Beverly HamptonFARM Program CoordinatorNational Milk Producers FederationWashington, D.C.
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I am a 2015 North Carolina State University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in poultry science.
Please describe your agricultural background.
The best way to describe my background is unique. I grew up as an active part of my parent’s agritourism business: Lazy 5 Ranch. At our drive-thru animal park, visitors have the opportunity to interact close up with exotic and domestic animals, ranging from reticulated giraffes to pot-bellied pigs. My childhood gave me a foundation in both animal agriculture and the identification of the need for a constructive consumer-industry relationship. Other agriculture-related experiences include my family raising and exhibiting commercial market lambs and goats, as well as serving as a North Carolina state FFA officer and later, a national collegiate agriculture ambassador.
What territory will you cover?
The FARM program has participants across the entire U.S. and includes more than 90 percent of the U.S. milk supply.
What are your new responsibilities?
As coordinator, my role includes helping manage day-to-day program functions. These duties include FARM communication, such as social media, farmer, evaluator and producer outreach, as well as managing the FARM website. Other responsibilities include database management, planning and hosting evaluator and train-the-trainer courses, and special projects.
What previous positions have you held?
During my undergraduate career, I worked as the communication intern for the Animal Agriculture Alliance for a year. For the past year, I have provided technical assistance for the U.S. Poultry & Egg Association in Tucker, Georgia.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
In my life I have had the opportunity to be mentored by a variety of individuals with very diverse accomplishments and backgrounds. For that, I am very thankful because it is directly related to my successes.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
On the FARM program implementation side, I will work to communicate with producers what the FARM program is and its importance. On the consumer front, I will work to illustrate the farmer’s story.
Why did you choose this company?
Growing up in agriculture, I know all too well the hard work required from farmers within the industry. To work with NMPF and the FARM program is an opportunity to use my skill set to serve those farmers.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
Since its inception in 2010, the FARM program has grown to include more than 90 percent of the milk supply in the U.S. While at NMPF, I hope to not only assist in more growth on the production side, but to improve the transparent communication efforts between dairy farmers and consumers. PD
