New Issues, New Staff for the New Year: Land O’Lakes expands Washington, D.C. presence
2/16/2010 12:00 AM

The Land O’Lakes Policies & Resolutions Committee has developed a set of proposed positions on public policy issues for 2010. The proposed Policies & Resolutions now are posted on the Land O’Lakes Web site for review by the cooperative’s members. They will be voted on by delegates at the annual meeting on Feb. 24. After that, they become the official policy of the cooperative and form the basis for our legislative activity during the year.

The Land O’Lakes Policies & Resolutions Committee consists of 24 of the cooperative’s elected leaders. The committee is separate from the board of directors, but its actions are reviewed by the board. Each of the elected Leadership and Executive Councils selects 12 members to serve on the committee.

Committee members participated in their region’s fall meetings, talking to members about current and emerging issues. The full committee then met on Dec. 14. At that meeting, they discussed and debated the positions that the cooperative should take on the issues. Committee members meet again the day before the annual meeting. At that time, they will consider any changes or new proposals by Land O’Lakes members and finalize the recommendations for the delegates. When the committee officers present recommendations at the annual meeting, delegates may further discuss and debate the positions before voting. During the year, committee members continue representing Land O’Lakes members on public policy issues. They do fly-ins to Washington, DC, meet with elected officials in their home states and communities, and attend events at their state capitols. The full committee meets in August to get an update on the current year resolutions and study new issues that affect farmers, cooperatives, and Land O’Lakes.

As Land O’Lakes has become more successful as a farmer-owned business, it has had to increase the focus on how government issues affect members and business. Even with a strong grassroots program and the combined efforts of industry associations in Washington, D.C., it became obvious during 2009 that we needed to establish a direct presence in the Capitol City to enhance our visibility and effectiveness.

At the end of September, Land O’Lakes hired Jen Daulby Kaleta to establish a Washington office for the cooperative. She has several traits that will make her successful in this role. Kaleta grew up in a rural community in southern Illinois, which provided her with an appreciation for agriculture. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Eastern Illinois University and a law degree from Southern Illinois University. In Washington, she’s worked for Rep. John Shimkus of Illinois, former-Rep. Steve Chabot of Ohio, and Rep. Bob Goodlatte on the House Ag Committee staff. Prior to joining Land O’Lakes, she worked in Monsanto’s Washington office. Having worked on the Hill for years helped her build relationships that she can leverage in her new role. And, her law degree and previous lobbying experience provide a firm understanding of her new job.

By Steven Krikava
Land O’Lakes Director of Government Relations
Steven has served the cooperative system since 1976 when he was hired at Midland Cooperatives.

This article is featured in the winter 2009/2010 issue of growingtogether™ Magazine. To view this issue, click here.