From Ideas to Impact: Grassroots Advocacy in Action

Grassroots voices are the foundation of strong agricultural policy, and when those voices come together, they can accomplish extraordinary things. This panel will highlight how the visionaries behind the International Year of the Woman Farmer turned ideas into action. Attendees will hear the importance of building relationships, forming coalitions, and sharing common challenges to create momentum for change. By working together, grassroots leaders can move issues across the finish line and shape the policies that matter most to rural communities. Attendees will leave energized, inspired, and ready to partner with their local, state, and national Farm Bureaus—confident in their ability to advance big goals and make a lasting impact.

Speakers:

• Krysta Harden, U.S. Dairy Export Council, Former US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
• Alexis Taylor, International Fresh Produce Association, Former US Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
• Karla Thieman, JBS, Former USDA Chief of Staff

---

Speaker Details:

Krysta Harden

Krysta Harden serves as President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, where she leads global initiatives to promote U.S. dairy exports and advance the industry's commitment to sustainable nutrition worldwide. A trailblazer in agricultural leadership, Harden made history in February 2021 by becoming USDEC's first female chief executive and only the third president to lead the organization since its inception in 1995.

Under Harden's leadership, U.S. dairy exports have reached unprecedented heights, breaking records for three consecutive years (2020-2022) despite global pandemic challenges. Today, the U.S. dairy industry continues to experience significant growth in both production and processing capabilities, adapting to the changing demands of the global market. Harden is navigating unprecedented challenges in international trade, supply chain logistics, and shifting consumer preferences, while also exploring new opportunities in health-focused products, packaging innovations; and expanding into previously untapped markets across Asia and Africa.

Under her leadership, USDEC is positioning U.S. dairy as a global leader in both nutritional excellence and environmental stewardship. When Harden joined USDEC as chief operating officer in May 2020, she was already familiar with the dairy industry. In April 2019, she began working for Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) as executive vice-president of global environmental strategy, to establish the vision, strategy and plans for U.S. dairy's environmental commitment. DMI manages the dairy checkoff for 24,811 U.S. dairy farmers.

Harden's career encompasses both the public and private sectors. She served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture under Secretary Tom Vilsack, where she led implementation of the 2014 Farm Bill. Prior to becoming Deputy Secretary, Harden served as Assistant Secretary of Congressional Relations and Chief of Staff to the Secretary.

Her executive experience includes roles as Senior Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Sustainability Officer at Corteva Agriscience and CEO of the National Association of Conservation Districts. Her leadership was recognized with induction into the 4-H Hall of Fame in October 2024, following her dedicated service as Chair of the National 4-H Council Board of Trustees from 2020-2024. Harden currently serves on multiple boards advancing food security and agricultural innovation.

Alexis Taylor

Alexis Taylor is the Chief Global Policy Officer at the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), where she leads the association’s global public policy agenda and oversees the Government Relations team. With nearly two decades of experience in trade and agriculture policy, she works to strengthen the industry’s global influence and advocate for policies that promote a prosperous and sustainable future for the fresh produce and floral sectors. Before joining IFPA, Alexis served as the Under Secretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TFAA) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), where she led efforts to expand market opportunities for U.S. agricultural products worldwide. Prior to USDA, she was Director of the Oregon Department of Agriculture, focusing on agricultural promotion and sustainability. She also held key positions on Capitol Hill and at USDA, supporting U.S. agriculture and global food security. An Iowa native, Alexis grew up on her family’s heritage farm and is a graduate of Iowa State University. A U.S. Army veteran, she served in Iraq with the 389th Combat Engineer Battalion and continues to advocate for veterans.

Karla Thieman

Karla Thieman serves as JBS USA Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs.

Thieman joined the company from Finsbury Glover Hering, a leading global strategic communications advisory firm. She also served as chief of staff and senior policy advisor to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack and as chief of staff to USDA Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden. Prior to her service at USDA, Thieman served as senior professional staff for the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry. Thieman also held leadership positions on multiple Democratic senatorial campaigns.

Thieman earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics from the University of Missouri.