Board Meetings Driven by Dairy Goodness

ON APRIL 11–12, THE NATIONAL Fraternityand the Educational Foundation of Alpha Gamma Rho Boards met for their annual spring meetings someplace new. Typically, the spring meeting discusses important topics such as risk management, leadership education, fi nancials, and chapter operations, depending on the organization. These familiar topics were certainly discussed and given proper attention, but it was the venue of the meeting that was the big topic of discussion and fun. The April National board meetings were held for the fi rst time in Fair Oaks, Indiana at a place known as the “Disneyland of agriculture,” Fair Oaks Farms.

Gathering at Fair Oaks Farms is a breath of fresh air in the country. Located between Chicago and Indianapolis, it is recognized as the No. 1 agriculture tourism destination in the Midwest by combining innovative and sustainable farming, agriculture-inspired attractions, world-class accommodations, mouthwatering catering, and state-of-theart facilities.

It features experiential museums, dairy and pig farm tours, robotic dairy tours, and harvest season activities so visitors can experience joy and enrichment through reconnecting with the land, nurturing their bodies with the food and people they love, and immersing in the innovative e orts to feed our world. This is all done while running one the largest dairy operations in the world.

How did Alpha Gamma Rho National Leaders decide to have their respective board meetings at Fair Oaks Farms? A board member’s suggestion, of course. Brother Donald De Jong of Chi Chapter is on the Educational Foundation Board and Co-Chair of Alpha Gamma Rho's Capital Campaign. He is also Chairman of the Board of Select Dairy co-op, an owner of Fair Oaks Farms.

At a 2022 board meeting, Donald suggested several reasons why Fair Oaks Farms would be a great hosting facility for the meetings. “As the general population continues to move o farms, it’s essential to have a place like ours where families and students can see for themselves the care and e ort farmers put into their animals, land, and community.” He explained, “Fair Oaks Farms is a distinguished venue for agricultural patrons to conduct their events while championing the core values of animal care, food safety, environmental sustainability, and community stewardship.”

Both boards agreed, and one year later Donald hosted National Leaders at the Fair Oaks Farms Milking Parlor for a reception and tour showcasing the robotic milkers that make the operation run with almost no contact between cows and sta Modern agriculture was on display for all. Afterward, the group toured the Experiential Museum completed with fi ne dining by Fair Oaks Farms Top Chefs.

“Fair Oaks Farms is such an impressive, immersive experience, “Grand President Greg Nickerson said. “I have been stopping there on trips to Indianapolis for many years and marvel at how it has grown and evolved. This is a great place to share modern ag’s story.”

While enjoying the venue, many important topics were discussed at both the National Board and Educational Foundation Board meetings. The updates on chapter operations, recruitment, capital campaign, and risk management were some of the key issues discussed. In between those meetings, both boards had a joint informational session that dives into topics that would interest both organizations. North American Interfraternity Conference, CEO (the advocacy association for many Greek Fraternities), Jud Horras, addressed the groups regarding the newest positive research on fraternities.

“We appreciate AGR’s leadership in helping fund this important research,” Horras said. He then explained some of these research fi ndings:

 83% of Fraternity men say confi dence in their leadership skills increased because of membership

 Nearly 80% of Fraternity men report excellent to good mental health and wellbeing

83% of Fraternity men say confi dence in their leadership skills increased because of membership.

Below: The Robotic Dairy facility is home to over 800 cows, which are voluntarily milked 2-3 times daily, depending on need. Production is up to 10% higher than a typical dairy facility.

 Fraternity men are 3 times more likely to obtain an internship while in college

 Almost twice as likely to have a job waiting for them when they graduate

 Nearly 5 times as likely to be satisfi ed with their lives as alumnus

His remarks fit perfectly with the board meetings that focused heavily on “Local Chapter Excellence” and how we can make the brotherhood experience even better.

“Having our spring National Board meetings at Fair Oaks was appropriate for everything Alpha Gamma Rho is about,” said Brother Greg Nickerson, Grand President of the National Board of Directors. “Of course, agriculture is a common thread but there are also parallels with our Local Chapter

Excellence Campaign. The idea of, “excellence,” is in the DNA of both organizations.”

It was evident all the Alpha Gamma Rho leaders felt the presence of excellence at Fair Oaks Farms. From the food to the sta , even to the breath of fresh air, it was excellent.

Next up is the 2023 Leadership Conference in Sacramento, California. National Fraternity leaders and volunteers will meet August 4-6 and discuss key issues facing the Fraternity. Several local brothers are helping to host the meeting. California agriculture will be front and center for the upcoming Alpha Gamma Rho 68th National Convention in 2024.