Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.’s (DFA) recently concluded its 13th Annual Meeting.
More than 1,300 members and industry guests convened for the meeting, which emphasized the Cooperative’s focus and determination to embrace the need for change in the dairy industry.
Mooney’s chairman’s report included an update on DFA’s work with National Milk Producers Federation on the Foundation for the Future policy proposal. His presentation also focused on the work DFA has done on important issues facing the industry, including immigration, animal care and wellness, and environmental policy and stewardship.
Then, President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Smith provided the annual president’s report, delivering a recap of the Cooperative’s business during the past year. He discussed how events and market conditions around the world are affecting the U.S. dairy industry in general and DFA specifically, as well as a sharpened focus on growing the Cooperative’s commercial businesses and enhancing valuable farm services for members.
At the Annual Banquet Tuesday evening, the 2011 Members of Distinction were introduced. Each year, the Cooperative honors one member farm from each of DFA’s seven regional Areas demonstrating exemplary vision, leadership and innovation in the dairy industry. The 2011 honorees are: Dykshorn Holsteins, Sioux Center, Iowa; Spring-Run Farms, Shreve, Ohio; Graff Brothers Dairy, Delta, Colo.; Heritage Hill Farm, Lacona, N.Y.; Mayer Farms, Sand Hill and 76 Holsteins, Newberry, S.C.; Hinders Dairy, Canyon, Texas; and Vander Schaaf Dairies, Escalon, Calif.
The 2011 scholarship recipients also were announced at the banquet. Scholarships are awarded to outstanding students pursuing a career in the dairy industry. This year’s recipients are: Abigail Andrew, Springville, N.Y.; Justin Bowles, Preston, Idaho; Lisa Lageschaar, Pickton, Texas; Karessa Mann, Hilmar, Calif.; Amanda Moretti, Petaluma, Calif.; Katharine Nye, Delta, Utah; Megan Rice, Firth, Neb.; Bill Squire, Hagerman, N.M.; Justin Squire, Hagerman, N.M.; Laura Stockwell, Hudson, Ind.; Meghan Vaill, Vernon, N.Y.; Emily Waggoner, Pendleton, S.C.; Roxanne Wallace, Tipton, Kan.; and Luke Zeisler, Butte, Neb.
In addition, outgoing Board directors were recognized for their contributions to the Cooperative during the banquet. They are Urban Mescher, Maria Stein, Ohio; Ron Pietersma, Chino, Calif.; Eugene Robertson, Pine Grove, La.; Rod Wenstrom, Fergus Falls, Minn.; and Tom Woods, Gage, Okla.
During the business session on Wednesday, incoming directors who were elected in their Areas were formally seated on the Board. They are Jim Eschliman, Ericson, Neb.; Donnie Fisher, Keatchie, La.; Chuck Moellendick, Pleasantville, Ohio; Frank Ponterio, Melrose, Wis.; and Perry Tjaarda, Shafter, Calif.
Source: Dairy Farmers of America