Jim Sleper Baraboo, Wisconsin Vice President – Member Services/Milk Marketing Foremost Farms USA
What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I have both bachelor's and master's degrees in agricultural economics from the University of Missouri – Columbia and Kansas State University, respectively. I also briefly worked and was enrolled at Oklahoma State University.
Please describe your agricultural background.
I was born and grew up on a family farm operation in central Missouri. I have two degrees in agricultural economics and have been employed with agricultural companies every since – primarily in the dairy industry.
What territory will you cover?
Foremost has nearly 2,000 dairy member-owners located in seven different states. This includes a large portion of the Upper Midwest.
What are your new responsibilities?
I am taking over the responsibilities of Joe Weis, who is embarking on a well-deserved retirement after many years with Foremost Farms USA and its predecessor cooperatives. My responsibilities will include managing the member services functions for our member-owners and the marketing of raw milk for the cooperative.
What previous positions have you held?
I was most recently the director of Land O’Lakes’ milk supply division for the past 11 years. Prior to that, I worked for Dean Foods, Milk Marketing Inc., and the USDA. I have experience in three different perspectives within the dairy industry – government/regulatory, corporate and 22 years with cooperatives.
What excites you most about working in your new role?
I am excited to work with a great group of colleagues who have tremendous knowledge and expertise. I am looking forward to learning from them and sharing ideas.
Foremost Farms closely matches my philosophy of what a cooperative should be – member driven, progressive and rooted in cooperative values. Foremost is a cooperative that collaborates with many different organizations to gain benefits for members, streamline costs and increase farm revenue.
How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
As mentioned earlier, I have worked in three unique and different types of businesses within the dairy industry. This gives me a unique window on the industry. I have spent considerable time in raw milk marketing which includes dairy policy, Federal Orders, milk pricing and working with various customers and dairy farmers.
Why did you choose this company?
This is a great cooperative and our field staff is excellent. For me, Foremost provides a tremendous opportunity to share my expertise and to learn and be a part of a significant manufacturer of cheese, butter and dairy ingredients.
What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
My primary goal can be summarized in Foremost Farms’ statement of purpose: “Foremost Farms USA Cooperative will provide a financially strong business with fair and equitable returns for present, past and future member owners, by providing superior quality products and services to customers and members through innovation and operational excellence.”
I am delighted to be working for and with the Foremost Farms members! PD
