Gregg Doud

Gregg Doud is NMPF’s president and CEO. Previously, he served as the chief agricultural negotiator in the office of the US trade representative from 2018 until 2021. He’s also served as the president of the Commodity Markets Council, a staff member for the US Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry – where he helped draft the 2012 Farm Bill – and as chief economist for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. Most recently, he worked at Aimpoint Research as vice president of global situational awareness and chief economist.

A native of Mankato, Kansas, where he grew up raising cattle, Doud earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal science and a Master of Science in agricultural economics from Kansas State University. He was awarded the Outstanding Young Alumnus of the Kansas State University Agriculture Alumni Association in 2012 and also received the Outstanding Alumnus award from the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State in 2017. He currently lives with his family on their horse farm in Lothian, MD.

Dr. Dave Kohl

Dr. Dave Kohl is an academic Hall of Famer in the College of Agriculture at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA. Dr. Kohl has keen insight into the agriculture industry gained through extensive travel, research, and involvement in ag businesses. He has traveled over 10 million miles; conducted more than 7,000 presentations; and published more than 2,500 articles in his career. Dr. Kohl’s wisdom and engagement with all levels of the industry provide a unique perspective into future trends.

John O’Leary

In 1987, John O’Leary was a curious nine-year-old boy. Playing with fire and gasoline, O’Leary created a massive explosion in his home and was burned on 100% of his body. He was given less than a 1% chance to live. This epic story of survival was first showcased in "Overwhelming Odds," the book his parents wrote in 2006. It was this book that first invited O’Leary to embrace his miraculous recovery and share it with the world. Today, O’Leary inspires tens of thousands of people at more than 100 live and virtual events each year. He partners with companies and organizations across fields, such as: sales, healthcare, safety, marketing, finance, faith, education and insurance. Consistently described as “the best speaker we’ve ever had,” O’Leary's tireless schedule is a testament to the power of his message. His emotional storytelling, unexpected humor and authenticity make each presentation unforgettable. O’Leary is a two-time bestselling author of "On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life" and "In Awe: Rediscover Your Childlike Wonder to Unleash Inspiration, Meaning and Joy." O’Leary’s award-winning "Live Inspired" Podcast has more than seven million downloads and enjoys world-class guests such as Brené Brown, Mitch Albom, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Bob Costas. Amazingly, O’Leary's story is taking on a new form: a full-length feature film starring Joel Courtney, John Corbett, and William H. Macy. "SOUL ON FIRE" will be released in theaters nationwide on October 10, 2025. Regardless of his professional accomplishments, O’Leary considers his greatest success to be his marriage to his wife Beth, their four children and his relationships with friends and family.

Dr. Edmond J. Seifried

Dr. Edmond J. Seifried is Professor Emeritus of Economics and Business at Lafayette College in Easton, PA. He is the executive consultant for the Sheshunoff CEO Affiliation Programs, Chief Economist of the Southwest Graduate School of Banking (SWGSB) Foundation, dean of the Virginia and West Virginia Banking Schools and serves on the SWGSB faculty. He has served on numerous graduate banking school faculties, has delivered over 3500 economic presentations to groups in the US and abroad, and is the author of the book “The Art of Strategic Planning for Community Banks.”

Alex Weber

Alex Weber is an award-winning keynote speaker, champion coach, TV host for NBC and competitor on American Ninja Warrior. He's also an acclaimed author and one of the youngest coaches ever to win US lacrosse coach-of-the-year honors. Alex knows what it feels like to hit challenges, self-doubt, pressures, uncertainty and failures — and how you can overcome them. His understanding of leadership, peak performance and challenges, combined with entertaining stories and actionable strategies will leave a lasting impact. With his contagious energy, positive passion and uplifting humor, he shares his game changing secrets so you can be unstoppable once you're back home.

Will Babler

Will Babler is a partner in a commodity trading and risk management firm. He works with clients across the entire value chain in agricultural and energy markets to capture opportunity and minimize risk. Previously, Will was an engineer at John Deere working in design, manufacturing, business analysis and marketing. He also worked for Avista Inc. as a developer of avionics software for Boeing and Rockwell Collins. Will grew up on a diversified farming operation in southwest Wisconsin working with dairy cows, row crops, equipment and various other entrepreneurial endeavors.

Dr. Jeffrey Bewley

Dr. Jeffrey Bewley is from Rineyville, Kentucky where he grew up working on his grandfather's dairy farm. He received a B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Kentucky in 1998. In 2000, he completed his M.S. in Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the direction of Dr. Roger Palmer with a focus on dairy modernization. His PhD work under Dr. Mike Schutz at Purdue University focused on the application and economics of Precision Dairy Farming technologies. For 9.5 years, Jeffrey was on the faculty at the University of Kentucky as an Extension Dairy Specialist. He has also worked with IceRobotics, PerforMix Nutrition, BoviSync, and Alltech. Dr. Bewley is currently Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist with Holstein Association USA.

Dr. Ryan Breuer

Dr. Ryan Breuer, DVM, DACVIM - LAIM, holds a dual appointment as a diagnostic case and outreach coordinator at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (WVDL) as well as a clinical Associate Professor of Large Animal Internal Medicine at the UW–Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Breuer completed his DVM degree in 2012 from the UW-SVM, then practiced large animal medicine in general practice for two and a half years. He also completed a residency training program in Food Animal Internal Medicine from Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine. At the UW-SVM and WVDL Breuer has a focus on consulting with veterinarians as well as teaching veterinary students.

Janet Clark

Janet Clark and her parents, Roger & Sandy Grade, started transitioning ownership of the farm to Janet, her brother David Grade and her husband, Travis in 2013. Vison Aire Farms milks 140 Holsteins and 1100 acres of land growing; corn, soybeans, alfalfa and wheat. The family separates their management responsibilities based on their skills and passions. Janet manages the farm financial and calves birth to 8 months. David manages land and equipment and Travis manages the dairy cow, heifers and employees. Janet has served on the Dairy Farmers of WI Board since 2016. She is currently the Board Chair and represents DFW at national checkoff meetings with DMI. Janet also served on the PDP Board of directors from 2017-2023.

Sandy Chalmers

Sandy Chalmers, State Executive Director, Farm Service Agency, was appointed by the Trump Administration to serve as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Wisconsin in May 2025. Chalmers returns to FSA where she previously served as the state executive director for Wisconsin during President Trump’s first term. Prior to her first appointment, she was the executive officer for FSA in Wisconsin. Chalmers previously served as assistant secretary and division administrator at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Earlier in her career, she worked on Capitol Hill and for the Wisconsin Assembly Speaker. Throughout her entire career, Chalmers has worked on agriculture and rural policy including developing and implementing numerous farm bills. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville and University of Nebraska. Chalmers lives in Dane County, Wisconsin.

Caleb Dressen

Caleb Dressen is part of the Big Gain team, serving in Ruminant Sales and Service. He works closely with producers to support their livestock nutrition and performance goals, bringing practical experience and a deep passion for the livestock industry to every interaction. Alongside his role at Big Gain, Caleb and his family raise Shorthorn Beef Cattle, a venture that reflects his lifelong dedication to high-quality genetics and sound livestock management. In his free time, he also operates a small club lamb flock, continuing his commitment to youth. Caleb lives in Maiden Rock, Wisconsin with his wife, Kailey, and their son, Bennett.

Keri Dudek

Keri Dudek is a CPR and First Aid Instructor. I have over 25 years of experience teaching American Heart Association and Red Cross classes while promoting safety. In my free time I spend it with my family, being outdoors and I love to read.

Morgan Ekovich

Morgan Ekovich is a personal trainer, nutrition, and accountability coach, as well as the host of the EmpowerHer Wellness Podcast. She specializes in helping busy professionals and farm families build strength, fuel their bodies, and create sustainable health habits that actually fit into real life. With her practical approach to fitness, nutrition, and mindset, Morgan equips audiences with simple tools they can apply immediately to boost energy, improve performance, and feel their best—without adding more stress to their already full plates.

Kevin Erb

Kevin Erb, CCA, is the Program Manager for the Conservation Professional Training Program for University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension. Erb has worked for Extension for 32 years, focusing on manure management, nutrient management plan implementation and conservation. His work focuses on training for agency staff, agronomists and consultants working with farmers and rural landowners. Kevin leads the Wisconsin Drainage Tile school, as well as the yearly training for Wisconsin’s for-hire manure applicators. He hails from a 400 acre small beef/cash grain farm in central Illinois and is a Certified Crop Advisor (CCA).

Dr. Luiz Ferraretto

Dr. Luiz Ferraretto, Assistant Professor and Ruminant Nutrition Extension Specialist, UW-Madison.

Hannah Francis

Hannah Francis is a PhD student in Dr. Matt Ruark’s lab. Her research interests include nutrient cycling with cover crops in Midwest cropping systems. After getting her master’s in soil science at UW Madison in the Ruark lab, she worked for several years as an outreach specialist with Dr. Erin Silva’s OGRAIN program before returning to research. When she isn’t soil sampling or in the lab, she can be found trail running or prepping for her next triathlon.

Dr. John Goeser

Dr. John Goeser, PhD, Dairy Nutrition + Management Consultant with Progressive Dairy Solutions.

Micah Halvorson

Micah Halvorson is one of the owners of Busse's Barron Acres and Halvorson Cattle, specializing in wet calf raising since 1999. Micah began milking cows for Busse's Barron Acres in 1997 and has worked into half ownership of the business. These facilities focus on raising calves from birth to 5 months of age, currently approximately 16000 replacement heifers and steers each year, serving 25 dairies across Wisconsin.

Michael Hoffman

Michael Hoffman is founder and owner of Dallas-based Igniting Performance Inc., a company that specializes in the skills of sales, customer loyalty and leadership. Over the last 25-plus years Hoffman has customized training and delivered presentations for organizations all across the world. An authority on helping others build energetic and engaged teams whose members look forward to showing up for work, Michael is co-author of Positively Outrageous Service: How to Delight and Astound Your Customers and Win Them for Life.

Gracie Krahn

Gracie Krahn recently completed her Master of Science degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she studied Life Sciences Communication and Sustainability. Her graduate research focused on how messages about sustainable practices are communicated to dairy farmers across the U.S. dairy industry. In addition to her academic work, she has held multiple communication roles supporting farmer-facing sustainability initiatives, including projects with the Dairy Innovation Hub. Krahn now serves as the sustainability marketing coordinator for Low Carbon Technologies. In this role, she strengthens brand visibility, supports stakeholder engagement, and advances LCT’s presence among key consumer audiences.

Anna Link

Anna Link, Swisslane Farms (Alto, MI).

Rebecca MacKay Allen

As Senior Vice President Global Growth Platforms & Partnerships with Dairy Management Inc., Rebecca manages the international partnerships team, and leads creation, oversight, and evaluation of a portfolio of strategic marketplace partners in priority international markets, including foodservice category leaders, consumer packaged goods companies, and dairy suppliers to drive innovation and grow U.S. dairy export volume and value – as well as a catalytic effect in the competitive marketplace. Since joining DMI in 2006, Rebecca has worked in a consultative role with national retailers, foodservice brands and manufacturer partners to develop strategic, sales-driving initiatives which redefine how dairy is positioned on menus and in the ever-evolving retail environment, both domestically and internationally. In her current capacity, she is able to apply her passion for consumer behavior and nearly 25 years of marketing and business development experience to influence dairy innovation across categories, channels and markets. Influencing and elevating the product development and marketing strategies of marketplace partners, while leveraging consumer and marketplace insights, along with the unique nutrition package dairy provides, to develop mutually beneficial outcomes. Prior to DMI, Rebecca served in marketing and business development roles with manufacturer and service provider organizations and holds a bachelor of science degree in business and marketing and an MBA, both from Elmhurst University. She resides in the Chicago suburbs with her husband, their four boys, and two very spoiled pups and serves as a strategic advisor for CASA Kane County, providing a voice for abused and neglected children in her community.

Dr. JP Martins

Dr. JP Martins, DVM, MS, PhD, assistant professor, dept. of medical sciences School of Veterinary Medicine, UW-Madison.

Will McKinley

Will McKinley is President/CEO of Menn Law Firm, Ltd., and practices law in the firm’s ag-business group. Will devotes a large portion of his legal practice towards serving his agri-business and corporate clients, dealing with contract, real estate, corporate, employment, succession planning, and sale/acquisition issues. Will also has significant commercial litigation experience, dealing with a wide variety of cases in small-claims, state circuit, and federal district court, along with the Wisconsin Court of Appeals. Will, his wife, Gretchen, and their five young children currently reside in Appleton.

Samuel Moheban

Samuel Moheban is an attorney at Ruder Ware, he focuses his practice on litigation while also expanding the firm’s business immigration offerings, assisting employers with employee immigration matters. His interest in immigration took root during his tenure as a paralegal in a boutique Minneapolis law firm. In this role, he assisted immigrants in their quest for enhanced opportunities in the United States, a journey mirroring that of his own grandfather, who immigrated from Iran. Grounded in a steadfast belief in natural rights, Sam derives satisfaction from helping others navigate restrictions to their freedom of movement and association. Before joining Ruder Ware, Sam practiced with a respected Fox Valley law firm where he concentrated on resolving matters related to business, employment, property, and fiduciaries. In his free time, Sam enjoys golf, reading nonfiction, compulsively multitasking while listening to podcasts, and routinely dominating his fantasy football league. Like all former Minnesotans should, Sam joined the Packers faithful immediately upon his first crossing of the St. Croix River.

Marissa Nehlsen

Marissa Nehlsen is the founder and CEO of an eight-figure, debt-free financial firm, managing over $1 billion in assets across forty-six states. Her journey began on a North Dakota farm, where she learned the value of hard work and resilience. Over the past thirty years, she has founded five self-managing companies and coached thousands of entrepreneurs, helping them make money their best employee. She is the author of Live Life Rich, a guide to building not just a profitable business, but a life of true financial, personal and professional freedom. Beyond business, Marissa is a global impact leader. She cofounded the Foundation of Latin America, building sewing schools for women in Costa Rica, developing sustainable energy projects, and dedicating herself to eliminating poverty through entrepreneurship.

Mike North

Mike North grew up on his family's dairy farm in southeastern Wisconsin. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Agribusiness from UW Platteville. While still in college, Mike began his work in the futures industry in 1995 as an intern with a local brokerage company. After nearly two decades in the business, Mike founded Commodity Risk Management Group (CRMG) (www.crmg.us) in 2014. In 2019, CRMG merged with Rice Dairy to form Ever.Ag, a company that collectively provides comprehensive marketing plans, brokerage, insurance, and technology services while providing high-level unbiased research and education to its clients. That company would merge with Dairy.com in 2021 to further embed technology into the agricultural supply chain while still offering the same suite of risk management services for which his original company was known. Mike has been published in several agricultural periodicals, is a regular guest on several national programs such as AgDay, RFDTV, and the U.S. Farm Report, can be heard frequently on several local and national radio programs, served as a part time lecturer at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville and is a featured speaker at programs across the country.

Dr. Theresa Ollivett

Dr. Theresa Ollivett, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), is an associate professor at the UW–Madison, School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Ollivett’s responsibilities at the UW-SVM are split between veterinary student teaching, research, outreach and services roles. She is actively involved in practical field-based research in dairy calf health management and sharing knowledge generated from her research through continuing education events and publications for dairy veterinarians, farmers and allied industry members. Her clinical interests include troubleshooting poor health and performance in young dairy cattle, and her efforts continue to advance the dairy industry’s awareness and understanding of lung ultrasound as a means of diagnosing and monitoring young calf health.

Laura Paletta

Laura Paletta joined Extension in 2022 as an outreach specialist in the agriculture water quality program for the eastern part of the state. She focuses on issues relating to phosphorus movement, manure use, and tile drainage.

Dr. Joseph Pierre

Dr. Joseph Pierre attended UW–Madison as an undergraduate (BS in natural science) where he was a student athlete in track and cross country from 2005-2008. He then completed a Ph.D. in nutritional sciences through the IGPNS program at UW. Following graduation, his postdoctoral fellowship training was in gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition at the University of Chicago. Prior to joining the UW faculty, he was most recently an assistant professor of pediatrics, microbiology, immunology, and biochemistry at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center.

Kurt Petik

Kurt Petik is a Senior Relationship Manager with Rabo AgriFinance. Kurt was raised on the family’s beef cattle ranch in north-western South Dakota. His deep agricultural roots led him to South Dakota State University, where he received B.S. degrees in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business. Kurt has spent the past 20 years of his agricultural banking career living in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. As part of Rabobank’s Major Agricultural Clients team, Kurt works to connect leading dairy farms to the resources, knowledge and networks of one of the world’s largest and most innovative agricultural banks. Rabobank’s vision is to support leading producers and agribusinesses by recognizing and encouraging the ambition, independence and innovative thinking that is necessary to compete in a global marketplace and to provide the foundation for future generations.

Melissa Ploeckelman

Melissa Ploeckelman is a powerhouse of passion and purpose, serving as the Outreach Specialist for the National Farm Medicine Center and the National Children’s Center for Rural Agricultural Health and Safety. Before she was spreading the word about farm safety, she spent six years inspiring the next generation as an agriculture instructor, FFA advisor, and Youth Apprenticeship coordinator in the Colby School District. Melissa's roots run deep—literally. Raised on her family’s dairy farm in Stetsonville (where she still jumps in to help), she’s been living and breathing agriculture her whole life. A proud 2010 grad of UW–River Falls with a degree in agricultural education, Melissa’s leadership shone early on when she served as the 2006–2007 State FFA Parliamentarian, was crowned 2008 Marathon County Fairest of the Fairs, and went on to become the 2009 State Fairest of the Fairs. Today, Melissa is on a mission to keep farm families safe, one story at a time. Whether she’s in the classroom, the barn, or the garden, she’s always planting seeds of awareness and cultivating safer futures for rural communities.

Josie Riser

Josie Riser, Jobo Farms (Gettysburg, PA).

Dr. Lautaro Rostoll-Cangiano

Dr. Lautaro Rostoll-Cangiano, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in Bovine Immunology at the UW-Madison’s Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences. He earned his PhD in Immunology and Microbiology from the University of Guelph, Canada and his MSc in Animal Science from the University of Florida. His lab work focuses on understanding how various on-farm management factors affect immune function and overall health of dairy cows over their lifetime. He also studies the impact of metabolic disorders in dairy cows on immune function and disease susceptibility. His lab aims to create practical, science-based solutions to increase resilience and disease resistance of dairy cattle.

Dr. Matt Ruark

Dr. Matt Ruark, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an Extension Specialist in UW-Madison’s Division of Extension, and the Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Grower Association B-C-S Chair. His Nutrient Cycling and Agroecosystems Laboratory works to improve knowledge of nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon cycling in grain, dairy, and vegetable cropping systems in Wisconsin. He serves as Faculty Advisor to the UW-Discovery Farms program and the Wisconsin Agri-Business Association.

Troy Schneider

Troy Schneider is a shareholder with Menn Law Firm, Ltd., in Appleton, WI and specializes in the areas of farm real estate, business and estate planning. Troy received his law degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is a past member of the Board of the Solo Small Firm and General Practice Section and past chair of its agricultural/rural practice committee. Troy is also a member of the American Agricultural Law Association. Troy grew up on a sibling-owned dairy farm in Eastern Wisconsin.

Bret Shaw

Bret Shaw is an Environmental Communication Specialist for the Division of Extension and a professor in the Department of Life Sciences Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He specializes in planning and evaluating strategic communication campaigns related to promoting sustainable agriculture and other conservation initiatives. He teaches about how to conduct more effective outreach and marketing campaigns.

Tim Swenson

Tim Swenson started Swenson Management Service LLC in 2022. He works with family businesses, providing dairy business planning and dairy profitability consulting services. Tim grew up in northwestern Wisconsin, working on a 120-cow registered Holstein farm. He received his B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin – River Falls and his M.S. in Dairy Nutrition from the University of Kentucky. His master’s research included initial BST trials, evaluation of various DCAD lactation rations with Megalac, as well as trials involving Selenium/vitamin E/immune system interactions. Before starting Swenson Management Service, Tim spent 16 years providing consulting services across the upper Midwest. He also has served as general manager of a feed and agronomy company in northwestern Wisconsin, and 14 years in the feed industry in central Minnesota and western Wisconsin working with large herds and expanding operations.

Tom Thibodeau

Tom Thibodeau, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership at Viterbo University has been a faculty member since 1983 and is the recipient of Viterbo’s Teacher of the Year award. “It is a privilege and a gift to be able to teach,” says Tom. His “Servant Leadership” and “Leading by Serving” classes are among the most popular at the University, which features the country’s only Masters of Servant Leadership program.

Tammy Vaassen

Tammy Vaassen is the Executive Director for the Wisconsin Beef Council. She joined the council in 2018, and is responsible for working with the board and staff to achieve the organization’s mission – to grow beef demand that is sustainable for future generations. She grew up on a diversified livestock and grain farm in Wisconsin. After obtaining her Animal Science degree from UW-Platteville, Tammy spent the next 25 years on the staff of the Wisconsin Pork Association. She enjoys working to support farmers, promoting agricultural products, and serving as a face to the consumer to answer their questions about beef production. Tammy and her husband Brian reside near Cuba City and have two adult children.

Jim Van Patter

Jim Van Patter has a passion for dairy cattle and has taken this around the world. It is his goal to help every calf to achieve a comfortable productive life and be able to meet the genetic potential as a cow. During his 50 years in the dairy industry, he has gained knowledge from some of the top people in the dairy world that has helped shape where we are today. Jim grew up a on a dairy farm in northwest Wisconsin which help instill the passion for the industry he has today. He has worked with dairies from Wisconsin to Mississippi, Turkey, Australia and Indonesia to improve the health, production, and well-being of dairy cattle. Jim has been with Nehls Bros for 15 years and the last 7 years as dairy manager. During this time Nehls Bros have made several adjustments to the calf raising program. Helping the calves reach new highs on average daily gains in the hutches. Jim also works with Raffle Pacific Harvest in Garut, Indonesia since the inception of the dairy to where they are now milking 2500 cows and being the top production dairy in Asia. In addition, Jim has devolved the top CPI Guernsey herd in the world at Nehls Bros. Jim serves as a board member of Dairy Calf and Heifer Association. In his nondairy time Jim and his wife Linda enjoy going to their grandson sporting events. Travel and yard work and golf Jim and Linda share 2 sons 2 daughters and 2 grandsons.

Chad Vincent

Chad Vincent is the CEO at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin leading efforts to build demand and awareness for Wisconsin’s $52B dairy agriculture business. Vincent is a seasoned executive with extensive experience successfully spearheading startups, turnarounds, family-owned brands and Fortune 50 divisions to record levels of sales and profitability. He has extensive dairy marketing and branding experience as well, having served as chief marketing officer and senior vice president of strategic development at Sartori Cheese in Plymouth, Wisconsin. Prior to joining Sartori, Vincent was a Managing Director at H.J. Heinz in Pittsburgh, President of Asia-Pacific region at Miller Brewing Company, Division President and Global CMO at Fiskars Brands as well as other roles in consumer products and beverage companies. Recently Vincent was named Board Chair for the Wisconsin Agriculture Export Committee, joined the US Dairy Export Council’s Operating Committee & named to the USDA Agricultural Trade Advisory Committee by the US Secretary of Agriculture. Vincent, a native of East Lansing, Michigan, received his undergraduate and MBA degrees from Michigan State University. A resident of Madison, WI, Vincent and his wife Wendy are the parents of four children. www.chadtvincent.com

Shaun Wagner

Shaun Wagner, Agronomist at Jacobs Brothers/Green Valley Dairy in Krakow, Wisconsin since 2019. In this role I manage the agronomy on 11,000 acres as well as managing logistics and our team. Primarily we grow alfalfa, corn silage, grain corn, soybeans, and wheat, along with a small amount of alternative forage and snap beans. If I was to say one thing that we pride ourselves in relating to this talk, it would be our utilization of data to drive our decision making related to BMR and non BMR corn hybrids. I received my bachelor’s degree in 1997 from UW-Stevens Point in Soil Science. I also received my certification for teaching science with a minor in chemistry from UW-Green Bay in 2000. This led to my profession as a secondary physical sciences and math teacher prior to my present venture. I am married to my wonderful wife Monica, we have 3 daughters Ryann 22, Megan 20 and Addison 9, as well as a son Cameron 13.

Derek Wawack

Derek Wawack joined Alltech in early 2011 after graduating from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He currently resides in central Minnesota where his current position in Alltech is an on-farm specialist. He has consulted on farms across North America focusing on everything from feed quality and its effects on animal performance, to storage forage management, along with mold, yeast and mycotoxin troubleshooting. He takes a more proactive approach to feed quality at the farm while utilizing many different tools and programs such as the 37+ mycotoxin program, infrared imaging, drone technology and much more to evaluate the quality and performance of the feed. He visits farms for both troubleshooting purposes and some on a regular basis for routine quality monitoring.

Dr. Kendra Wells

Dr. Kendra Wells Valley Veterinary Clinic in Seymour, WI grew up in Northwestern Wisconsin where she skipped summer camp and helped with chores on her Aunt and Uncle's dairy farm. As a college student, she worked for a handful of dairies throughout the state which inspired her to pursue dairy medicine and continue to work with the people that love cows, too. This brought her to, where she has practiced for 7 years, and owned for 2. Her specialty interests include youngstock and employee development. Outside of work she enjoys fishing with her husband, crafting, and visiting family and friends.

Tom Zwald

Tom Zwald owns and operates Bomaz Farms with my wife Ashley, sister and her husband: Steve and Annette Schalla, and Parents: Bob and Kay Zwald. They are a 1500 cow operation, raising the majority of their youngstock and raising and harvesting their own forages. His primary focus is on the cropping operation to plant, grow and harvest the 2500 acres of feed for the animals consisting of 1000 acres of straight alfalfa and 1500 acres of corn for silage and snaplage.