2022 YC Dairy Policy & Legislative Forum - Meeting Handbook

Young Cooperators 2022 DAIRY POLICY & LEGISLATIVE FORUM

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.

A�out Us Established in 1916 and based in Arlington, Virginia, the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) carries out policies that advance the well-being of American dairy farmers. The members of NMPF’s member cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of dairy farmers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies.

NMPF has been one of the country’s most recognized and influential membership organizations for over 100 years. Advocating policies determined by its members, the positions expressed by NMPF are the result of grassroots work by dairy farmers on federal policy issues.

Since 1950, the National Young Cooperators (YC) Program has provided up-and-coming leaders with a better understanding of issues facing farmers and their cooperatives. Through webinars and in-person events, the program aims to educate and build leadership abilities in the next generation of dairy farmers.

Schedule of Events SUNDAY, JUNE 5 4:00 – 5:00 PM 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Registration Salon 3 Foyer Happy Hour Santé at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City

MONDAY, JUNE 6 7:00 – 8:00 AM

Registration Salon 3 Foyer

8:00 – 9:00 AM

Welcome Breakfast Salon 2

9:00 – 9:30 AM

Setting the Stage: How to Be an Influential Advocate Salon 3

9:30 – 10:30 AM

Panel: Why Political Engagement Matters Salon 3

With remarks from Val Lavigne, Agri-Mark, Inc.

Paul Bleiberg and Claudia Larson, NMPF The dairy community needs farmers from across the country to communicate to all levels of government about issues impacting the industry. Whether you are already a leader or just getting started, this session will provide guidance to increase your effectiveness as a champion advocate for dairy.

Moderated by Alan Bjerga, NMPF; Panelists include Jackie Klippenstein, Dairy Farmers of America; Cricket Jacquier, Agri-Mark, Inc.; Joe Wright, Southeast Milk Inc. Political participation helps local, state and federal governments understand what constituents want and

10:30 – 11:00 AM

allows people to make sure the government is fulfilling its role. This panel of farmer and cooperative leaders will discuss why it’s important that dairy farmers become – and stay – politically engaged.

Break

11:00 – 12:30 PM

Ongoing and Emerging Dairy Policy Issues Salon 3

12:30 – 1:30 PM

Lunch Plaza C and Plaza D

Paul Bleiberg, Claudia Larson, Shawna Morris and Clay Detlefsen, NMPF Join NMPF’s subject matter experts for an introduction to the many issues that NMPF, on behalf of its members, works with Congress, the Biden Administration, various federal agencies, international governments and more to address. In this session you will hear from NMPF’s Government Relations, Trade Policy and Regulatory Affairs teams about ongoing and emerging issues affecting U.S. dairy farmers and their cooperatives.

1:30 – 2:00 PM

What to Expect on Capitol Hill Salon 3

2:00 – 3:00 PM

Advocacy Training Breakout Sessions Salon 3, Plaza C and Plaza D

3:00 – 4:00 PM

Tony Rice, NMPF Before putting what you’ve learned into practice, learn the basics of what to expect when visiting Capitol Hill to ensure you have a successful visit with your members of Congress and their staffs. This session will cover the appropriate attire for meetings, getting to and from Capitol Hill, the suggested meeting format, and next steps after your meeting.

Claudia Larson, Shawna Morris and Tony Rice, NMPF Spend some time in a smaller group setting with subject matter experts to discuss, in detail, the topics you will be discussing with your members of Congress during visits to Capitol Hill.

Break

YC Coordinators to meet in the Board Room from 3:00 3:30 PM to discuss YC visits to Capitol Hill.

4:00 – 9:30 PM

Monuments Tour, Reception and Dinner Old Town Alexandria Experience the best of Washington, D.C. and see our nation’s Capitol from the water! Enjoy picturesque views of the iconic landmarks on a guided sigtseeing tour on the Potomac River. After disembarking from the water taxi, we will enjoy drinks and dinner next to the water at Vola’s Dockside Grill in historic Old Town Alexandria.

TUESDAY, JUNE 7 8:00 – 9:00 AM

Breakfast Salon 2

9:00 – 10:00 AM

Panel: Advocacy Tips from Capitol Hill Salon 3

10:00 – 10:30 AM

How to Be an Advocate from Home: Opportunities for Continued Involvement Salon 3

10:30 – 11:30 AM

With remarks from Jim Mulhern, NMPF

Moderated by Brittany Jablonsky, Farm Credit; Panelists include Ben Hutterer, Office of Sen. Baldwin (D-WI); Mary Knigge, Dairy Farmers of America; Stephanie McBath, Office of Rep. Newhouse (R-WA); Rob Vandenheuvel, California Dairies Inc. Learn from current and former legislative staff and policy experts about relationship building, what makes a successful, memorable meeting and tips for how dairy farmers can most effectively communicate with their members of Congress and their staff about issues.

Paul Hanson and Britt Aasmundstad, Land O’Lakes, Inc. The fun doesn’t stop here. There are many ways dairy farmers can influence policy, at all levels of government, from the comfort of your own home. During this session we’ll learn how to stay informed and engaged on dairy policy issues after leaving Washington, D.C.

An Introduction to Media Training Salon 3

Alan Bjerga, NMPF The media plays an influential role in how the public and

11:30 – 12:30 PM 12:30 – 5:00 PM 5:30 – 6:30 PM

policymakers view certain issues. This session will offer essential media training techniques to help you become a more effective media spokesperson and a more influential dairy advocate.

Lunch Salon 2

Meetings with Members of Congress, Staff Capitol Hill Board of Directors Reception (Optional) Ambassador

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8 7:00 – 8:30 AM

PAC Breakfast (Optional) Diplomat

8:30 – 12:00 PM

NMPF Board Meeting (Optional) Salon 3

12:00 – 1:00 PM

NMPF Board Lunch (Optional) Diplomat

With remarks from Rep. Chris Jacobs (R-NY) and Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI)

The Ritz Carlton - Pentagon City LEVEL 1 FLOOR PLAN

LEVEL 2 FLOOR PLAN

Speakers VAL LAVIGNE Chairperson, National YC Program Val 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.

PAUL BLEIBERG

Sr. Vice President of Government Relations, NMPF Paul leads the NMPF’s advocacy efforts before Congress, with a focus on farm bill policy, taxation, nutrition, environment, and immigration. Bleiberg previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director for former Rep. Reid Ribble (R-WI) during work on the 2014 Farm Bill.

CLAUDIA LARSON, PHD

Sr. Director of Government Relations, NMPF Claudia leads advocacy work on a wide range of issues, including ag labor reform and child nutrition. Prior to joining NMPF, Claudia served as Communication Director and Strategic Policy Associate for the office of Representative Jim Costa (D-CA).

ALAN BJERGA

Sr. Vice President of Communications, NMPF Alan leads NMPF’s communications efforts, focusing on media relations, marketing and digital storytelling. He previously worked at Bloomberg News as its lead writer on national farm policy , covering topics including the Farm Bill, agricultural trade and rural economics.

JACKIE KLIPPENSTEIN

Sr. Vice President, Government, Industry and Community Relations, Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) Jackie focuses on federal and state legislative and regulatory issues, playing an active role in member services and community initiatives. Jackie spent nearly 15 years as an advocate for ag interests and as a congressional aide.

CRICKET JACQUIER Owner, Laurelbrook Farm; Chairman, Agri-Mark Cricket is a dairy farmer in East Canaan, Connectict, where he and his family run a diversified business that includes 1,500 cows, 3,000 acres of corn and alfalfa, and a compost and soil business. Cricket is also Chairman of Agri-Mark, Inc., where he has served as a director for over a decade.

JOE WRIGHT

Owner, V&W Farms; President, Southeast Milk Inc. Joe is a third-generation dairy farmer from Avon Park, Florida. A pasture-based, modified grazing operation, his 1,335-acre dairy is home to 1,200 cows. Joe has been the president of Southeast Milk Inc. since it was formed in 1998 and has served on a number of other industry boards.

SHAWNA MORRIS

Sr. Vice President of Trade Policy, NMPF Shawna works to advance and promote dairy trade policies that strongly benefit the U.S. dairy industry, and plays a critical role in NMPF’s efforts working with U.S. and foreign governmentsm as well as various orgnizations. She works closely with the U.S. Dairy Export Council in her role.

CLAY DETLEFSEN, JD

Sr. Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, NMPF Clay is responsible for issues related to food safety and defense, dairy food labeling and environmental issues. He is engaged in numerous homeland security activities and currently serves as co-chair to the Food and Agricultural Sector Coordinating Council.

TONY RICE

Manager of Trade Policy, NMPF Tony works to advance the development and implementation of NMPF’s work to support policies that promote U.S. dairy exports, remove policies that impede those exports and address foreign barriers to U.S. dairy sales. He works closely with the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

JIM MULHERN President and CEO, NMPF Jim is a veteran agriculture policy strategist with over 35 years of experience working with policymakers and the media. Since taking over leadership of NMPF in 2014, Jim has directed the dairy organization’s work on a wide range of issues, including immigration reform and trade policy.

BRITTANY JABLONSKY

Vice President of Public Policy and Stakeholder Relations, Farm Credit Council Brittany manages the Farm Credit System’s National Contributions Program, and leads the organization’s public policy and stakeholder relatons work. Jablonsky joined the Council from the staff of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

MARY KNIGGE

Vice President of Government Relations, DFA Mary advocates on behalf of DFA’s dairy farmer owners on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. Prior to joining DFA in 2018, she spent eight years working for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee of Agriculture and seven years with NMPF.

ROB VANDENHEUVEL

Sr. Vice President of Member and Industry Relations, California Dairies, Inc. (CDI) Rob represents CDI to governmental and regulatory bodies.

Before joining the co-op in 2017, he spent a decade with the Milk Producers Council, and previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee.

STEPHANIE MCBATH

Sr. Legislative Assistant, Office of U.S. Rep. Dan Newhouse Stephanie leads a variety of legislative issues for Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA), including energy, science and technology, and appropriations. Prior to joining the Newhouse office earlier this year, she worked as a legislative aide for the office of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY)

BEN HUTTERER Legislative Assistant, Office of U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin A Minnesota native, Ben spent several years in Rep. Ron Kind’s (D-WI) office, working extensively on ag and trade priorities. He returned to work for Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) this year, where he oversees her work on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.

PAUL HANSEN

Manager of Leader Development, Land O’Lakes, Inc. Paul leads Land O’Lakes’ Leader Development Program, which provides opportunities for cooperative members to gain new skills and experiences to prepare them for leadership roles. Prior to joining Land O’Lakes in 2015, Paul spent 16 years working for Cargill.

BRITT AASMUNDSTAD

Manager of Government and Industry Relations , Land O’Lakes, Inc. Britt manages government affairs for Land O’Lakes, using data to balance business needs with policy initiatives.

Before joining the team in April 2020, she worked for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.

REPRESENTATIVE CHRIS JACOBS

U.S. Congressman, 27th District of New York Congressman Chris Jacobs (R-NY) has represented Western New York in Congress since 2020. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on the Budget. Prior to his service in the House of Representatives, Chris served as a New York State Senator.

REPRESENTATIVE RON KIND

U.S. Congressman, 3rd District of Wisconsin A native of La Crosse, Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI) has represented Wisconsin’s Third Congressional District since 1997. He is a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy and internatonal trade. He also serves on the Subcommittee on Health.

Join the YC Advisory Council 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.

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

WHAT IS REQUIRED OF AN ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER? YC Advisory Council members are nominated by their cooperative to serve a one year term. The 2022-2023 YC Advisory Council term will begin at the YC Leadership and Development Program in Oct. 2022 and end in Sept. 2023.

Advisory Council members are expected to participate in two 90-minute virtual planning meetings during the year, attend at least two in-person events, and complete at least two of the following: • Submit an article to a dairy publication • Be interviewed for an NMPF Farmer Focus feature • Write a letter to an elected official • Participate in media training

Please contact your cooperative’s YC coordinator with any questions, and to apply for the 2022-2023 Advisory Council.

MEET THE 2021-22 YC ADVISORY COUNCIL VALERIE LAVIGNE

Agri-Mark Schaghticoke, NY

DUSTIN & ELIZABETH BRUNN

DFA Horicon, WI

JAIME MOWRY & MATT HARRINGTON Upstate Niagara Le Roy, NY

SPENCER HURLIMAN Tillamook Cloverdale, OR

SID & KRISTIN HULS

Prairie Farms Carthage, IL

KIP & ROCHELLE SIEGLER MMPA Imlay City, MI

JASON & TIFFANY STAEHELY Darigold Oregon City, OR

BRITTANY THURLOW Southeast Milk Zolfo Springs, FL

BEN SMITH

MDVA Remington, VA

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