MIDDLETON, Wisc. (Jan. 4, 2024) Foremost Farms USA, a world-class producer of cheese, butter and dairy ingredients supplied to national and international markets, proudly announces its Chairman of the Board Rick Burkhamer of Richland Center, Wisc., has been elected to the National Milk Producers Federation’s (NMPF) Board of Directors and Executive Committee.
As part of his commitment to leadership at Foremost Farms and industry advocacy, Burkhamer will help shape the strategic direction and policy initiatives of NMPF. His extensive experience and visionary leadership within the dairy industry make him an ideal addition to the NMPF’s leadership team.
“I am honored to serve the members of Foremost Farms, and this is an opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of our dairy industry,” said Burkhamer. “I look forward to collaborating with industry leaders to address our challenges and drive positive change.”
In addition to Burkhamer’s appointment, Greg Schlafer, President and CEO of Foremost Farms, will continue to serve as an active member of the Board of Directors at NMPF on behalf of the cooperative. This dual representation reinforces Foremost Farms’ dedication to industry collaboration and its active participation in advocating for members and shaping industry policies and standards.
“Being a part of the Board of Directors allows Foremost Farms to contribute to the broader industry conversation and collaborate with like-minded professionals,” said Schlafer. “It is a privilege to continue working in this capacity, now alongside Rick, to advance our industry’s interests.”
Foremost Farms remains committed to excellence, innovation and industry advancement; and the cooperative is pleased to offer the collective expertise of Burkhamer and Schlafer to NMPF.
New directors, including Burkhamer, were elected to the NMPF Board of Directors and approved by NMPF delegates at the November 2023 joint annual meeting of NMPF and its checkoff group partners.
About Foremost Farms USA
Foremost Farms USA® is a dairy cooperative representing hundreds of Midwest dairy farmer members located across seven Midwest states, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin – America’s Dairyland. It is one of the largest, leading dairy cooperatives in the United States and a major food manufacturing business. Every year, Foremost Farms produces millions of pounds of cheese, butter, whey and milk protein ingredients from the high-quality milk produced by its members. Its customers represent respected top brands and category leaders at national and regional levels in retail and foodservice channels, that are served with innovative solutions, technical services and customized products. For more information call 800-362-9196 or see foremostfarms.com.
About NMPF
NMPF was organized in 1916 to provide a forum for dairy producers and the cooperatives they own to participate in public policy discussions. NMPF advocates policies to Congress, U.S. and foreign government agencies, industry organizations, the news media, and the public.
We use our unique resources to harness the ever-changing climate in the politics and marketing of milk and dairy products from farm to table to promote the economic well-being of dairy producers and their cooperatives through coordinated industry efforts.
NMPF addresses policies concerning milk pricing, domestic and international market development, agriculture credit and taxation, environmental issues, food safety and health, animal welfare, product standards and labeling, and research and biotechnology.
For more information, contact:
communications@foremostfarms.com
608-444-5562