Donald L. Kullmann

After working 36 years full-time in the dairy marketing business, Don Kullmann is still working part time, in a field he entered with some reluctance.

In 1964, Don was completing his graduate study in swine marketing at the University of Missouri, he was awarded the degree in 1965, but had not yet taken a job. At the same time Dr. Stephen Whitted, now MU professor emeritus of agricultural economics, was advising dairy marketing graduate students and had had a call from Fred Shipley, milk market administrator in St. Louis. Fred was looking for several employees.

“I didn’t have enough students trained in dairy marketing that I could recommend to meet Fred’s needs,” Steve said, “but I knew Don was completing his work and I asked him if he would be interested in working in dairy marketing.”

“No,” Don answered, “I intend to go into the swine marketing field.”

“After a time I persuaded Don to at least talk to Fred,” Steve said, “and Fred was able to convince Don that he was the man for the job.”

So Don started work with the Federal Milk Marketing Administrator’s Office in St. Louis as a marketing specialist Oct. 1, 1964.

In May 1967 he joined Prairie Farms, Inc., as vice president of marketing, procurement, and planning. His responsibilities included marketing, purchasing, planning, pricing, legislative matters, and other related areas of work.

He retired as vice president Jan. 1, 2000 but continues to work as an administrative consultant and grass roots representative for Prairie Farms on a part time basis.

During his 35-year tenure with Prairie Farms Don served on many local, state, national, and international organizations, boards, and committees in the dairy industry. He currently is a member of the board, and past president, of the Missouri Dairy Products Association and is a current board member and past chair of the board of Seco Golden 100.

In addition Don worked with the National Milk Producers Federation as a member of various committees and task forces relating to marketing. Our honoree also served in similar roles as a member of the International Dairy Foods Association.

Don was secretary of the St. Louis Dairy Council for 12 years and has been Council treasurer for 21 years. Also, he is currently a trustee of the Dairy Hall of Honors and board member of Show-Me Dairy, Inc.

In addition to his activities in dairy organizations Don has been an active participant in local youth, civic, church, and school organizations and activities.

Don was born March 7, 1938 on the family farm near Cole Camp. He likes to note that he walked two miles to and from a one room school during his first two years of schooling. Don also notes that during his first 11 years the Kullmann home had no electricity or indoor plumbing.

The family moved to a 246-acre crop and livestock farm near Warrensburg in 1945. He purchased the home farm from his parents in 1978 and still maintains ownership.

While in high school and college Don was an active FFA member and received the State Farmer Degree. During his youth he raised Spotted Poland China hogs which he showed at local, regional, and state fairs and the American Royal.

Don graduated from Central Missouri State University in 1961 with a degree in agricultural business. While an MU graduate student he held an assistantship where he coordinated a feeder pig marketing project.

During a six-year period from 1961 to 1967 Don served in the Missouri Army National Guard and was a helicopter mechanic.

Don married his wife Carole Oct. 14, 1961 and the Kullmanns had three children. Daughter Carrie Dickman is a married homemaker and lives in St. Louis; son Jeffrey, an engineering graduate of the University of Missouri-Rolla, is married and is an engineer with Van Pak in St. Louis; and daughter Laurie, an MU special education graduate, died in 1999.

The Kullmanns have three grandsons. The Dickmans have two sons-Jacob and Nicholas-and they are also the legal guardians of Laurie’s son Zachariah.

In retirement Don enjoys church activities, farming, horses, camping, sports, and his family.

The Missouri Dairy Products Association nominated Don for the Leadership Award. President Gary Aggus said, “We are proud to nominate a person who has promoted, supported, and served the Missouri dairy industry.”