Gary Hanman, the founding CEO of Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) and a longtime leader in the cooperative dairy world, has recently passed. He served as CEO from DFA’s inception in 1998 until 2005, guiding the cooperative and the broader dairy industry through a period of significant growth and collaboration, according to a company statement.
Before taking the lead at Dairy Farmers of America, Hanman served as CEO of Mid-America Dairyman, where he built a strong track record and earned the respect of colleagues across the dairy industry. His work positioned him as a trusted and respected figure within the cooperative dairy community, known for his ability to navigate complex organizational and market challenges.
In 1998, when four regional cooperatives joined forces to create a stronger national voice for dairy farmers, Hanman was the unanimous choice to lead the newly formed DFA. Under his guidance, the cooperative became the nation’s first truly national dairy organization, establishing a model of collaboration and unity that continues to influence the industry today.
“Gary was probably the only person in the country who could have brought dairy farmers together to form Dairy Farmers of America,” says Randy Mooney, chairman of DFA’s board of directors and a farmer-owner in Rogersville, Mo. “He was a dynamic figure and visionary in his work for American dairy farmers.”
During his years at DFA, Hanman was known for bringing together organizations with different histories and priorities, while keeping the focus on supporting farmers. His approach helped solidify DFA’s role in the national dairy landscape and created long-lasting benefits for dairy producers well beyond his tenure.
Hanman’s work left a lasting mark on DFA and the broader dairy community, helping build a cooperative that continues to support American dairy farmers today.
