DGN has officially welcomed three new dairywomen to the board of directors: Natalie Berning of Galena, IL; Stacy Konyn of Escondido, CA; and Kimberly Tarvis of Cobleskill, NY. These three women recently joined the board, which together with industry partners, allow DGN members to gain valuable connections, resources and shared experiences while supporting and encouraging fellow dairywomen.

Natalie grew up in Dubuque, IA and graduated college from the University of Iowa with an Elementary Education degree, and later earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum & Instruction. Until meeting her husband, Natalie had very little farm experiences. Today, with her husband and five children, they own and operate Berning Acres, a 500-cow dairy farm outside of Galena, IL. Over the last four years, Natalie has launched their farm into Agri-Tourism as well and Berning Acres welcomed well over 1,500 guests to their farm in 2024. Natalie shares her passion by taking advantage of every opportunity she has to share her story as a first-generation farmer. She also enjoys anything to do with fitness and teaches cycling classes at a local boutique studio.  

Stacy Barlow Konyn is a dedicated educator and community leader with over 30 years of experience in academic advising, financial aid and youth mentorship. Raised in Southern California, she grew up immersed in agriculture, with her family farming citrus and avocados. Her passion for the industry led her to earn a master’s degree in Agricultural Science from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and study abroad at Massey University in New Zealand. Stacy currently serves as an Area 4-H Leader with U.C. Cooperative Extension and coordinates educational programs at Frank Konyn Dairy, San Diego County’s last remaining dairy farm. An active leader in agricultural organizations, Stacy serves on the California Jersey Cattle Association Board and has long been involved with California Holstein Association and 4-H programs.  

Kimberly Tarvis is an Associate Professor of Animal Science at the State University of New York (SUNY) Cobleskill. Her formal agricultural education journey began at Bristol County Agricultural High School where she completed her studies in Natural Resources Management. She is a graduate of SUNY Cobleskill (Beef and Livestock Studies AAS), Kansas State University (Animal Science BS) and Colorado State University (MS). Kim is a current student at Indiana University, finishing her Ed.D. in Instructional Systems Technology. She coaches the Dairy Challenge Team, is co-advisor of Dairy Cattle Club, Program Coordinator for Animal Science, appointed member of the Intercollegiate Athletic Board, Bristol County Agricultural High School Animal Science Advisory Board and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Advisory Committee.

Learn more about our Board of Directors, Advisory Members and Staff HERE.