Tag: national young cooperators

NMPF Brings Board and YCs to Capitol Hill

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

The National Milk Producers Federation combined its board of directors and Young Cooperators for its fly-in to highlight its June board meeting and YC Policy and Legislative Forum, uniting generations of dairy cooperative leadership to advance issues shaping the industry.

“We will push in every way we can to make things happen,” NMPF President & CEO Gregg Doud said.

The board of directors meeting held June 9-10 featured high-level engagement from the administration on trade and agricultural policy. USDA Deputy Secretary Stephen Vaden addressed the board on the department’s priorities and its engagement with the dairy sector, while USTR Ambassador Julie Callahan provided an update on ongoing trade negotiations and market access efforts critical to U.S. dairy exports.

Both presentations underscored the importance of maintaining strong federal partnerships as the industry navigates a complex policy environment.

The meeting also marked two notable additions to the NMPF board and membership. Ted Vander Schaaf of Northwest Dairy Association/Darigold was welcomed as a new board member, while Illinois Farm Bureau joined as NMPF’s newest associate member.

The YC Policy and Legislative Forum ran in tandem with the board meeting, providing the next generation of cooperative leaders an immersive look at federal dairy policy and a chance to put it into action. More than 80 YCs and board members met with about 100 congressional offices on Capitol Hill to advocate directly for dairy farmer priorities including agricultural labor reform, the Farm Bill and New World screwworm.

The joint participation of board members and YCs in the Fly-In reflects NMPF’s commitment to building a pipeline of engaged cooperative leaders ready to carry the industry’s voice to Washington for years to come.

Policy, Outbreak Preparation Drive Interest at World Dairy Expo

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

Federal policy, farmer challenges and preparation for disease outbreak shaped conversations led by NMPF, the National Dairy FARM Program and the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program at World Dairy Expo sessions Oct. 2 in Madison, WI.

The day started with NMPF’s National Young Cooperators Program hosting a panel discussion featuring four dairy farmers who shared how they’re confronting real-time labor challenges through technology, training and people management.

YC Chairperson and First District Association member Dr. Meggan Schrupp shared how her strategy involves finding the right fit for the job, with Land O’Lakes Inc.’s Laura Raatz echoing the importance of cultivating a positive work culture. Rodney Fowler with Michigan Milk Producers Association said technology is a significant change, using robotic milkers and heat-detection technology to better manage his operation. Joel Eigenbrood, chief financial officer for multiple dairies in Michigan and chairman of Foremost Farms USA, shares a similar outlook, underlining the necessity of questioning existing practices and seeking better methods. The panel emphasized the importance of adaptability as the industry continues to evolve.

FARM’s mid-morning panel session gave attendees the latest updates and information on emerging diseases in dairy cattle. NMPF Chief Science Officer Jamie Jonker provided a high-level overview on current outbreaks, setting the stage on how these diseases impact animal health. Land O’Lakes member-owner Mitch Kappelman provided insight from a producer perspective, explaining biosecurity measures he implements on his family’s farm.

“I think the biosecurity issue affects all of us,” said Kappelman. “We all need to do what’s right for our industry, and I think that’s why we’re all here today.”

Dr. Rachel Cumberbatch noted the potential trade implications and barriers when dealing with an outbreak, and how this can impact access to foreign markets. Farmers left the session equipped with new information thanks to Danelle Bickett-Weddle’s presentation on strategies and tools available to producers, highlighting the work done with FARM Biosecurity to prepare producers for an outbreak.

NMPF’s afternoon session featured President & CEO Gregg Doud as part of a panel discussion on Dairy Policy in the Trump Era, with insight on issues such as regulatory rollbacks, ag labor, trade and the push to bring back whole milk.

Associated Milk Producer Inc.’s CEO Sheryl Meshke and Dairy Farmers of America’s farmer-member Brian Rexing joined Doud in the session, which NMPF’s Alan Bjerga moderated. The trio talked about the on-farm effects of recent policy changes, the Make America Healthy Again movement and the potential to capitalize on current challenges.

The night preceding the presentation was highlighted by another recognition: That of previous NMPF President & CEO Jim Mulhern as World Dairy Expo Industry Person of the Year. Mulhern, a Wisconsin native, concluded his tenure leading NMPF at the end of 2023 after a four-decade career in dairy.

Annual Meeting to Reflect Commitment to Policy, Market Improvements

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF’s members are ready to convene next week to review the past year and strategize dairy’s future in Arlington, TX for the organization’s 2025 Joint Annual Meeting held with the United Dairy Board and United Dairy Industry Association.

This year’s theme for the Nov. 10-12 gathering, “Driving Results for Dairy,” reflects policy and promotion group commitment to deliver tangible results for dairy farmers and their cooperatives across the dairy value chain.

Featured speakers include nutrition policy expert Nina Teicholz, author of “The Big Fat Surprise,” and dairy economist Dr. Oral Capps from Texas A&M University. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has also been invited to speak at the meeting.

Other general sessions will focus on immigration policy and what it will take for the dairy sector to achieve meaningful progress to improve the farm labor situation. Another general session will address the trade policy environment, at a time when shifting trade policies are affecting customer relationships around the world. That session will also provide an update on the start of NMPF’s new NEXT export assistance program. Speakers will explore fresh strategies, technologies, and partnerships that can open new revenue streams on the farm in a final general session.

Attendees may attend up to three of six different breakout session topics, including those examining the checkoff’s work with NMPF to ensure consumer sales and trust and how the groups leverage science strategically to secure positive positioning for dairy with key opinion leaders. NMPF-led breakout sessions will share the latest on dairy’s economic outlook for the coming year, along with a session on how farmers can best deal with immigration enforcement issues. More information can be found at the meeting website.  

NMPF Young Cooperators are also part of the event, with a two-day track of YC events and educational sessions. NMPF’s Board of Directors also will elect a new chairman, as current Chair Randy Mooney will be stepping down from that position after 17 years.

This year’s annual meeting Dairy Bar is in a grand ballroom that allows attendees an opportunity to network, meet with our 2025 exhibitors, and enjoy the milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream donated by our Dairy Bar sponsors. The schedule also includes longer breaks to offer attendees more time to connect with each other at the Dairy Bar between sessions.

Young Cooperators Advocate for Dairy’s Priorities on Capitol Hill

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Young dairy farmer leaders from throughout the U.S. met in Washington, D.C. June 5-6 for the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program’s annual Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum, held in conjunction with NMPF’s June Board of Directors meeting.

Forty-nine young and beginning dairy farmers from 21 states and representing ten member cooperatives participated in the two-day event, which included discussions about political engagement and dairy policy issues, along with training on how to be an effective advocate and spokesperson for dairy. YCs then headed to Capitol Hill to speak with members of Congress and their staffs about NMPF priorities including farm bill programs, dairy labeling, common cheese names and market access funding.

“NMPF’s effectiveness in Congress depends heavily on grassroots engagement. With fewer people than ever directly involved in dairy, farmers must continue to punch above their weight to maintain relevance in an increasingly urban Congress,” said Theresa Murphy, YC Program director for NMPF “NMPF’s National YC Program equips them to do just that, providing opportunities to learn background information about the many issues affecting the industry, and empowering them to become—and stay—politically engaged.”

“It’s really important to have our voices heard,” said Lorilee Schultz, this year’s YC chairwoman, in a Dairy Defined Podcast released before the fly-in. “I just want to encourage everybody to know that they can be involved in leadership and make a difference.”

Speakers for this year’s event included Congressman David Valadao, R-CA, Congress’ only dairy farmer and a former YC. Rep. Valadao shared what sparked his interest in politics, how he’s developed as a leader since first being elected to Congress in 2013, why it’s important that dairy farmers are politically engaged, and what he thinks dairy’s biggest challenges will be in the next few years and beyond

YCs also had the opportunity to hear from NMPF Chairman Randy Mooney, a Missouri dairy farmer, about his leadership experience. Mooney shared how he got started, what inspired him to seek out leadership roles and how the skills he’s developed and experiences he’s had as chairman of NMPF and Dairy Farmers of America have enhanced his life.

Since 1950, the National YC Program has provided emerging dairy leaders with a better understanding of issues facing farmers and their cooperatives. The program is open to younger and beginning dairy farmers who own or are employed on a dairy farm that is a member of one of NMPF’s member cooperatives. Click here and check the National YC Program box to stay up to date on program activities.

Dairy’s Future Found in New Markets, New Leaders

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Dairy’s future will be increasingly global and diverse, as emerging markets increase demand and women take on greater leadership roles in the industry, this year’s chairwoman of the NMPF Young Cooperators program said in a dairy defined podcast.

“The U.S. really had a competitive edge, as far as the quality and safety of the products,” said Lorilee Schultz, who milks 60 registered Holsteins and manages more than 200 acres at Mil-R-Mor Farm in Orangeville, IL, said of her time briefly working with the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service. The member of Prairie Farms cooperative is very active in community leadership and has a special interest in teaching kids about agriculture, including interactions with more than 200,000 school children through the Adopt-A-Cow program, a free, years-long virtual experience where students care for a calf and interact with a dairy farmer.

That investment in dairy’s future will also be critical as new leaders emerge through programs such as NMPF’s YCs, which will be in Washington next week for their annual congressional fly-in, she said. Schultz, 38, said one of her messages to lawmakers will be that “If we want to retain the talented young people that we have in our rural communities, we really need to make sure that we’re investing in those communities, making sure we have things like good schools, access to healthcare, quality and affordable childcare.”

And for dairy’s next generation of leadership – especially for women, who are currently under- represented in top industry positions – it’s critical to get involved, Schultz said. “It’s really important to have our voices heard,” she said. “I just want to encourage everybody to know that they can be involved in leadership and make a difference.”

The full podcast is below. You can also find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts. Broadcast outlets may use the MP3 file. Please attribute information to NMPF.

Young Cooperators Convene for Leadership & Development Program

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

In conjunction with NMPF’s annual meeting, more than 75 young dairy farmer leaders met in Las Vegas for the National Young Cooperators (YC) Leadership and Development Program. Producers from 13 member cooperatives participated in two days of professional development training Nov. 14-15. Offerings included:

  • A panel of dairy farmers discussing how they manage workforce challenges;
  • A session on managing stress and leading through adversity;
  • A discussion about bridging the “great divide” between on-farm practices and consumer perceptions;
  • A consumer panel focused on sustainability and animal care;
  • A conversation about communicating with the public about dairy; and
  • A deep dive into ecosystem service markets.

The National YC Program was created in 1950 to provide up-and-coming dairy leaders with a better understanding of issues facing farmers and their cooperatives. The event was sponsored by Farm Credit.

Between now and the program’s capstone Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum in June, the YC program will offer monthly, 45-minute virtual events alternating among dairy-focused webinars, virtual farm tours and industry leader panels. Employees and owners of dairy farms that are members of an NMPF member cooperative and under the age of 45, as well as co-op staff, are invited to participate.

Young Cooperators Convene for Virtual Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

The National Young Cooperators (YC) Program hosted a half-day virtual Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum June 15. The capstone event, typically held in person in conjunction with NMPF’s June Board of Directors meeting, attracted nearly 100 attendees from 14 member cooperatives.

U.S. Representative David Valadao (R-CA) was the keynote speaker for the event, discussing leadership, policy and how his background in dairy inspired his interest in public service. NMPF staff experts contributed to the event and provided an overview of the role of dairy farmers in the policymaking process, updates on dairy policy issues and tips for how to be an effective dairy advocate. In a panel discussion, cooperative leaders and NMPF Board members Jackie Klippenstein of Dairy Farmers of America, Rob Vandenheuvel of California Dairies Inc. and Ken Nobis of Michigan Milk Producers Association shared their perspectives on the importance of dairy farmer leadership in policy discussions.

Now in its 71st year, the National YC Program was created to provide up-and-coming leaders in the dairy industry with a better understanding of issues facing farmers and milk marketing cooperatives. The program’s goal is to educate and build leadership abilities in the next generation of dairy farmers. The virtual event was sponsored by Farm Credit.

The National YC Program will continue to offer monthly, 45-minute virtual webinars covering a variety of dairy policy topics throughout the summer. Employees and owners of dairy farms that are members of an NMPF member cooperative and under the age of 45, as well as co-op staff, are invited to participate.