The Governor appoints citizens who serve on the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Board for six years. The Wisconsin Legislature confirms the Governor's appointments. The board members elect a chair who conducts the monthly meetings. The board is a policy-making body, not an advisory board.
Board Overview
Board Members
Chair: Doug Rebout (Term May 1, 2021 - May 1, 2027)
Doug Rebout is a partner in Roger Rebout & Sons Farms near Janesville. The farm includes over 4200 acres of mainly corn and soybeans. They raise around 200 Holstein steers and custom raise 400 heifers for a neighbor farm. Mr. Rebout is actively engaged in public and community service while serving on his town planning and zoning and also on the board of directors for the Wisconsin Corn Growers Association and the Wisconsin Soybean Association.
Vice Chair: Miranda Leis (Term May 1, 2023 – May 1, 2029)
Miranda Leis, is currently serving as the Senior Director of Dairy Handling and Supply for CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley. In her 15 years with the Cooperative she has served in various capacities in business analysis and project management, and is currently serving in the Dairy Pool. In 2000 she received a Bachelor of Science degree from UW-River Falls in Animal Science with a Dairy emphasis. Ms. Leis has been involved in the Wisconsin Farm Bureau at the state and local levels since 2005. She is actively involved as a volunteer in various youth development and athletic clubs in the community of Cashton and surrounding area. She is also involved in her family's 350 cow dairy operation in Cashton, Wisconsin where she lives with her husband and three active children.
Secretary: Tina Hinchley (Term May 1, 2023 –May 1, 2029)
Tina Hinchley is the owner and operator of Hinchley's Dairy Farm, where they have over 400 registered dairy cattle. On the farm, they robotically milk about 240 cows. Hinchley's Dairy Farm has hosted many school groups, international delegations, industry visits and community events, which allows Ms. Hinchley to share her passion and educate people about where their food comes from.
Gary Besaw (Term February 24, 2025 - May 1, 2029)
Gary Besaw is the Director of the Menominee Tribal Department of Agriculture and Food Systems as well as the Director of the Menominee Tribal Food Distribution Program. He is an enrolled Tribal member of the Menominee Nation and has served on the Menominee Tribal Legislature for 15 years, twice holding positions as Tribal Chairman and once each as Vice Chairman and Secretary. Mr. Besaw is currently serving his second term on the Shawano-Menominee Farm Service Agency (FSA) County Committee.
Cindy Brown (Term May 1, 2025 - May 1, 2031)
Cindy Brown has dedicated her career to being a champion for agriculture. Over the years, she has helped promote the health benefits of pulses by working with consumer groups and health organizations. Ms. Brown has also worked to improve the sustainability of the pulse industry by promoting sustainable farming practices and has been instrumental in expanding the global market for pulses by developing new markets and increasing exports. Ms. Brown has increased the visibility of women in agriculture by serving in leadership roles in both domestic and international trade organizations. She is the immediate Past-President of the Global Pulse Confederation. Ms. Brown served as President of Chippewa Valley Bean from 2011 – 2025 and currently serves as Chairman of the Board.
Andy Hatch (Term May 2, 2025 - May 1, 2031)
Andy Hatch was born in Wisconsin and studied Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin, where he apprenticed with Master Cheesemaker Gary Grossen. Mr. Hatch also apprenticed with cheesemakers in Norway, France, Italy, and England. Mr. Hatch now owns and operates Uplands Cheese, a dairy farm in Dodgeville, where he milks 160 cows and makes award-winning cheese.
Dr.
Clare Hintz (Term May 1, 2021 - May 1, 2027)
Dr. Clare Hintz runs Elsewhere Farm, a perennial polyculture farm near the south shore of Lake Superior in Herbster, Wisconsin. The solar-powered farm features perennial fruits and nuts interplanted on five acres, intensive market gardens, and rare-breed pigs and chickens: most marketed through winter and summer CSAs. She is also the editor of the Journal of Sustainability Education. Dr. Hintz holds a bachelor's degree in biology and writing, a master's in sustainable systems, and a Ph.D. in sustainability education with a focus on regenerative agriculture.
Paul Palmby (Term May 1, 2021 - May 1, 2027)
Paul Palmby is currently President and CEO of Seneca Foods Corporation. He grew up on a farm in Southeastern Minnesota and is a 1985 graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Business. In his more than 35 years with Seneca, he has served in various management roles in the company, beginning in the agricultural department, and progressing through various operations responsibilities to his current role. Mr. Palmby has served on the Board of Directors of the Northwest Food Processors Association, the Midwest Food Processors Association, the American Frozen Food Institute, Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce and the Wisconsin FFA Foundation. He has also served as board member and Chairman of the Board for the Wisconsin FFA Sponsor's Board as well as the Produce for Better Health Foundation. He served three appointments by Secretary of Agriculture Ann Venneman, Secretary Mike Johanns and Secretary Sonny Purdue to USDA's Fruit and Vegetable Industry Advisory Committee and currently serves on the Boards of Blackhawk Bank and the Farming For The Future Foundation.