Minnesota Beef Council Announces Schmidt as New Chief Executive Officer

The Minnesota Beef Council has hired Kelly Schmidt as the new Minnesota Beef Council Chief Executive Officer. Schmidt will be responsible for managing the staff and board of directors through Beef Checkoff programming and budget oversight. He will also serve as the lead liaison between Minnesota Beef Council and Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association.

“I am really excited to work with Minnesota's beef farmers and ranchers in doing everything we can to grow beef demand. We have dedicated people, producing a healthy, great tasting product - that's a wonderful story to share,” said Schmidt.  

Kelly Schmidt grew up in the seedstock cattle business and is now a family-owner in Double E Cattle Company. The family raises Simmental and SimAngus cattle, marketing females and bulls throughout the Midwest. Together, they exhibit cattle at state and national shows. Most recently, Schmidt served as an agribusiness instructor at South Central College in Mankato, Minnesota. His professional career includes seven years as a field representative for the American Simmental Association and five years working in professional cattle sale management and marketing. Schmidt also previously worked in animal nutrition sales for Cargill Animal Nutrition.  

Schmidt is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a B.S. in agricultural education. He is a member of the executive committee for the Minnesota Beef Expo, serves on the Minnesota Simmental Association Board and assists with 4-H youth livestock programs at the county and state level.  Kelly and his wife, Sarah, are the proud parents of three daughters: Aubree (12), Kate (10) and Britta (6). They live near New Ulm, Minnesota, where they enjoy raising cattle and showing heifers.  

“Kelly brings years of experience to this role, and we are excited for him to use his passion and knowledge to advance our organization’s initiatives,” said Mark Malecek, Minnesota Beef Council Chairman.      

Schmidt will begin his new position with Minnesota Beef Council in mid-July.