As the National Milk Producers Federation’s longstanding chairman, Randy Mooney, steps down, there’s an air of nostalgia and gratitude in the dairy community. Mooney’s speech at the recent Joint Annual Meeting hosted by the National Milk Producers Federation, the National Dairy Board and the United Dairy Industry Association in Arlington, Texas, marks not only the closure of his tenure but also the beginning of a new era under fresh leadership.
Mooney graced the stage with sincere gratitude, particularly for those who played pivotal roles in stirring the unity and spirit at the annual meetings.
“For all the energy you bring the meeting and to the people who opened up this meeting,” he graciously acknowledged, underscoring a culture of appreciation and unity within the organization.
Passing the Baton to a New Leader
Mooney reflects on a defining moment in his leadership during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, a period where uncertainty loomed over the dairy industry. Weekly calls were held with many dairy leaders, including Michael Dykes, president and CEO of International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), strategizing on how to prevent milk wastage and ensure financial stability for farmers. Mooney’s appreciation for collaboration shines through as he thanks his team for navigating this tumultuous time.
Mooney, who has been a part of the NMPF board of directors for nearly two decades, says he cannot help but think of the magnitude of what has all been accomplished in that time around the country.
“Often, I think about how this industry has grown, how it’s evolved, never losing sight of who we serve, which is the dairy farmers back home,” he says. “It’s one of the greatest honors of my life to work alongside so many of you, dedicated farmer leaders who care deeply about the future of dairy and about our fellow dairy farmers, who work tirelessly every day to provide a safe, wholesome, nutritious product to families around the world.”
As Mooney prepares to hand over leadership to Brian Rexing, he expresses confidence in Rexing’s ability to lead with dedication, vision, and integrity. He shares anecdotes illustrating Brian’s industrious personality, stating, “If you want to get a job done, find the busiest person there is and ask him to do it.”
The baton is gracefully passed with trust in Rexing’s potential to continue advancing the industry.
“I’m proud to pass the baton to Brian Rexing, a leader who carries forward the spirit of dedication, vision, integrity that defines National Milk Producers,” Mooney says.
Celebration of Achievements
Under Mooney’s chairmanship, the NMPF has celebrated extensive progress. From strengthening farmers’ voices in Washington to implementing risk management tools like Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) and Dairy Revenue Protection (DRP), his leadership has been instrumental in advancing policy and farm sustainability. He highlights the evolution of programs that have fortified the dairy industry’s foundation and secured its competitive edge internationally.
“We continue investing in programs that secure markets for U.S. milk and dairy products, capturing the bipartisan wins along the way. We’ve created and continue to evolve the Farm Program,” he says. “Together, we’ve developed and adopted a program that our customers and our consumers recognize, a program that’s nearly 100%.”
Mooney says NMPF worked hard to advocate for policies and strengthen farms families and growing children on nutrition.
“We’ve worked on whole milk for Healthy Kids Act, expanding healthy fluid milk incentive programs, Child Nutrition Act, school meals,” he says. “By defending dairy’s name as plant-based beverages, where we’ve driven home the message of dairy’s nutritional superiority over plant based…and the federal milk market changes made meaningful progress toward updating a system that reflects today’s markets realities. The reform isn’t perfect, but it’s important step in the right direction.”
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
Mooney acknowledges that though he is stepping down, the road ahead is filled with challenges like labor shortages, climate pressures and market volatility. Yet, the momentum is strong. With dedicated leadership poised to tackle these issues, the future looks promising.
“We’re going to have to be able to change and adapt and make sure that we fit in whatever legislation that gets passed, and we would remain resilient throughout,” he says.
Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was chosen as NMPF’s 15th chairman at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting.
“Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve as your chairman,” said Rexing in his first remarks after being named to the position. “I may be stepping into this role, but it isn’t about me. It’s about who we represent, and the future we’re building together.”
Rexing and his wife, Ranell, operate New Generation Dairy, near Owensville, Ind., milking 1,200 cows and farming 3,500 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa. Rexing is the vice president of Evansville Young Dairymen and received the Indiana Dairy Producer of the Year award in 2010. In 2021, Rexing purchased a meat processing plant with a retail store. He is a member of DFA’s executive committee.
As Mooney exits his role as chairman, he leaves behind not only a legacy of accomplishments but also a thriving community ready to embrace new opportunities.
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