Tag: young dairy leaders

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.

 

Young Cooperators Push Priorities on Capitol Hill

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

NMPF welcomed 41 young dairy farmer leaders from 15 states to Washington, D.C. June 3-4 for the 2025 Young Cooperators (YC) Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum. Sponsored by Farm Credit, this year’s event marked the National YC Program’s 75th anniversary.

Attendees participated in policy discussions and advocacy training, including a panel discussion featuring experts in federal and state agricultural policy and a talk with NMPF Executive Committee member and Florida dairy farmer Jacob Larson, who offered insights on leadership and political engagement.

The YC Advisory Council also met with the White House Office of Public Liaison to present their perspectives on key policy priorities, including meaningful agricultural labor reform and expanded access to international dairy markets.

Participants also toured the U.S. Capitol, guided by Rep. Adam Gray, D-CA, who represents the largest dairy-producing district in the country.

YCs finished the fly-in with Capitol Hill meetings with lawmakers and their staffs.

Since 1950, the National YC Program has equipped young dairy farmers with the tools and knowledge to lead. The program offers year-round training and leadership opportunities for farmers under 45 who are part of NMPF member cooperatives. Contact your cooperative to find out how you can get involved, or click here and check the National YC Program box to learn more about the program and stay informed about future events.

Minnesota Dairy Farmers Elected to Lead Young Cooperators Program

Posted on by Theresa Sweeney

Megan and Tim Schrupp, farmer-owners of NexGen Dairy and members of First District Association, were elected by their peers to lead the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program Advisory Council in 2025.

Megan and Tim own and operate NexGen Dairy with Megan’s parents in Eden Valley, Minnesota. The third-generation family farm is home to 1,200 Jersey and Jersey-cross cows producing high-component milk used to make cheddar cheese at First District Association. NexGen Dairy also manages 1,400 acres of crops and has embraced sustainability through on-site solar panels and advanced cow monitoring technologies.

Both Megan and Tim are deeply involved in the dairy industry and their community. Since 2014, they have served on First District Association’s YC board and led initiatives like “Dinner on the Dairy,” connecting farms with their local community. Megan, a dairy veterinarian and graduate of the University of Minnesota, also operates Dairy Performance Service, specializing in dairy medicine and reproduction. Together, the couple are enthusiastic about mentoring youth, leasing dairy cattle to 4-H participants and supporting the future of the dairy industry through leadership and advocacy.

“We are strong advocates for modern family dairy farming and look forward to working with fellow YCs to address challenges, share experiences and strengthen the dairy industry,” the Schrupps said.

Nicole Engelken, an Iowa dairy farmer and Prairie Farms member-owner, was elected vice chair of the program.

The National YC Program has provided training and leadership development opportunities to beginning dairy farmers for 75 years. It 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 manages the program 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.

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.