With more than 30 years of experience, Jim brings a wealth of industry knowledge. He is a lifelong learner, always curious to ask questions and to keep up with the latest information. You will always find Jim with a smile and looking for the positive in each situation. He takes his role as an evaluator seriously from respecting farm biosecurity to making sure to maintain the confidentiality of the farmer’s information. His empathy and keen listening skills are what producers appreciate in helping them feel heard.
Jim champions the program by helping producers understand how the program works and how it strives to be science-and outcomes-based while being facility- and size-neutral. When a producer has a question about the program’s standards, he takes the time to explain how the standards are developed and how farmers are involved at each step in the approval structure. He teaches them the FARM Program’s intention is not to make more rules and regulations for dairy producers but for the program to realize its true potential, that the entire dairy industry needs to be united with a common program. He spreads the importance of the FARM Program beyond the producer as he works to create program awareness through conversations with milk haulers, equipment dealers, veterinarians, and others who work directly with supporting dairy farmers.
Jim enjoys seeing youth get excited about the industry and champions the Young Cooperators program at AMPI and is one of the best recruiters to engage young farmers in their co-op business to engage the next generation.
Be the first to comment