Brad Gronli has been named South Dakota/Minnesota industry relations manager for Midwest Dairy Association, joining the checkoff organization’s staff serving dairy farmers in nine states.
In his new role, Gronli will provide information and services to dairy farmers in both states and will serve as a liaison to organizations and processors. He will also manage South Dakota’s state fair efforts and facilitate the South Dakota Division board of Midwest Dairy Association. Gronli lives near Princeton, Minnesota, but will spend significant time in South Dakota.
Gronli graduated from the University of Minnesota in agriculture education with an emphasis in animal science. He began his career as an agriculture education instructor before spending 17 years working for Land O-Lakes, Inc., and then moving to DQCI Services, Inc. More recently he was employed by Genex and also provided dairy consulting services for an international project in Vietnam.
In his new role in South Dakota, Gronli will replace Char Hovland, who will retire from full-time employment with Midwest Dairy Association in the fall. Hovland will continue managing the dairy princess programs in South Dakota, Minnesota and North Dakota after she leaves her full-time position. In Minnesota, Gronli’s duties will complement those of Sherry Newell, who carries out industry relations duties in the state while also serving as communications manager at the corporate level.