MIdwest Dairy Highlight: DEAL Class 3 Graduates with Confidence and Connection

This summer marked the culmination of an 18-month journey for members of the Dairy Experience and Leadership (DEAL) program, as Class 3 gathered for their final phase of training. With a focus on Midwest Dairy leadership and media readiness, the meeting equipped farmers with practical skills while celebrating the relationships and growth fostered throughout the program.

Before media training, participants heard from Hannah Tompson-Weeman, President and CEO of the Animal Ag Alliance. Her session shed light on the tactics used by animal rights activists to spread anti-agriculture narratives and provided strategies farmers can use to build trust in their communities and strengthen consumer confidence in dairy.

The first day offered a unique look at Midwest Dairy’s governance. DEAL members sat in on the corporate board meeting, gaining valuable perspective after attending division board meetings the previous summer. An evening meal provided an informal setting to network with board members and deepen connections with organizational leaders.

Day two focused on practical media preparation, guided by Midwest Dairy’s corporate communications partner, Padilla. Farmers learned interview strategies and best practices, then tested their skills in mock newspaper and television interviews. The hands-on approach gave participants the chance to build confidence under pressure, ensuring they’re ready to share dairy’s story when the spotlight turns their way.

The meeting concluded with a motivational presentation by Aaron Putze, Chief Officer of Strategy and Brand Management at the Iowa Soybean Association. His message emphasized the importance of relationships—both personal and professional—in advancing agriculture. The session left participants energized and ready to apply those lessons on their farms and in their communities.

Post-program surveys showed overwhelmingly positive feedback. One participant noted, “I think DEAL has given a broader perspective for the ways that checkoff dollars are being used.” Another added, “I really enjoyed not only meeting other young dairy farmers across the Midwest and Southeast regions while becoming friends with them, but also meeting so many strong leaders within agriculture.”

Celebrating Class 3 Graduates

The third DEAL class brought together a diverse group of young dairy leaders from across the Midwest and beyond:

• Iowa: Amber Selman, Jennifer Bronner, Katherine Boelen

• Illinois: Kendra Holland

• Minnesota: Amanda Zigan, Brittany Moorse, Cole Hoscheit, Elizabeth Golombiecki, Kevin Korbel, Quinci Schmidt

• Kansas: Jess Wohler, Todd Pauly

• Missouri: Aaron Stewart

• North Dakota: Nicolas Dotson

• Nebraska: Allison LaHaie

• Kentucky: Caden Cowherd

• North Carolina: Rachel Gray

Their shared experiences built not only stronger individual leaders but also a resilient network of advocates ready to represent dairy’s future.

Midwest Dairy thanks the DEAL Class 3 members for their time, commitment, and passion for leadership. Applications for DEAL Class 4 are being accepted through November 28, offering an opportunity for more farmers to develop their voices, expand their leadership, and carry dairy’s story forward.

For more information or to apply, visit MidwestDairy.com/DEAL