April Vonruden

April VonRuden has a diverse work experience in various roles and industries. April started their career as an Extension/4-H Summer Intern at Cottonwood County 4-H/Extension in 2008, where they coordinated 4-H and extension events, worked with youth, and assisted in hosting events and lesson planning. April then worked as a Midwest Alta Advantage Summer Intern at Alta Genetics Inc. in 2011, and as a Member Services/Field Service Intern at Associated Milk Producers Inc. in 2012.

In 2012, April transitioned into a role as an Agriculture Education Student Teacher at Howard Lake/Waverly/Winsted High School, where they planned and taught agricultural classes and assisted with FFA activities. April then returned to Associated Milk Producers Inc. in 2013 as a Member Services Coordinator, where they assisted in developing and delivering member services, coordinated trade show activities, and served as a liaison between field representatives and members.

Continuing their career at Associated Milk Producers Inc., April became a 4-H Program Coordinator at the University of Minnesota in 2017. In this role, they developed and implemented 4-H programs, organized and coordinated events, and oversaw the county 4-H's finances.

Since 2019, April has been serving as the FARM Program Director at Associated Milk Producers Inc. April leads the company's FARM Animal Care Program, ensuring compliance, training, and monitoring evaluators. April also leads efforts related to FARM Environmental Stewardship and the Young Cooperators program, while supporting member services, communication, education efforts, and marketing related to the co-op's brand, Dinner Bell Creamery.

April VonRuden attended South Dakota State University from 2008 to 2013, where they obtained a Bachelor's degree in Dairy Production and Agriculture Education. In addition to their formal education, April has also obtained several certifications from the National Milk Producers Federation. In May 2012, they became a FARM Animal Care Evaluator, and in May 2013, they became a FARM Animal Care Trainer. Their most recent certification is as a FARM Environmental Stewardship Evaluator, which they obtained in July 2019.