By Producers, For Producers
RIPE's work is guided by a bipartisan coalition of farmers, ranchers, producer groups, and conservationists. Learn more about our Team, Board of Directors, and advisory groups below.
Meet the Board
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Alana Petersen
MN FARMER & RIPE PRESIDENT
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K. Stratton Kirton
VA FARMER & RIPE SECRETARY
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Tracy Travis
WI FARMER & RIPE TREASURER
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Eunice "Eunie" Biel
MN FARMER & PAST RIPE PRESIDENT
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Brandon Hunnicutt
NE FARMER & DIRECTOR
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Loston Rowe
MS FARMER & DIRECTOR
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Christine Stearn
PAST RIPE TREASURER & DIRECTOR
The RIPE Coalition
Collaboration with producers is vital to make sure RIPE's work is timely, relevant, and impactful. To learn more about taking action and getting involved, contact getinvolved@riperoadmap.org.
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Our producer-led steering committee advises on producer engagement, contributes to policy design and makes recommendations on other opportunities that support RIPE’s mission. It is made up of a diverse group of state, regional, and national trade associations and producer groups.
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RIPE’s Farmer Advisory Network (FAN) is a group of motivated producer-leaders from around the country that is working to build support for RIPE’s approach. Members spread the word to other producers, share the policy with their ag associations to advance conversations with legislators, and get RIPE in the media.
Interested in joining the FAN? To learn more about membership, please fill out a request for information form and we’ll be in touch soon.
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The IDEA Committee was formed through discussions with RIPE stakeholders and staff to ensure that farmers and ranchers who have historically been underserved by USDA programs are central in designing the RIPE proposal.
It is focused on raising up historically underserved producers and their perspectives to approaching climate-smart agriculture and addressing equity issues in agriculture as it relates to RIPE.
The committee is dedicated to developing a shared understanding, suggesting changes to RIPE’s work, and creating avenues of equity within the RIPE proposal.
Past Presidents
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Past President, PA Farmer
Bill Beam is the Owner and Operator of Beam Farms Inc., a fourth-generation row crop (corn, soy, wheat), specialty crop and hay operation based in Elverson, Pennsylvania, and of a sawdust trucking business that serves customers and producers of sawdust within a 150 mile radius of the farm. Bill also served as the Deputy Administrator for Farm Programs of the FSA/ USDA from 2018-2021. In that role, he oversaw and implemented policies and procedures that regulate the delivery of FSA farm programs. He, along with his staff, oversaw major portions of the Farm Bill, including programs that help farmers, ranchers and forest stewards manage market risks, recover from disasters, and conserve and protect natural resources through the Farm Service Agency’s network of over 2,100 state and county offices. Beam is currently serving as Administrator of the Farm Service Agency as of March 2025.
Previously, he served on the United Soybean Board for nine years, on the United States Soybean Export Council for two years, and in leadership positions with the Pennsylvania Soybean Board.
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Past President, IA Farmer
Curt previously served as president of Iowa Corn Growers Association and is an active member of Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Farm Bureau, National Corn Growers Association, U.S. Grains Council, and American Green Gas. Curt is a third-generation family farmer, and grows corn and soybeans on 1,400 acres with his wife, Anita. They use no-till, cover crops and other practices that invest in soil health and water quality. Curt is enthusiastic about RIPE’s mission to help growers develop new economic opportunities while investing in their farms’ conservation practices to benefit the farm, neighbors and future generations. Curt also volunteers with 4-H programs and Sunday school education, investing in the next generation.
Meet the Team
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Trey Cooke
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Emily Lord
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Melissa Willhouse
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
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Darian Heyman
BOARD DEVELOPMENT & FUNDRAISING STRATEGY ADVISOR
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Reece Langley
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & POLICY ADVISOR
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Robin Sukhadia
PROJECT MANAGER & FUNDRAISING STRATEGY ADVISOR
Careers
Development Manager
We are excited to be expanding our team and are currently hiring for a new position, Development Manager. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated experience and interest in agriculture and/or conservation policy. This person will be responsible for leading the organization’s growth, and will focus on building relationships with foundations supporting conservation efforts in the agricultural sector, as well as engaging with ag supply chain companies.
Does this sound like the right fit for you, or someone you know?
Click the button below to download the job description. Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to careers@riperoadmap.org with the job title in the subject line.