Source: AMPI news releases
Steve Schlangen, a dairy farmer from Albany, Minn., is stepping up to lead the 3,000-member Associated Milk Producers Inc. (AMPI). He was elected chairman by the board of directors immediately following the close of the dairy marketing cooperative’s annual meeting.
“Steve’s genuine ability to connect with others and maintain a clear vision for the cooperative will be a great asset as he assumes the role of chairman,” said AMPI President and CEO Ed Welch. “He understands the core values of AMPI and the need to aggressively pursue member interests in the economic and political arenas.”
Schlangen owns and operates a 65-cow dairy farm with his wife, Cheryl. He has served on the AMPI Board of Directors since 2001 and has been an elected official for 20 years.
Schlangen succeeds Paul Toft, who retired after serving as AMPI chairman for the past decade. Toft and his wife, Shirley, farm in partnership with their son, Mark, near Rice Lake, Wis.
AMPI reported a $1.5 million loss in 2010 due to a year-end market drop which devalued product inventory. However, sales of packaged and processed cheese grew 5% last year, and butter sales were up 7%. AMPI also sold more than 28% of its powdered dairy products internationally last year.
The AMPI Board of Directors also elected the following members to serve as officers of the board: Doug Temme, Wayne, Neb., vice president; Phil Johnson, Holmen, Wis., secretary; and Brad Nevin, Rice Lake, Wis., treasurer. In addition to the officers, other executive committee members include: Bruce Brockshus, Ocheyedan, Iowa; John Grafenberg, West Union, Iowa; Bruce Maas, Walnut Grove, Minn.; Harvey Phelps, Cornell, Wis.; and Dave VanderKooi, Worthington, Minn.
Joining the AMPI Board of Directors in 2011 are Mark Kaeding, Augusta, Wis.; James Koser, Almena, Wis.; and Dave Sullivan, Oelwein, Iowa.
