Midwest Dairy is proud to announce that the fourth class of the Dairy Experience and Agricultural Leadership Program (DEAL) has been selected. The 2026-2027 class was hand-picked from an impressive collection of applications across Midwest Dairy’s 10-state region. These outstanding young dairy farmers, ages 40 and younger, were chosen for their passion for sharing their dairy story and a desire to be more involved in the industry. For the second time, Midwest Dairy partnered with The Dairy Alliance to bring the DEAL program to young dairy farmers in that region alongside participants of Midwest Dairy’s region. Our goal was for dairy farmers from Midwest Dairy’s region to learn from and network with dairy farmers from other parts of the country. Four farmers from Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia are enrolled in Class 4.
- Jonas Heyl – ND
- Isaac Griebel – MN
- Austin Freund – MO
- Ike Bernard – TN*
- Damon Toombs – TN*
- Joshua Snider – NC*
- Tabitha Matthews – VA*
- Seth Snodgrass – NE
- Allie Wise – IA
- Brooke Carrow – MN
- Molly Archer – MO
- Crystal Carson – KS
- Ashley Gruenes – MN
- Nathaniel Freund – MO
- Kalie Michaels – IL
- Kevin Hildebrandt – IL
- Martin Ladefoged – IL
- Erin Rodgers – MO
- Josh Kelm – MN
This 18-month program provides an opportunity for young dairy farmers across the region to learn how to engage with consumers, conduct media interviews, network with industry and peers, and gain a deeper understanding of the dairy checkoff. The DEAL program is made up of three phases, including in-person meetings and local assignments as well as participating in a consumer dairy event.