USFRA elected two new farmer leaders to its board of directors and announced changes to its executive committee.
The newly elected directors are Adam Grabenstein, a fifth-generation farmer and member of the Nebraska Corn Board, and Larry Don Womack, a third-generation farmer in Texas and member of the American Pecan Promotion Board.
USFRA also elected its executive committee for the coming year, including farmer Michael Crinion of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, chair; farmer Chip Bowling of Maryland Grain Producers Association, vice chair and treasurer; farmer Marilyn Hershey of Dairy Management Inc., immediate past chair; rancher Terry Quam of Cattlemen’s Beef Board, secretary; Doug Berven of POET; and Julie Fussner of Culver’s.
Re-elected to USFRA’s board were Dr. Marcus Bernard of the National Society for Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS); Randall Dodds of Tractor Supply Company; Dr. Sally Flis of Nutrien; Patrick Giberson of the United Soybean Board; Greg Shoemaker of Cargill; and Corey Geiger of CoBank (board advisor).
USFRA’s board of directors is a group of leaders who not only guide the organization but also embody the spirit and innovation of American agriculture. They bring expertise, passion, and a collaborative spirit that drives USFRA forward.
In this video, Marilyn Hershey, dairy farmer and chair at Dairy Management Inc., explains what drew her to USFRA and the value she sees in being a member.
Strong leadership starts with the people around the table, and this newsletter details important updates to the USFRA Board of Directors.
We recently welcomed two new farmer and rancher voices and expanded our executive committee—bringing together a strong mix of farmer champions and ag value chain leaders. Our board is comprised of people who care deeply about our industry and are committed to helping create a successful future for agriculture.
This impressive group reflects the strength and diversity of U.S. agriculture and they are exactly the types of leaders our organization needs. I’m looking forward to the work ahead and what we can accomplish together.
Thank you for your continued support.
Kevin Burkum
CEO
U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action
USFRA is taking the main stage with two panels at the Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, being held April 8-9 in Fort Worth. A farmer and rancher panel will include USFRA Chair Michael Crinion of Edge Dairy Farmer Cooperative, along with Mary White of Maher Farms, Dr. Ron Gill of Gill Cattle Company, and Dave Mensink, a Minnesota pork producer. USFRA CEO Kevin Burkum is moderating the panel, which will explore pressing challenges for farmers and ranchers and the role of technology in advancing agriculture’s resilience.
Kevin is participating in another panel at the summit, “Expanding Market Access: Leveraging Trade Intelligence and Risk Mitigation in Volatile Global Protein Markets.” We hope to see you there.
USFRA partners with organizations that support the critically important role of creating opportunities for collaboration, information sharing and solution development in agriculture.
One way Illinois Corn does this is through its Illinois Corn TV YouTube channel. In this episode of IL Corn TV, host John Klemm talks with Kate Baker about how Illinois Corn’s Precision Conservation Management program helps farmers adopt regenerative agriculture practices, including reduced tillage and nitrogen management.
USFRA’s podcast, Farm+Food+Facts, is recognized as one of the top podcasts exploring sustainable food systems – and this month’s episodes are not to be missed.
Host Joanna Guza sits down with Ian Welsh, co-founder and chair of the Innovation Forum, to preview one of the year’s most anticipated food and agriculture events. The Future of Food and Beverage USA, being held in Minneapolis, May 27-28. Listen HERE.
In the second episode, Joanna Guza talks with Meryl Richards, program director of food & forests at Ceres, about how investors and companies are working with farmers to improve sustainability. Listen HERE.
New Episodes drop every month. Don’t miss out – subscribe to Farm+Food+Facts wherever you listen to podcasts.
Important dates:
April 8-9: Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, Fort Worth
April 13-14: Regenerative Agriculture 2026, Anaheim
May 27-28: Future of Food and Beverage Forum, Minneapolis
