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Dairy Girl Network (DGN), an organization offering programs and events supporting all women in dairy reaching across the nation, has welcomed three new dairywomen to the board of directors: Natalie Berning of Galena, IL; Stacy Konyn of Escondido, CA; and Kimberly Tarvis of Cobleskill, NY. These three women recently joined the board, which together with industry partners, allow DGN members to gain valuable connections, resources and shared experiences while supporting and encouraging fellow dairywomen.

Natalie grew up in Dubuque, IA and graduated college from the University of Iowa with an Elementary Education degree, and later earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Until meeting her husband, Natalie had very little farm experiences. Today, with her husband and five children, they own and operate Berning Acres, a 500-cow dairy farm outside of Galena, IL. Over the last four years, Natalie has launched their farm into Agri-Tourism as well and Berning Acres welcomed well over 1,500 guests to their farm in 2024. Natalie shares her passion by taking advantage of every opportunity she has to share her story as a first-generation farmer. She also enjoys anything to do with fitness and teaches cycling classes at a local boutique studio.

Stacy Barlow Konyn is a dedicated educator and community leader with over 30 years of experience in academic advising, financial aid and youth mentorship. Raised in Southern California, she grew up immersed in agriculture, with her family farming citrus and avocados. Her passion for the industry led her to earn a master’s degree in Agricultural Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and study abroad at Massey University in New Zealand. Stacy currently serves as an Area 4-H Leader with U.C. Cooperative Extension and coordinates educational programs at Frank Konyn Dairy, San Diego County’s last remaining dairy farm. An active leader in agricultural organizations, Stacy serves on the California Jersey Cattle Association Board and has long been involved with California Holstein Association and 4-H programs.

Kimberly Tarvis is an Associate Professor of Animal Science at the State University of New York (SUNY) Cobleskill. Her formal agricultural education journey began at Bristol County Agricultural High School where she completed her studies in Natural Resources Management. She is a graduate of SUNY Cobleskill (Beef and Livestock Studies AAS), Kansas State University (Animal Science BS) and Colorado State University (MS). Kim is a current student at Indiana University, finishing her Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology. She coaches the Dairy Challenge Team, is co-advisor of Dairy Cattle Club, Program Coordinator for Animal Science, appointed member of the Intercollegiate Athletic Board, Bristol County Agricultural High School Animal Science Advisory Board and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Advisory Committee.

We also want to extend our deepest appreciation to Laura Daniels, Carrie Mess and Kristy Pagel, three of our DGN’s founding Board members and leaders, as they conclude their terms on the Dairy Girl Network board. By welcoming new Board members, we continue to grow, evolve and strengthen our mission to support dairywomen. We will continue to learn from our past leaders, like Carrie and Kristy, and Laura will remain on the Board as Founder and Ex-Officio President, a non-voting advisory member.

The DGN Board of Directors is comprised of twelve voting members along with three advisory members. These individuals are elected representatives serving as dairy farmers and industry professionals. They oversee the overall execution of the organization’s mission. In building the organization and supporting dairywomen through connections, encouragement and inspiration, DGN is proud to continue to add to our board of directors with new leadership.

Natalie, Stacy and Kimberly join the current DGN Board of Directors who include Rebecca Pfeffer, president, of PA; Mary Knigge vice president, of Washington DC; LuAnn Troxel, secretary/treasurer, of IN; Tami Smith of PA; Julie Veldhuis of ID; Rosario Ibarra of WI; Jennifer Fernandez-Hanf of CA; Julie Patterson of NY; Lorilee Schultz of IL. Advisors to the board include Laura Daniels of WI, Leah Ziemba of WI and Dr. Kelly Reed of WA. These individuals are advocates for advancing women within agriculture and are dedicated to the mission and vision of DGN.

Learn more about the organization and the opportunities DGN offers at dairygirlnetwork.com. Membership is free for all dairywomen. If you are interested in becoming a member of DGN, go to https://dairygirlnetwork.com/join/.

The Dairy Girl Network is supported by Sustaining sponsors: Alltech and Dairy Management, Inc. Catalyst sponsors: Cargill, Dairy Farmers of America, Diamond V, The National FARM Program, Farm Credit Systems (AgCountry Farm Credit Services, American AgCredit, Compeer Financial, Farm Credit Services of America, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, AgWest Farm Credit), Land O’ Lakes, Merck Animal Health, and Michael Best in addition to contributions by event sponsors. Learn more about the organization and sponsorship opportunities at DairyGirlNetwork.com.  

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The Dairy Girl Network connects all women of the dairy industry, encouraging ideas and camaraderie in an effort to achieve personal and professional development. Designed as a welcoming network of passionate women involved in dairy, relationships will grow through shared experience, support and inspiration.

You can find a PDF of this press release HERE.