Tag: YC Leadership and Development Program

Young Dairy Leaders Prepare for Future Board Service at Annual Meeting

Posted on by Rachel Ravencraft

More than 70 young dairy farmers and co-op coordinators representing 12 NMPF member cooperatives met for leadership training during the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program’s annual Leadership and Development Program, held in conjunction with the Joint Annual Meeting.

The professional development event held Nov. 9-11 focused on what it means to serve on a board of directors, with speaker sessions detailing cooperative governance fundamentals, CEO insights on cooperative success, financial fundamentals, ways to manage group conflict, as well as a hands-on workshop about strategic leadership and fostering healthy practices that support long-term business success. The Young Cooperators also got a rundown of the dairy industry in Texas and went on a group tour of the Fort Worth Stockyards, complete with a cattle drive of Texas Longhorns.

YC chairpersons Tim and Megan Schrupp of Eden Valley, MN, helped lead the programming. “Engaging with fellow young dairymen and women through the National YC Program, we have observed the determination, talent, and sense of community that defines this new generation of dairy leaders,” Megan said.

“Continued investment from groups such as NMPF, focusing on leadership, innovation, and collaboration, means that the future of dairy farming rests in capable hands, ensuring our industry will continue to nourish and connect communities for generations to come,” Tim added.

The National YC Program has provided training and leadership development opportunities to beginning dairy farmers for more than 70 years, and aims to provide producers with the education, tools and resources they need to improve their leadership skills, profitability and resilience through year-round virtual and in-person programming.

NMPF runs the program, which is funded by its members with support from Farm Credit, Ever.Ag, Monument Advocacy, Medgene and Agri-Services Agency. The YCs invite 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, to participate.

Young Dairy Leaders Convene for Annual Leadership and Development Program

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Nearly 90 young dairy farmers and co-op coordinators representing 12 NMPF member cooperatives and 23 U.S. states convened for an intensive leadership training during the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program’s annual Leadership and Development Program, held in conjunction with the Joint Annual Meeting.

The professional development event held Oct. 20-21 included a workshop on building skills for effective cooperative governance; a presentation on intergenerational communication; a co-op leadership panel; a session on managing a team and a tour of Danzeisen Dairy, a Phoenix dairy processing company offering milk in glass bottles throughout the Southwest.

“Taking on this leadership role has expanded our perspectives, sharpened our skills and reinforced the importance of working cooperatively as an industry to achieve common goals,” said Chairpersons Matthew and Hannah Lansing of J&K Dairy in Sunnyside, WA. “Through our participation in the YC Program, we’ve gained a strong network of peers who share the same passion and dedication to the future of dairy. The connections we’ve made—both with other young farmers and with industry leaders—have been invaluable.”

The National YC Program has provided training and leadership development opportunities to beginning dairy farmers for more than 70 years, and aims to provide producers with the education, tools and resources they need to improve their leadership skills, profitability and resilience through year-round virtual and in-person programming.

The program is managed by NMPF and funded by its members with support from stakeholders including Farm Credit, Ever.Ag and Monument Advocacy. 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.

Click here for more information and sign up here for program updates.

NMPF’s YC Program Empowers Up-and-Coming Dairy Leaders

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

More 75 younger dairy farmers and co-op coordinators representing 14 NMPF member cooperatives convened for intensive leadership discussions—and a trip to Orlando’s historic Milk District—during the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program’s annual Leadership and Development Program held parallel to the Joint Annual Meeting.

The professional development event held Nov. 12-13 included two leadership workshops; a co-op leadership panel; an overview of dairy production in Florida; and a tour of the largest cow-calf operation in the United States and a visit to Orlando’s historic Milk District.

“It’s truly the people I have met that have made this experience so great,” Lorilee Schultz, Illinois dairy farmer and chairperson of the National YC Program, said in her remarks to the NMPF Board of Directors. “I love hearing from other young dairy producers and learning about the amazing things they are doing on their farms.”

The National YC Program has provided training and leadership development opportunities to beginning dairy farmers for more than 70 years, and aims to provide producers with the education, tools and resources they need to improve their leadership skills, profitability and resilience through year-round virtual and in-person programming.

The program is managed by NMPF and funded by its members with support from stakeholders including Farm Credit, Phibro Animal Health, Ever.Ag, Monument Advocacy, Cornerstone and Viral Nation. 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.

Click here for more information and sign up here for program updates.