AMPI members take leadership to the next level
AMPI’s first MasterClass is in the books, and participants say the experience has taken their cooperative involvement and leadership to the next level.
The inaugural class included 19 dairy farmer-leaders from throughout AMPI country. All shared the goal of wanting to improve their farming future through better industry knowledge, improved cooperative involvement and stronger leadership skills.
Jake and Angie Golombeski of Morristown, Minn., were quick to apply for the program. They milk 40 registered Jerseys and Holsteins.
“We are a young, ambitious couple looking to gain more knowledge of AMPI,” Angie said. “This opportunity allowed us to get away from the farm and broaden our horizons.”
The experience gave third-generation AMPI member Kalene DeBoer of Ellsworth, Minn., an understanding of how decisions are made and implemented within the cooperative.
“It was neat to learn about different sectors of AMPI and see more of how the co-op as a whole functions,” she said. MasterClass topics ranged from co-op principles to AMPI-specific operations, sales and marketing, and finance.
The Golombeskis also enjoyed the hands-on aspect of sessions that included a tour of the co-op’s butter plant, a cheesemaking workshop, and participating in team-building exercises.
“We weren’t just sitting and listening; it was interactive,” Jake said.
AMPI team members assist as MasterClass participants team up to manage a mock co-op and set the milk price during an interactive game. Pictured from left: Charlie Uhlenhopp, AMPI field representative; Jon Schmidt, Cole Hoscheit, Glenn Woychik, AMPI director of member services; Kalene DeBoer, Paul Luehmann and Angie Golombeski.
Learning to lead
Leadership trainer Jason Hunt helped participants hone communication, listening and delegation skills. Jeremy Spexet, a Division Three elected official since 2019, appreciated learning strategies to better interact with, and influence, others.
“The leadership sessions were useful on your own farm whether working with employees or family members,” he said.
DeBoer agreed. “We can adjust our coaching techniques to people’s varying personalities and learning styles,” she said, repeating one lesson she’s using on the 450-cow dairy she operates with family.
Jake Golombeski admits he was surprised at how much he learned from Hunt.
“He helped to force me out of my shell. We all tend to get stuck in our comfortable, everyday shell on the farm, but it’s important to get out in the community and beyond,” he said, reflecting on how relationship-building is an essential part of business success.
Strengthening Bonds
Getting to know fellow AMPI dairy farmer-owners was another important benefit of the experience, Spexet said. Along with his wife Cristy, he also serves as the current AMPI Young Cooperator vice chaircouple.
“The opportunity to interact with other AMPI members was one of my favorite parts,” he said. The Spexets operate a 70-cow dairy and farm with family in Shell Lake, Wis.
The friendships gained were important to the Golombeskis, too. “When we came to the first meeting, we knew nobody. By the end of it, we knew everybody and we were all friends,” Jake said.
He urges eligible members to apply when the next MasterClass is announced. “If you have a chance to do it, the education that you’re going to gain is worth it,” he said.
With the support of sponsors, AMPI was able to cover all costs of the MasterClass experience for participants. The co-op wishes to thank these businesses that supported the leadership training: Compeer Financial, Kelley Supply, Gardiner+Company CPAs, Hawkins, Ecolab, Ever.Ag and Capsule.
