Finding Us Faithful in Service to Dairy
When I’m milking, I like to listen to something to keep my mind engaged, usually an audiobook or podcast and, rarely, music.
But there are moments when I enjoy the “silence,” though we all know a milking parlor is never truly silent! During those times, my thoughts wander and sometimes a song lyric will settle in and stay there.
Not long ago, the chorus of “Find Us Faithful” drifted into my mind, looping again and again as I worked:
“May all who come behind us find us faithful
May the fire of our devotion light their way
May the footprints that we leave lead them to believe
And the lives we live inspire them to obey.”
Those words made me pause and think about the many dairy farmers who have faithfully served our dairy community – people whose footprints have guided and inspired the rest of us.
In 1988, the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) created the Richard E. Lyng Service Award to recognize those who have demonstrated that kind of faithfulness and distinguished service to dairy promotion and research. The award honors former U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Richard Lyng, who helped shape the policies that led to the formation of NDB in 1983.
The Lyng Award offers us the opportunity to reflect on the farmer leaders who have given so much to the checkoff and whose devotion continues to light the way for others. Reading the nominations is one of my favorite parts of serving as NDB chair. It’s a powerful reminder of the dedication that has built and sustained dairy promotion through the decades.
This year, we proudly honored Arizona dairy farmer Paul Rovey as the recipient of the Lyng Award. Paul’s service to our industry embodies the spirit of faithfulness that this award represents.
Paul has spent a lifetime leading with purpose and conviction. He served as chairman of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) from 2003 to 2018, helping shape the strategic direction of the national dairy checkoff. His leadership extended well beyond that role. He guided the United Dairymen of Arizona for more than 40 years, including 10 as chairman, and served on the boards of NDB and the United Dairy Industry Association. From 2012 to 2019, he chaired the U.S. Dairy Export Council, where his vision helped U.S. dairy strengthen its global presence.
Paul’s contributions go far beyond titles. He’s a tireless advocate who believes deeply in the power of dairy farmers working together through our checkoff to build demand and trust in our products.
Arizona dairy farmer Craig Caballero said it best: “Regardless of where he was or what he was doing, it was obvious that checkoff was top of mind for Paul. He never hesitated to tell anyone and everyone who would listen how fantastic it was and how crucial checkoff was to dairy sales.”
I couldn’t agree more. Paul’s leadership helped lay the foundation for so much of what we do today as a checkoff. His fire and devotion have lit the way for those of us who have followed him.
As I reflect on the words of “Find Us Faithful,” I think about leaders like Paul and all the farmers who serve locally and nationally to advance dairy. Their commitment reminds us that this work is more than a job; it’s a calling built on stewardship, trust and service.
When you hear that nominations are open for next year’s Lyng Award, think of those around you who embody that same spirit. Nominate them. Celebrate them. Because each of us, in our own way, has the chance to leave footprints that lead others to believe.
And I’ll leave you with a few lines from one of the verses with a bit of poetic license that feels fitting for our dairy community:
“But as those who’ve gone before us
Let us leave to those behind us
The heritage of faithfulness
Passed on through dairy lives.”
May all who come behind us find us faithful.
