NEW ORLEANS, La. – The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) honored William “Bill” Siebenborn of Trenton, Missouri, as the 2019 recipient of the Richard E. Lyng Award for his contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion. Siebenborn was recognized this week at the Joint NDB/ National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)/United Dairy Industry Association (UDIA) Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Siebenborn has a long tenure of service to Midwest Dairy. He currently serves on Midwest Dairy’s Mo-Kan Division board.
The award is named for former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a critical role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of NDB more than 30 years ago. The Lyng Award honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to the dairy promotion that benefits the entire industry.
“This award celebrates farmers who have shown a long-standing dedication to dairy promotion, including serving as a leading advocate for dairy foods, dairy farmers and the dairy community,” said Brad Scott, California dairy farmer and chair of the NDB. “Bill has dedicated more than 30 years working to make a difference for dairy farm families.”
Siebenborn served as chair of the UDIA, a federation of state and regional organizations that work to implement local checkoff-funded programs, for 10 years. In addition to Midwest Dairy, he also served in leadership roles for farmer-led organizations, including Dairy Farmers of America, the Missouri State Milk Board, NMPF, and Hiland Dairy.
During his career of service, he has played a key role in guiding the dairy community to develop and adopt programs that help protect and grow sales and trust in dairy, including partnerships with national foodservice companies and the school-based Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which works to create healthier school environments based on physical activity and healthy eating, including dairy.
“Bill’s commitment to telling the dairy community’s story is remarkable,” said Molly Pelzer, CEO of Midwest Dairy. “His work both in Missouri and nationally has set a great example for the next generation of farmers and will continue to have an impact far into the future.”
As part of the Richard E. Lyng Award, the NDB will contribute $2,500 to the University of Missouri (Columbia) College of Agriculture in Siebenborn’s name.