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Mooney Dairy
Rogersville, MO
Randy Mooney saw the dairy industry weather economic swings, policy shifts, labor challenges, and an evolving consumer marketplace during his 17 years as NMPF chairman.
He has seen farms adapt with new technology and cooperatives evolve how they serve their members, and he has witnessed the growing complexity and demand for nutrition and sustainability worldwide.
And through it all, he credits the industry’s progress not to individual leadership, but to the persistence of farmers who continue to show up, speak up, and work together to move dairy forward.
“The industry doesn’t stand still and neither can we,” said Mooney, who operates Mooney Dairy along with his wife, Jan, near Rogersville, MO. “Farmers are always adapting, whether anyone notices or not.”
Mooney’s rise in cooperative governance came not by seeking leadership, but by participating in member meetings, asking questions, and staying informed, he said. He first became active in his cooperative in the early 1990s; he became DFA’s chairman in 2010. His national activity also increased; he joined NMPF’s board more than two decades ago — becoming chairman in 2008, a position he stepped down from last month.
“I never set out to be chairman,” he said. “I just tried to show up, listen, and do the work that needed doing.”
This approach of remaining focused on listening and steady decision-making characterized Mooney’s time as chairman.
“Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice,” he said. “It’s about making sure every voice gets heard.”
Mooney became NMPF chairman just as the U.S. economy entered The Great Recession. And for dairy, it was even worse — a plunge in prices and wave of rising costs exposed the absence of meaningful risk management programs for dairy farmers.
“The financial crisis made it very apparent that dairy farmers didn’t have effective risk management tools,” he said.
Mooney had to take action to help dairy farmers around the country, rooted in listening to the voices of others. Mooney led the “Foundation for the Future” listening sessions nationwide, which eventually led to the creation of Dairy Margin Coverage and Dairy Revenue Protection.
Federal Milk Marketing Order reform, the years-long outcome of NMPF meetings and leadership that resulted in a plan implemented earlier this year, was another milestone that took place under Mooney’s leadership. This process required a consensus from a diverse group of dairy farmers across the country, with NMPF’s proposals forming the bedrock of the plan.
“It takes time to build consensus in the dairy industry, but we got there,” he said.
Representing dairy on Capitol Hill has been another focus of Mooney’s time as chairman. One of Mooney’s most memorable experiences was providing testimony and advocating for policies important to dairy farmers, he said.
Policy changes don’t happen overnight, he said. “You’ve got to be steady, patient, and clear about what farmers need.”
Looking toward the future, Mooney, who remains as DFA’s chairman and a member of NMPF’s executive committee, feels that consolidation is the biggest challenge ahead for the dairy industry, which makes it important that the interests of both large and small farms are represented. He said he believes this can best be accomplished when younger farmers get involved.
“You have to find a way to get involved. And once you do, it becomes contagious,” he said. “You realize you’re affecting your own future as well as the future of all other dairy farm families, and that motivates you to contribute more.”
Mooney points to the NMPF Young Cooperators Program, as well as cooperative YC programs, as a great opportunity for farmers who are curious and want to look for new opportunities to engage.
“If something doesn’t make sense, ask. That’s how you learn, and that’s how you help the people around you.”
Mooney also believes mentorship is key for developing the next generation. “We’re always going to need new leaders. But they have to be willing to step in.”
As he retires as chairman, Mooney is confident in the organization’s future.
“From a leadership standpoint, I don’t think we could be in a better position,” he said, as Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and fellow DFA member, took the gavel as Chairman during NMPF’s annual meeting in November.
“Brian has been in the room, he’s done the work, and he understands what our farmers are facing. I’ve watched him grow as a leader, and I trust he’ll take this organization exactly where it needs to go.”
Mooney leaves a legacy not defined by titles, but by hard work, consensus-building, and a deep respect for the people he represents: American dairy farmers from across the country.
“It’s farmers who move this industry forward,” he said. “My job was to listen and help us speak with one voice.”
“There’s a lot coming in the industry, but I’m optimistic,” he continued. “Farmers have never backed away from hard work. As long as we stay involved in our co-ops, the dairy industry will stay strong.”
