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Rexing Elected New NMPF Chairman

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

ARLINGTON, TX – Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was chosen as NMPF’s 15th chairman at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting today.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman,” said Rexing in his first remarks after being named to the position by NMPF’s Board of Governors.

“I may be stepping into this role, but it isn’t about me,” he said. “It’s about who we represent, and the future we’re building together.”

Rexing and his wife, Ranell, operate New Generation Dairy, near Owensville, IN milking 1,200 cows and farming 3,500 acres of corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa. Brian is a fourth-generation farmer. Brian and Ranell have four children. He is the Vice President of Evansville Young Dairymen and received the Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year award 2010. In 2021, Brian purchased a meat processing plant with a retail store. Brian is a member of DFA’s Executive Committee.

Rexing succeeds Randy Mooney, who has served as NMPF’s chairman for the past 17 years. Mooney, who also serves as chairman for Dairy Farmers of America, will remain on NMPF’s Executive Committee, which also was elected today.

“It is one of the great honors of my life to work alongside so many dedicated farmer-leaders who care deeply about the future of dairy,” said Mooney. “I’m proud to pass the baton to Brian Rexing — a leader who carries forward the spirit of dedication, vision, and integrity that defines NMPF and our entire industry.”

NMPF’s Officers and Executive Committee will consist of:

  • Chairman Brian Rexing – Dairy Farmers of America
  • 1st Vice Chairman Cricket Jacquier – Agri-Mark
  • 2nd Vice Chairman Simon Vander Woude – California Dairies Inc.
  • Secretary Craig Caballero – United Dairymen of Arizona
  • Treasurer Pete Kappelman – Land O’Lakes
  • Sheryl Meshke – AMPI
  • Rob Vandenheuvel – California Dairies Inc.
  • Melvin Medeiros – Dairy Farmers of America
  • Randy Mooney – Dairy Farmers of America
  • Joel Eigenbrood – Foremost Farms
  • Brian Hemann – Lone Star
  • Jon Cowell – Maola Local Dairies
  • Doug Chapin – Michigan Milk Producers Association
  • Frank Doll – Prairie Farms
  • Jacob Larson – Southeast Milk Inc.

Today concluded the first full day of the Joint Annual Meeting held by NMPF and dairy checkoff organizations the National Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association. The first day is devoted heavily to NMPF governance and director discussions on dairy policy and the future of the industry.

Also at the meeting, NMPF’s Board of Directors approved the organization’s policy positions and elected new members. New board members approved by NMPF delegates, a broader group than the board, include:

  • Amy Humphreys – Northwest Dairy Association
  • Kurt Williams – Lanco Pennland
  • Stephen Mancebo – Land O’Lakes
  • Brian Hemann – Lone Star Milk Producers
  • Will Dyt – California Dairies Inc.

The members awarded Honorary Directors for Life recognition to former NMPF Board members Jim Werkhoven of the Northwest Dairy Association and Joey Fernandes of Land O’Lakes.

The meeting of roughly 750 farmers and industry professionals continues through Wednesday, featuring breakout sessions on industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to the dairy labor challenges.

The annual meeting is also held in conjunction with NMPF’s Young Cooperators Leadership and Development program for younger dairy leaders, as well as NMPF’s annual cheese contest, which will announce winners tomorrow.

 

Rollins to Keynote NMPF Annual Meeting in Arlington, TX on Nov. 11

Posted on by Alan Bjerga

 

ARLINGTON, VA – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will be joining hundreds of dairy farmers and cooperative leaders for a special keynote address during NMPF’s portion of its Joint Annual Meeting with dairy organizations at 9 a.m. tomorrow, Nov. 11, in Arlington, TX.

Rollins was sworn in as the 33rd U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on Feb. 13. Prior to this role, Rollins served as the Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of the America First Policy Institute. During President Trump’s first administration, she was the Director of the Domestic Policy Council and Assistant to the President for Strategic Initiatives in the White House. She also previously served as Director of the Office of American Innovation. In these roles, she developed and managed the domestic policy agenda of the Trump administration.

“Dairy farmers and their cooperatives extend a warm welcome to Brooke Rollins and appreciate the chance to hear from her and speak with her,” Gregg Doud, president & CEO of NMPF, said. “As an energetic advocate for dairy and for all of agriculture, we can’t imagine a more exciting opportunity than to learn more from her on how USDA is building a stronger future for farmers and for the entire nation.”

The keynote will be held at the Loew’s Arlington Hotel as part of the Joint Annual Meeting hosted by NMPF, the National Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association.

The gathering of roughly 750 farmers and industry professionals began yesterday and continues through Wednesday, featuring breakout sessions on industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to dairy labor challenges.

Morris on U.S. Dairy Trade Wins

Posted on by Jessi-Ryah Cordova

NMPF’s Executive Vice President of Trade Policy and Global Affairs Shawna Morris said the federation is thrilled with the announcement from the Trump administration of new trade agreements in Southeast Asia. The agreements were with Malaysia and Cambodia, and new trade agreement frameworks are in place with Thailand and Vietnam.

Trust Defines Dairy Despite Divisions

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Success in a splintered world often comes down to one thing: trust. Farmers are fortunate to have it, and we are proud to keep building it.

Despite misinformation, despite self-interested attempts to separate Americans from the farmers who serve them the safest, most nutritious food in the world on a daily basis, consumer confidence in farmers outstrips other aspects of the U.S. food system. According to the Ketchum Appetite for Change consumer research study, a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults done in July 2025, 79% of Americans trust farmers to “do the right thing” in serving the public, easily the most trust in any single link of the food chain.

That’s more than grocery stores. That’s more than food companies. That’s more than the MAHA movement. It’s a testament to public appreciated for the hard work farmers do every day as the bedrock of nutrition — and in turn, it’s a responsibility farmers take seriously.

This week, the most important gathering of U.S. dairy farmers seeking better public policy for agriculture is taking place in Dallas. The National Milk Producers Federation is honored to serve those who do the right thing for American consumers and looks forward to the change to enhance its leadership in Washington and across the country.

And dairy farmers are proud to be a premier source of nourishment for Americans, and for the world, continuing to earn that trust that’s essential to our splintered-world success.

Kinler Shares Expo Highlights, Previews Annual Meeting

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF Senior Director of Board, State and Member Relations Casey Kinler shares with Dairy Radio Now listeners highlights from NMPF’s sessions at World Dairy Expo in October and teases what’s to come at the 2025 Joint Annual Meeting Nov. 10-12 in Arlington, TX.

Dairy leaders: Honor tradition, create tomorrow

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By Megan and Tim Schrupp, 2025 Chairs for the National Young Cooperators Program

Across America, a new generation of dairy farmers are stepping into leadership roles, bringing innovation, passion, and a fresh perspective to the industry. Driven by a deep devotion to the dairy industry, these emerging leaders are redefining traditional farming with cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices, and are capitalizing on opportunities that foster connection, communication and collaboration within their communities — showing that the next generation of dairy farmers is ready to carry the tradition forward with energy and innovation. Their commitment not only strengthens the agricultural backbone, but also inspires a renewed confidence in rural America.

Supporting them in this endeavor is the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program. Established in 1950 and managed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), the YC Program has dedicated 75 years to training and leadership development for beginning dairy farmers, helping them become effective managers and influential leaders while enhancing the resilience and sustainability of their farms. The program offers a comprehensive suite of educational resources, tools, and support through both in-person and virtual events. It also builds a vibrant national network of peers, allowing young dairy farmers to share experiences, address challenges, and collaborate on solutions. Through this connected community, farmers receive valuable support and guidance as they grow in their roles and contribute to the future of the dairy industry.

This past year, we have been fortunate to have served as the chairpersons of the Advisory Board for the YC Program. Our dairy, NexGen Dairy, is a fourth-generation dairy farm and member-owner of First District Association in central Minnesota. Through our involvement in the YC Program, we have witnessed firsthand the bright future of the dairy industry, meeting numerous young dairy farmers from across the country.

While change and challenges are constant, we feel more than ever that our generation is faced with the requirement for an ever-expanding skill set that goes beyond traditional dairy practices. However, young farmers are rising to the challenge and are not only mastering cow and forage management, genetics, and business operations, but also excelling in employee leadership, advanced technology, and market economics. Many young dairy farmers also actively engage in understanding milk pricing, sustainability, and regulatory changes, ensuring their farms thrive in a competitive environment. They are embracing collaboration and ongoing learning, building strong networks with peers and industry leaders, and creating a supportive community that empowers them to succeed and shape the future of dairy farming with resilience and optimism.

Engaging with fellow young dairymen and women through the YC Program, we have observed the determination, talent, and sense of community that defines this new generation of dairy leaders. Witnessing other dairy farmers’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and regulatory affairs has highlighted for us the promising path forward for our industry as a whole. We, as young farmers, are not only honoring the traditions that built American dairy, but also boldly reimagining its future. With continued investment from groups such as NMPF, focusing on leadership, innovation, and collaboration, the future of dairy farming rests in capable hands — ensuring our industry will continue to nourish and connect communities for generations to come.

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on Nov. 6, 2025.

 

NMPF Summer Internship Now Accepting Applications

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

The National Milk Producers Federation is offering a 10–12-week summer internship in the Washington D.C. metro area. This internship offers students the unique opportunity to better understand the intersection of U.S. dairy industry policy, regulatory affairs, and trade. Interns will have the opportunity to learn from NMPF’s expert staff, covering areas including government relations, regulatory affairs, trade, communications, membership services and the National Dairy FARM Program. More information and the application can be found here. Applications close Dec. 31.

Marks-Yant Joins Economics Team

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF economics department, co-managed with the U.S. Dairy Export Council, in October welcomed its newest staffer Katriel Marks-Yant.

Marks-Yant will serve as the team’s Director of Economic Affairs, leading domestic market analysis.

Prior to joining NMPF, Marks-Yant was an International Economist with USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. She has also worked with NMPF member cooperative Land O’Lakes in international development and government relations functions.

Marks-Yant holds a master’s degree in international economics and international development from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and studied Agricultural Economics at Purdue.

Originally from Carmel, IN, she maintains close ties with her family’s farms in the Midwest.

Michigan Milk, Windemuller Awarded in Annual Communications Contest

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF named Michigan Milk Producers Association Cooperative Communicator of the Year in its annual cooperative communications contest Oct. 15, while Dairy Farmers of America member Paul Windemuller received NMPF’s Farmer Communicator of the Year award.

MMPA won five categories and a ‘Best of Show’ award in the Writing category, while also taking six second place finishes and three third place finishes in the competition, which recognizes the top communications efforts among NMPF’s member cooperatives.

NMPF recognized Windemuller for his active presence in social media and other platforms, serving as a catalyst for consumer curiosity by sharing real-life stories from the farm. Windemuller is an active member for DFA, participating in both its Young Cooperator program and Emerging Leaders program. He also serves as a DFA content creator, enabling farmers to create authentic social media content that highlights the good story of dairy farming. One of Windemuller’s clips, 3 Types of Tech on the Farm, has more than 445,000 views and 300+ comments on his dairy’s Instagram account.

Windemuller also hosts his own podcast, AgCulture, sharing anecdotal experiences, insights and innovations in the agricultural space. He and his wife, Brittany, are first-generation dairy farmers who own and operate Dream Winds Dairy in Coopersville, MI, where they milk approximately 260 cows with a robotic milking system.

NMPF selects the “Best of Show” award from the first-place entries in the contest’s primary areas: publication, writing, graphics and special projects. In addition to MMPA’s recognition in the writing category for its informational feature, “The Low Down on FMMOs,” DFA won the publications category for its “Life on the Farm” special report and in graphics for its smartphone photo, “Caught in the Glow”; Associated Milk Producers Inc. won the special projects category with its Dinner Bell Creamery promotional video, “Meet Our Farmers: The Siewert Family.”

NMPF will also recognize winners at NMPF’s annual meeting next week. A full list of the winners of the NMPF communications contest, which received 102 entries from 11 member cooperatives, can be found here.

FARM Participates in Global Animal Health Conversations

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

The National Dairy Farmers Assuring Responsible Management (FARM) Program discussed shared challenges and opportunities as it co-led a roundtable session comprised of international animal care programs as a precursor to the International Dairy Federation’s 2025 World Dairy Summit in Santiago, Chile.

The roundtable, which began at the summit held in Chicago in 2023, provides a valuable avenue for information sharing and alignment among animal care programs such as FARM.

“The FARM Program advances its mission of continuous improvement by interacting with the dairy industry at a global scale,” Jamie Jonker, NMPF chief science officer, said. “Being recognized as a leader in animal welfare through the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization and the International Organization for Standardization, it’s essential to bring our voice to the table and understand the latest science and technology that’s impacting the industry.”

FARM had the opportunity during the summit to join global industry leaders in sharing experiences and recommendations to shape the future of the dairy sector. The summit’s theme “Nourishing a Sustainable World” highlights key factors emerging in the industry, from sustainable practices to technology, market trends and animal health.

NMPF’s Jamie Jonker and Meggan Hain participated in sessions on topics such as meeting the growing global demand for milk as a great source of protein, working as an industry to adapt to a rapidly changing climate and the importance of engaging the industry in policy and standard discussions.

As science and best practices evolve, the FARM Program’s goal is to continue showing customers and consumers that the U.S. dairy industry is holding itself to the highest standards.

Currently, the program has begun the process of developing its Animal Care Version 2028 program cycle. The NMPF Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee met earlier last month to establish priorities for the FARM Animal Care Task Force to consider during its initial review process. The task force will meet in person this fall with the FARM Farmer Advisory Council during next week’s Joint Annual Meeting.

Annual Meeting Auction Features DMI’s O’Brien

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

This year’s live auction for NMPF scholarships at the annual meeting cheese reception features a top prize of welcoming DMI President and CEO, Barb O’Brien, to work on a dairy farm for a day.

The live auction is set to start at 6:45 p.m. CT on Nov 11. A simultaneous silent auction will be available for bidding at the scholarship booth and during the cheese reception, with prizes to include a holiday cookie box, a pie subscription, a gift box, and more.

NMPF’s online scholarship fundraising raffle is continuing until winners are announced Nov. 12. Prizes this year include American Express gift cards, Target gift cards, a Cabot Creamery Gift Box and more. The raffle can be accessed here.

The NMPF National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program supports master’s degree and doctoral students conducting research important to dairy farmers. The scholarship program is largely funded through the raffle fundraiser, making ticket purchases essential to its funding. Sustaining this program means ensuring that critical research benefiting the entire dairy community can continue.

To learn about this year’s recipients, visit the program’s website.