Tag: next generation

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.

 

Enter to Win! Ayache Explains National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program, Raffle

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

NMPF’s Nicole Ayache explains to Dairy Radio Now listeners how the National Dairy Leadership Scholarship Program supports graduate students enrolled in Master’s or Ph.D. programs who are actively pursuing dairy-related fields of research that directly benefit milk marketing cooperatives and the U.S. dairy industry at large. The scholarship is currently hosting a fundraising raffle to raise money for next year’s applicants. Use this link to enter the raffle by Nov. 12: https://go.rallyup.com/nmpf-raffle-2025/.

Preparing the next generation

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

By Theresa Sweeney-Murphy, Senior Director, Communications & Outreach

This year marks a major milestone for the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) National Young Cooperators (YC) Program as it celebrates its 75th anniversary. Young dairy farmer leaders from across the country are gathered this week in Washington, D.C. to engage with lawmakers, advocate for key dairy issues and continue building the next generation of cooperative leadership.

The multi-day program is a hallmark event for NMPF, providing young cooperators with in-depth insights into current policy issues from subject matter experts. Attendees also receive training in relationship-building with lawmakers, message development and effective communication strategies — skills they then have the opportunity to apply during meetings with members of Congress and their staffs on Capitol Hill.

Drawing from their own experiences, young cooperators will highlight the effects of policy action — and inaction — on their farms during meetings with policymakers. A key priority this year is pushing for agricultural labor reform that provides dairy farmers with access to a stable, legal workforce. They will also advocate for the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, underscoring the nutritional benefits of whole milk for children, and champion efforts to expand reliable export markets for U.S. dairy products.

Now celebrating the 75th year, the YC Program remains firmly rooted in the cooperative values that bring the dairy community together. Since 1950, it has helped shape the next generation of leaders by offering year-round leadership training and educational opportunities for young farmers looking to step into greater roles — on their farms, in their cooperatives, and throughout the industry.

This week’s event reinforces the critical role the YC Program plays in dairy farmer advocacy. As challenges grow more complex, having well-prepared, informed young leaders at the table is more important than ever. Their voices bring real-world insight to policy discussions, ensuring that dairy farmers’ needs are heard and understood by policymakers. Their involvement is essential to shaping sound policies and securing a strong future for the industry.

Beyond this week’s Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum in Washington, the YC Program has more in-person events planned for 2025. Educational sessions will be held October 2 and 3 at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis., followed by the annual Leadership and Development Program, taking place November 9 to 12 in Arlington, Texas.

The National YC Program is open to dairy farmers under the age of 45 who own or work on a farm that’s part of an NMPF member cooperative. To stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities, click here and check the National YC Program box. You can also reach out to your cooperative to learn more about getting involved.

This column originally appeared in Hoard’s Dairyman Intel on June 9, 2025.