April VonRuden is the FARM Program Director for Associated Milk Producers Inc. Her responsibilities include managing AMPI’s FARM program Animal Care Evaluator training process, completing FARM Environmental Stewardship evaluations, and developing member communication materials. She focuses on creating tools and resources to help dairy farms improve their animal care and environmental outcomes and provides important supply chain assurances.

April’s involvement in animal agriculture is life-long, growing up on a dairy farm in southern Minnesota. She understands the practical aspects of managing a dairy farm and is committed to sharing dairy’s good story to narrow the gap between food production and consumers.

She graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degrees in Dairy Production and Agriculture Education. She is a member of the FARM Environmental Stewardship Task Force, the NMPF Animal Health and Wellbeing Committee and is involved with the Upper Midwest Dairy Industry Association.

Hansel New is an experienced food industry professional who currently leads sustainability programs at Dairy Farmers of America, one the world’s leading dairy food companies. Previously, he cultivated sustainability initiatives at Danone North America, WhiteWave Foods, and So Delicious with a proven track record in responsible sourcing, sustainable packaging, and brand building. Hansel’s education includes a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health and Safety and an MBA in Sustainability. Raised near the banks of the Snake River in Oregon’s fertile Treasure Valley, he grew up with a deep appreciation for the land and the farmers who steward it.