The American Veal Association Board of Directors has named Sonia Arnold, Ph.D., president of the organization, which represents businesses and individuals in the milk-fed veal industry. Arnold, currently Manager of Nutrition, Research, and Quality Control at Marcho Farms in Souderton, Pennsylvania, has an extensive background in dairy farming, dairy science and animal nutrition.
“I’m honored to serve the veal industry in this role,” said Arnold, whose research and scientific focus has revolved around calves. “My goal is to put my experience to work to provide value to producers across the country.”
Arnold grew up on her family’s 300-cow dairy farm in southeastern Pennsylvania and went on to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dairy science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She then attended Pennsylvania State University, receiving her PhD in Animal Nutrition. Arnold spent the following year conducting post-doctoral research with a focus on calf nutrition and digestion with the USDA and the University of Wisconsin, before taking the position with Marcho Farms.
Arnold was elected at the January 2023 meeting, where Devin Kulla, vice president of marketing at Strauss Brands, was elected vice president. Steve Anderson, Midwest Livestock, was elected secretary and David Grant, Strauss Veal Feeds, Inc., was elected treasurer. Arnold assumes the position previously held by Robert Supancik, Formula-One Feeds, Inc., following a one-year term.
The American Veal Association, founded in 1984, is a member-driven organization that represents businesses, individuals and approximately 400 farm families engaged in the milk-fed veal industry.
Part of Arnold’s charge in 2023 is to lead the effort to develop AVA Ethical Commitments, measurable objectives and goals providing assurances to consumers that animals raised for veal are well cared for and raised in a sustainable way, and that the veal they buy is safe and nutritious.
“As an organization, we’re driven by the values and beliefs of our members that are currently summarized in our Statement of Principles. However, in 2023 we’re taking our commitment a step further,” said Arnold. “Consumers want transparency. Developing AVA Ethical Commitments will allow us to collect and report data so that we can more effectively share the successes of veal with those outside of the industry.”
To learn more about AVA log visit AmericanVeal.com.
