2025 Keynote Speaker Details

Michael Hutjens

University of Illinois, Urbana

Mike Hutjens was raised grade Holstein farm near Green Bay, Wisconsin. His bachelor, masters, and Ph.D. degrees were awarded from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

From 1971 to 1979, Dr. Hutjens was extension dairy specialist at the University of Minnesota where he coached the national champion team in 1978 at the World Dairy Expo. Since 1979, he has been a member of the University of Illinois Animal Sciences Departments as extension dairy specialist. He speaks at 60 to 70 meetings at conferences in 46 states, 17 foreign countries, and nine Canadian provinces. Mike writes feed columns for Hoard's Dairyman, Progressive Dairyman, and hosts the Hoard’s Dairy monthly webinars.

Award recognitions include the Undergraduate Teaching Purina Award from the American Dairy Science Association, National DeLaval Extension Worker Award, ADSA, Applied Nutrition Award from ADSA, Outstanding Extramural Instructor(University award) in 1993 and 2000, and two citations from the Minnesota Board of Regents,. Mike was president of the American Dairy Science Association.  In 2008, he was select “Service Person of the Year” by World Dairy Expo. In 2009,he received the Award of Honor from ADSA and Fellow, the “Eagle Award” from the IL Farm Bureau Association, the national DHI Service in 2013, and the Dairy Shrine Person of the Year in 2019.

He resides in Savoy, IL, with his wife, Carol and five children and seven grandchildren. Mike served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve Mike retired from the University of Illinois on Dec 31, 2010.

Kevin Duling

Market Analyst, KD Investors, LLC

Kevin received a degree from Oregon State University in Agricultural Economics.  From there, he went home to farm, but was asked to help market a neighbor's grain. That turned into his primary business, as navigating grain markets today is challenging.

Thomas Valles

Motivational Speaker, McFarland USA

After graduating from McFarland High School in 1988, Thomas attended College of the Sequoias (COS), where he studied criminal justice and competed as a member of the cross country and track teams. After leaving COS, he transferred to California State University, Bakersfield, where he continued competing in cross country and track. In 1992, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving for four years. In 1996, he began a career with the California Department of Corrections, retiring in 2018 after 22 years as a correctional officer. He continues to reside in the farming community of McFarland, where he once worked as a farm laborer.

Over the years, Thomas has remained involved in running as both a competitor and a coach. He has volunteered alongside Coach White at McFarland High School and with the youth running program. Following his retirement and the release of McFarland USA, he transitioned into a role as a motivational speaker, traveling across the United States to share his life story. His message emphasizes overcoming adversity and striving to achieve the impossible. He inspires audiences with the idea that whether through long strides or small steps, the goal is always to finish.