ABOUT
The Dairy Leaders Program educates and trains participants on the issues affecting dairy producers in today’s industry. This year-long program introduces participants to various sessions, including the legislative process, advocacy and media training, and regulatory and industry issues. Through those sessions, participants will better understand our industry through communication, educational activities, presentations, and team-building skills.
2022/2023 Class
Anthony Agueda is a third-generation dairy farmer from Hickman. Growing up on his family’s large dairy operation, Agueda became involved in Future Farmers of America in high school. Agueda was recently awarded the National FFA Dairy Proficiency Award, representing California dairies nationally. Agueda continues using his experience working on a day-to-day dairy operation to advocate for the dairy industry and California dairy families.
Eric Fast is the Director of Project Development at Maas Energy Works, joining the team in 2021 after spending time at two other leading anaerobic digester companies. Eric has 18 years of experience designing and building digesters in the US and internationally across multiple agricultural and commercial industries. In his current role, Eric heads a team of Engineers, Project Managers, and Construction Managers to deliver efficient, cost-effective, and farmer-friendly digester systems for the Maas Energy Works partner farms and partner industries.
Kyle Lutz and his family have long been producing milk in California. Lutz graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor of science degree in Dairy Science. A fourth-generation dairy farmer, he returned to the family dairy upon graduation and also went on to start his own business in agriculture. In addition to his background in organic dairy management, Lutz’s portfolio includes background in poultry, beef and hay production, and livestock grazing management. Currently, Lutz serves as the Technical Field Services Representative for Western United Dairies.
Linda Parreira grew up on her parent’s dairy in the Turlock area, where her family settled after immigrating to California from Sao Jorge, Azores. A first-generation Portuguese-American, Parreira graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business and a minor in Dairy Science. She’s been working in ag lending for over a decade. Currently, she is the Vice President – Relationship Manager at Ag West Farm Credit (formally Farm Credit West) in Tulare.
Tyler Ribeiro is no stranger to the dairy industry. As a fourth-generation dairy farmer, Ribeiro began working with his father and grandfather, learning the intricacies of dairy and what it meant to be a committed leader. After graduating from Fresno State with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, Ribeiro returned to the family farm full-time. Off the farm, Ribeiro is active in various organizations, most notably, he has held multiple leadership positions with Western United Dairies, The Dairy Council of California, and the California Cattle Council. Known online as the @DairyDad, Ribeiro is committed to advocating for the dairy industry and agriculture.
Allison Tristao grew up on her father’s dairy farm in Tulare. Tristao graduated from Fresno State in December 2021 with an Agribusiness degree and is currently the Community Field Representative for Western United Dairies.
The Dairy Leadership Program is generously supported by Farm Credit Alliance.
