Dairy Processor News

DFA member Rexing named NMPF chairman

Courtesy of NMPF.

Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was chosen as NMPF’s 15th chairman at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting today.

“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman,” said Rexing in his first remarks after being named to the position by NMPF’s Board of Governors. “I may be stepping into this role, but it isn’t about me. It’s about who we represent, and the future we’re building together.”

Rexing and his wife, Ranell, operate New Generation Dairy, near Owensville, Ind., milking 1,200 cows and farming 3,500 acres of corn, beans, wheat and alfalfa. Brian is a fourth-generation farmer. Brian and Ranell have four children. He is the vice president of Evansville Young Dairymen and received the Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year award 2010. In 2021, Rexing purchased a meat processing plant with a retail store. Brian is a member of DFA’s Executive Committee.

Rexing succeeds Randy Mooney, who has served as NMPF’s chairman for the past 17 years. Mooney, who also serves as chairman for Dairy Farmers of America, will remain on NMPF’s Executive Committee, which also was elected.

“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.”

NMPF’s Officers and Executive Committee will consist of:

Chairman Brian Rexing – Dairy Farmers of America
1st Vice Chairman Cricket Jacquier – Agri-Mark
2nd Vice Chairman Simon Vander Woude – California Dairies Inc.
Secretary Craig Caballero – United Dairymen of Arizona
Treasurer Pete Kappelman – Land O’Lakes
Sheryl Meshke – AMPI
Rob Vandenheuvel – California Dairies Inc.
Melvin Medeiros – Dairy Farmers of America
Randy Mooney – Dairy Farmers of America
Joel Eigenbrood – Foremost Farms
Brian Hemann – Lone Star
Jon Cowell – Maola Local Dairies
Doug Chapin – Michigan Milk Producers Association
Frank Doll – Prairie Farms
Jacob Larson – Southeast Milk Inc.

Also at the meeting, NMPF’s Board of Directors approved the organization’s policy positions and elected new members. New board members approved by NMPF delegates, a broader group than the board, include:

Amy Humphreys – Northwest Dairy Association
Kurt Williams – Lanco Pennland
Stephen Mancebo – Land O’Lakes
Brian Hemann – Lone Star Milk Producers
Will Dyt – California Dairies Inc.

The members awarded Honorary Directors for Life recognition to former NMPF Board members Jim Werkhoven of the Northwest Dairy Association and Joey Fernandes of Land O’Lakes.

The meeting of roughly 750 farmers and industry professionals continues through Wednesday, featuring breakout sessions on industry topics ranging from an economic outlook to the dairy labor challenges.