Age as of March 1, 2024: 40

Residence Location: Clovis, New Mexico

Place of Operation: Clovis, New Mexico

Business Experience: My primary occupation is managing my family’s dairy farms. In this role, I oversee all financial aspects of our business, including commodity purchasing, hedging, and risk management, as well as handling some day-to-day operations. As our operation has expanded, I have transitioned from hands-on work to a more strategic management position. I find great satisfaction in planning for the future, exploring opportunities for growth, and identifying potential challenges that could impact our family business.

Education: Bachelors in Agricultural Business, Premier Governance Series, Leadership New Mexico – CONNECT Program

Current Boards: American Ag Credit – Farm Credit Institution, Select Milk Producers – Milk Marketing Cooperative, Premiere Source – Colostrum Marketing Cooperative

Strategic & Visionary Thinking: The future of agriculture will heavily depend on technological advancements, enabling farmers to operate with greater efficiency and scale. To capitalize on this evolution, we must be prepared with the right tools, financial instruments, and value-added products to effectively support this industry transformation. Additionally, it is essential to empower young, beginning, and small farmers, as they will be the next generation driving the agricultural sector forward.

Corporate Governance: In the highly regulated financial industry, prioritizing corporate governance is essential. Having served on multiple boards and audit committees, I have gained valuable insight into the consequences of oversight failures and the remarkable successes that can arise when leadership fosters strong guidance and momentum within an organization. This dual perspective underscores the crucial role that effective governance plays in ensuring both compliance and prosperity.

Financial Expertise: Through my experience managing my family’s dairy finances, I have cultivated a unique perspective on the financial landscape. As all farmers understand, environmental and political fluctuations can significantly impact everything from grain prices to equipment costs. These experiences and challenges in the agricultural sector directly translate to the financial realities faced by agricultural lenders. With my background in the industry, I am well-versed in the risks that could adversely affect a farm lending institution, and I leverage this knowledge to effectively mitigate potential future challenges.

Communication: With over fifteen years of experience managing a large operation of more than one hundred employees, I have honed exceptional communication skills. Managing multiple sites and collaborating with numerous managers has underscored the importance of effective communication. My commitment to transparent and proactive communication ensures that everyone is aligned and working towards our common goals.

Technology: I recognize technology’s crucial role as a driving force for the future of both farmers and financial institutions. As technology continues to evolve at an increasingly rapid pace with growing complexity, it is essential that we remain vigilant and proactive with these advancements. This approach will enable us to effectively harness technology to benefit our operations and support the agricultural community.

Human Resource Management: Having managed a large farming operation, I have developed strong skills in people management. My experience includes motivating, hiring, and sometimes making the difficult decision to part ways with employees. I’ve learned that assembling the right team is vital, as it ultimately leads to success for the entire organization.

Risk Management: In my capacity as the feed buyer, milk hedger, and overall market risk manager, I excel in risk management. This role demands a significant investment of time in market analysis, minimizing exposure, and securing advantageous pricing. A strong risk management program is essential, as it effectively addresses the challenges of market volatility in the farming industry.

Leadership: Throughout my life, I have embraced a mindset of perpetual learning, which is especially vital in leadership. By continuously seeking knowledge and paying close attention to people’s actions and passions, I can effectively identify the right individuals to join our team. This approach enables me to help them find their ideal roles, ensuring they are positioned to perform at their best.