meet our team
Staff
We take pride in working on behalf of our Minnesota beef farmers and ranchers.
Our focus is to plan and execute beef education, research and promotion in order to help guide you towards the best beef eating experience.
Kelly SCHmidt
If you have beef checkoff questions, Kelly can answer all of them plus more. Kelly is responsible for budget, staff, research and checkoff program oversight. He serves as a liaison between Minnesota Beef Council and Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association, while also directing all research projects.
Besides being a boss behind his desk, he's also a boss behind the grill. Kelly and his wife proudly raise three daughters, plus Simmental cattle and show pigs. They enjoy family time together spent at school sport outings, 4-H events and livestock shows.
Ashley wulf
If you're wondering who manages the website and social media accounts, Ashley is your girl. She is responsible for the implementation of consumer education programs and is often the one found behind the camera at events making sure every important moment is captured.
Ashley has a bachelor's degree in Nutrition, plays tennis, and loves every cut of steak. If you can't find her, she's probably behind a computer in her free time editing videos as an event videographer on the side.
HEATHER DELONG
If you're wondering who holds the glue together, Heather would be it. She's responsible for administrative, accounting, and bookkeeping responsibilities, including the collection compliance of the Beef Checkoff. If you call our office, she's likely the one you'll speak with first.
Heather lives in Maple Plain, right where our office is located. She stays busy with her two children, attending many dance and hockey events. She loves any kind of outdoor recreation from hunting and fishing to boating.
kaitlyn root
If you're talking policy, BQA and beef production, Kaitlyn is the one you want to connect with. Kaitlyn is responsible for coordination of our Beef Quality Assurance Program and oversees the Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association. She provides leadership to Minnesota State Cattlemen's Association members and manages trainings on best beef production practices.
Kaitlyn has a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Communication with a minor in Animal Science. She enjoys playing sports, hunting, and spending time on the lake fishing with her family.
minnesota state cattlemen's executive director & bqa coordinator
jon dilworth
If your talk is retail and merchandising, Jon speaks your language. Jon is responsible for communications with beef retail and foodservice partners, as well as providing leadership and coordination of our local producer promotion program. Jon also serves as a key representative at trade shows and retail events.
Jon attended South Dakota State University and majored in Agricultural Education. He enjoys attending SDSU sporting events, riding horse, and camping. Jon is also a grill master when Minnesota weather allows.