Brian Forrest

Board Chair
Maple Ridge Dairy Farm - Stratford, WI

Forrest is a dairy producer and owner with Ken Hein at Maple Ridge Dairy where he manages the dairy operations and employee administrative duties. In 2019 the dairy earned platinum recognition in National Mastitis Council’s National Dairy Quality Awards program. Brian previously served in a leadership role on the board of Dairy’s Foundation®’s sister organization, Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) and is a long-time supporter of the foundation’s Two Cents for Tomorrow program.

Sonia Rarick

Secretary/Treasurer
Northside Elevator - Marshfield, WI

Born and raised on a dairy farm in Loyal, Wisconsin, Sonia’s roots in agriculture run deep. This upbringing instilled an appreciation for the dairy industry, and she earned a degree in Animal Science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.

For the past 17 years, Sonia has been a part of Northside Elevator Inc, a role that allows her to serve customers throughout Wisconsin. Her work focuses on providing top-notch service and solutions to dairy farmers, helping them to optimize their operations and produce the best possible outcomes for their farms. This position has afforded Sonia the incredible opportunity to meet and work alongside some of the most dedicated individuals in the industry, further fueling her commitment to the dairy community.

Sonia is deeply honored to support the foundation, an endeavor that allows her to give back to an industry that has enriched her life in countless ways. The dairy industry has opened doors to meet exceptional people and contribute to feeding the world, a mission that resonates with Sonia’s core values and aspirations. Sonia’s journey, from a dairy farm in Loyal to a pivotal role at Northside Elevator, reflects a lifelong dedication to agriculture and a desire to make a positive impact.

Sonia remains committed to fostering the growth and success of the dairy industry, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.

Russ Warmka

Board Member
Warmka Holsteins - Fox Lake, WI

Warmka, his wife Laura and their oldest son Erik own and operate Warmka Holsteins, a 375-acre dairy on which they milk 500 Holsteins and Jerseys. Russ has been a long-time contributor to the foundation as a way of supporting the next generation. Warmka Holsteins is a partner in a custom-forage-harvesting enterprise that does cropping for itself and two other dairies. The business is also involved in the PDP Enhanced Internship Program, through which a college-age student spends a day learning from and shadowing them on the dairy.

Floyd W. Sutton

Board Member
Zinpro Corporation - Freeport, IL

Floyd and his wife Kim reside in Freeport, Illinois. They have two daughters, Allison and Emily. A native of Seneca, Wisconsin, he grew up on a diversified livestock farm and earned his B.S. in Animal Science at the University of Wisconsin – Platteville. After graduation, Floyd spent 15 years as ruminant product manager and nutritionist for a national premix company. In 1998 he joined Zinpro Corporation as Great Lakes District Manager. His duties at Zinpro involve sales and market support activities for Wisconsin and key account management duties with Purina Animal Nutrition and Nutra Blend. He works with nutritionists, feed companies, dairy and livestock producers to improve their products and practices. Floyd wants to give back to the dairy industry that has provided so well for him and his family. He has served as an advisor on the PDP board and knows the importance of the foundation to the Professional Dairy Producers Foundation to the entire U.S. dairy industry.

Rosario Ibarra

Board Member
Grotegut Dairy Farm Inc. - Newton, WI

Rosario Ibarra is the General Manager at Grotegut Dairy Farm, Inc, in Newton WI. She supervises and coordinates herd activities of the 3,500+ milking cows and manages the day-to-day operation of the dairy and facilities. She has several years of experience in the Mexican-US dairy industry importing feed additives from Wisconsin. She moved to the US in 2012 as a TN visa professional worker. In April 2017, she enhanced her on farm experience as Calf Manager at Gold Star Farms in Chilton, WI. Rosario has a bachelor’s degree in Agronomy and an MBA degree. She is a graduate of Cornerstone Dairy Academy, a three-year dynamic educational track focused on a unique suite of communication and leadership skills.