By Jamie Martin
The R-CALF USA Board of Directors has elected Dave Hyde as its new president and Eric Gropper as vice president. The announcement came during the board’s January 2025 meeting, marking a shift in leadership aimed at strengthening advocacy for cattle producers.
Hyde, a Region VIII Director, operates Hyde Farms in eastern Ohio with his wife, Brenda, and their two children. He has served on the board since 2019, representing R-CALF USA members in Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
“We are in the cattle industry, not the beef industry; and the cattle industry’s money is being used against us with no oversight or accountability,” said Hyde. “America First means mandatory country of origin labeling. Eliminating wasteful spending means checkoff reform.”
Gropper, a Region X Director, manages a cow/calf operation in Long Valley, South Dakota with his wife, Sarah, and their two daughters. He has served on the board since 2019, representing native tribes of the United States.
“If we don’t want our markets taken away like they were in 2015, then we are the ones that have to stand united and fight for it,” said Gropper. “We are fighting for a truly transparent and competitive market that isn’t controlled by the multinational packers—it’s all about the market.”
New Board Members and Leadership Changes
Outgoing President Brett Kenzy completed his term after serving since 2022. Ron Volk was elected as the new Region III Director, representing members in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska.
Additionally, Eric Nelson concluded his tenure as vice president but will continue as a Region VII Director. The board also appointed Thad Montgomery to represent Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, replacing Alan Pruitt, who served since 2010.
R-CALF USA’s board members serve three-year terms, ensuring continuous advocacy for cattle producers across the United States.
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Categories: National