Young Cooperators

A Young Producer’s Reflection on Leadership

A Young Producer’s Reflection on Leadership By Ben Smith, 2022 MDVA Outstanding Young Cooperator WhenMaryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA) approached me about writing a blog recapping my year as Outstanding Young Cooperator (YC), my first thought was “no thanks!” I’m not one to share my highs or lows and consider myself an …

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Next Generation of Maryland & Virginia Dairy Leaders Gather for 20th Annual Summer Break

Frederick, MD – Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA) showcased a few of their best Maryland-based farms last week as part of its 20th Annual Young Cooperator (YCs) Summer Break. More than 22 farm families traveled from five states to tour the featured farms and share farm management experiences. “Maryland & Virginia’s Young …

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Virginia Member Named Outstanding Young Cooperator

Virginia Member Named Outstanding Young Cooperator Reston, Va. – Maryland & Virginia Milk Producers Cooperative Association (MDVA) recently named Ben Smith as the co-op’s 2022 Outstanding Young Cooperator (YC). “Our Young Cooperator Program shapes future co-op leaders,” said Lindsay Reames, EVP of Sustainability and External Relations for MDVA. “We are thrilled to have Ben as …

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Joanna Shipp Appointed to National Dairy Board Appointment

Member Joanna Shipp has been appointed to serve on the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board. Joanna farms with her father Laird Bowman in Boones Mill, Virginia, where they milk 225 cows and farm 600 acres of owned and 400 acres of rented ground. She is the seventh generation to be involved in her family’s …

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YCs in Washington – Lobbying for Dairy on Capitol Hill

Two Pennsylvania YC couples, Rich and Shelby Holsopple of Friedens (on left in photo), and Brian and Rachel Detwiler from Altoona (on right), ventured to Capitol Hillin early June to advocate for dairy. Joined by 60 other YCs from around the country, the Holsopples and Detwilers met with their representatives as part of the National …

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