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Animal agriculture leaders from Cohort 3 begin their training in Chicago

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Cohort 3 of NIAA’s Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders launch their experiential leadership program

The third cohort of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders completed their first in-person leadership training session in Chicago, Illinois.

In January, NIAA announced the selected participants in the third cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders. During their time in Chicago, Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) hosted cohort participants as they explored the group’s strengths from CliftonStrengths, outlined their desired leadership experience and curriculum on the first day of the leadership training session. Kaitlin Briggs MBA, PhD, Vice President Animal Health & Sustainability Research at DMI spoke to the group about the organization and her role and the sustainability goals and progress in the dairy industry.

On the second day of the leadership session, Cohort members met Jamie Calvetti, president of Calvetti Meats and founder of Calvetti Culinary Creations. Calvetti Meats was established in Chicago in 1939 and Jamie is the second generation of owner management. The company specializes in custom food products, including ready-to-eat, sous vide and vacuum packaged ready-to-cook food products.

Midan Marketing’s Principal, Michael Uetz finished the day with Cohort members with a discussion about the latest protein research, current market trends, and consumer attitudes. Midan is an independent agency with an extensive knowledge of the meat industry and consumer insights.

“My expectations have expanded following our first gathering as Cohort 3,” said Hanna Robbins, Butterball, LLC and cohort member. “The opportunity to mesh with such a diverse, interdisciplinary group that is collectively passionate about all facets of agriculture is unique to many of us. I’m looking forward to further developing our relationships, conversations, and opportunities over the next 14 months and beyond.”

The third cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders represents a range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. Participants include Johnna Baller-Granville – Genus ABS, Ryan Bennett – U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs and International Poultry Welfare Alliance, Kristi Block – North American Meat Institute, Sarah Coleman – The Kentucky Horse Council, Rose Digianantonio – State of Wyoming Livestock Board, Will Fiske – Neogen Genomics, Chelsea Good, JD – Livestock Marketing Association, Rita Harkless – Perdue Foods, Blaine Johnson – Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine, Tanner King – Neogen Genomics, Ashley Kohls – Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, Jennifer Koziol – Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine, Rahul Kumar – Zoetis, Inc., Megan McCullough – North American Meat Institute, Emmanuel Okello – University of California, Davis, Kelli Payne – Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation, Hanna Robbins – Butterball, Dakota Thomas – Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO), Jackson Tolle – United Producers, Inc., Hattie Webb – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

To learn more about the leadership program and its sponsors, visit the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders page of our website.

 

 

 

NIAA Selects Third Cohort for the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program

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The third class participating in the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders has been selected and will convene for their first session in Chicago in February 2024.

NIAA established the leadership program in 2021 to provide an opportunity for animal agriculture leaders to gain next-level leadership and professional development training. What makes the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders unique is that its curriculum and experience is co-designed by the leadership cohort and is specifically designed for the animal agriculture segment of the industry.

The 16-month program is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and Farm Credit and was created by NIAA to empower professionals in the early to midpart of their careers to build on previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry. The cohort attends five in-person meetings with additional virtual working sessions to focus on four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excellence. A presentation of a group capstone project will complete Cohort 3’s leadership training at NIAA’s Annual Conference in April 2025.

“Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry. This program was intentionally developed to build upon existing leadership experiences, so professionals advance their skills – specifically, collaboration,” said Eric Moore, NIAA Board Chairman. “It was important to me to participate in the inaugural cohort and it has been an enriching experience for me and my fellow leaders.”

There were more than 50 very capable applicants for the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders. The third cohort represents 20 leaders in a diverse range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. NIAA welcomes:

  • Johnna Baller-Granville – Genus ABS
  • Ryan Bennett – U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs and International Poultry Welfare Alliance
  • Kristi Block – North American Meat Institute
  • Sarah Coleman – The Kentucky Horse Council
  • Rose Digianantonio – State of Wyoming Livestock Board
  • Will Fiske – Neogen Genomics
  • Chelsea Good, JD – Livestock Marketing Association
  • Rita Harkless – Perdue Foods
  • Blaine Johnson – Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Tanner King – Neogen Genomics
  • Ashley Kohls – Minnesota Turkey Growers Association
  • Jennifer Koziol – Texas Tech School of Veterinary Medicine
  • Rahul Kumar – Zoetis, Inc.
  • Megan McCullough – North American Meat Institute
  • Emmanuel Okello – University of California, Davis
  • Kelli Payne – Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation
  • Hanna Robbins – Butterball
  • Dakota Thomas – Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO)
  • Jackson Tolle – United Producers, Inc.
  • Hattie Webb – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

To learn more about the program, it’s sponsors and how to participate in the next cohort, visit https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.

 

Cohort Two Tours Portland’s Agriculture Space

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The second cohort of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders participated in their second in-person leadership training session in Portland, OR.

 

In January, NIAA announced the second cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders. This leadership training course is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and was created by NIAA to empower animal agriculture professionals to strengthen previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry.

During their time in Portland, Cohort 2 participants visited Beef Northwest Feeders, Threemile Canyon Farms, Olympia Provisions, and the Port of Portland Grain Terminal.

Beef Northwest Feeders
Beef Northwest began in the 1870’s as Wilson Cattle Company and has developed into a people-focused company where they care for cattle and produce healthy beef for consumers while supporting our customers and playing a role in economic sustainability in agriculture.

 

 

Threemile Canyon Farms
Threemile Canyon Farms started farming in 1999 with the intent to make it a special place that demonstrates our respect for our people, community, and natural resources. They were the 2020 U.S. Dairy Sustainability Awards recipient for Outstanding Dairy Sustainability.

Olympia Provisions
Olympia Provisions is an American meat and restaurant company that produces artisan charcuterie based out of Portland, Oregon. Their mission is to redefine American charcuterie and developing a Pacific Northwest, small family Farmer Network so we can consistently source regenerative, humanely-raised pork.

Port of Portland Grain Terminal.
At the port of Portland, at Terminal 5 you’ll find 159 acres of a rapid-handling grain elevator and potash exporting facility. On average, 2-4 million tons of grain is shipped through Portland annually.

 

After the tours, cohort members took the opportunity to work on their small-group leadership capstone project that will be presented at Annual Conference in April 2024.

 

The second cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders represents a range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. Participants include Tressa Lacy, TransOva Genetics; Jared Bramer, Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health – North America; Amanda Butterfield, North American Meat Institute; TJ Flax, DTN; Trisha Klement, Vitek Lange PLLC; Phillip Lancaster, Kansas State University; Miriam Martin, North American Meat Institute; Chandler Mulvaney, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Jake Renner, American Gelbvieh Association; Jennette Rietcheck, Norbrook; Kayla Rink, Dairy Farmers of America; Grant Sardella, ABS Global; Jennifer Schmitt, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota; Austin Snook, Merck Animal Health; Sarah Thomas, The Ohio State University; Brandon Treichler, Treichler Consulting Services; Stephanie Ward, NC State University; Jonathan White, United Producers; Tim Bardole, United Soybean Board; and Shannon Ellis, United Soybean Board.

Learn more about the leadership program by visiting https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.

 

NIAA Graduates Animal Agriculture Leaders

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The first cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders completed the 16-month program.

The inaugural class of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders completed their 16-month leadership training program at NIAA’s Annual Conference.

The leadership training course is sponsored in part by the United Soybean Board and was created by NIAA to empower animal agriculture professionals to strengthen previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry. The inaugural cohort began their training in January 2022 and participated in multiple group and one-on-one virtual and in-person sessions, including Sacramento, CA; Kansas City, MO; and Alexandria, VA.

The inaugural cohort encompassed a range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. Participants included:

  • Rebecca Barnett, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
  • Tera Barnhardt, Animal Welfare Consulting & Research, LLC
  • Pierce Bennett, Minnesota Farm Bureau
  • Kaitlyn Briggs, Dairy Management, Inc.
  • Ryan Goodman, Beef Runner and Certified Angus Beef
  • Todd Hanten, Hanten’s Dairy, Inc.
  • Katherine Harrison, Harrison Farms
  • Michelle Hiscocks, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science
  • Madison Hopcia, Upstate Niagra Cooperative
  • Josh Luth, Schreiber Foods
  • Karaline Mayer, Hill’s Pet Food
  • Eric Moore, Norbrook, Inc.
  • Hayley Springer, Pennsylvania State University
  • Reginald Strickland, Strickland Farming Group

The final cohort session featured small-group capstone projects that were presented at NIAA’s Annual Conference in April.

“The NIAA Leadership Cohort is beyond what I imagined and has been a challenging and rewarding experience. You are able to plan your own experiences, have unique opportunities, network and travel. I have loved meeting likeminded individuals from all different sectors of animal agriculture, networking, learning together and helping each other along the way. Travelling to different areas of the country to see the various perspectives and practices of agriculture has been really enjoyable. NIAA’s cohort is one of the few that lets you plan your experiences and is geared towards what you are interested in growing in and highly recommend participating if you are looking to grow in your profession and in your understanding of agriculture,” said Madison Simmons Hopcia, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. and inaugural cohort member.

NIAA will open nominations for the third cohort in October. To learn more about the program, its sponsors, and how to participate in the next cohort, visit https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.

NIAA’s Animal Agriculture Leaders Kick Off Cohort 2

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The second cohort of the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders completed their first in-person leadership training session in Kansas City, Missouri.

In January, NIAA announced the second cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders. This leadership training course is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and was created by NIAA to empower animal agriculture professionals to strengthen previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry.

During their time in Kansas City, Cohort participants met with Kansas City-based leaders in multiple sessions:

Innovation & Investment in Animal Agriculture

 

Federal Courthouse Tour
This visit outlined the role of the Courts and insights into food and agriculture from a legal perspective.


Building on our Traditions
Celebrating agriculture’s history as a foundation for our future.

  • Kerryann Kocher, CEO of Vytelle
  • Eric Moore, Director of Technical Services – North America at Noorbrook, Inc. and NIAA Chairman of the board
  • Jared Wareham, North America NuEra Business Development Manager at Genus ABS

The second day of the training focused on strengths-based leadership development.

“Our first training session was extremely valuable. The time we spent collaborating and learning from our peers, understanding our personal strengths, and learning more about the rich agricultural history Kansas City boasts, gave us all excitement and anticipation for what’s still to come over the next 16 months.” said Kayla Rink, Senior Manager, Dairy Science and Farm Practices at Dairy Farmers of America and cohort member.

The second cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders represents a range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. Participants include Tressa Lacy, TransOva Genetics; Jared Bramer, Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health – North America; Amanda Butterfield, North American Meat Institute; TJ Flax, Dexer; Trisha Klement, Datamars Livestock; Phillip Lancaster, Kansas State University; Miriam Martin, North American Meat Institute; Chandler Mulvaney, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association; Jake Renner, American Gelbvieh Association; Jennette Rietcheck, Norbrook; Kayla Rink, Dairy Farmers of America; Grant Sardella, ABS Global; Jennifer Schmitt, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota; Austin Snook, Merck Animal Health; Sarah Thomas, The Ohio State University; Brandon Treichler, Treichler Consulting Services; Stephanie Ward, NC State University; Jonathan White, United Producers NC; Tim Bardole, United Soybean Board; and Shannon Ellis, United Soybean Board.

Learn more about the leadership program, its sponsors, and see pictures of Cohort 2’s visit to Kansas City, visit https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.

Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders in Cohort 2 take over Kansas City at first session

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The second Cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders met in Kansas City for their first session, January 24-25, 2023.

Matt Musselman with Dairy Farmers of America shares about the DFA’s CoLab Accelerator while the Cohort explores innovation and investment in animal agriculture.

 


During the Cohort’s time in the KC Animal Health Corridor offices, Cohort leaders also engaged with Kimberly Young and Emily McVey – KC Animal Health Corridor, Duane Cantrell – Fulcrum Global Capital, and Kevin Heikes – Intent Ag.

 

Cohort Leaders also engaged in conversations on regulatory and legal issues affecting animal agriculture. The Cohort was hosted by the Honorable Stephen R. Bough – District Judge for the Western District of Missouri. In addition to hearing from Judge Bough, Cohort leaders learned from attorneys Robert Thompson – Partner at Bryan Cave, and David Erickson – Partner at Shook Hardy Bacon.

The day wrapped up with dinner at the Golden Ox in the historic Kansas City Livestock Exchange Building with KC-area NIAA board members and guest speaker, Kerryann Kocher – CEO of Vytelle. Kerryann inspired Cohort Leaders to Compare & Contrast as they lead animal agriculture into its next 100 years to ensure meat and milk are viable, competitive food choices for future generations.

Cohort 2 and Kerryann pose in front of the original pricing boards in the Kansas City Livestock Exchange.

The second day worked on learning more about their leadership strengths and building a community within the cohort.

 

The evening was spent at a collaborative cooking experience with Chef Raven Naramore at Olive Tree. The cohort shared in camaraderie while making their meal and discussed with the chef factors that influence her choices in incorporating animal protein in menus.

 

 

 

National Institute for Animal Agriculture Selects Second Cohort for the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program

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The second class participating in the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders has been selected and will convene in February 2023 for their introductory session.

NIAA is in its second year of providing an opportunity for animal agriculture leaders to gain next-level leadership and professional development training. What makes the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders unique is its curriculum is specifically designed for the animal agriculture segment of the industry and participants co-design their experience.

The 16-month program is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and was created by NIAA to empower professionals in the early to midpart of their careers to build on previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry. The cohort attends five in-person meetings with additional virtual working sessions to focus on four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excellence.

“Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry. This program was intentionally developed to build upon existing leadership experiences, so professionals advance their skills – specifically, collaboration,” said Eric Moore, NIAA Board Chairman. “It was important to me to participate in the inaugural cohort and it has been an enriching experience for me and my fellow leaders.”

The second cohort represents a range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. NIAA welcomes:

  • Tressa Lacy, TransOva Genetics
  • Jared Bramer, Kemin Animal Nutrition & Health – North America
  • Amanda Butterfield, North American Meat Institute
  • TJ Flax, Dexer
  • Trisha Klement, Datamars Livestock
  • Phillip Lancaster, Kansas State University
  • Miriam Martin, North American Meat Institute
  • Chandler Mulvaney, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
  • Jake Renner, American Gelbvieh Association
  • Jennette Rietcheck, Norbrook
  • Kayla Rink, Dairy Farmers of America
  • Grant Sardella, ABS Global
  • Jennifer Schmitt, Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota
  • Austin Snook, Merck Animal Health
  • Sarah Thomas, The Ohio State University
  • Brandon Treichler, Treichler Consulting Services
  • Stephanie Ward, NC State University
  • Jonathan White, United Producers NC
  • Tim Bardole, United Soybean Board
  • Shannon Ellis, United Soybean Board

To learn more about the program, it’s sponsors and how to participate in the next cohort, visit https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.

NIAA_Leadership Cohort 2

NIAA Leadership Program Launches Matching Funds Campaign

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With the generous support of a member and the organization’s board of directors, the National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) has launched a matching funds campaign to support the NIAA Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program. An initial donation of $10,000 has been received with a goal of raising at least $20,000 via matching contributions. Funds raised will develop and empower animal agriculture leaders to positively affect the future of animal agriculture in the U.S. and around the world.

“We began this program to bring together proven leaders from all segments of the value chain,” shares Dr. Eric Moore, NIAA chairman of the board of directors and director of technical services – North America, Norbrook, Inc.

NIAA’s Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders is a multi-disciplinary leadership program. The program was initiated after NIAA’s board of directors envisioned a program to build on animal agriculture leaders’ experiences in species and organization-specific professional development programming. NIAA executive director, J.J. Jones, highlights that, “The program is designed to expand the leadership and professional development continuum for our sector of today’s food system.”

Leaders selected for the program grow and develop through in-person and virtual experiential learnings and an engaging, dynamic curriculum developed specifically for this program. The program provides participants – leaders from the entire value chain – the advanced skills necessary to lead animal agriculture into the future. Cornerstone components of the program expand leaders’ proficiencies in critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and achieving operational excellence within their organization and animal agriculture.

To contribute, click here. To learn more about the NIAA Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program, visit www.AnimalAgriculture.org/leadership-program.

NIAA Opens Nomination Period for Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders

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Participant applications for 2nd cohort of leadership program due November 1

The National Institute for Animal Agriculture (NIAA) is now accepting nominations for the second cohort of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders program. Nominations are due November 1.

In 2021, NIAA launched a new program providing emerging leaders a new opportunity to gain next-level leadership and professional development training specifically focused on the animal agriculture segment of the industry. Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders was developed and sponsored by the United Soybean Board (USB) and NIAA. The program empowers professionals in the early or middle part of their careers to build on previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry. Participants in the program will represent a range of agricultural sectors and will collaborate to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system.

The 16-month leadership program blends in-person and virtual working sessions to focus on four areas of development: critical thinking, leadership development, connecting and relating skills, and operational excellence. Members of the program work together on applied-learning, small-group capstone projects, which will incorporate topics identified by supporting NIAA sponsors. Project outcomes will be shared at the NIAA Annual Conference held each April.

“Part of NIAA’s mission is to foster collaboration and cooperation throughout the industry. This program was intentionally developed to build upon existing leadership experiences, so professionals advance their leadership and, specifically, collaboration skills,” said Eric Moore, NIAA Board Chairman. “It was important to me to participate in the inaugural cohort and it has been an enriching experience for me and my fellow leaders.”

USB serves as the founding sponsor of the Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders Program, with additional financial support provided by NIAA and its members and partners. Sponsorship funding allows participants pay a fee of $2,500, while receiving an estimated $10,000 in training and resources. The enrollment fee also includes one year of NIAA membership.

NIAA is accepting nominations for the program’s second 20-member cohort now through November 1. The selection process begins with a nomination from a sponsoring organization. More information about how to nominate an individual for the program or become an applicant is available at www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.

NIAA’s Animal Agriculture Leaders Take a Bite of Sacramento

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The inaugural class participating in the National Institute for Animal Agriculture’s (NIAA) Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders finished their third in-person leadership training session in Sacramento, California.

In January, NIAA announced the inaugural cohort of the newly-developed Advanced Training for Animal Agriculture Leaders. This leadership training course is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and was created by NIAA to empower animal agriculture professionals to strengthen previous leadership development experiences and collaborate with peers across the industry.

During the working session in Sacramento, leaders learned from:

  • Ben West, PhD, Director of Strategic Partnerships from the University of Tennessee as he provided practical training in Communicating the Science of Animal Agriculture through the Lens of Human Psychology
  • Secretary Karen Ross, California Department of Food and Agriculture, to discuss historic and emerging trends in agriculture policy and regulation
  • Better Meat Co. to explore the intersection between alternative proteins and animal agriculture
  • Frank Mitloehner, PhD and Joe Proudman – CLEAR Center, UC Davis provided a detailed overview of the Clarity and Leadership for Environmental Awareness and Research (CLEAR) Center’s work in the areas of research and communication to address sustainability
  • Other leaders in California agriculture were invited to network with the cohort, including Daren Williams – senior director, global communications, Almond Board of California; Michael Boccadora – executive director, Dairy CARES; Louie Brown – attorney, Law, Kahn, Soares & Conway, LLP; and Lloyd Kunimoto – CEO, Amfora.

The closing session focused on small group work that will be used for the capstone project at the close of the cohort’s 16-month program.

“The pairing of communications training with an exploration of topics such as sustainability, alternative proteins, and regulatory oversight provided a unique chance to build professional skills while also expanding our knowledge base and network within animal agriculture. I appreciate the opportunities that this program provides to learn from industry leaders who share with us their enthusiasm for their area of work and the future of animal agriculture,” said Dr. Hayley Springer, Extension Veterinarian, Penn State University and inaugural cohort member.

The inaugural cohort represents a range of agricultural sectors to advance animal agriculture’s role in today’s food system. Participants are Rebecca Barnett, National Association of State Departments of Agriculture; Tera Barnhardt, Animal Welfare Consulting & Research, LLC; Pierce Bennett, Livestock Marketing Association; Kaitlyn Briggs, Dairy Management, Inc.; Ryan Goodman, Beef Runner; Todd Hanten, Hanten’s Dairy, Inc.; Katherine Harrison, Harrison Farms; Michelle Hiscocks, Iowa State University Department of Animal Science; Madison Hopcia, Upstate Niagara Cooperative; Josh Luth, SCS Global Services; Karaline Mayer, Kansas Department of Agriculture Division of Animal Health; Eric Moore, Norbrook, Inc.; Hayley Springer, Pennsylvania State University; and Reginald Strickland, Strickland Farming Group.

To learn more about the program, its sponsors, and how to participate in the next cohort, visit https://www.animalagriculture.org/leadership-program/.