Board Bios | Idp2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Executive Committee Members

Arie Jan de Jong

President

Francesville

Arie Jan de Jong, along with his wife Julie and children Megan, 19, Erica, 17, Joshua, 14 operate de Jong Family Farms and Providence Dairy near Francesville, Indiana. The newer dairy milks 3,500 cows. All the calves are raised at Providence Dairy from birth to 5 months of age and then are sent to a custom grower. The dairy farming operation raises corn and wheat in rotation along with alfalfa to feed the cows. Arie and his family are members of Bethel Church. Arie’s family has been involved in dairy business and milk processing for several generations.

NATHAN KEUHNURT

Vice President

Fort Wayne

Nathan is a 5th generation dairy farmer who works with his father, uncle and brother on their Allen County dairy farm near Fort Wayne that has been producing milk under a robotic system since September 2014. In addition to 350 mature dairy cows, the Kuehnerts also crop 1100 acres of corn, soybeans, alfalfa and winter rye. They grow all of their own forages for the dairy. Nathan is the primary caretaker of the cows, dealing with the genetic decisions and general herd health. Nathan is married to Sarah, a registered dietician. They have two children, Allie and Bryar. Nathan is currently serving as the President of the Indiana Holstein Association.

EMILY HOEING

Secretary/Treasurer

Fowler

Emily grew up on a 80-cow dairy farm in Central Minnesota and has a degree in Animal Science from the University of Minnesota, where she competed on the dairy judging team. In 2010, her family moved to Indiana and began Benton Dairy in a joint partnership opportunity. Benton Dairy is built on families who farm — and now the management has transitioned and gave Emily and her husband, Keith, the opportunity to be part of the family business where Keith is the Farm Supervisor. Benton Dairy is home to 3,500 cows. Emily currently works for the Center for Food and Agricultural Business housed in the Agriculture Economics Department at Purdue University. Emily and Keith reside near Pine Village and have two sons, Max and Hudson.

Directors