Keynote Speakers & Presenters

Mike Hutjens, raised on a grade Holstein farm near Green Bay, Wisconsin, earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served as an extension dairy specialist at the University of Minnesota (1971–1979), coaching the 1978 national champion team at the World Dairy Expo, and at the University of Illinois (1979–2010). A sought-after speaker, Mike has presented at conferences in 46 states, 17 countries, and nine Canadian provinces. He contributes regularly to Hoard's Dairyman and Progressive Dairyman, hosts Hoard’s Dairy webinars, and has received numerous awards, including the National DeLaval Extension Worker Award, ADSA Applied Nutrition Award, Dairy Shrine Person of the Year (2019), and the World Dairy Expo Service Person of the Year (2008).Mike resides in Savoy, IL, with his wife, Carol, their five children, and seven grandchildren. A U.S. Army Reserve veteran, he retired from the University of Illinois in 2010.

Kevin received a degree from Oregon State University in Agricultural Economics.  From there, he went home to farm, but was asked to help market a neighbor's grain. That turned into his primary business, as navigating grain markets today is challenging.

After graduating from McFarland High School in 1988, Thomas attended College of the Sequoias (COS), where he studied criminal justice and competed as a member of the cross country and track teams. After leaving COS, he transferred to California State University, Bakersfield, where he continued competing in cross country and track. In 1992, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, serving for four years. In 1996, he began a career with the California Department of Corrections, retiring in 2018 after 22 years as a correctional officer. He continues to reside in the farming community of McFarland, where he once worked as a farm laborer.

Over the years, Thomas has remained involved in running as both a competitor and a coach. He has volunteered alongside Coach White at McFarland High School and with the youth running program. Following his retirement and the release of McFarland USA, he transitioned into a role as a motivational speaker, traveling across the United States to share his life story. His message emphasizes overcoming adversity and striving to achieve the impossible. He inspires audiences with the idea that whether through long strides or small steps, the goal is always to finish.