Kimmi Devaney Indianapolis, Indiana Producer Relations Program Coordinator Milk Promotion Services of Indiana

Please describe your agricultural background
My family is deeply rooted in agriculture. I became actively involved when I joined 4-H in 2000 and my passion for the industry has grown exponentially since then. I enjoy showing dairy cattle and participating in professional organizations. While completing my bachelor’s degree at Washington State University , I served as the national president of the American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliate Division and worked with the Board of Directors to establish the SAD Western Region. The dairy industry has been a central part of my life for many years and I don’t see that ever changing.

What education are you bringing with you to this position?
I received a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in agricultural communication from Washington State University in 2010. Additionally, I was a member of the inaugural class of the Southern Great Plains Dairy Consortium in 2008.

What territory will you cover?
I am based out of Indianapolis, but work with dairy farmers throughout the state of Indiana.

What are your new responsibilities?
In this position, I am responsible for protecting and promoting the dairy farmer image; maintaining and building public confidence in the dairy industry, dairy farmers and dairy products; and building confidence in the dairy checkoff to dairy farmers and other audiences.

What excites you most about working in your new role?
I’m excited to work with dairy farmers to help them make the most of their checkoff dollars. Checkoff funds so many programs – such as Fuel Up to Play 60 , partnerships and the Dairy Farmer Spokesperson Network, to name a few – that work to increase dairy consumption in consumers of all ages. Dairy farmers are some of the greatest people I know, so I’m very excited to be working for them.

What’s your best story from the first day on the job?
My first day was great! Everyone was so welcoming and helpful. It was an action-packed day filled with meetings and was a great opportunity to meet new people and learn a lot.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?
I can relate to producers on a deeper level. Before coming to MPSI, I worked on dairies. I know some of their struggles, because I’ve been there.

I believe this connection will help me to better communicate with them. Additionally, my promotion experience will help me better inform them about the programs we are doing.

Why did you choose this company?
I had a great experience interning at SUDIA and wanted to get back into dairy promotion, specifically industry relations. Indiana was the perfect opportunity to experience another region and help to increase the demand and sales of dairy products, as well as give dairy farmers more of the tools they need to effectively tell their dairy stories to consumers.

What previous positions have you held? My most recent as the Communications Intern for the Southeast United Dairy Industry Association in 2010 prepared me well for this position by sharpening my communications skills and introducing me to all aspects of dairy promotion.

Additionally, I volunteer my time as the Western Region Coordinator for the American Dairy Science Association.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?
There is so much I want to do! One of the goals of my position is to protect and promote the dairy farmer image.

It is so important to reach out to the younger generation of the dairy industry to help them become better advocates for dairy. I’d like to get those groups more involved in our programs from an industry relations standpoint. PD