Danette Amstein is co-founder of Midan Marketing, a strategic marketing, research and creative agency that focuses in meat, food and agriculture. Since starting the agency in 2004 with Michael Uetz, Danette’s role as a managing principal involves offering insightful guidance to clients in order to develop effective marketing strategies grounded in B2B and B2C research. Danette’s leadership and strategic direction were instrumental in the development and growth of multiple beef and pork brands. Over the past two decades, Midan’s notable clients have included Tyson Foods, Rastelli’s Food Group, Creekstone Farms, Thomas Foods and King Ranch.  

A sixth generation Kansas farm girl, Danette’s roots remain deep in agriculture. She is active in the management of her family’s commercial cow herd and row crop operation. Each year, she returns to her family’s farm to drive a combine during the annual wheat harvest.  

Danette actively mentors individuals within Midan and throughout the industry. Currently, she sits on the board of directors for The Women’s Meat Industry Network (WMIN), serves on the Annual Meat Conference planning committee and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (USRSB) communications committee.

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Charlie Arnot is recognized as a thought leader in food and agriculture.  He is highly regarded as both a writer and sought-after speaker who engages audiences across the globe. Charlie has decades of experience working in communications, public relations and issues management within the food system.  He is the founder and president of Look East, an employee-owned consulting firm. He also serves as CEO of the Center for Food Integrity, a non-profit dedicated to building consumer trust in today's food system. He is a trusted counselor to CEOs, government leaders and executives, and a respected industry advisor on critical food related issues, and he is frequently sought out by media for his insight. He has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune, Time, NPR, CNBC, The National Journal, Entrepreneur, Yahoo health, Huffington Post, Grist and dozens of trade publications globally.

Christine Birdsong was appointed by Governor Newsom as Undersecretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. Previously, Birdsong was Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Director of People and Culture for the Sun Valley Rice Company. She has also served as General Counsel for the National Cotton Council of America, Counsel for the Committee on Agriculture for the United States House of Representatives and Federal Government Affairs Leader for CropLife America. Birdsong earned a Juris Doctor degree from the UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and is a UC Berkeley alumni.

Ashley Boren is the CEO of Sustainable Conservation, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the collaborative stewardship of California’s land, air, and water for the benefit of nature and people. Since 1997, Ashley has led the organization with vision and persistence, forging uncommon partnerships between agriculture, business, conservationists, communities and public agencies. Under her leadership, Sustainable Conservation has delivered practical, science-based solutions that support clean water, healthy soil, and resilient landscapes.. She attributes much of this success to the organization’s ability to listen to all perspectives, build trusted partnerships and co-create solutions that are just and sustainable for the environment, economy, and people. Ashley’s collaborative approach has helped create policy and on-the-ground change across California, earning her deep respect as a bridge-builder and changemaker.  Ashley earned a BA in human biology, MA in applied economics, and MBA from Stanford University.

Tommy Bottoms is a first-generation farmer who, along with his wife, owns and operates Tremont Farms, LLC, based in Dixon, California. They farm approximately 5,000 acres of diversified crops, including processing tomatoes, fresh market melons and watermelons, grain, hay, sunflowers, corn, and dry beans. In addition to their own farming operations, they also provide custom management services for an additional 1,000 acres of almonds and pistachios.

At Tremont Farms, Tommy oversees all financial operations, contracts, leases, and personnel. He also responsible for developing and communicating with the management team responsible for daily operations. He is especially involved in irrigation management, including planning, scheduling, and execution. Supported by an excellent team, Tommy focuses on improving farm efficiency and implementing sustainable practices that enhance both productivity and the marketability of their crops.

Tommy earned a B.S. from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and a Ph.D. in Horticulture and Agronomy from UC Davis, where he studied fertilizer and water use efficiency in processing tomatoes, lettuce, and strawberries.

He and his wife live in Davis, California, with their three young daughters. They are actively involved in their local church, youth sports, and the 4-H program. Tommy also serves as chairman of the CDFA Fertilizer Research and Education Program Technical Advisory Committee and vice chair of the Napa-Solano FSA Board. Together, he and his wife sit on the board of African Leadership Partners and are actively involved in managing the New Life Children's Homes Farm and Orphanage located in Eswatini, Southern Africa.

Philip Brasher is editor in chief of Agri-Pulse Communications, the leading news service covering U.S. food and agriculture policy, with staff in Washington and Sacramento. Brasher has been covering food and ag policy exclusively for the last 26 years, for The Associated Press, Des Moines Register, CQ-Roll Call and Agri-Pulse. He has conducted foreign reporting projects sponsored by the Pulitzer Center for Crisis Reporting. He is vice president of North American Agricultural Journalists and a member of the National Press Club.

Jocelyn Bridson is the Director of Environment & Community Impact at the Tillamook County Creamery Association, a farmer-owned dairy cooperative in Oregon. She has over twenty years of experience working at the intersection of science, management, and communication. After joining Tillamook in 2020, she has worked collaboratively to establish strategies and implement stewardship projects across farms, facilities, and fleet. She also leads the co-op's philanthropy programs which invests at least 4% of income annually in causes that center around food security, agricultural advocacy, and healthful children.  Previously she led sustainable agriculture programs in the fresh produce industry in California and has also worked in habitat restoration and environmental education. Jocelyn is a Certified Crop Advisor and has a master’s degree in Environmental Science & Management from UC-Santa Barbara and a B.S. in Conservation Biology from UW-Madison.

Michael Delbar hails from a multi-generational ranching family in Mendocino and Lake Counties where they raise beef cattle, timber, and hay. Michael took the reins as Chief Executive Officer of the California Rangeland trust in 2020, after having served as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer for more than a decade. Prior to joining the Rangeland Trust in 2010, Michael served three consecutive terms as the First District Supervisor for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors and was Second Vice President of the California State Association of Counties (CSAC). He also served on the state and national agriculture policy advisory boards for the California State Association of Counties and the National Association of Counties. Additionally, Michael served for two years as the Lake County Farm Bureau Executive Director. Michael is currently a member of the board of directors for the Potter Valley Rodeo Association, was a former director of the Mendocino County Farm Bureau, and was state chair of California Young Farmers and Ranchers. Michael graduated from California State University, Chico with a degree in agricultural business and is a graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, Class XXIV.

Sarah Hanson is executive vice president at Dairy Management Inc., where she oversees operations and implementation of the Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy.

The Innovation Center engages the U.S dairy value chain to advance and communicate shared sustainability and social responsibility priorities including environmental stewardship, animal care, health and well-being, community contributions and more, working towards a more sustainable world and thriving U.S. dairy community. In this role Hanson works closely with the CEO and the board of directors to facilitate and direct the work of the Innovation Center and build alignment with key stakeholders.

Hanson joined DMI in 2003,where she has served as chief of staff to the president and as senior vice president, leading new program development, marketing and business communications, public relations and thought leader engagement initiatives. Prior to DMI, she led public relations and reputation management programs for food industry and healthcare clients at Weber Shandwick, Advocate Health Care and the International Food Information Council.

Jennifer James is a 4th generation farmer from NE Arkansas where she and her family grow rice, corn, soybeans, and winter wheat on their Arkansas Century farm. Jennifer considers herself an “ag-vocate,” serving on local and national boards and committees, making herself available for media and legislative outreach, and actively promoting agriculture to any who will listen. She served as the first chair of the USA Rice Sustainability Committee, and over 10 years, her leadership helped position the U.S. rice industry as a sustainability standard-bearer. For this work, Jennifer was recognized as the first recipient of Field to Market's Farmer of the Year Award (2017), Rice Farming Magazine 2019 Rice Farmer of the Year, and the University of Arkansas’ 2023-24 Outstanding Alumna of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Jennifer has testified before Congress on more than one occasion to advocate for the rice industry, but especially rice farmers. Jennifer writes a blog and hosts the "Field Good Life” podcast to educate consumers and policymakers about family farming and the importance of keeping American agriculture strong.

Myriah Johnson holds a B.S. in ag economics from Oklahoma State University, a M.S. in ag economics and a Ph.D. in animal science from Texas A&M University.  She grew up on a cattle, wheat and soybean farm in Oklahoma and remains involved today.

Myriah joined Farm Credit Services of America in 2022 to start their sustainability program. As such, she has launched work across multiple internal business units and conducted innovative sustainable agricultural finance research. In May 2024 Myriah joined the Farm Credit System’s Sustainability workgroup.

Myriah is also heavily involved with the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef where she serves on the Board of Directors and as co-chair of the USRSB Goals & Progress Working Group.

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Paula LaBine is Sustainability Marketing Director at ADM. She has held marketing leadership roles with organizations such as General Mills, Associated British Foods and Kerry in addition to ADM. Paula currently leads marketing and customer engagement for ADM’s sustainable solutions and regenerative agriculture initiatives.

She holds a BS in Food Science and Human Nutrition from North Dakota State University and an MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. A farm kid originally from Minnesota, Paula currently resides in Asheville, North Carolina.

Joan Maxwell was born a farmer’s daughter in Southern MN. She and her family raised Holstein steers to market. She and her first husband raised dairy beef and identity preserved crops in southern Minnesota. Joan worked off the farm as a commercial insurance underwriter and later as a business analyst. After the death of her first husband, Joan met John and moved to Iowa to join Cinnamon Ridge Dairy Farm. The farm consists of a robotic dairy operation, a corn and soybean rotation, a cow calf beef herd, and about 100 jersey beef steers, and a wean to finish hog operation. The farm also has an on-farm cheese making operation.  

Joan applies her knowledge of business analytics to the farm. The various systems and data are merged into spreadsheets to highlight areas of opportunity and address areas of challenges. Basically, a dollar does not come on or leave the farm unless it is through Joan.

Cinnamon Ridge Farms hosted over 3,000 foreign farmers, 2000 domestic tours and 2000 school age tours. Many of the domestic tours are excursions from the River Boats from the Mississippi River.  

The focus of the tours is education and showing visitors what a sustainable, modern dairy and row crop operation looks like. Visitors are introduced to cover crops, conservation practices, and the responsible use of manure.

Some of the awards Joan is most proud of are:

2023 Quad Cities Destination Award Winner

2021 Good Farm Neighbor Award

2021 & 2018 AJCA President’s Trophy

2022, 2021, 2020 & 2019 National Top Producing Jersey Dairy Herd

2019 US Dairy Sustainability Award Winner

2019 Soil Health Partnership Exceptional Educator

2017 Iowa Environmental Award Winner

2015 Iowa Ag Leader Award Winner

Dr. Frank Mitloehner is a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis. He shares his research globally with students, scientists, farmers, policy makers, and the public. Frank is also director of the CLEAR Center, which leverages research and science communications to help animal agriculture further stewardship efforts.

Frank is committed to making a difference for generations to come. As part of his position with UC Davis and Cooperative Extension, he collaborates with the animal agriculture sector to better understand and reduce air emissions from livestock operations, as well as studying the implications of these emissions on the health of farm workers and neighboring communities. Frank's research also focuses on animal welfare.

Frank received a Master of Science degree in animal science and agricultural engineering from the University of Leipzig, Germany, and a doctoral degree in animal science from Texas Tech University. Frank was recruited by UC Davis in 2002, to fill its first-ever position focusing on the relationship between livestock and air quality.

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Jack Scott serves as Nestlé Purina’s Vice President of Sustainable Sourcing where his team is focused on ensuring the sustainable and responsible sourcing of ingredients across several ingredient categories including meat, poultry, cereals, soy, and seafood.  Additionally, Jack leads regenerative agriculture efforts working closely with the agricultural community as part of Nestle’s climate commitment.

Jack joined the Nestle Family in 2003 and worked 10 years in consumer brand marketing at Nestle Purina U.S. and Nestle China Ltd.  Since 2013, Jack has led sustainable sourcing efforts for Nestle and Purina working within domestic and international supply chains, including leading operation teams in China and Thailand.  His experiences and knowledge of supply chains from the origin of materials and processing of ingredients to consumer branded products brings a unique and comprehensive perspective of value chain creation for sustainability.

As a final note, Jack is a vocal advocate for farmer families and ranchers recognizing their pivotal role in leading the sustainable changes we all wish to see.  He is highly engaged in multiple collaborations with farmers, supply chain partners, NGOs, and other stakeholder organizations and sits on multiple Board of Directors including the American Farm Bureau Foundation, Field to Market, and the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry & Eggs.

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Matt Splitter is a fifth-generation producer from central Kansas, where he and his wife, Janna, operate Splitter Farms — a progressive, data-driven grain operation growing wheat, corn, soybeans, and grain sorghum on irrigated and dryland acres. The operation manages over 10,000 exclusive acres and custom farms an additional 3,000, emphasizing technology, stewardship, and community impact. Matt combines hands-on management with forward-looking strategy, fostering innovation while preserving the family legacy established in 1878.

Beyond the farm, Matt is deeply involved in agricultural leadership and advocacy. He serves on the Kansas Corn Growers Association, and multiple local boards and committees. He has previously held roles on the FCC Precision Agriculture Connectivity Task Force and a handful of regional agricultural-based boards. He is a graduate of Kansas State University and Texas A&M’s The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers. Matt was recognized in 2021 with Top Producer magazine’s Horizon Award, honoring the nation’s top farmer under 35 for excellence in farm business management.

Charlotte Talbott is Associate Vice President, Animal Agriculture Sustainability Analyst for Rabobank North America, where she analyzes risks and opportunities associated with sustainable business development in the livestock industries. Charlotte provides value-driven insights on social responsibility, economic viability, and environmental stewardship to clients in animal protein and dairy sectors. Prior to joining Rabobank, Charlotte held the role of Associate Director of Beef Sustainability Research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff.

Geoffrey Vanden Heuvel is the Director of Regulatory and Economic Affairs for Milk Producers Council, a California dairy farmer trade association. Prior to joining MPC, he spent 39 years as a dairy farmer in Southern California. Geoff was involved as a board member and consultant for the Milk Producers Council, focusing on milk price regulation and policy. Geoff has also been involved in statewide water issues for over 30 years, serving on various boards and organizations focused on water supply sustainability. He moved to California’s San Joaquin Valley in 2018, increasing his focus on agricultural water supply issues, including the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the Water Blueprint for the San Joaquin Valley, a coalition focused on ensuring sufficient water supplies for farming, the environment, and rural communities.

Suzanne is a dairy farmer from Glenwood, MN.  Suzanne, her husband Brad, and Brad’s brother Greg are the owners of Dorrich Dairy, a 500-cow dairy that converted to robotic milking in 2019. The farm includes approximately five hundred acres of cropland which supplies the forage for the dairy. In 2015 their farm was honored to receive a U.S. Dairy Sustainability Award from the Innovation Center U.S. for Dairy.

Suzanne received her BA in Mathematics and Economics from Wellesley College and her MBA from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. She is a director on local, state, regional and national dairy promotion boards, and she is currently chair of the Dairy Management Inc. board Sustainability Committee. She also serves on the Environmental Stewardship and the Stewardship Commitment committees for the Innovation Center for US Dairy and has served on Innovation Center task forces that advance sustainability standards in regenerative agriculture, biodiversity and greenhouse gas accounting. Suzanne and Brad have three children: Anna, Erik, and Katy, and she is a member of the her church choir and the Wellesley Club of Minnesota alumnae board.

Carrie Vollmer-Sanders serves as Field to Market's President. Carrie is a 6th generation farmer, passionate about collaborating with forward-thinking farmers, convening diverse thought-leaders, and addressing environmental challenges while maintaining focus on business objectives. She received the White House Champion of Change Award in 2014 for her leadership in developing the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Certification Program while at The Nature Conservancy. She has an MBA from Purdue University and a master’s degree in Ag Economics from Michigan State University.

Carrie currently serves on the Edon Farmers Co-op, Soil and Water Conservation Society, and Cameron Health boards and the Greenhouse Gas Technical Assistance Provider and Third-Party Verifier Program Advisory Council. She previously served on the US EPA Science Advisory Board and worked for U.S. Farmers and Ranchers in Action, The Nature Conservancy, and Michigan Farm Bureau. Carrie and her husband have two active sons and own Grains and Greens, Inc., a corn, soybeans, and wheat farm in Indiana and Ohio with a focus on all three elements of the sustainability stool (people, planet, profit).

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Steven Wooten is the president of Beatty Canyon Ranch, Inc a multi-generational cow-calf enterprise in the Purgatoire River Canyons of southeast Colorado. Purchased by his great-grandfather in 1929, Wooten’s family has been raising grass for cattle grazing on native pristine pastures ever since. Sustainability has guided their work – Beatty Canyon began a rotational grazing plan almost 30 years ago, with the primary focus on maximizing rest periods after grazing. They have diversified their operation in response to 25 years of drought period and the economics of beef ranching. Additionally, Wooten has a big game hunting enterprise, landscape stone sales and a modest vacation program. He and his wonderful wife of 46 years, Joy, have two daughters and sons-in-law and five grandchildren.

Wooten has held multiple leadership positions, including as the current president of Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, and served as 2021-2022 chairman of the board of U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. He is the recipient of Denver Business Journal’s Trailblazer Award, Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award and NCBA’s 2020 National and Region V Environmental Stewardship Awards.