Dairy Farmers of America’s 15th Annual Meeting explored the diverse ways the Cooperative and dairy industry are preparing for the future.
The meeting kicked off with the chairman’s report, delivered by Randy Mooney, chairman of DFA’s Board of Directors, who operates a dairy in Rogersville, Mo. He focused on the steps DFA has taken to seize opportunities in the global marketplace, as well as its strategy to capture these prospects in the future. Mooney also discussed issues, such as animal activism, that are affecting farmers every day at home.
An overview of the Cooperative’s business was delivered by President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Smith. His report also explored how the Cooperative has evolved during the past several years and highlighted ongoing efforts to better serve and provide value to its members.
Special guests and additional highlights of the meeting program included:
· A panel discussion, “World of Opportunity,” featuring Tom Suber, president, U.S. Dairy Export Council; Jay Waldvogel, senior vice president of strategy and international development, DFA; and Larry Jensen, president, Leprino Foods
· “Feeding 9 Billion People — Maintaining the Planet,” a presentation by Jason Clay, senior vice president of market transformation, World Wildlife Fund
· An update on National Milk Producers Federation’s work for the dairy industry by Jerry Kozak, president and chief executive officer
· An overview of the latest dairy promotion activities by Tom Gallagher, chief executive officer of Dairy Management Inc.
The Cooperative’s Annual Banquet brought a host of recognitions, including the 2013 Members of Distinction — one member farm from each of DFA’s seven regional Areas that is excelling on their operations, in their communities and in the industry.
The 2013 Members of Distinction are: Krause Holsteins Inc., Buffalo, Minn.; Ayers Farms, Perrysville, Ohio; J.R. Hall Farms, Rigby, Idaho; Piper Farm LLC, Embden, Maine; Huffard Dairy Farms, Crockett, Va.; Bentwood Dairy, Waco, Texas; and Van Warmerdam Dairy, Galt, Calif.
In addition, outgoing Board directors were recognized for their contributions to DFA during the Cooperative’s Annual Banquet. They are Mickey Childers, Somerville, Ala., Southeast Area; Larry Frederick, Baring, Mo., Central Area; Lew Gardner, Galeton, Pa., Northeast Area; Les Hardesty, Greeley, Colo., Mountain Area; Pete Mensonides, Turlock, Calif., Western Area; Ellis Roberts, Preston, Idaho, Mountain Area; and Rob Wonderlich, Ollie, Iowa, Central Area.
Source: Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.