2025 YC Leadership & Development Program

2025 LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Arlington, Texas

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FROM OUR SPONSORS

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Table of Contents About Us 4 From Our Chairpersons 5 YC Leadership & Development Program Schedule of Events

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Family Room Information 7 Joint Annual Meeting Schedule of Events

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Hotel Map 12-13 Speaker Information 14-16 About the YC Advisory Council

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2025 YC Advisory Council 18 Notepaper 19-22 Upcoming Events 23

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Introduction

About the YC Program The National Young Cooperators (YC) Program has provided training and leadership development opportunities to beginning dairy farmers for more than 70 years. The program 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 National YC Program is managed by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and funded by its members and support from stakeholders including Farm Credit, Ever.Ag, Monument Advocacy, Medgene and Agri-Services Agency.

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From Our Chairpersons

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cross 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 passion for the dairy industry, these emerging leaders are redefining traditional farming with cuttingedge 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, 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 National Young Cooperators 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 National 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.

Tim & Megan Schrupp

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2025 Chairpersons National YC Program

YC LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Saturday, November 8

4:00 – 5:30 PM Registration SAGE FOYER – LEVEL 2

Sunday, November 9

7:00 – 8:00 AM

Registration

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 – 9:30 AM

An Introduction to Dairy in the Lone Star State

9:30 – 10:30 AM

Cooperative Governance Fundamentals

10:30 – 11:00 AM

Break

SAGE FOYER – LEVEL 2

RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2) WITH REMARKS FROM MEGAN AND TIM SCHRUPP, NEXGEN DAIRY (FIRST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION)

SAGE – LEVEL 2 NEIL HOFF, NEIL HOFF DAIRY (DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA) Explore the history and ongoing evolution of agriculture and dairy farming in the Lone Star State through the perspective of a Texas dairy farmer. This session will cover the growth of Texas agriculture, highlight the changing demographics of dairy farming and processing, and show how the state has emerged as one of the nation’s top dairy producers. Participants will also gain insight into the unique challenges of producing, processing and transporting milk in the Southwest.

SAGE – LEVEL 2 PETE KAPPELMAN, LAND O’LAKES, INC. Effective governance is at the heart of every successful cooperative. This session will cover the fundamentals of cooperative governance, highlighting the key responsibilities of directors and the expectations that come with serving on a board.

Participants will also learn practical strategies for recruiting, developing and retaining strong directors. Whether you are a current board member, a prospective director or a member who elects the board, you’ll gain essential knowledge to help ensure your cooperative’s board delivers long-term value and success.

SAGE – LEVEL 2 SPONSORED BY AGRI-SERVICES AGENCY

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YC LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Family Room A family room is available for meeting attendees and their families throughout the week in Beauty Berry on Level 2.

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11:00 – 12:00 PM

Strategic Leadership for Dairy Cooperatives

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Lunch

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Strategic Leadership for Dairy Cooperatives (Continued)

3:00 – 3:15 PM

Break

3:15 – 4:15 PM

CEO Insights on What Drives Cooperative Success

4:15 – 5:00 PM

Break

5:00 – 6:30 PM

Welcome Reception with NMPF’s Executive Committee members

SAGE – LEVEL 2 MITCH MAJESKI, PEAK SOLUTIONS Join fellow dairy farmer leaders for an interactive workshop focused on strengthening your board service and expanding your strategic mindset. Through practical frameworks, hands-on exercises and self-reflection activities, you’ll learn to separate governance from day-to-day operations, harness your unique strengths in the boardroom and foster healthy practices that support long-term business success. Walk away with actionable insights to make strategic contributions, ask the right questions and help shape the future of your dairy cooperative.

RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2)

SAGE – LEVEL 2 MITCH MAJESKI, PEAK SOLUTIONS

SAGE – LEVEL 2 MODERATED BY COREY GEIGER, COBANK; PANELISTS TO INCLUDE MATT MCCLELLAND, PRAIRIE FARMS, INC., DAVID LYNN, AGRI-MARK AND SHAWN DYAL, SOUTHEAST MILK INC. What makes the difference between a struggling dairy cooperative and a successful one? In this candid panel discussion, CEOs will share their perspectives on the management and leadership challenges they face, what they need most from their boards and how governance shapes performance. Panelists will explore the traits of high-performing cooperatives and the common pitfalls that can make or break success. Attendees will learn how strong leadership, clear alignment between boards and management, and a shared vision can position cooperatives to serve members effectively and stay competitive in a challenging and dynamic industry.

COWBOY TERRACE – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2) SPONSORED BY MONUMENT ADVOCACY

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YC LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Monday, November 10

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8:00 – 9:00 AM

Breakfast

9:00 – 10:15 AM

Financial Fundamentals for Cooperative Directors

10:15 – 10:45 AM

Break

10:45 – 12:00 PM

Practical Skills for Managing Group Conflict

12:00 – 1:00 PM

Lunch with closing remarks and awards

1:00 – 3:00 PM

Break (NMPF Delegates Meeting 1-3 p.m.)

RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2)

SAGE – LEVEL 2 AMANDA DUROW, COBANK This session will equip Young Cooperators with the financial knowledge needed to strengthen their leadership and governance. Participants will explore how to read and interpret financial statements, evaluate working capital and balance sheets, and understand cooperative equity structures, including capital retains, revolvement periods and the impact of board decisions on member returns and overall financial health. Attendees will gain practical tools to enhance decisionmaking, safeguard dairy cooperative health and prepare for effective board service.

SAGE – LEVEL 2 SPONSORED BY MEDGENE

SAGE – LEVEL 2 HEATH CHEEK, BELL NUNNALLY & MARTIN LLP Conflict is a natural part of working in groups, especially when people bring diverse perspectives, goals and skills to the table. For boards, membership organizations and teams, disagreements can become opportunities for stronger decision-making if managed effectively. This interactive workshop will help participants recognize sources of conflict, learn proven strategies from experienced facilitators and practice resolution skills through role-playing exercises.

RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2) SPONSORED BY FARM CREDIT

YC LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

2:45 PM

Load bus for evening activities

3:00 – 6:00 PM

Tour of the Fort Worth Stockyards

6:00 – 8:30 PM

Reception and Dinner

BUS PICK-UP FROM CONVENTION CENTER PORTE COCHERE/DRIVE

SUPPORT AND REMARKS BY ELIZABETH FRITZ, TEXAS LONGHORN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA SPONSORED BY EVER.AG

SECOND RODEO LevelBREWING One and Two SPONSORED BY EVER.AG

Level One

Lower Level Event Lawn

Use this stairwell to get to the bus

Head ‘em up, move ‘em out!

Lower Level Event Lawn

Busses will leave for our evening activities at 3 p.m. from the Convention Center Porte Cachere/ Drive. To get to the pickup location, go past the Honor and Monument Ballrooms on Level 1 and use the large stairwell to go down to the lower level.

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Monument H

Honor B

Honor A

Monument G

Monument F

Pool Area

Monument E

Pool Bar

Honor C

Honor D

Honor E

Monument D

Honor F

Monument A

Monument B

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Monument C

Restaurant M

You can leave the business attire behind tonight — dinner is casual and boots or comfy shoes are encouraged!

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Lobby Lobby

Lobby Bar

LEVEL 1 l Lower Leve 1 Hall Exhibition

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l Lower Leve 2 Hall Exhibition

Level Two Fitness

Spa

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JOINT ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Tuesday, November 11 8:00 – 10:15 AM

10:45 – 11:45 AM

General Session

MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H GREGG DOUD, NMPF; RANDY MOONEY, DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA; BARB O’BRIEN, DAIRY MANAGEMENT, INC.; MARILYN HERSHEY, LAND O’LAKES, INC.

Breakout Sessions

REFER TO MOBILE APP FOR BREAKOUT ROOM INFORMATION REFER TO THE MOBILE APP FOR SPEAKER INFORMATION

Breakout sessions include:

12:00 - 1:00 PM

1:15 - 3:45 PM

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Dairy in the AI Age: Setting the Record Straight

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Fueling Dairy via Science, Research & Disruptive Innovation

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Reigniting America’s Love for Dairy

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Science to Guidance: Advancing Our Voice in Health & Policy

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Navigating Immigration Enforcement on Dairy Farms

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The 2026 Dairy Economy Outlook

Awards Luncheon

HONOR BALLROOM

Breakout Sessions, Cont’d

REFER TO MOBILE APP FOR BREAKOUT ROOM INFORMATION REFER TO THE MOBILE APP FOR SPEAKER INFORMATION

4:15 - 5:00 PM

Dairy Farm Labor & Immigration Panel

6:00 - 7:30 PM

Cheese Reception

MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H JAMES “CRICKET” JACQUIER, AGRI-MARK, INC.; DENNIS RODENBAUGH, DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA; RICK NAEREBOUT, IDAHO DAIRYMEN’S ASSOCIATION; MODERATED BY TAMMI ARENDER, RFD-TV

HONOR BALLROOM Tuesday’s events wrap with the always-popular cheese reception that features award-winning cheeses by NMPF cooperative members.

JOINT ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday, November 12 8:00 – 10:00 AM

General Session

10:30 – 11:10 AM

Technology Panel

11:10 – 11:55 AM

Exports & Trade Panel

12:00 – 12:30 PM

General Session

12:30 PM

Meeting Adjourns

MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H COREY GEIGER, COBANK; NINA TEICHOLZ; DR. ORAL CAPPS JR.

MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H+W KATIE COOK, ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH; JOEL YSSELSTEIN, MEADOWVALE DAIRY; MARK PURDY, MERISTEM; MODERATED

BY TAMMI ARENDER, RFD-TV

MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H DR. BART FISCHER, TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY; MICHAEL LICHTE, DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA; BECKY NYMAN, U.S. DAIRY EXPORT COUNCIL; MODERATED

BY JAIME CASTANEDA, NMPF

MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H BARB O’BRIEN, DMI; GREGG DOUD, NMPF; KRYSTA HARDEN, USDEC

Dairy Bar The Dairy Bar will be open during breaks on Tuesday and Wednesday in Crystal Ballroom E on Level 3.

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CONFERENCE CENTER MAP

evel One and Two

LEVEL ONE Level One

CONVENTION CENTER PORTE COCHERE/DRIVE (LOWER LEVEL) MONDAY YC ACTIVITY BUS PICKUP ZONE

Lower Level Event Lawn

Lower Level Event Lawn

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Monument H

HONOR BALLROOM AWARDS LUNCHEON; CHEESE RECEPTION (TUESDAY)

Honor B

Honor A

Monument G

Monument F

MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H Pool Area 2025 JOINT ANNUAL MEETING GENERAL SESSIONS (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY)

Monument E

Pool Bar

Honor C

Honor D

Honor E

Monument D

Honor F

Monument A

Monument B

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Monument C

Restaurant M

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Lobby Bar

Lobby

vel Lower Le n Hall 1 Exhibitio

vel Lower Le n Hall 2 Exhibitio

Level Two Fitness

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Spa

Dolomite

Blue Bonnet

Big Bend

Beauty Berry

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CONFERENCE CENTER MAP

LEVEL TWO ϮŶĚ &ůŽŽƌ

BEAUTY BERRY FAMILY ROOM

SAGE MAIN MEETING ROOM FOR YC PROGRAM; REGISTRATION

Three and Four Level Three

SANDSTONE WEATHER BACKUP LOCATION Bridge To Live! By Loews Arlington Hotel

LEVEL THREE Crystal F

Crystal D

Crystal G

Crystal C

CRYSTAL BALLROOM DAIRY BAR (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY ONLY)

Crystal E

ϯƌĚ &ůŽŽƌ

Crystal H

Crystal B

Crystal I

Crystal A

COWBOY TERRACE WELCOME RECEPTION WITH NMPF’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (WEATHER BACKUP LOCATION IS SANDSTONE ON LEVEL 2)

West Terrace ŽǁďŽLJ dĞƌƌĂĐĞ

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M Boots B

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Boots A Longhorn A

Steer B

Longhorn B

East Terrace C

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Steer A

Lone Star A

Rodeo

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Lone Star B

Lone Star C

Spur

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Level Four

East Terrace B Boardroom

East Terrace A

RANGER TERRACE B LOCATION FOR MEALS (WEATHER BACKUP LOCATION IS SANDSTONE ON LEVEL 2)

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Speakers Neil Hoff Owner, Neil Hoff Dairy Neil Hoff is a fourth-generation dairy farmer from Windthorst, Texas, where he milks 100 Holstein-Jersey-cross cows and raises 160 acres of wheat for hay on the same land his great-grandfather worked in the 1800s.

A member-owner of Dairy Farmers of America, Neil was part of DFA’s original board of directors at its founding in 1998 and continues to serve on its corporate board today. Beyond the farm, he has spent decades in national dairy leadership.

Pete Kappelman Senior Vice President of Member & Government Relations, Land O’Lakes, Inc. Pete Kappelman serves as Senior Vice President of Member and Government Relations for Land O’Lakes, Inc., bringing decades of handson experience as a successful crop and fourth-generation dairy farmer, along with extensive advocacy and board leadership in the agricultural sector. Pete currently serves on the boards of NMPF, the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, and the Graduate Institute of Cooperative Leadership.

Mitch Majeski Senior Consultant, Peak Solutions Mitch Majeski is a seasoned leadership expert whose experience spans dozens of industries and organizations worldwide. While widely recognized as an executive coach and consultant, his passion lies in creating environments where clients uncover their own brilliance and craft their own solutions—a philosophy that has guided his work across the U.S. and in more than 20 countries. Mitch believes that true greatness is “drawn out,” not “poured in.”

Corey Geiger Lead Dairy Economist, CoBank Corey Geiger is lead economist for dairy production and processing in CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange research division. Prior to joining CoBank, he made a career of assessing the information and leadership needs of the dairy industry as managing editor of Hoard’s Dairyman magazine where he headed the editorial team of 10 and its four language editions as the publication’s seventh lead editor since 1885. Geiger has deep dairy knowledge ranging from policymaking to international trade.

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Matt McClelland CEO, Prairie Farms Dairy Matt McClelland serves as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President for Prairie Farms Dairy – only the fifth person in the role in the cooperative’s 83-year history. Matt has worked throughout the Prairie Farms Companies serving in a variety of capacities since he began his career there in 1991. He holds a degree in agribusiness from Southeast Missouri State University and lives with his wife, Emily, in St. Charles County, MO.

David Lynn CEO & President, Agri-Mark, Inc. As CEO and President, David “Dave” Lynn provides leadership and strategic direction for Agri-Mark, Inc. and manages all business operations for the farmer-owned cooperative. Dave employs a servant leader management style. He is dedicated to collective success and motivates his team to act with integrity, collaborate effectively, show gratitude, and pursue meaningful results. Dave has worked in the consumer packaged goods and food manufacturing world for more than 30 years.

Shawn Dyal CEO, Southeast Milk, Inc. Shawn Dyal serves as Chief Executive Officer of Southeast Milk, Inc., a farmer-owned cooperative marketing milk across seven southeastern United States. With more than 25 years of experience spanning farm supply, operations, and producer services, Shawn brings a boots-on-theground perspective to cooperative leadership. Known for his practical leadership style and straightforward approach, Shawn is committed to keeping cooperative success rooted where it matters most—on the farm.

Amanda Durow Vice President, Corporate Agribusiness Banking Group, CoBank Amanda Durow is vice president in the Corporate Agribusiness Banking Group at CoBank, one of the largest private providers of credit to the U.S. rural economy and U.S. agriculture. She is focused on lending to dairy processing cooperatives and companies as well as agribusiness companies.

Amanda and her family are fifth generation dairy and crop farmers in Minnesota. Her family farm partners with multiple farmer cooperatives including shipping milk to a local dairy processing cooperative.

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Heath Cheek Partner, Bell Nunally & Martin LLP Heath Cheek is one of Texas’ top emerging trial lawyers and has been recognized by his peers and business leaders throughout North Texas.

Heath grew up on a farm in northwest Texas and brings to his clients the perspective of someone who grew up in a place where there is nothing but horizon. Through this lens, Heath developed an innate ability to understand people’s needs and to creatively and forcefully advocate for solutions without losing sight of the client’s ultimate objectives.

Elizabeth Fritz At-Large Director and Board Treasurer, Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America Elizabeth Fritz serves as treasurer and at-large director for the Texas Longhorn Breeders Association of America board of directors. The TLBAA is a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services for customers and more than 3,800 active members, while promoting the Texas Longhorn breed and supporting education, youth, and scientific research.

Affordable and comprehensive health insurance for dairy farmers MANAGE COSTS WITH COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE Affordable and comprehensive health benefits can be hard to find. Agri-Services Agency can help you manage health care costs by providing benefits and contribution strategy recommendations, while finding a reliable network. Our suite of options helps you develop a comprehensive plan at a price that fits your budget.

Benefits include:

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Health

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Accident and hospitalization policies

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Dental and vision

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Life insurance

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Wellness programs

Contact Agri-Services Agency at 1-877-466-9089 or scan the QR code to fill out the contact form

About

YC Advisory Council What is the role of the YC Advisory Council?

The YC 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 providing topic and speaker recommendations for the Leadership and Development Program, the program’s quarterly webinars and for the Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum.

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; and

What is required of a YC Advisory Council member?

YC Advisory Council members are nominated by their cooperative to serve a one-year term. The 2026 YC Advisory Council term will begin in January and end in October 2026.

Expectations for YC Advisory Council members include: + Participation at two 90-minute virtual planning meetings + Attendance at two or more in-person events + Participation in at least three of the National YC Program’s quarterly webinars + Writing thank-you notes to program sponsors

Members of the advisory council also elect a chairperson and vice chairperson to lead the group. The chairperson will represent the National YC Program at events and meetings throughout the year, and report program updates to the NMPF Board of Directors. The vice chairperson is invited to attend NMPF Board of Directors dinners alongside the chairperson and will fill in as needed for the chairperson at meetings and events.

CONTACT YOUR CO-OP’S YC COORDINATOR TO LEARN MORE!

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Our Thanks to the 2025 YC Advisory Council Tim and Megan Schrupp

CHAIRPERSONS FIRST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION Minnesota

Nicole Engelken

VICE CHAIRPERSON PRAIRIE FARMS Iowa

Magdalene Gerst

UPSTATE NIAGARA COOPERATIVE, INC. New York

Ashley Kennedy

MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION Michigan

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Cory Kuipers

TILLAMOOK Oregon

Jack Klapper

DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA New York

Brandon and Tia Smith

AGRI-MARK Connecticut

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See you next year!

YC Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum June 9-11, 2026 Arlington, Virginia YCs at World Dairy Expo October 1, 2026 Madison, Wisconsin YC Leadership and Development Program October 18-21, 2026 Kissimmee, Florida

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