...enjoys teamwork and problem solving in intake position.

Samantha Forman doesn’t mind a little pressure nor a lengthy task list.

She’s comfortable with some hustle and bustle whether it’s juggling truck schedules at Agropur, caring for two young ones at home – or serving our country as a member of the Minnesota National Guard.

“I live off of caffeine,” she joked. “My life is busy, but I wouldn’t change it for anything.”

Agropur is commemorating its 85th anniversary this year, and it’s just as much a celebration of the hard-working men and women behind the cooperative’s long track record of accomplishment. Today, Agropur is comprised of 7,350 employees and about 3,000 dairy farmer members who each have important roles.

Forman, intake supervisor at Agropur’s Le Sueur, Minnesota campus, works to ensure a safe and continuous supply of fresh milk for their cheese and dairy ingredient production. She is one among many employees committed to ensuring Agropur’s success story carries forward.

Forman builds schedules, assists her crew and works to maintain the necessary rhythm to accommodate a stream of tanker trucks coming and going on any given production day. She’s always there to troubleshoot when the best laid plans inevitably go awry.  The job takes strong organizational skills, but strong relationships also play a major role toward success.

 “I get along with all my employees really well,” she said. “They do a good job and I appreciate that a whole lot.”

She also takes the time to maintain good relationships with drivers and other employees of trucking companies that work with Agropur. They’re crucial to a smooth operation and she’s always willing to lend a hand – or an ear.

Le Sueur’s cheese plant produces cheddar, Monterey jack and Italian varieties including parmesan, asiago, fontina and Romano. Le Sueur also manufactures dairy ingredients including whey protein isolate, hydrolyzed whey protein, whey protein concentrates and lactose. The campus is home to Agropur’s Protein Research Center, which plays a vital role in the development of new dairy ingredients.

“It’s enjoyable to help solve problems and take a little stress off of their day,” she said.

Forman grew up on a hobby farm and was active in the FFA youth organization. She majored in dairy manufacturing while in college, drawn by a promise of 100% job placement after graduation. She held an internship at Agropur’s plant in Hull, Iowa while in college and started in Le Sueur soon after receiving her diploma.

Plant Manager Jordan McShane said Samantha exemplifies what it means to be an engaged leader at Agropur.

“She is always willing to go the extra mile for the organization and her team,” he said. “Creating a positive work environment happens naturally when Sam is involved, and that positive impact is as contagious as it is productive.”

Outside of work, Samantha is married with two young children, ages 1 and 2.

“That takes up 95% of my time,” she said.

When moments allow, she and her husband enjoy taking advantage of Minnesota’s rich natural resources whether it’s hunting or fishing.

She’s also a sergeant in the Minnesota National Guard.  Working in munitions, her military expertise aligns well with her duties at Agropur in terms of managing supplies.

She recently spent a year on deployment in Iraq and Kuwait in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.  The time away was difficult, particularly due to the added restrictions necessary to keep everyone healthy. Still, she relishes her service and will continue until retiring from the National Guard in seven years.

“I enjoy it so much and I’ve made many great friends,” she said. “It’s where I met my husband.”

From work to family to service, there’s little time to spare, but for Forman, life is just as it should be.

“My life is busy, but it’s interesting,” she said.