INDEPENDENCE, Mo. — Dairy Girl Network (DGN) honored four dairywomen with the Forward Under 40 Award, sponsored by Elanco, at the DGN Forward TogetHER biennial national conference in Independence, Mo., in November. The four dairywomen recognized for the DGN Forward Under 40 were Renee Norman-Kenny, Enon Valley, Pa.; Kimberly Tarvis, Cobleskill, N.Y.; Andrea Mouw, Filer, Idaho; and Dr. Michelle Schack, Phoenix, Ariz. The DGN Forward Under 40 award is an award that celebrates emerging leaders who are making an impactful contribution to the dairy industry.
Renee Norman-Kenny, Enon Valley, Pa; was one of the DGN Forward Under 40 honorees of 2024, sponsored by Elanco. Norman-Kenny, a lifelong dairy enthusiast which was rooted on her home farm of Normandell Farm in Liberty, Pa. Her passion and dedication to her beloved Jersey cows and the greater dairy community has only continued to blossom since. Together with her husband, Clayton, Renée owns and operates Kenny Jersey Farm LLC, which they purchased from family in 2015. Norman-Kenny’s hands-on management and partnership in the daily operations of Kenny Jersey Farm serve as the foundation for her significant contributions to the dairy industry. Currently, she serves on the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association and the American Dairy Association North East. Norman-Kenny plays a pivotal role as the Operations Officer of DGN, along with freelance communication projects and a flower business. Her commitment to DGN, both professionally and personally, has been instrumental in its success, culminating in the celebration of DGN’s 10th anniversary this year.
Kimberly Tarvis, Cobleskill, N.Y.; was one of the DGN Forward Under 40 honorees of 2024 sponsored by Elanco. Tarvis is an Associate Professor of the Animal Sciences at the State University of New York at Cobleskill Agriculture and Technology where she is soon-to-be Professor of the Animal Sciences. As the 2024 Cobleskill Student-Voted Faculty Mentor of the year, her daily office hours have a line down the hallway as the advisor to almost 60 students. She coaches the Dairy Challenge team putting in hundreds of hours each year which her 2024 team took home an honorable second place. Tarvis is the faculty mentor of Sigma Alpha where she uplifts a large group of women. Tarvis’s impact extends beyond the classroom, as she furthers her own education through her doctoral thesis, where she is studying the effects of teaching methods in how to teach. By studying more types of accommodations and learning methods, she creates a classroom environment where students of any neurodiversity or learning style can thrive and become interactive in dairy. Tarvis’s commitment to education, mentorship, and the future of dairy inspires her students and colleagues alike, making her a well-deserving recipient of this recognition.
Andrea Mouw, Filer, Idaho; was one of the DGN Forward Under 40 honorees of 2024 sponsored by Elanco. Mouw is owner and founder of Dairywise Laboratory Services LLC. After graduating from Washington State University, Mouw’s diverse career in agriculture has spanned roles as a veterinary assistant, herdsman and lab analyst. Mouw is deeply engaged in her local dairy community from active participation in local fairs and boards to the founding of a nonprofit aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture in African communities. Mouw plays a role in local dairy initiatives, such as the Dairy Heifer program in Magic Valley, where she sponsors and mentors young participants. Her dedication to advancing agriculture is shown in her active participation in the Leadership Idaho Agriculture (LIA) program. Her impact is felt in every aspect, from her hands-on involvement in the milking parlor—where she actively participates in herd cultures for her lab—to leadership roles in meetings and on boards such as the local Farm Bureau. She is helping farmers’ children in Uganda be able to attend school, learn about farming sustainability and helping improve their family’s well-being. Mouw’s contributions through local mentorship, leadership, and global sustainability initiatives demonstrate her dedication to advancing the industry and inspiring others.
Dr. Michelle Schack, Phoenix, Ariz; was one of the DGN Forward Under 40 honorees of 2024 sponsored by Elanco. Schack is a partner in the Dairy Veterinary Service Clinic in Chander, Ariz. and trusted advisor to many producers across the state. As a co-founder of the dairy education company DairyKind, Michelle has delivered over 40,000 trainings to dairy farm employees focusing on animal care and handling beyond her in-person visits. She is on the Animal Welfare Committee for the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and mentor to food animal veterinary students at Arizona Vet Schools. Her passion beams through her story shared in speaking roles and she inspires not only new members but also those of us that have been in agriculture for many years. Dr. Schack consistently breaks down barriers, mentors those around her, and champions the advancement of women in agriculture. Her leadership, dedication, and motivational spirit have made her a standout in the dairy industry, where she continues to leave a lasting impact.
Dairy Girl Network partners with organizations valuing personal and professional development for dairywomen. DGN national partners supporting all women in dairy by enhancing lives and creating opportunities are Alltech, Dairy Management, Inc., Cargill, Dairy Farmers of America, Diamond V, The National Dairy FARM Program, Farm Credit Services of America, Land O’ Lakes, Merck Animal Health and Michael Best.
Dairy Girl Network connects all women of the dairy industry, encouraging ideas and camaraderie in an effort to achieve personal and professional development. Designed as a welcoming network of passionate women involved in dairy, relationships will grow through shared experience, support and inspiration.
–Dairy Girl Network
