Milk Producers Council's Board of Directors Announces Addition of Kevin Abernathy


Organization is Poised to be a Stronger Statewide Representative on Behalf of California's Dairy Families



Milk Producers CouncilToday the Board of Directors of Milk Producers Council (MPC) announced the addition of Kevin Abernathy to the leadership of MPC. Kevin, who will serve as the organization's Director of Regulatory Affairs, has a long history working in the California dairy industry. His involvement includes:

· Seven years as the Executive Director of California Dairy Campaign, a dairy farmer trade association based in Turlock, CA.
· Member of U.S. Department of Agriculture's Air Quality Task Force
· Served on countless State and local environmental committees and working groups
· Six years as Western States Territory Manager for Brown Equipment Company (BECO)
· Graduated from California State University, Fresno with a degree in Animal Science

MPC is a voluntary, non-profit trade association that has been representing California dairy farmers since 1949. The organization provides a full slate of services for its members, ranging from local issues – like obtaining local air permits and navigating state regulations – to national issues – like representing our membership in Washington, DC, on reforms to our Federal safety net policies and repealing subsidies for corn-based ethanol.

"The board is thrilled to have a high-caliber individual like Kevin working with our General Manager, Rob Vandenheuvel, on behalf of our membership," said MPC President Sybrand Vander Dussen. "I see this as a rare opportunity to combine the unique, individual talents of two industry leaders under one umbrella, in an effort to strengthen the voice of California's dairy families to an unprecedented level."

As a voluntary trade association, MPC relies on the financial support of our dairy members and allied industry partners. "We have a strong, committed membership supporting MPC, and we take pride in providing high-quality leadership and representation for our members," said Rob Vandenheuvel, MPC's General Manager. "We are looking to provide that same high-quality level of service – now with the addition of Kevin to the team – to a larger membership. The MPC board and staff strongly urge dairies throughout California to consider a membership with MPC. We have serious issues facing our industry, and MPC has been, and will continue to be, a leading pro-producer organization working on our members' behalf."

Dairies and allied industry partners interested in joining MPC can download a membership form on our website at www.milkproducers.org. Alternatively, we can be reached at (909) 628-6018 or office@milkproducers.org.

11.09.2011