2025 LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Arlington, Texas
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.
From Our Chairpersons
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 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 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
SAGE FOYER – LEVEL 2
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2)
WITH REMARKS FROM MEGAN AND TIM SCHRUPP, NEXGEN DAIRY (FIRST DISTRICT ASSOCIATION)
9:00 – 9:30 AM An Introduction to Dairy in the Lone Star State
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.
9:30 – 10:30 AM Cooperative Governance Fundamentals
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.
10:30 – 11:00 AM Break
SAGE – LEVEL 2
SPONSORED BY AGRI-SERVICES AGENCY
11:00 – 12:00 PM Strategic Leadership for Dairy Cooperatives
SAGE – LEVEL 2
MITCH MAJESKI, PEAK SOLUTIONS
Family Room
A family room is available for meeting attendees and their families throughout the week in Beauty Berry on Level 2.
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.
12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch
RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2)
1:00 – 3:00 PM Strategic Leadership for Dairy Cooperatives (Continued)
SAGE – LEVEL 2
MITCH MAJESKI, PEAK SOLUTIONS
3:00 – 3:15 PM Break
3:15 – 4:15 PM CEO Insights on What Drives Cooperative Success
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.
4:15 – 5:00 PM Break
5:00 – 6:30 PM Welcome Reception with NMPF’s Executive Committee members
COWBOY TERRACE – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2)
SPONSORED BY MONUMENT ADVOCACY
Monday, November 10
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2)
9:00 – 10:15 AM Financial Fundamentals for Cooperative Directors
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.
10:15 – 10:45 AM Break
SAGE – LEVEL 2
SPONSORED BY MEDGENE
10:45 – 12:00 PM Practical Skills for Managing Group Conflict
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.
12:00 – 1:00 PM Lunch with closing remarks and awards
RANGER TERRACE B – LEVEL 3 (WEATHER BACK-UP: SANDSTONE – LEVEL 2)
SPONSORED BY FARM CREDIT
1:00 – 3:00 PM Break (NMPF Delegates Meeting 1-3 p.m.)
2:45 PM Load bus for evening activities
BUS PICK-UP FROM CONVENTION CENTER PORTE COCHERE/DRIVE
3:00 – 6:00 PM Tour of the Fort Worth Stockyards
SUPPORT AND REMARKS BY ELIZABETH FRITZ, TEXAS LONGHORN BREEDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA SPONSORED BY EVER.AG
6:00 – 8:30 PM Reception and Dinner
SECOND RODEO BREWING SPONSORED BY EVER.AG
Level One and Two
Head ‘em up, move ‘em out!
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.
You can leave the business attire behind tonight — dinner is casual and boots or comfy shoes are encouraged!
JOINT ANNUAL MEETING
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Tuesday, November 11
8:00 – 10:15 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.
10:45 – 11:45 AM Breakout Sessions
REFER TO MOBILE APP FOR BREAKOUT ROOM INFORMATION
REFER TO THE MOBILE APP FOR SPEAKER INFORMATION
Breakout sessions include:
• Dairy in the AI Age: Setting the Record Straight
• Fueling Dairy via Science, Research & Disruptive Innovation
• Reigniting America’s Love for Dairy
• Science to Guidance: Advancing Our Voice in Health & Policy
• Navigating Immigration Enforcement on Dairy Farms
• The 2026 Dairy Economy Outlook
12:00 - 1:00 PM Awards Luncheon
HONOR BALLROOM
1:15 - 3:45 PM 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
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
6:00 - 7:30 PM Cheese Reception
HONOR BALLROOM
Tuesday’s events wrap with the always-popular cheese reception that features award-winning cheeses by NMPF cooperative members.
Wednesday, November 12
8:00 – 10:00 AM General Session
MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H
COREY GEIGER, COBANK; NINA TEICHOLZ; DR. ORAL CAPPS JR.
10:30 – 11:10 AM Technology Panel
MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H+W
KATIE COOK, ELANCO ANIMAL HEALTH; JOEL YSSELSTEIN, MEADOWVALE DAIRY; MARK PURDY, MERISTEM; MODERATED BY TAMMI ARENDER, RFD-TV
11:10 – 11:55 AM Exports & Trade Panel
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
12:00 – 12:30 PM General Session
MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H
BARB O’BRIEN, DMI; GREGG DOUD, NMPF; KRYSTA HARDEN, USDEC
12:30 PM Meeting Adjourns
Dairy Bar
The Dairy Bar will be open during breaks on Tuesday and Wednesday in Crystal Ballroom E on Level 3
LEVEL ONE
HONOR BALLROOM AWARDS LUNCHEON; CHEESE RECEPTION (TUESDAY)
CONVENTION CENTER PORTE
COCHERE/DRIVE (LOWER LEVEL)
MONDAY YC ACTIVITY BUS PICKUP ZONE
Level Two
MONUMENT BALLROOM D-H 2025 JOINT ANNUAL MEETING GENERAL SESSIONS (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY)
LEVEL TWO
Three and Four Level Three
SANDSTONE WEATHER BACKUP LOCATION
BEAUTY BERRY FAMILY ROOM
LEVEL THREE
SAGE MAIN MEETING ROOM FOR YC PROGRAM; REGISTRATION
CRYSTAL BALLROOM DAIRY BAR (TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY ONLY)
COWBOY TERRACE WELCOME RECEPTION WITH NMPF’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEMBERS (WEATHER BACKUP LOCATION IS SANDSTONE ON LEVEL 2)
RANGER TERRACE B LOCATION FOR MEALS (WEATHER BACKUP LOCATION IS SANDSTONE ON LEVEL 2)
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.
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.
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.
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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!
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
Cory Kuipers TILLAMOOK
Oregon
Jack Klapper DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA
New York
Brandon and Tia Smith AGRI-MARK
Connecticut
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
