Anja Raudabaugh CEO Western United Dairymen Clovis, California
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
A graduate of the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Master of Science degree in biochemistry from UC Davis, with an emphasis in global pandemics and infectious diseases.
Please describe your agricultural background.
My family has a 7,000-acre beef cattle ranch in the foothills of Merced and Mariposa counties, California. I grew up in a diversified farming operation where we grew black-eyed peas, berries, grapes, oats and alfalfa. I worked in Washington D.C. as a senior aid to a ranking member on the House Agricultural Committee, and have held the duty of executive director at the Madera County Farm Bureau for the last four years.
What territory will you cover?
As CEO, my responsibilities will be statewide in California, but also extend into other western U.S. states.
What are your new responsibilities?
My new responsibilities include developing a major social and urban platform for the industry, one that integrates different agricultural sectors with urban trends.
Who has made the biggest impact on your career?
My mother, Deidre Kelsey. She has been a local county supervisor in Merced County, California, for over 20 years. Often credited with sound local planning decisions, my mother has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to agriculture because she believes it empowers the Central Valley in California.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I am committed to finding a solution to the gap that currently exists between our industry and our consumers, along with bridging the gap that currently exists between the industry itself. My background has been a breeding ground of compromise, which will greatly assist the producers.
Why did you choose this company?
I'm humbled to have been a partner in this choice. Western United Dairymen (WUD) represents the apex of both politics and policy development in an industry sector.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
I would like to enhance product cross marketing between industries and be a major factor in opening up future markets for our members. These two things will ultimately grow the industry and WUD's membership. PD
