Dairy Leadership Program

About the program

The Dairy Leadership Program for those with an interest in being more engaged with the dairy community. This comprehensive training will expose participants to the many programs and people that affect and influence Oregon’s dairy industry. The goal of the program is to prepare motivated individuals to be engaged and serve in leadership roles while building lasting friendships. The program fosters a stronger dairy community, enhances personal skills, and gives participants tools to be successful and opportunities to be more engaged.    
Now Accepting Applications for the 2024-2025 leadership Class!

Program highlights

Legislative training

Receive tips and training on the legislative process and how to testify. We want you to be successful. It is important to have dairy producers engaged in the legislative process, to inform and educate elected officials about your practices, regulations, and on farm reality. There will be several opportunities to testify, by submitting written testimony or oral testimony if you choose to.  

meet Industry leaders

There will be several in person and zoom meetings with leadership from Oregon Dairy and Nutrition Council, Oregon Department of Agriculture, the Oregon Beef Council, and the National Milk Producers Federation.  

trip to boardman

Previous leadership groups have toured Threemile Canyon Farms, visited the SAGE Center, met with leadership at the Port of Morrow, and toured Columbia River Processing. Participants will spend two nights in Boardman.    

communication training

An emphasis will be placed on communication techniques that will help participants resonate with their audience, whether face-to-face, with the media or online. A dairy expert in communications will share information about current consumer trends, help craft personal stories, presentation training, interview do’s and don’ts, message development and training, and how to respond to difficult questions.    

visit washington dc

We will meet with Oregon’s congressional delegation, leadership from National Milk Producers Federation, USDA and EPA. This is a four-day trip and ODFA will cover all travel expenses.    

meet elected officials

On day one, we will travel to the Capitol and meet with elected officials. There will be several opportunities to build relationships with your elected officials throughout the 18-month program.

FAQ

Dairy Leadership Program

What is the duration of the program?

The program is an 18-month commitment.

What are my costs?
  • Participants are responsible for their own transportation to each activity, except for the trip to Boardman and Washington,DC.
  • ODFA will cover participant’s expenses (hotel accommodations, registration and meals) for the Dairy Farmers Convention in 2024 and 2025.
  • The ODFA Board encourages participation from across the state and would cover air fare and lodging expenses for those traveling a significant distance. Any questions regarding “significant distance” will be decided by the ODFA Board.
What will I gain from the program?
  • Legislative training
  • Media training
  • Engagement with industry leaders and decisionmakers
  • Farms visits, trips to Boardman and Washington DC
What are my time commitments?

There will be a few activities/sessions in the first few months of 2024 and one session approximately every 8 weeks throughout the 18-months. We do our best to workaround harvest and farm obligations. Most training and activities will be held in the Salem area, and most are one day events, with the exception of the ODFA Convention, the overnight trip to Boardman and Washington DC.

What is the required criteria needed to apply to the program?
  • Currently involved with the Oregon dairy industry (producer or allied industry member)
  • An Oregon resident
  • Committed to serving and improving the future of the Oregon dairy community
How do I apply?

Return the completed Candidate Application Form, essay responses, and the signed Candidate Agreement to:
Oregon Dairy Farmers Association
1320 Capitol Street NE, Suite 160 Salem, OR 97301

All applications must be postmarked by November 30, 2023, to be eligible for consideration. If you have questions, contact Tami Kerr at tami.kerr@oregondairyfarmers.org or call (971) 599-5269.

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