Connie Seefeldt, a Coleman, Wis., dairy farmer, will serve another term as vice-chairperson of USDA’s National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB). Seefeldt was first elected to the position after being appointed to the NDB in 2017.
“I am honored to serve as vice-chair and to be part of NDB the past few years,” says Seefeldt. “I am extremely excited about the new leadership and would encourage more dairy farmers to participate in these incredible leadership opportunities.”
Seefeldt owns and operates a dairy farm with her family and is a long-time member of the Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin (DFW) board of directors, comprised of 25 dairy farmers elected by their peers for three-year terms. Seefeldt served as chairperson for five years.
“Connie’s dedication and passion for dairy education and promotion is unparalleled,” notes Chad Vincent, CEO, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “I am proud to have Connie representing Wisconsin dairy farmers at the national level.”
Leaders of Dairy Management Inc., the NDB and the United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) recently announced election results to lead national dairy checkoff strategies and programs to protect and grow sales during its joint annual meeting.
The 37-member panel carries out promotion and research programs to help build demand and expand domestic and international markets for dairy products.
Ninety percent of Wisconsin’s milk is made into cheese, and 90 percent of that product is sold outside the state. DFW works with retailers to build online shopping programs to encourage consumers to purchase Wisconsin dairy products. The programs averaged a 25 percent to 50 percent lift in sales year over year.
The UDIA is a federation of state and regional dairy farmer-funded promotion organizations that provide marketing programs developed and implemented in coordination with members. The UDIA is overseen by a board comprised of dairy farmers elected by respective local and regional boards of UDIA member organizations.
Source: Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin