2021 Young Cooperators Leadership & Development Program

COMMITED TO AMERICA’S FARMERS AND RURAL COMMUNITIES

At Farm Credit, we are dedicated to working in partnership with our customers, as we have for more than 100 years.

Leadership & Development Program Thank you for joining us for the 2021 Young Cooperators (YC) Leadership & Development Program! We are thrilled to be gathered in Las Vegas for this year’s event after nearly two years of virtual programming. We know it’s never easy to step away from the farm, so thank you for your time and attention over the next few days as we tackle some important topics, including workforce development, animal welfare and mental health.

We hope this isn’t the last time you engage with the National YC Program or the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). Join us for monthly webinars and at our two in-person events this coming year: YC Dairy Policy & Legislative Forum June 6 – 8, 2022 - Arlington, VA World Dairy Expo Oct. 6, 2022 - Madison, WI

We look forward to our time together as we do our part to advance the interests of dairy farmers and their cooperatives by providing training and education to the next generation of dairy farmer leaders.

Schedule of Events Sunday, November 14 9:00 – 10:30 AM

YC Advisory Council Breakfast St. Thomas A

10:30 – 12:00 PM

YC Advisory Council Workshop: How to Be an Effective Board of Directors Member Montego A Hank Wagner, Wagner Leadership Training Board members and leaders are a large part of the success of any organization. Every person is loaded with seeds of greatness and those seeds need to be cared for, protected, and developed. This session will be loaded with learning opportunities to help grow and develop. Topics covered include communication skills, how to agree and disagree in tough situations, how our thinking impacts our words and actions and the importance of vision and goal setting.

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Welcome Lunch St. Croix AB

1:00 – 2:30 PM

Managing Your Workforce for Success Mirage Events Center C3 Jorge Delgado, Alltech For employees to be successful on our dairy farms, managers must consider motivational principles that influence an employee’s intrinsic enthusiasm about and drive to accomplish work activities. We must define the desires behind motivation, and then we must create a work environment in which an employee is motivated about their job by resetting the way we structure our dairies around employee management. At the same time, we need to understand that motivation is directly related to the dairy’s mission and vision, as this is the first principle of resetting your dairy to improve employee engagement and motivation. In this presentation we will cover all these principles by analyzing the concept “34-5” on how to motivate your labor force.

2:30 - 3:00 PM

Break Mirage Events Center C3

3:00 – 4:30 PM

Managing Stress and Leading Through Adversity Mirage Events Center C3 Kit Welchin, Welchin Communication Strategies

4:30 – 5:30 PM

Have you ever said that you feel burned out? When physical fatigue and psychological fatigue team up, they can create burnout. To enjoy good health and feel a sense of wellbeing, you must have a good balance with professional productivity, personal recreation, and positive relationships.

In this presentation, attendees will learn the three stages of burnout, thirty proven techniques to relieve stress, twentytime management tips to get more done in less time, five steps to break (or at least manage) procrastination, and how to gain control of your time and your life.

Happy Hour Skyview (30th Floor)

Monday, November 15 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Breakfast Antigua AB

9:30 – 10:30 AM

Consumer Perspectives on Dairy: How Do We Manage the “Great Divide”?

Mirage Events Center C3 Dr. Marina von Keyserlingk, University of British Columbia Concern for the welfare of farm animals is not new, but the last few years have seen increased interest in farm practices.

One of dairy’s core strengths is the positive view that many people have about dairy farming, and the ‘wholesomeness’ of both the milk and the way it is produced. Many consumers believe that cows spend their days grazing green pastures, conveniently turning grass into milk year after year until old age. This strength can also be regarded as a threat if industry practices no longer match evolving public expectations. Every year there are fewer dairy farms, and the ever-decreasing proportion of society that works within this industry will never be able to ‘educate’ the large majority, at least not on all issues, all of the time. Moreover, the famers themselves are part of this rapidly evolving society, and practices that were accepted by past generations as necessary may not seem so to the next generation of producers. This presentation will cover recent work on engaging the public identify methods of care to come into harmony with public expectations.

10:30 - 12:00 PM

Consumer Behavior Panel: Sustainability and Animal Care Mirage Events Center C3 Allyson Perry, Center for Food Integrity How did we, as a society, reach a level of affluence that allows us to sit and ponder our individual “food philosophies”?

As dairy farmers, we know where food comes from but not everyone is as knowledgeable. Join us as we ask local consumers about their perceptions of sustainability and animal care in the dairy industry.

12:00 - 1:00 PM

Lunch Antigua AB

1:00 - 2:00 PM

You’ve Got a Story Worth Telling Mirage Events Center C3 Michele Ruby, Ruby-Do Inc. This session is aimed to help you craft a meaningful message that will leave a lasting impression with any audience.

Whether having a conversation about dairy in-person, via a media interview or through social media, this workshop will provide you with useful tips to successfully communicate with the general public, in an effective and memorable way. Come ready to roll up your sleeves, and learn how to lead with your “why” to help you tell a story that’s as interesting to them.

2:00 - 2:30 PM

Break Mirage Events Center C3

2:30 - 4:00 PM

Ecosystem Service Markets: Navigating a New Revenue Stream for Agriculture Mirage Events Center C3 Chris Kopman and Jamie Vander Molen, Newtrient As more industries and companies seek to green their portfolio, many are looking to agriculture as a key climate solution. Over the past few years, dozens of trading platforms and new markets have come online to transact credits for ecosystem services from technology and practice improvements on the farm, resulting in carbon reductions and water quality improvements. While the emergence of these markets presents tremendous opportunities for agriculture, they also come with significant challenges in navigating the complex, cluttered space. Learn about the top challenges facing farmers when it comes to preparing for and implementing revenue-generating services, and efforts underway to help make these markets more accessible.

4:00 - 5:00 PM 5:00 - 9:30 PM

Break Happy Hour, Dinner and Evening Activities Paradise Café

Tuesday, November 16 Note: Today’s programming is part of the NMPF/National Dairy Board/United Dairy Industry Association Joint Annual Meeting.

8:00 - 11:45 AM

General Session, Part I Mirage Events Center A

12:00 - 1:15 PM

Opening Luncheon Mirage Events Center C1 and C2

1:30 - 5:00 PM

General Session, Part II Mirage Events Center A

6:00 - 7:30 PM

“Welcome to Las Vegas” Cheese Reception Mirage Events Center C1 and C2

Wednesday, November 17 Note: Today’s programming is part of the NMPF/National Dairy Board/United Dairy Industry Association Joint Annual Meeting.

8:00 - 11:45 AM 12:00 - 1:15 PM

General Session, Part III Mirage Events Center A

Box Lunch Mirage Events Center C1 and C2

Speakers Hank Wagner, Wagner Leadership Training Hank is founder of Wagner Leadership Training. He is passionate about helping people be more aware of their potential for success in every area of their lives. Hank is a past president of the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin. He also writes articles for numerous publications and has authored two books. Hank is a frequent speaker across the United States and internationally. He is a certified John Maxwell Team speaker, trainer, mentor, and coach. Hank is also an owner in a fifth-generation family business, and has been practicing leadership principles in family, business, and organizations, for over 30 years.

Jorge Delgado, Alltech Originally from Ecuador, Jorge comes from a family of dairy farmers.

He received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and dairy science from EARTH University in Costa Rica. Afterward, he returned to Ecuador, where he worked in the dairy industry to represent a genetic company through consulting, sales and training. In 2002, Delgado moved to the U.S., where he worked for 10 years on multiple dairies as a herd manager.

He has also worked with Elanco’s Dairy Training Program, focusing on empowering dairy workers. He lives with his family in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Kit Welchin, Welchin Communication Strategies A born public speaker and trainer, Kit began public speaking at the age of 9 in 4-H. By 16, he was organizing and facilitating presentations on leadership, citizenship, community service and motivation for the 4-H and FFA. Kit Welchlin purchased his first manufacturing company at age 21, and by 26 was CEO and Chairman of the Board of three manufacturing companies in three states. He’s been an instructor with the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, where he has been repeatedly nominated Outstanding Faculty. He is a Professional Member of the National Speakers Association.

Dr. Marina von Keyserlingk, UBC Dr. Marina von Keyserlingk is a Professor and Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Chair in Animal Welfare at the University of British Columbia. After growing up on a cattle ranch, she completed her Animal Science degree, followed by a Masters and Ph.D. in cattle nutrition. She worked as a ruminant nutritionist for the animal feed industry for 7 years before returning to UBC to do a post doc in animal welfare and ethics in 2001. Her interdisciplinary approach has focused on identifying measures and ways of improving the lives of animals under our care.

Allyson Perry, Center for Food Integrity Allyson has worked with The Center for Food Integrity in July 2009.

Having grown up on a farm in eastern North Carolina, she is no stranger to agriculture. Allyson worked in the pork industry for 18 years in community, public and government affairs as well as human resources.

While working in the pork industry, she worked with state officials and regulators in seven separate states. She was once a pork producer herself. She is a former member of the Missouri Pork Producers and served on the executive board of the Agribusiness Association of Iowa — the largest association of ag retailers in the nation.

Michele Ruby, Ruby-Do Inc. Michele is a communication consultant whom has conducted communications, media, and crisis trainings nationwide. Ruby has worked in the communications field for over 20 years and was the Director of Communications for Tillamook Cheese, and later, the Dairy Farmers of Oregon. In 2005, she launched Ruby-Do, Inc, a boutique communications firm in Portland, OR, focusing on image-building campaigns, along with issues and crisis management services. Michele’s family has a purebred registered Holstein and Jersey farm in Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley.

Chris Kopman, Newtrient Chris is the General Manager at Newtrient. In this role he is responsible for all financial matters related to Newtrient, and plays a key role in advancing Business Development initiatives. Before coming to Newtrient, Chris was Vice President of Business Services for the Kraft Heinz Company with responsibility for the shared services organization managing the transactions related to the $21B of Net Sales in North America. Over a 16-year career at Kraft, he held various finance roles and spent the majority of his career supporting the Cheese & Dairy business.

Prior to joining Kraft, Chris worked for Caterpillar, Inc.

Jamie Vander Molen, Newtrient Jamie is the Vice President of Sustainability Initiatives & Outreach at Newtrient. In this role Jamie is responsible for leading outreach with Newtrient members and stakeholders and projects to advance technology and practices, ecosystem services markets, manure-based products, and renewable energy markets. Jamie joined Newtrient after beginning her career with Dairy Management Inc. in 2011. In her most recent role, Jamie led communication efforts, translating science and technical information in a way that is understandable and actionable for dairy farmers, policymakers, technology vendors and other partners.

What is the role of the YC Advisory Council?

The Advisory Council helps guide the National YC Program toward its stated mission by providing key information and making recommendations on topics and activities of interest to YCs. The Advisory Council is responsible for sharing topic and speaker recommendations for the YC Leadership & Development Program, the program’s monthly webinars and for the YC Dairy Policy & Legislative Forum.

YC Advisory Council members also have access to supplemental leadership development training opportunities at in-person and virtual events throughout the year.

What are the eligibility requirements to serve as a YC Advisory Council member?

Each NMPF member cooperative is eligible to have at least one seat on NMPF’s YC Advisory Council. To be eligible for participation, the Advisory Council member must meet the following criteria:

• Nomination by NMPF member cooperative • Employment on and/or ownership of a dairy farm that is a member of one of NMPF’s member cooperatives • Approval from member cooperative • 45 years of age or younger

What is the YC Advisory Council Executive Committee?

Every year, the YC Advisory Council elects two leaders from within the group to serve as Chair and Vice Chair. In addition to the responsibilities of the Advisory Council members, the YC Chair and Vice Chair are invited to visit NMPF’s office for a staff meet-and-greet and attend the NMPF Board of Directors Meeting March 8-9, 2022, in Arlington, Virginia. Expenses for the visit will be covered by NMPF. Both members of the Executive Committee are responsible for reporting updates about the National YC Program to the Board of Directors and will be interviewed for NMPF’s Dairy Defined podcast.

Many Thanks!

to members of the 2020-2021 YC Advisory Council

James Weber Chairman Michigan Milk Producers Association Vassar, Michigan Nathan & Angela Wiese Vice Chair FarmFirst Dairy Cooperative Ripon, Wisconsin

Tim Christiansen Second Vice Chair Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. Penn Yan, New York Amanda Button Agri-Mark Clifton Springs, New York

Micah Jr. & Emily Meyers Land O’Lakes, Inc. Lemasters, Pennsylvania Josh Neahring Tillamook Nehalem, Oregon

Josh & Katie Sauter Dairy Farmers of America Cannon Falls, Minnesota

Kris & Chelsea Scheider Foremost Farms USA De Pere, Wisconsin

Brent & Emily Simon Michigan Milk Producers Association Westphalia, Michigan Jason & Tiffany Staehely Northwest Dairy Association Oregon City, Oregon

Justin Watt Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Keymar, Maryland Matthew & Kaley Wolf Dairy Farmers of America Wichita Falls, Texas

Meet the National YC

2022 Advisory council Dustin & Jennifer Brunn Dairy Farmers of America

Alongside his parents, two brothers and their families, Dustin and Jennifer milk 420 cows and farm 600 acres on Brunn Dairy Farm in Horicon, Wisconsin. He is a member of Farm Bureau, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin and the Dodge County Antique Power Club. Dustin enjoys working with and using old tractors, and keeping up with new technologies and innovations.

Sid & Kristin HUls Prairie Farms

Sid and Kristin are third-generation farmers at Udder Hill Dairy in Carthage, Illinois, where they milk 160 cows using a robotic milking system. The two are actively involved in the Mississippi Valley Holstein Club, Illinois Holstein Association and Farm Bureau. In their spare time, Sid enjoys hunting and collecting pedal tractors, and Kristin has her own craft business.

Valerie Lavigne Agri-Mark

Valerie is a dairy farmer in Schaghticoke, New York, where she and her family raise 200 dairy cows, 100 feeder steers, 50 goats and 1,000 turkeys. Unc Brock Inc. also owns two food trucks and a catering business. Valerie enjoys promoting dairy online and is part of NMPF’s Dairy Voice Network, an Agri-Mark YC officer, and a Dairy Engaged Influencer with her regional checkoff program.

Jaime Mowry & Matt Harrington Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. Jaime and Matt work alongside their family at Mowacres Farm II, a 1,500-cow and 1,100-acre dairy farm in Le Roy, New York.

The two are involved in the Genesee County Agricultural Society, Cornell University Pro-Dairy Discussion Group and Farm Bureau.

Together Jaime and Matt enjoy traveling, camping, road trips, and spending time with their three pups.

Kip & Rochelle Siegler

Michigan Milk Producers Association Kip and Rochelle are dairy farmers at Siegler Dairy Farm in Imlay City, Michigan, where they milk 200 cows and farm 1,900 acres.

The two are active in Farm Bureau and recently worked with United Dairy Industry of Michigan to secure a grant that enabled their local high school to provide chocolate milk to students. The Siegler family enjoys promoting agriculture through social media.

Ben Smith

Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Ben farms with his family at Cool Lawn Farm, a dairy in Remington, Virginia milking 780 registered Holsteins and farming 3,000 acres. Ben is active in Farm Bureau, the Virginia Holstein Association, Young Dairy Leader Institute, and Farm Credit’s Young Farmers Advisory Committee. He enjoys cooking, snowboarding, and spending time with friends and his dogs.

Jason & Tiffany Staehely Northwest Dairy Association

Jason and Tiffany are fourth generation dairy farmers at Staehely Valley Veue in Oregon City, Oregon, where they milk 365 cows and farm 300 acres. The Staehely’s farm relies on pasture grazing in the dry season and free stall flush barns during the rainy months. Jason has served as the President and Vice President for Northwest Dairy Association’s YC Program.

Brittany Thurlow Southeast Milk Brittany manages accounting, HR, milk quality, herd management, and community outreach at Nickerson Cattle Company, a 2,500-cow pasture-based dairy in Zolfo Springs, Florida. Brittany serves as Fourth VP of Southeast Milk’s Executive Committee and is a founding member of Free Range 365. The family also owns and operates a hatching egg operation.

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