Young Cooperators
MMPA dairy farms are crucial components of vibrant, thriving rural communities throughout the Great Lakes region. The MMPA young cooperator program strives to develop future leaders on those farms in order to equip young dairy farmers with the knowledge and skills they need to supply higher-quality milk fueled by a forward-thinking mindset.
As part of the young cooperator program, the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program identifies and promotes current leaders amongst young dairy farmers. Industry leaders annually select winning and runners-up OYDCs to represent their peers at local and national events throughout the year. The opportunities provide networking and leadership training, strengthening their ability to govern the future of the cooperative.
2024 Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator
Ashley Kennedy of Bad Axe, Michigan, was selected as the winning 2024 MMPA Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) by a panel of judges represented by leaders in the Great Lakes dairy industry. Jake Buning of Falmouth, Michigan, was selected as the runner-up young cooperator.
Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator Program
As part of the young cooperator program, MMPA has been identifying future leaders through the Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program since 1950. The purpose of the program is to strengthen leadership abilities in young farmers, broaden young farmers’ knowledge of milk marketing and MMPA, and recognize the abilities and stewardship of our young dairy farmers. Industry leaders annually select winning and runners-up OYDCs to represent their peers at local and national events throughout the year. The opportunities provide networking and leadership training, strengthening their ability to govern the future of the cooperative.
| Year | Winners | Runners-Up |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Ashley Kennedy of Bad Axe, Michigan | Jake Buning of Falmouth, Michigan |
| 2023 | Ryan Benthem of McBain, Michigan | BJ and Autumn Benkovsky of Eaton Rapids, Michigan |
| 2022 | Katelyn Packard of Manchester, Michigan | Drew and Beth Rupprecht of Vassar, Michigan |
| 2021 | Kip and Rochelle Siegler of Imlay City, Michigan | Nolan Wieber of Pompeii, Michigan |
| 2020 | Brent and Emily Simon of Westphalia, Michigan | Drew and Beth Rupprecht of Vassar, Michigan |
| 2019 | James Weber of Vassar, Michigan | Brad and Nicole Wren of Prescott, Michigan |
| 2018 | Paul and Nancy Pyle of Zeeland, Michigan | Jeremy and Deanna Beebe of Alger, Michigan |
| 2017 | Nate and Jenny Elzinga of Zeeland, Michigan | Jarris and Rebekah Rubingh of Ellsworth, Michigan |
| 2016 | Darrin and Barbara Siemen of Harbor Beach, Michigan | Dave and Gretchen Tolan of Ossineke, Michigan |
| 2015 | Shawn and Beth VanDrie of Lake City, Michigan | Darren and Regina Coffey of Allegan, Michigan |
| 2014 | Brian and Carrie Preston of Quincy, Michigan | Ken and Kristen Sparks of Cassopolis, Michigan |
| 2013 | Mike and Jordan Noll of Croswell, Michigan | Jeff and Chriss Carmichael of Hersey, Michigan |
| 2012 | Kris and Carla Wardin of St. Johns, Michigan | Josh and Lesley Lott of Mason, Michigan |
| 2011 | Jeremy and Jody Sharrard of Peck, Michigan | Chris and Michele Daniels of Whittemore, Michigan |
| 2010 | Burke and Lisa Larsen of Scottville, Michigan | Scott and Alissa Ferry of Litchfield, Michigan |
| 2009 | Jeremy and Summer Werth of Alpena, Michigan | Tom and Heather Wing of Bellevue, Michigan |
| 2008 | Brad and Tonia Ritter of Byron, Michigan | Scott and Kristie Lamb of Jeddo, Michigan |
| 2007 | Aaron and Andrea Gasper of Lowell, Michigan | Brad and Monica Crandall of Battle Creek, Michigan |
| 2006 | Tom and Diane Cook of Pewamo, Michigan | Doeke and Melissa Prins of Lakeview, Michigan |
What is the OYDC Program?
The Outstanding Young Dairy Cooperator (OYDC) program strengthens leadership abilities and recognizes outstanding Young Cooperators. Each year, MMPA selects winning and runners-up OYDC to represent the co-op at local and national events.
Who can participate?
Anyone between the ages of 21 and 40 who is a member or affiliated with a member farm is eligible to participate in the program. Nominees do not have to be “on the contract” or a voting member to be considered.
Can OYDCs be nominated or apply more than once?
OYDCs can participate multiple times in the program as long as they still meet eligibility requirements and have not been chosen as the winning OYDC.