reckoned with, Bernie has spent his life helping others. Retirement from Morrissey Insurance, the business he founded, just gave him more time to do it.

Ask Bernie why he works so hard for dairy farmers and America’s children, and his answer is simple: “It’s the right thing to do.”

That pretty well sums up Bernie Morrissey.

Berks County dairy farmer Nelson Troutman, who started the “Drink Whole Milk 97% Fat Free” painted round bale movement, calls Bernie a true friend and went on to share a few observations in his happy 90th birthday salute.

“Brutally honest sometimes, outspoken in a good way, Bernie is a very determined man,” Nelson says. “I am glad he’s my friend, and he is a friend of the farmers.”

The two became partners when Bernie saw the potential in Nelson’s painted round bale sitting in a pasture and helped turn that simple farm-country message into banners and yard signs that spread across Pennsylvania and beyond, helping spark a national, even international, movement.

“I have learned a lot about life and politics from him,” Nelson says. “I value him and his honesty and determination.”

My own thoughts? Well, I have too many to mention. For nearly 20 years, Bernie has been my friend and “partner in crime” (as we say jokingly). We have worked together as volunteers more times than I can count.

America’s schoolchildren have him to thank for whole milk in schools becoming legal again because every good movement needs a stubborn bulldog that doesn’t let go or forget when the battle goes on for years. Bernie has been that, and more.

Bernie has been the wind beneath a lot of wings and at times the fighter pilot that keeps his eye on the mark and doesn’t quit until the job is done.

“His attitude is priceless, there aren’t many like him,” Nelson observes.

Bernie’s advocacy (or shall we say activism) kicked into high gear during the devastating dairy price collapse of 2009. He couldn’t stand by watching farm families struggle, so he started asking questions, attending meetings, challenging policymakers and building relationships with people who could make a difference.

Dieter Krieg, who has known Bernie for about 50 years, nominated him for the Pennsylvania Dairy Service Award he received in February.

“You’ll have a very hard time finding a man with tenacity and integrity as outstanding as Bernie Morrissey’s,” Dieter said. “If he believes in something strongly enough, he’s going to be the best ally you’re going to find.”

As chairman of the Grassroots Pennsylvania Dairy Advisory Committee, Bernie brought farmers, health professionals, school foodservice representatives and others together to fight for whole milk in schools.

Tricia Adams of Hoffman Family Farm in Potter County says Bernie reminds her of her late father, Dale Hoffman. “Bernie doesn’t like to fool around, he wants to get things done, and he truly listens. He doesn’t just talk about helping farmers — he does it.”

And he doesn’t forget his friends.

For years, Bernie worked alongside Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson and a grassroots volunteer army of farmers and collaborators to restore whole milk as an option in schools. Through setbacks and delays, Bernie had a standing message for lawmakers: Get it passed “while I’m still here.”

Well, Bernie, you made it! On January 14, 2026, the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was signed into law, restoring whole and 2% milk as options in school meals after more than 15 years of federal restrictions. What a 90th birthday present!

Don’t expect Bernie to hang up his advocacy hat. At a May celebration of the victory, he was already talking about the next challenge. “We finished up the first phase,” he told the gathering. “Now we’re on to phase two.”

That’s Bernie. Celebrate the victory, thank the Lord, and get back to work!

Those of us who have worked alongside him know the phone calls, the ideas, the meetings, the visits, the petitions, the rallies — and that unmistakable determination. When he calls with an idea, you’d better be ready, because chances are he’s already figured out how you’re going to help!

His faith is at the center of it all. Asked what guides him, Bernie said: “My love of God, family and neighbors, including farmers. They are hard-working people, and they are also my friends.”

One needs only to hear him sing the Lord’s Prayer or lead a gathering in a hymn like How Great Thou Art to feel the faith that is at the center of it all for Bernie.

Birthday greetings are coming from Washington, too!

Things may be in high gear on Capitol Hill, but House Ag Chairman GT took time to send us a “huge Happy Birthday for Bernie!”

Nelson once teased Bernie that he was “in the short rows,” a farmer’s way of saying he’s getting near the end of the field.

Well, at 90, Bernie might be in the short rows, but he’s still got the tractor in gear.

So here’s to Bernie Morrissey — friend, fighter, man of deep faith, straight shooter, encourager, taskmaster, bulldog for good, and a man who reminds us that one determined person can make a mighty difference.

Happy 90th birthday, Bernie! Keep fighting the good fight but also take time to relax knowing you have made a huge difference in the lives of others, and that includes me.

Farmers are glad you are in their corner. America’s schoolchildren are glad you worked so hard to help get whole milk choice back in schools. And we are glad and proud to call you friend.

Anyone wanting to send Bernie birthday greetings, well wishes and kind thoughts will be interested to know he lives on Inspiration Boulevard. Makes sense, right?

Mail them to:

• Bernard C. Morrissey,
• 101 Inspiration Blvd., Apt. F 101
• Shillington, PA 19607