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Producer-Led.
Community-Rooted.
Nationally Informed.
The people of RIPE represent farmers, ranchers, rural leaders, policy experts, and conservation practitioners working together toward a more resilient agricultural future.
Grounded in Rural Experience
RIPE’s work is shaped by the people who live and work in agricultural communities every day. Our Board of Directors, producer-led coalition, and advisory partners bring perspectives from diverse geographies, commodities, and farm sizes, ensuring our recommendations remain practical, inclusive, and reflective of real-world conditions.
Bipartisan + Inclusive
We’re committed to bipartisan collaboration and to expanding representation across all demographics. This ensures conservation agriculture and renewable energy solutions are accessible and beneficial to every producer.
Board Members
Our Board of Directors provides the strategic oversight that anchors RIPE’s work in rigor, integrity, and producer leadership. Representing a range of geographies, commodity groups, and professional backgrounds, the board strengthens our ability to deliver conservation solutions that are practical, equitable, and scalable.
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Alana Petersen
RIPE PRESIDENT
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K. Stratton Kirton
VA FARMER & RIPE SECRETARY
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Tracy Travis
WI FARMER & RIPE TREASURER
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Eunice "Eunie" Biel
MN FARMER & PAST PRESIDENT
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Aaron Henry Diaz
NM FARMER & DIRECTOR
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Brandon Hunnicutt
NE FARMER & DIRECTOR
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Loston Rowe
MS FARMER & DIRECTOR
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Christine Stearn
PAST RIPE TREASURER & DIRECTOR
The RIPE Coalition
Producer-Driven
Collaboration with producers is at the heart of RIPE’s work. Through our coalition, we partner directly with farmers, ranchers, trade associations, and rural leaders to ensure our efforts remain timely, relevant, and grounded in real-world experience.
Steering Committee
Our Steering Committee, composed of producer-led organizations, provides strategic guidance on engagement, policy design, and emerging opportunities that support RIPE’s mission. Made up of a diverse group of state, regional, and national associations, the committee reflects the breadth of American agriculture and anchors RIPE within a broader conservation agriculture coalition.
Producer Leader Advisory Network
The Producer Leader Advisory Network is a group of motivated producer-leaders who help build national support for RIPE’s approach. Members share insights with policymakers, engage local and regional ag associations, and amplify producer voices across media and community platforms. The PLAN plays a critical role in strengthening our conservation coalition, creating pathways for leadership, outreach, and visibility.
Interested in joining The PLAN? Fill out an information request form, and we’ll be in touch soon.
Inclusion, Diversity, Equity & Access Committee
The IDEA Committee emerged from conversations with RIPE stakeholders seeking to ensure that historically underserved farmers and ranchers are central in shaping our work. The committee elevates diverse perspectives on conservation agriculture, equity, and access, helping RIPE design programs that work for every producer. This group is committed to building shared understanding, identifying program improvements, and ensuring equity remains a foundational element of RIPE’s contribution to the wider conservation agriculture coalition.
Get Involved
To learn more about taking action and getting involved, contact coalition@riperoadmap.org.
Past Presidents
Our past presidents laid the foundation for RIPE’s producer-led, bipartisan approach. Their leadership, insight, and commitment to rural communities continue to guide our work today — ensuring every step forward remains grounded in practical experience and shared stewardship.
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Bill Beam
Past President, PA Farmer
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Curt Mether
Past President, IA Farmer
Team Members
Our team brings together experience in agriculture, conservation policy, rural development, and program design. Each member plays a vital role in supporting producer-led solutions and advancing practical, bipartisan pathways for conservation agriculture and renewable energy.
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Trey Cooke
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Emily Lord
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
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Reece Langley
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS & POLICY ADVISOR
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Laurel Manley
RESEARCH PROGRAM MANAGER
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Alayna Christopher
ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH INTERN
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Melissa Willhouse-Chase
DIRECTOR, COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
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Morgan Wrich
DIRECTOR, INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
Careers
At this time, RIPE does not have any open opportunities for employment. We appreciate your interest in RIPE and helping to scale conservation agriculture adoption in the United States.
Stay tuned for future employment opportunities by subscribing to our newsletter or keeping up with us on social media!
Shaping Practical, Producer-Led Solutions Together
Our people are guided by one shared belief: voluntary conservation works best when producers are heard, valued, and fairly compensated. Join us as we expand conservation agriculture and renewable energy opportunities across rural America.
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Privacy Policy
Rural Investment to Protect our Environment (RIPE) is a 501c(3) organization working to advance a fair value for voluntary agricultural stewardship. Our leadership & coalition members are located across the United States, and we maintain our charter office in Washington DC.