President
Denny Crum ('81, MD)
Denny and his wife Judy were dairy operators until the year 2000 when they sold their 600 cows. Now
they farm 600 acres of hay and small grains and also operate a corn maze and pumpkin patch in the fall.
Vice President
Rodney Birchen ('93, IL)
Rodney and Mary Birchen live in Northwestern Illinois. They have a 900 cow dairy
operation, including raising their own replacement heifers, and farm 2500 acres of corn, alfalfa and wheat. In addition,
they operate a custom forage harvesting business. They have three children and two niece/daughters: Molita, a veterinarian
practicing in Platteville WI; Adam, herdsman for the dairy; Andrew, crop and equipment manager. Jennifer, who
is the calf manager; and Amanda, who is an accountant. They have one grandson. They were National OYF Winners
in 1993.
Secretary/Treasurer
Jeff Thomson ('81, CA)
Jeff Thomson is a grower-packer-shipper of watermelons, onions, peppers, and cabbage in addition to growing
potatoes and carrots with other shippers near Bakersfield, California, on 2,000 irrigated acres. Jeff and his wife, Elaine,
have four grown children who all work in the operation in various areas including growing, selling, and accounting. Jeff was
a National OYF winner in 1981. The Thomsons have two grandchildren.
