The National Dairy Promotion and Research Board (NDB) honored Arizona dairy farmer Paul Rovey as the 2025 recipient of the Richard E. Lyng Award for his contributions and distinguished service to dairy promotion.
The award is named for former U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Richard E. Lyng, who played a critical role in implementing policies that led to the establishment of NDB in 1983. It honors leaders who have made a significant contribution to dairy promotion that benefits the entire industry.
Rovey was honored at the Joint NDB/National Milk Producers Federation/United Dairy Industry Association Annual Meeting in Arlington, Texas, Nov. 10-12.
Rovey served as chairman of Dairy Management Inc. from 2003 to 2018. He also provided leadership to the United Dairymen of Arizona (UDA) for more than 40 years, serving as chair for 10 years and holding numerous other leadership positions. In addition, Rovey was appointed to the NDB board, served on the UDIA board and was chair of the checkoff-founded U.S. Dairy Export Council from 2012-2019.
“Paul is a true pioneer of the dairy checkoff program,” said Joanna Shipp, a Virginia dairy farmer who serves as chair of NDB. “He provided a strong vision and countless hours of his time and leadership to shape the program we now have today. Dairy farmers across the country are grateful for his many contributions.”
Arizona dairy farmer Craig Caballero, who serves as CEO of the United Dairymen of Arizona, added: “The dairy checkoff program has been his passion. Regardless of where he was or what he was doing, it was obvious that checkoff was top of mind for Paul, and he never hesitated to tell anyone and everyone who would listen, how fantastic it was and how crucial checkoff was to dairy sales.”
As part of the Richard E. Lyng Award, the NDB will contribute $2,500 in Rovey’s name to an organization of his choice.
