2024 LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
Phoenix, Arizona
Introduction
About the YC Program
The National Young Cooperators (YC) Program has provided training and leadership development opportunities to beginning dairy farmers for over 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 and Monument Advocacy.
From Our Chairpersons
This past year, we have had an opportunity to represent young farmers across America as the chairs of the National Milk Producers Federation’s National YC Program. We have been representing our fellow young farmers in policy discussions and cooperative leadership, even as, like all dairy farmers, we’ve navigated big changes in our personal and professional lives. It’s been a whirlwind of growth and learning.
The dairy industry continues to evolve. As YC Program Chairs, we participated in meetings of the NMPF Board of Directors, gaining first-hand insight into the deliberations and decision-making processes of top dairy farmer and cooperative leaders. Being part of these discussions allowed us to better understand the importance and complexity of achieving consensus within a group that represents dairy farms of all sizes and production styles throughout the United States.
The opportunity to take on this leadership role has expanded our perspectives, sharpened our skills and reinforced the importance of working cooperatively as an industry to achieve common goals.
Through our participation in the YC Program, we’ve also gained a strong network of peers who share the same passion and dedication to the future of dairy. The connections we’ve made—both with other young farmers and with industry leaders—have been invaluable.
Throughout this process, there have been many valuable learning experiences. Spending time up on Capitol Hill lobbying on behalf of other farmer and the dairy industry is something we never thought about doing. It was great to feel listened to by our representatives and understand that the valuable role of advocating for the dairy industry stretches beyond our farms.
We have also really enjoyed getting to meet with other young producers and board members from different cooperatives. They have all been a great sounding board as we navigate challenges in our own business.
As we look ahead, we’re excited to see the next generation of YCs take the reins and continue to advance the program to the benefit of the next generation of dairy farmer leaders. We’ve learned that true leadership is about listening, collaborating and making decisions that benefit not just our own farms, but the entire dairy community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to serve and are confident that the experiences we’ve had this year will shape us for years to come.
To all the YCs who’ve been part of this journey with us—thank you. We couldn’t have done it without your energy and commitment to building a stronger and united dairy farmer community.
Matthew & Hannah Lansing 2024 Chairpersons National YC Program
About Us
YC LEADERSHIP & DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Saturday, October 19
4:00 – 5:30 PM Registration
OCULUS FOYER
Sunday, October 20
7:00 – 8:00 AM Registration
PARADISE VALLEY FOYER
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
MARYVALE AB
WITH REMARKS FROM MATTHEW AND HANNAH LANSING, BLUE HYLL DAIRY (PRAIRIE FARMS DAIRY)
9:00 – 9:45 AM
9:45 – 11:15 AM
Dairy in the Desert: A Historical and Modern Perspective on Arizona Agriculture
PARADISE VALLEY
STEFANIE SMALLHOUSE, CARLINK RANCH
This session will explore the rich history of agriculture and dairy farming in the Southwest. Attendees will gain insights into Arizona’s current agricultural landscape, with a special focus on dairy production and processing. The discussion will highlight what makes Arizona agriculture unique, from its desert climate and water management strategies to its innovative farming practices. The session will also cover the distinctive challenges Arizona producers face, including labor shortages and the impacts of extreme weather conditions.
Building Skills for Effective Cooperative Governance
PARADISE VALLEY
DR. MICHAEL BOLAND, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
This interactive workshop is designed to equip dairy farmers with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead their cooperatives effectively. Through a blend of theory, practical case studies and hands-on activities, participants will gain a deeper understanding of cooperative leadership and governance. The two-part session will explore the core principles and values that underpin successful cooperatives, the essential leadership skills required
for effective governance and real-world examples of what drives cooperative success. Dairy farmers will leave with practical tools and strategies to strengthen their leadership roles and make informed decisions that benefit their cooperatives and communities.
11:15 - 11:45 AM Break
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM
Building Skills for Effective Cooperative Governance, Cont’d
PARADISE VALLEY
DR. MICHAEL BOLAND, UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
12:30 – 1:30 PM Lunch
MARYVALE AB
1:30 – 2:30 PM Communicating Across Generations
PARADISE VALLEY
MONISHA TOTEJA, DYNAMIC SPEAKING
Every generation develops communication preferences based on events, technologies and values at a certain point in time. We will tease out the differences and similarities of each generation, and use this understanding to our advantage—to learn from each other and work together more effectively.
2:30 - 3:00 PM Break
3:00 – 4:00 PM
Leadership, Governance and the Future of Dairy Cooperatives
PARADISE VALLEY
COREY GEIGER, COBANK; RANDY MOONEY, DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA; KEVIN ELLIS, UPSTATE NIAGARA COOPERATIVE AND JOE DIGLIO, MICHIGAN MILK PRODUCERS ASSOCIATON
Join executive leaders from some of the nation’s leading dairy cooperatives as they explore the essential role of farmer leadership in shaping the future of the dairy industry. In this dynamic discussion, panelists will address current governance challenges, examine broader industry issues and offer their insights on the obstacles that rising young leaders will encounter. Additionally, they will share their personal perspectives on leadership and provide valuable guidance for those looking to navigate and influence the evolving landscape of dairy cooperatives.
5:00 - 6:30 PM YC Reception
VALLEY OVERLOOK (OUTDOORS) - WEATHER BACK-UP: PHOENIX A Enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while connecting with peers and Board members from across the country. This is a unique opportunity to meet, mingle and build valuable relationships with fellow farmer leaders.
Family Room
A family room is available for meeting attendees and their families in Hospitality Suite 432, which is located on the fourth floor of the hotel, throughout the week.
Committed to America’s Farmers & Rural Communities
At Farm Credit, we are dedicated to working in partnership with our customers—as we have for more than 100 years.
Farm Credit proudly sponsors the National Milk Producers Federation Young Cooperators Program.
Monday, October 21
8:00 – 9:00 AM Breakfast
MARYVALE AB
WITH REMARKS FROM DOUG NORTON, FARM CREDIT WEST
9:00 AM - 10:15 AM Navigating Labor Pressures: Forward-Thinking Strategies
PARADISE VALLEY
BRYAN LITTLE, FARM EMPLOYERS LABOR SERVICE; ANTONE MICKELSON, DARIGOLD; GREG GARDNER, ARCHE ADVISORS; AND MAUREEN TORREY, TORREY FARMS
This session will examine the landscape of labor management in U.S. agriculture, highlighting the growing challenges brought on by changing labor regulations, policy developments and activist pressures. Industry experts will offer valuable insights into both current and future labor market trends, along with strategic approaches that dairy farmers can implement to attract and retain a skilled workforce.
10:15 – 10:45 AM Break
10:45 – 12:00 PM Blueprint for Bosses: Creating the Foundation for Building Your Team
PARADISE VALLEY
TOM WALL, DAIRY COACH LLC
For some managers, the ‘people part’ comes naturally. But for the majority, it’s the most uncertain, challenging and stressful part of their job. They don’t know where to start and they question what they should do next. Regardless of what your people challenges are today, it’s time to create a ‘people plan’ to help you become the manager and leader your team needs to reach its potential.
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Lunch and Program Wrap-Up
MARYVALE AB
WITH REMARKS FROM THERESA SWEENEY-MURPHY, NMPF AND KARL WEDEMEYER, WHITE DIAMOND FARM (DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA)
1:00 – 3:45 PM Break (Delegate’s Meeting from 1:00 - 3:00 PM)
3:45 - 5:30 PM
Danzeisen Dairy Tour
DANZEISEN DAIRY (MEET OUTSIDE HOTEL ENTRANCE FOR BUS PICK-UP)
Descending from a rich family history of farming, Danzeisen Dairy has been a part of the dairy business in Phoenix for generations. Neil and Gertrude Viss moved to Phoenix in 1959 to rent the first dairy of the family business. The business is the first local creamery to offer glass bottles to grocers within the Arizona market.
6:00 – 9:00 PM
Reception and Dinner
ARIZONA WILDERNESS BREWING CO. DTPX BEER GARDEN
JOINT ANNUAL MEETING SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Tuesday, October 22
8:00 – 11:45 AM
General Session
PHOENIX BALLROOM CDE
GREGG DOUD, NMPF; RANDY MOONEY, DAIRY FARMERS OF AMERICA; BARB O’BRIEN, DAIRY MANAGEMENT, INC.; MARILYN HERSHEY, LAND O’LAKES, INC.; RUSSELL WEINER, DOMINO’S
12:00 – 1:00 PM
1:15 – 2:15 PM
2:30 - 3:30 PM
4:15 - 5:00 PM
Awards Luncheon
VALLEY OF THE SUN BALLROOM
Breakout Sessions
REFER TO MOBILE APP FOR BREAKOUT ROOM INFORMATION
REFER TO THE MOBILE APP FOR SPEAKER INFORMATION
Breakout sessions include:
• Consumer Confidence Job #1: How the FARM Program Maintains Trust
• Here We Grow: Nutrition & Product Innovation Drive Demand
• Modernizing Milk Marketing: What to Expect from USDA’s Federal Order Updates
• The Future Is Now: NextGen Scientists Shape Dairy Nutrition
• Trading Spaces: U.S. Dairy Export Opportunities in Global Markets
• What Happened to the TV Ads? Promoting Dairy in the Digital Age
• What’s In Store Beyond ‘24? The Dairy Economic Outlook
• Years to Build, Seconds to Break: The Important Role of Consumer Trust
Breakout Sessions Cont’d
REFER TO MOBILE APP FOR BREAKOUT ROOM INFORMATION
REFER TO THE MOBILE APP FOR SPEAKER INFORMATION
General Session
PHOENIX BALLROOM CDE
JERRY HAGSTROM, THE HAGSTROM REPORT
6:00 - 7:30 PM Cheese Reception
SUN BALLROOM
Tuesday’s events wrap with the always-popular cheese reception that features award-winning cheeses by NMPF cooperative members.
Wednesday, October 23
8:00 – 8:45 AM General Session
PHOENIX BALLROOM CDE
MARK PURDY, AIMPOINT RESEARCH
9:15 – 10:15 AM
Breakout Sessions, Cont’d
REFER TO MOBILE APP FOR BREAKOUT ROOM INFORMATION
REFER TO THE MOBILE APP FOR SPEAKER INFORMATION
10:30 - 11:30 AM
Breakout Sessions, Cont’d
REFER TO MOBILE APP FOR BREAKOUT ROOM INFORMATION
REFER TO THE MOBILE APP FOR SPEAKER INFORMATION
11:45 AM – 12:30 PM New Revenue Generating Opportunities for Dairy Farmers
PHOENIX BALLROOM CDE
BRENT LILIENTHAL LF BIOENERGY; KATIE COOK, ELANCO; CHRIS COOK, SYNGENTA; TAMMI ARENDER, RFD-TV
12:30 – 1:00 PM CEO Panel
PHOENIX BALLROOM CDE
BARB O’BRIEN, DAIRY MANAGEMENT INC.; KRYSTA HARDEN, U.S. DAIRY EXPORT COUNCIL; GREGG DOUD, NMPF; JOANNA SHIPP, NATIONAL DAIRY BOARD
1:00 – 2:00 PM Box Lunch
PHOENIX BALLROOM FOYER
Dairy Bar
The Dairy Bar will be open during breaks on Tuesday and Wednesday in the Valley of the Sun Foyer, which is located on the second floor of the hotel.
Function Space
Second Level
Valley of the Sun
Arcadia Boardroom
Ahwatukee
Laveen
South Mountain
Encanto
Maryvale
Estrella
Camelback
Alhambra
Deer Valley
Paradise Valley
North Mountain
Oculus
Third Level
Phoenix Ballroom
Cave Creek
Desert Sky
Coronado Boardroom
Fourth Level
Valley Overlook
Overlook Foyer
The Courtyard Hospitality Suites
Speakers
Stefanie Smallhouse Owner, Carlink Ranch
Arizona Farm Bureau President Stefanie Smallhouse is originally from Colorado. She moved with her family to New Mexico and later attended New Mexico State University. Stefanie worked as a wildlife biologist for the Bureau of Land Management before marrying her husband, Andrew, and moving to Arizona. Andrew is a fifth-generation farmer in the San Pedro River valley. Stefanie helps to manage their cow/calf operation, farm, saguaro cactus greenhouses and mesquite lumber business.
Michael Boland, Ph.D. Professor, University of Minnesota
Dr. Boland holds the Koller endowed Professorship in agribusiness management and information technology at the University of Minnesota. He has taught classes in cooperatives, farm management, a freshmen seminar class on the Farm Bill and ag supply chains. His research looks at the governance of food and agricultural supply chains including a knowledge of institutions, value creation, and transactions within supply chains and his work has taken him to more than 100 countries.
Monisha Toteja
Executive Communication Coach and CEO, Dynamic Speaking
Monisha has over 20 years of professional experience, and focuses on empowering executives and rising stars to communicate effectively. Monisha possesses a solid background in strategic thinking, audience analysis and structured communication. She works across industries to assist leaders in improving their executive presence, communicating across generations, engaging and managing stakeholders, creating a pitch for potential clients or investors and boosting communication skills.
Corey Geiger Lead Dairy Economist, CoBank
Corey 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. Mr. Geiger has deep dairy knowledge ranging from policymaking to international trade.
Randy Mooney Owner, Mooney Dairy (Dairy Farmers of America)
Randy and his wife, Jan, operate Mooney Dairy in Rogersville, MO. Randy was elected chairman of DFA’s Board of Directors in 2010 and is a member of DFA’s Executive Committee. He is also chairman of NMPF’s board of directors and serves on the boards of Missouri State Milk Board, Dairy Management Inc., Hiland Dairy, the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy and Nationwide Board Council. He has received multiple awards including the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors Dairy Leader Award.
Kevin
Ellis
CEO, Upstate Niagara Cooperative
Kevin comes from a long line of dairy farmers on both sides of his family. He was born and raised on a New York dairy farm. Kevin attended Cornell University where he majored in Animal Science, and he obtained a MBA from the University of Rochester. Kevin managed Cayuga Marketing and Cayuga Milk Ingredients from 2008 through June 2022. Kevin joined the Upstate Niagara in Sept. 2022 as CEO. Upstate Niagara Cooperative operates eight manufacturing plants with over 1,750 employees.
Joe Diglio
President and CEO, Michigan Milk Producers Association
Joe has served as President and CEO for Michigan Milk Producers Association, a member owned dairy cooperative serving dairy farmers in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin since July 2014. Joe has over 33 years of experience with the cooperative, serving in various leadership roles throughout his tenure. Under Joe’s guidance, MMPA’s footprint has expanded to accommodate strategic business objectives including the 2021 acquisition of Superior Dairy in Canton, Ohio.
Bryan
Little
Chief Operating Officer, Farm Employers Labor Service
Bryan Little, a labor-affairs specialist with extensive experience in both government and agriculture, is the Chief Operating Officer of Farm Employers Labor Service. Bryan also serves as director of labor affairs for California Farm Bureau Federation, representing members on legislative, congressional and regulatory issues involving immigration and labor policy. Bryan served with the U.S. Department of Labor from December 2001 to May 2008.
Antone Mickelson Director of Farm Practices, Northwest Dairy Association
Antone is the director of farm practices for Northwest Dairy Assoc., directing second- and third-party animal care evaluations. In addition to his duties at Northwest, he serves on the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shippers’ Executive Board, Council III Committee, and the Liaison and Third Party Certification Committee. Antone grew up on a dairy farm in Idaho. He holds two bachelors of science degrees in ag economics and animal science, as well as an MBA.
Greg Gardner President and CEO, Arche Advisors
Greg has spent the last 23 years helping global retailers and brands do the right thing for their businesses by improving working conditions and protecting workers’ rights around the world. He is a respected leader, visionary, and strategic thinker in the Corporate Social Responsibility industry, supporting more than 500 clients throughout the span of his career. Starting as an auditor, Greg worked his way up through the organization and served as President and CEO for over eight years.
Maureen Torrey Owner, Torrey Farms (Upstate Niagara Cooperative)
Maureen is a member of a 12th generation family farm located in Western New York which encompasses fresh market and processing vegetables, grain farm and dairy operations. She also operates a trucking company with her husband Paul Marshall. She has served and participates in numerous organizations. Maureen is past chairperson of United Fresh, past director of the Produce Marketing Association and First chairperson of the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee.
Tom
Wall Owner, The Dairy Coach
Tom Wall, The Dairy Coach, has been working with dairies throughout the country for over 24 years, helping managers create and implement simple systems that work, while training and coaching their employees down in the trenches. Most recently, Tom has leveraged his real-world dairy experience by creating PeopleCor, a cloud-based Employee Management and Time Clock System that’s helping dairy managers improve communication, productivity, and employee engagement.
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 2025 YC Advisory Council term will begin in January and end in Oct. 2025. 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 2024 YC Advisory Council
Hannah and Matthew Lansing
Prairie Farms
Iowa
Karl Wedemeyer
Dairy Farmers of America
Ohio
Jeb and Heather Johnson
Southeast Milk, Inc.
Georgia
Denille Pingrey
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.
New York
Nathan Wiese
Farm First Dairy Cooperative
Wisconsin
Courtney Banach
Agri-Mark
Vermont
Ryan Benthem
Michigan Milk Producers
Association
Michigan
Thomas French Maola Local Dairies
Virginia
Curtis Gomes
Tillamook
Oregon
Luke and Megan Iverson
Northwest Dairy Association
Washington
Upcoming Events
YC Dairy Policy and Legislative Forum
June 9-11, 2025
Arlington, Virginia
YCs at World Dairy Expo
October 2, 2025
Madison, Wisconsin
YC Leadership and Development Program
October 9-12, 2025
Arlington, Texas
