Tracy Favre, P.E. | Vice President Sustainability, Live Operations | Handsome Brook Farms | OTA Board President
Tracy Favre has over 30 years in natural resource management working in various positions, now serving as the Vice President of Sustainability for Live Operations at Handsome Brook Farms, LLC. From 2012 – 2017, Ms. Favre served on the National Organic Standards Board, wrapping up her tenure there as board chair. Tracy has worked as an independent organic inspector, and served as the Global Director for Quality Assurance International, setting strategic direction for the organization, including international expansion. She is passionate about the intersection of good, healthy food and sustainable livelihoods.
Stephen Shepard | CEO | Farmer Focus
Stephen J. Shepard currently leads the mission at Farmer Focus serving as its Chief Executive Officer after acting as its President & Chief Operating Officer. He brings nearly two decades of industry experience and expertise to his role. Before joining Farmer Focus in 2022, Shepard served as Complex General Manager at Pilgrim’s Pride Corp. and in various roles at Miller Poultry. Shepard earned his bachelor’s degree in livestock and poultry management from North Carolina State University. Mr. Shepard is a devoted father and husband leading a faith-based life rooted in people-first, servant leadership. Stephen's experience in the poultry industry is matched by his passion for it.
Farmer Focus was founded in Harrisonburg, VA as Shenandoah Valley Organic in 2014. The company is an innovator in the poultry space due its Farmer-First business model that pays farmers well above the industry average, allows full product traceability, and ensures adherence to strict animal welfare standards.
David Will | General Manager | Chino Valley Ranchers
In 2001 David joined Chino Valley Ranchers as their General Manager. Chino Valley Ranchers is a Southern California based specialty egg producers with focus on cage free and organic eggs. Their farms grow, process and ship fresh shell eggs and egg products. He is in charge of sales, customer relations and their organic certifications for their processing and production sites. In addition to the California State Organic Program, David serves on the California Shell Egg Committee as current chair, Methionine Task Force as current chair, Organic Egg Farmers of America as current secretary and the United Egg Producers Organic Egg Committee as current vice chair. In addition he attends the National Organic Standards Board meetings.
Heidi Diestel | President of Sales & Marketing | Diestel Family Ranch
Heidi grew up on her family farm getting folks excited about all things Diestel. Today, Heidi is President of Sales & Marketing at Diestel Family Ranch, leading the industry one turkey at a time.