United Producers, Inc. (UPI), the Midwest’s largest livestock marketing cooperative, is pleased to announce the hiring of John West. West will serve on its board of directors representing Tennessee. He was appointed to serve a one-year term by the board Directors to fill an at-large seat.
“John has a great deal of first-hand knowledge and experience that will be beneficial to our Board and cooperative,” said Mike Bumgarner, UPI president & CEO. “I have no doubt that our members will experience an immediate and long-lasting impact from his experience, farming acumen and innovative ideas. John’s appointment is the initial step to fully incorporate our Tennessee members into the governance of our cooperative.”
West is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. His board experience is diverse, formerly serving as Chairman for the Tennessee Cattleman’s Association, Tennessee Beef Industry, Lower Middle Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, and Hickman County Farm Bureau.
Beyond his professional roles, West takes pride in his personal livestock operations. He, along with his wife Carol, owns and manages 3,500 acres of land between pasture and hay, where he works alongside his 32-year-old son, Ben. Together, they care for 550 cows, 1,100 yearlings, and 600 acres of hay.
UPI serves 30,000 members in Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Tennessee, handling approximately 2.5 million head of livestock per year. UPI also offers risk management services, including marketing agreements and brokerage services; and offers competitive credit services for agricultural, farm machinery and livestock financing. For more information, visit www.uproducers.com or follow United Producers, Inc. on Facebook.
