Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) mourns the passing of Gary Hanman, a visionary leader whose influence transformed the landscape of American dairy. Hanman served as CEO of DFA from its inception in 1998 until 2005, guiding the Cooperative and the dairy industry through a period of unprecedented growth and unity.

Prior to his role at DFA, Hanman was CEO of Mid-America Dairyman, where he established a reputation for strategic leadership and industry expertise. In 1998, as four major regional cooperatives sought to join together and strengthen the voice of American dairy farmers, Hanman was unanimously chosen to lead the newly formed DFA. Under his stewardship, DFA became the nation’s first truly national dairy cooperative, setting a new standard for collaboration and farmer advocacy.

“Gary was probably the only person in the country who could have brought dairy farmers together to form Dairy Farmers of America,” says Randy Mooney, chairman of DFA’s Board of Directors and a farmer-owner in Rogersville, Mo. “He was a dynamic figure and visionary in his work for American dairy farmers.”

Throughout his tenure, Hanman was credited with uniting diverse organizations and fostering a culture of partnership and commitment to farmers. His strategic foresight and dedication not only helped shape DFA but also delivered lasting benefits to dairy producers across the United States.

DFA extends its deepest condolences to Hanman’s family, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of working alongside him.