National Dairy Board among speakers for Farm Forum

FRESNO, Calif. - The guest speaker panel for the third Farm Forum of the 2013 season on Friday, June 14 has been announced, with included representatives from the National Dairy Board, California Dairies, Inc., and Maddox Dairy. The speakers are Arlene Vander Eyk, member of the National Dairy Board, Steve Maddox, Managing Partner of Maddox Dairy, and Darrin Monteiro, Director of Member Relations from California Dairies, Inc. The June 14 Farm Forum will discuss topics related to the dairy industry and its importance to the Central San Joaquin Valley.

The Farm Forum is a "meet the speaker" engagement in The CRU Club at Chukchansi Park at Friday home games during the 2013 season. The events provide those involved in the agricultural industry, as well as those interested in agriculture, an opportunity to interact with representatives from government, business, non-profit, education and health and wellness. Former Fresno mayor Alan Autry hosts each Farm Forum.

Vander Eyk was raised on a dairy farm and has been in the business for more than 30 years. Her business, the Robert Vander Eyk Dairy, is based in Pixley, California. She has been a member of the National Dairy Board since 2009. She was reappointed for her second term this past November. In addition to the National Dairy Board, she has also been involved with California Milk Advisory Board's district and statewide committees.

Maddox oversees Maddox Dairy located in Burrel, California, a role he has fulfilled since 1980. Maddox also sits on the National Dairy Board. Over his career, he has been involved with the National Milk Producers, California Dairies, Inc., Western United Dairymen, and National Holstein Association.

Monteiro is the Director of Member Relations for California Dairies, Inc. (CDI), which is headquartered in Visalia. His responsibilities include direct contact with CDI members regarding a wide variety of events and topics, attending and arranging political functions, and representing CDI at industry meetings (e.g. Dairy Cares, Environmental Justice Fund, Agriculture Council of California). Prior to joining CDI, Monteiro worked out of the Fresno office of the Farm Service Agency (FSA), a branch of the USDA. Prior to his time at FSA, the Fresno State graduate worked on his family's farm in Fresno County, where they have been successfully dairying for over 25 years.

Tickets for the Farm Forums include The CRU Club seating for the game. Farm Forums begin with an informal "mixer" in The CRU Club at 5 pm, followed by a discussion panel starting at 5:30 pm. Please call (559) 320-TIXS for tickets and more details.

Farm Forums are a component of the Fresno Grizzlies and Fresno Grizzlies Community Fund's efforts to engage the Central San Joaquin Valley's strong agricultural heritage with fans at Chukchansi Park. The Grizzlies Community Fund's Farm Grown program steers these efforts as it focuses on building meaningful partnerships in support of education and healthy living.