Maola Local Dairies™ Emphasizes Innovation and Leadership at Annual Meeting

Maola Local Dairies (Maola®) member-owners gathered this week in Hershey, Pennsylvania, for the cooperative’s 106th Annual Meeting. Members spent two days engaging in cooperative business, hearing updates from leadership, and learning from agricultural and dairy experts. This year’s meeting featured remarks from industry leaders, including Katie Brown, National Dairy Council President and EVP of Dairy Management, Inc., Sara Dorland, Managing Partner at Ceres Risk Management, Danny Munch, Economist with the American Farm Bureau Federation, corporate comedian Mark Mayfield, and numerous others.

The sessions highlighted the economic forces shaping dairy in 2026, the importance of strong leadership and cooperative alignment, and practical, on‑farm strategies to manage risk, improve herd health, and navigate today’s regulatory landscape. Maola farmers also took part in an interactive product sampling experience that explored where their milk goes after leaving their farms. The hands‑on session offered farmer‑owners a chance to see and taste the impact of their milk across Maola’s product portfolio in an engaging and informative way.

“Our farmer-owners are the heart of this cooperative,” said Jon Cowell, CEO of Maola. “Everything we do, from plant optimization to innovating new products, is strategically done to provide long-term stability for our farms and position Maola as the preferred local dairy brand across the East Coast.”

Maola also honored several outstanding members whose dedication strengthened the cooperative.

Deep Run Creek, LLC was named the 2026 Maola Producer of the Year. Located in Myerstown, Pennsylvania, Deep Run Creek is owned and operated by Doug and Dawn Martin, along with their son, Jed. Their operation has recently transitioned to a cutting-edge robotic milking system, now milking 170 cows with remarkable efficiency. Their commitment to sustainability is evident across their 175 acres of cover crops and 200 acres of no-till practices. Every day, the Martins focus on what matters most: healthy cows, well‑cared‑for land, and producing milk their family is proud to share with others.

“Our farmers are what set Maola apart,” Cowell said. “Having the Martin family as our 2026 Producer of the Year represents the very best of our cooperative and our shared commitment to producing safe, high-quality milk.”

Beckham Trucking was named the 2026 Maola Hauler of the Year. Owned and operated by Tommy Beckham, Beckham Trucking has been a dedicated partner to Maola for decades. Founded in 1942 with a single flatbed hauling milk, the operation now hauls more than 15 loads each week and is known for exceptional reliability, loyalty, and service.

“Our haulers play a crucial role in protecting the integrity of our milk from farm to plant,” said Jason Smith, EVP of Milk Marketing at Maola. “We are grateful for partners, like Beckham Trucking, who take that responsibility seriously every day.”

Austin and Lauren Schwartzbeck from Peace & Plenty Farms, in Union Bridge, Maryland, have been named as the 2026 Maola Outstanding Young Cooperator (YC) Couple. Together, they bring more than 30 years of hands‑on experience on Austin’s family farm, where they play key roles in calf and heifer care, breeding decisions, crop management, and overall herd performance. Lauren also helps

connect consumers to dairy through her classroom programs, community events, and agricultural outreach. Their shared commitment to learning, leadership, and service reflects the values the YC program is designed to support.

“Our farm has always believed in giving back to the dairy community. Serving as Maola’s Outstanding YC Couple is an opportunity to share our story and help strengthen the future of our cooperative,” said Austin.

Maola was also honored to celebrate a 75-year member at their Annual Meeting.

Little River Dairy, LLC, and the Ingram Family are celebrating 75 years as members of Maola. Farming on the same land in Floyd, Virginia, since 1945, the Ingrams have carried forward a five‑generation legacy defined by stewardship, family commitment, and service to their community. Today, brothers David and Robert Ingram continue to operate a diversified dairy, beef, and crop operation that reflects the quiet strength and work ethic their family is known for.

“We don’t do this for recognition, we do it because it’s who we are,” says David. “Working with the cooperative all these years has helped us stay focused on what matters most: our land, our cows, and our community.”

Maola also recognized Director Lance Shedden, who was honored in February with the inaugural National Council of Farmer Cooperatives (NCFC) Emerging Leader Award, at the 2026 NCFC Annual Meeting in San Antonio, TX. The award recognizes emerging cooperative leaders who demonstrate service, vision, and a strong commitment to cooperative values.

Learn more about Maola’s products, and the farmers who produce them, at www.maolamilk.com.