Name: Ben Weikert, Ph.D.
Job Title: Director, Agricultural Consulting Services
Company: Dairy One Cooperative, Inc.

What education are you bringing with you to this position?

I have a Ph.D. in agricultural education and leadership from the University of Missouri, along with agricultural degrees from Penn State and West Virginia University. I’ve also completed a graduate certificate in human resources management. My background blends agriculture, leadership, people and project management, which helps me look at challenges from both the technical and human sides.

Please describe your agricultural background

I grew up on a small, show-oriented beef and sheep farm in Pennsylvania, where I was active in 4-H. I’ve worked with livestock systems, sustainability and spent over a decade in higher and extension education. I’ve been fortunate to work directly with producers, which keeps me grounded in the real challenges and opportunities farms face every day. Until recently, I also farmed sheep in Otsego County, New York.

What territory will you cover?

Our work proudly supports farmers throughout the Northeast, but through the company’s network, our reach extends much further. One of the exciting parts of this role is getting to work with a wide range of valued farming operations, from large dairies to small orchards. I am also looking forward to collaborating with other cooperatives, government agencies, Cornell University and other service providers on nationally scaled projects.

What are your new responsibilities?

In my role as director of agricultural consulting services (ACS), I get to work with a team of expert consultants and technicians who support farm agronomic and environmental compliance needs. I focus on setting goals, strategic planning and supporting the team so we can continue to deliver high-quality services. I’m also excited about bringing in new tools and technologies that help make farm data more useful and actionable. This includes our new software platform: twine.ag.

What previous positions have you held?

Before joining this company, I spent nearly a decade at the State University of New York College (SUNY) Cobleskill in teaching and leadership roles, working closely with students and building agricultural programs. I’ve also worked in extension education, livestock judging and consulting, and agricultural research.

Who has made the biggest impact on your career?

During my time at SUNY Cobleskill, Erik Hage and Dr. Ian MacDonald helped me and so many others find their value and voice, even during challenging times. Dr. Anna Ball, Dr. Tracy Kitchel and Dr. Tracy Hoover were also excellent mentors to me, showing me that it was possible to be well respected and well liked in the workplace. Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and his wife Nina are family friends and shaped my thinking about the regional agricultural community. My twin brother Owen’s passion for New York dairy is contagious and has shaped much of my work.

How will you be of most help to producers in your region or area of expertise?

My expertise lies with bringing people in agriculture together. A thriving agricultural system relies on a thriving agricultural team. I also see many opportunities in using data to make broad, impactful changes. There’s a lot of data available today, but turning it into clear, practical decisions is where the value is. I focus on connecting the dots – whether that’s in the field or in the barn – helping producers make decisions that fit their operation and long-term goals.

Why did you choose this company?

This company has a strong reputation for being a trusted partner to producers, and that really stood out to me. I was excited about the opportunity to lead ACS and be part of an organization that values both science and relationships. It felt like a natural fit with my background and what I enjoy doing most. The leadership at this company works in transparent, trustworthy and practical ways, which has been an energizing and positive change.

What goals would you like to accomplish while in this position?

I’d like to continue building a strong, forward-looking team that producers can rely on. That means improving services, supporting our people and making sure we’re developing the best tools available. At the end of the day, success is helping farms stay productive, profitable, compliant and well-positioned for the future.