Indiana dairy farmer leads national dairy organization forward
Indiana dairy farmer Brian Rexing, a member of the Dairy Farmers of America (DFA), has been elected as the 15th chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) during the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting.
In his first address, Rexing thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve and highlighted his focus on collective progress, “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman,” said Rexing.
Rexing and his wife, Ranell, own and operate New Generation Dairy near Owensville, Indiana, where they milk 1,200 cows and farm 3,500 acres of corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa. A fourth-generation farmer and former Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year (2010), Rexing also owns a meat processing plant and retail store. He currently serves on DFA’s Executive Committee.
Rexing succeeds Randy Mooney, who led NMPF for 17 years and will remain on the Executive Committee. “It is one of the great honors of my life to work alongside so many dedicated farmer-leaders who care deeply about the future of dairy,” said Mooney. “I’m proud to pass the baton to Brian Rexing — a leader who carries forward the spirit of dedication, vision, and integrity that defines NMPF and our entire industry.”
The newly elected NMPF officers include: Cricket Jacquier (Agri-Mark) as First Vice Chairman, Simon Vander Woude (California Dairies Inc.) as Second Vice Chairman, Craig Caballero (United Dairymen of Arizona) as Secretary, and Pete Kappelman (Land O’Lakes) as Treasurer.
Over 750 dairy farmers and industry professionals attended the annual event, which featured sessions on dairy economics, labor challenges, and future leadership through the Young Cooperators Program.
The meeting continues with policy discussions and the announcement of winners from NMPF’s annual cheese contest.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour