Dairy April 2009 – People and Places
NMPF Bolsters Regulatory Staff
In order to advance the organization’s ability to respond to the scientific and regulatory challenges facing its membership, NMPF announced changes to its regulatory staff, including the hiring of Betsy Flores as Director of Regulatory Affairs.
Flores will complete NMPF’s regulatory department that also includes Dr. Rob Byrne, Sr. Vice President of Scientific and Regulatory Affairs, and Dr. Jamie Jonker, who is being promoted to Senior Director of Regulatory Affairs. During his four years at NMPF, Jonker has taken on more responsibility in all regulatory areas, especially those focusing on animal- and farm-related issues affecting dairy producers. Jonker will direct NMPF’s efforts in the Animal Care area with the launch of the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management.
In her new role, Flores will also focus on Dairy FARM, which will assure consumers that milk and other products from American dairy farms are the end result of responsible animal care practices. She will also focus on other education and training modules that are identified as part of the FARM program in the future, and will assist in other areas of the regulatory department.
A Washington, D.C. veteran, Flores was previously the Manager of Food and Agriculture at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) and worked for the Monsanto Company before that. She holds a B.A. from the State University of West Georgia and an M.A. from Johns Hopkins University. Over her 11 years promoting the agricultural biotechnology sector and interacting with farmers, stakeholders, and government officials at the domestic and global levels, Flores will bring a unique perspective to the NMPF staff.
California Milk Advisory Board Names Dairy Confidence Committee
Ten California dairy producers have been appointed for a one-year term to the California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) Dairy Confidence Committee, which serves as the CMAB’s liaison to the California Dairy Research Foundation in Davis. Richard Michel of Modesto will serve as chairman. Other committee members are: Johan Bartelink of Escalon; Jim Tiemersma of Visalia; Richard Wagner of Escalon; Ben Curti of Tulare; Dante Migliazzo of Atwater; Ronald Koetsier of Visalia; Tony Machado of Merced; Margo Souza of Turlock; and Pat Van Dam of Chino.
The committee’s role is to evaluate dairy health issues as well as academic and non-academic research proposals in terms of potential influence on consumer perceptions regarding dairy practices. The proposals are reviewed for improvement in herd health and product quality, factors that play into the overall ability to successfully market dairy products.
Brent Byers Joins Cheminova, Inc. as Fungicide Portfolio Manager
Brent Byers has joined Cheminova, Inc. as Fungicide Portfolio Manager. “Brent has a diverse background in sales and marketing and the experience needed to handle our fungicide portfolio,” says Brent Crossland, Marketing & Portfolio Manager, ANZAC Region. “His solid background makes him an ideal choice to help us grow our business and expand our line of fungicides products.”
Most recently, Byers was Regional Business Unit Manager for Timac Agro where he was involved in marketing and strategic planning for both the U.S. and Latin America. Prior to that, he has been coordinator for the U.S. Hold Separate Group for Bayer CropScience, based in Research Triangle Park., N.C. and territory sales manager for Aventis Crop Science in Texas. Byers has also gained valuable, hands-on experience in tropical climate crop production.
Byers is a graduate of North Carolina State University and holds a degree in Agriculture Business Management. “Brent not only has extensive knowledge and expertise, but his ability to interact with our key customers will be a tremendous asset as our fungicide product line continues to expand,” says Crossland.
World Dairy Expo Names 2009 Judges
Official judges for World Dairy Expo 2009 have been appointed. The individuals responsible for placing over 2,500 head of dairy cattle during the five-day show are:
Central National Ayrshire Show – Steve McDonald, Princeton, Illinois
Central National Brown Swiss Show – Dave Sprengler, Plato, Minnesota
National Guernsey Show - Madison – Fowler Branstetter, Edmonton, Kentucky
International Holstein Show – Mark Rueth, Oxford, Wisconsin
International Junior Holstein Show – Brian Garrison, Tiffin, Ohio
Central National Jersey Show – Michael Heath, Westminster, Maryland
International Milking Shorthorn Show – Rick Allyn, Caanan, Connecticut
Grand International Red & White Show – Chris Hill, Thurmont, Maryland
Associate judges will be named at a later date.
World Dairy Expo takes place at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin. “Legendary” is the theme for the 2009 show, scheduled for September 29 through October 3. For more information, contact World Dairy Expo at 608-224-6455 or visit www.worlddairyexpo.com.
Young Dairy Leaders Institute Quickly Approaching
Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), a cornerstone program of the Holstein Foundation, is a three-phase program which takes place over a two year period, and is open to anyone ages 22-45 in the U.S. or other English-speaking countries. This year’s class is composed of participants from 24 different states, Canada and Mexico. The first class of YDLI was held in 1994, and graduates total over 400.
“With the economic conditions, animal rights, consumer perception issues, and other pressures affecting the dairy industry today, it’s more important than ever to have strong leadership and a united voice for our industry,” said Jodi Hoynoski, Holstein Foundation Programs Manager. “Our training is aimed at preparing people to defend and promote the dairy industry to the media, consumers, elected officials, and their communities, ultimately making for a more profitable dairy industry.”
The three-day agenda covers several topics relevant to today’s issues through a variety of interactive workshops. Class members will share reports on their projects completed during Phase II, receive advanced media training, learn conflict resolution techniques, board and meeting skills, and take part in a hands-on exercise about the legislative process. Another exciting addition to Phase III is a panel discussion focused on animal rights issues.
The Holstein Foundation would like to thank the many generous sponsors of YDLI. Institute Leaders include Agway Foundation, Inc., Allflex USA, Inc., Cargill Animal Nutrition, Cooperative Resources International, Dairy Management Inc., the Farm Credit System Foundation, GEA WestfaliaSurge, Inc., Hoard's Dairyman, Holstein Association USA, Inc., and Select Sires, Inc. Institute Friends include Accelerated Genetics, AgStar Financial Services, Badgerland Farm Credit Services, Cause Matters Corporation, CHS, COBA/Select Sires, Inc., Dairy Max, Inc., DairyBusiness Communications, Elanco Animal Health, FCS Financial Services, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., KeyBank, Land O'Lakes Foundation, Northeast Farm Credit AgEnhancement Program, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Robert L. Cain Memorial Fund, The Center for Dairy Excellence, The Garrison Group LLC, and Walco International, Inc.
For more information about YDLI or other Holstein Foundation programs, contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or e-mail jhoynoski@holstein.com.
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