Raised on a dairy farm in Michigan, Rick Naerebout knows the dairy industry through and through. Since he joined the Idaho Dairymen’s Association (IDA) more than 23 years ago, his leadership has been instrumental in advancing the organization, while advocating for Idaho’s 350 dairy farms.
Rick Naerebout

“My vision is to set the dairy industry up for success for future generations,” he explained. “I have a collaborative leadership style. This starts with our board of directors that is comprised of dairymen from around the state through to the staff that work on diverse issues, from immigration to environmental sustainability. We gain consensus in the boardroom on the issues that are important to the industry and that spirit of consensus and teamwork carries forward through our staff that carry out the day-to-day work.”

Naerebout explains that Idaho is the No. 3 dairy producing state in the nation, has the largest yogurt plant in the world, and the city of Jerome alone has more dairy processing in a square mile than any other location in the country. The Idaho dairy industry grew 7.5% in 2025.

“We have no intentions of slowing down any time soon,” he said.

There have been many changes since the IDA began in 1924, but what’s always remained at the heart of everything is the families behind each dairy farm, he said.

“Over the past 30 years, Idaho dairy has only taken breathers on our growth rate in 2009 and 2013 and there is still very much a desire to grow our family businesses,” Naerebout said.

When asked what makes him a stronger leader, Naerebout said that he works hard to stay grounded through his family, friends and faith.

“Leading an organization is not much different from leading your family,” he said. “Family comes first. I would not be who I am or where I am without my wife, daughters, parents and siblings. My coworkers and board are an extension of my family. With my friends, I tend to socialize with friends outside the dairy industry. They help keep me grounded and connect-ed to a world that is outside my career.”

When he’s not finding ways to take Idaho’s dairy industry to new heights, one can find Naerebout around the community serving in various roles. He’s served multiple terms on the governing board of his church and spent more than 13 years coaching youth soccer for the club and high school levels.

“Rick Naerebout represents authentic agricultural leadership rooted in hands-on experience and steadfast service to the dairy industry,” shared Erika Malmen in nomination mate-rials. “His leadership ensures that Idaho’s dairy industry maintains its competitive edge while upholding the highest standards of environmental responsibility.”