From Farm to Future: John Melo Joins Dairy Council of California Board

SACRAMENTO, CA – December 19, 2025 – The Dairy Council of California has appointed John Melo, a fourth-generation dairy farmer and large-scale agricultural entrepreneur, to its Board of Directors in a move that signals a deepening of the connection between industry leadership and the on-the-ground realities of modern farming. Melo's appointment brings a lifetime of agricultural experience and significant business acumen to an organization dedicated to promoting the health of California's communities through nutrition education and advocacy.

Melo’s extensive background is expected to provide invaluable strategic guidance as the council navigates a complex landscape of economic pressures, environmental regulations, and shifting consumer demands. His integration into the board comes at a pivotal moment for the state's dairy industry, which continues to lead the nation in milk production while facing significant operational headwinds.

A Legacy Rooted in California Soil

John Melo’s story is deeply embedded in the agricultural fabric of California’s Central Valley. His family established Melo Dairy in Turlock in the early 1970s, immersing him in the state's vibrant dairy community from a young age. This upbringing provided him with a foundational understanding of the dedication, hard work, and deep-seated knowledge required to run a family dairy operation. For over four decades, the family farm has been a contributor to the state's rich agricultural output, a testament to the endurance of multi-generational farming.

While staying connected to these roots, Melo has also demonstrated a powerful entrepreneurial drive. In 2015, he co-founded California Dairy Farms, an enterprise that has expanded far beyond the scope of a traditional family farm. What began with a few hundred acres and a small herd has grown into a major agricultural operation. Today, California Dairy Farms spans five locations, cares for a herd of more than 30,000 Jersey animals, and cultivates over 4,000 acres of farmland. This impressive scale places Melo at the forefront of modern dairy production, managing the complexities of a large-scale business while maintaining a focus on animal care and land stewardship.

Steering Strategy Amidst Industry Headwinds

Melo’s appointment is not merely symbolic; it is a strategic decision that places a seasoned operator in a key governance role. The California dairy industry, though a national powerhouse, is currently navigating some of its most significant challenges to date. Persistent water scarcity, intensified by droughts and new regulations under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), forces farmers to innovate constantly to manage this critical resource.

Simultaneously, the industry is at the center of ambitious environmental goals. California has mandated a 40% reduction in methane emissions from dairy manure by 2030, a target that requires substantial investment in technologies like methane digesters and advanced manure management systems. These environmental compliance measures, coupled with fluctuating milk prices, rising feed and labor costs, and recent disease outbreaks like avian flu, have created intense economic pressure. This environment has accelerated industry consolidation, making the insights of a leader who has successfully scaled an operation like California Dairy Farms particularly relevant. Melo’s direct experience with these issues provides the board with a firsthand perspective on what is practical, achievable, and necessary for the industry to thrive sustainably.

A Producer's Voice for Nutrition and Sustainability

The Dairy Council of California has a century-long history of championing public health. Since 1919, its mission has focused on promoting healthy eating patterns by highlighting the nutritional benefits of milk and dairy foods. The organization’s work extends from developing K-12 nutrition curricula and the popular Mobile Dairy Classroom to advocating for dairy's inclusion in federal nutrition programs and sustainable food systems.

Melo's presence is expected to fortify these efforts by providing an authentic producer’s voice. As the council works to bridge the gap between consumers and the origins of their food, having a board member who is an active farmer lends significant credibility. It ensures that advocacy and educational initiatives are grounded in the realities of modern, responsible dairy farming.

“We are pleased to welcome John to our Board of Directors,” said Amy DeLisio, CEO of Dairy Council of California, in a statement. “His experience in the dairy industry and his business background brings insights that will help drive innovative strategies for nutrition education across California.”

Melo attended his first board meeting in November, where he joined strategic discussions for the year ahead. His appointment was complemented by the reappointment of several other key industry leaders representing both dairy farmers and processors, including Chuck Ahlem, Justin Leyendekker, Brad Scott, Vance Ahlem, Curt DeGroot, Mike Newell, and Leaine Souza. This continuity signals a collaborative and unified approach to industry leadership.

Balancing Heritage with a Planet-Smart Future

The addition of John Melo to the board embodies the evolution of the California dairy industry—a sector that honors its heritage while actively building a sustainable future. The state's dairy farmers have already made remarkable strides in efficiency, with data showing that producing a gallon of milk today requires over 88% less water than it did 50 years ago. This commitment to "Planet-Smart Dairy" is central to the industry's long-term vision.

Melo’s dual experience as a legacy farmer and a modern business leader positions him to help guide the Dairy Council’s strategy in this crucial area. His operational knowledge will be instrumental in shaping how the organization communicates the industry's sustainability story and advocates for policies that support both environmental stewardship and economic viability. By bringing a voice from one of the state’s largest dairy operations into the boardroom, the Dairy Council of California is reinforcing its commitment to a future where healthy communities are supported by a resilient and responsible dairy industry.