Ireland to Host 12th World Conference

The most prestigious event in the world of Holstein breeding, the World Holstein-Friesian Conference, takes place every four years. For the first time, Ireland has been honored with hosting the event this coming October.

The Irish Holstein Friesian Association, a member organization with 3,500 members in 13 Club areas, will be hosting the 12th World Holstein Friesian Conference in Killarney, Ireland October 9-11. The event consists of a two-day conference, a world conference show and various tours. Approximately 400 delegates from over 40 dairying countries are expected to attend, along with up to 10,000 people from all over Ireland, England, Europe and world-wide. The show will be a huge showpiece for Irish cattle and Irish genetics.

The scheduled educational sessions include: Quality Data for Optimum Management, New Tools for Genetic Progress, The Breeder and Scientist…Working Together, A Holistic Approach to Improvement in Dairy Cow Fertility and The Holstein-Friesian…maximizing her potential.

Ireland Agriculture Minister Mary Coughlan said Irish Holstein-Friesian farmers, who consistently breed top quality animals, will be able to showcase to an international audience the high standards of cattle breeding in Ireland. “The conference will provide an opportunity to add value to the sector by creating export opportunities for Irish Holstein-Friesian genetics through the sale of genetically superior live cattle, their semen, ova and embryos,” Coughlan said. She also said dairying is Ireland’s most important sector in their agri-food industry.

For complete details about the conference, including registration information, go to the IHFA Website: www.ihfa.ie.

Young Dairy Leaders Institute Class Six Completes Phase I

Brattleboro, Vt. (March 17, 2008)…Seventy-five young adults from across the country participated in Phase I of the sixth class of Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), held February 27-March 1, 2008, in Albuquerque, N.M. Three days of interactive workshops focused on developing individual leadership and communication skills.

“Enthusiastic and talented are two words I would use to describe this class”, said Jodi Hoynoski, Holstein Foundation Programs Manager. “The participants have an overwhelming passion for the industry and desire to learn. We are very excited to see what they will accomplish in their Phase II projects and beyond.”

Phase I kicked off on Wednesday, February 27, with tours of two New Mexico dairy farms, Jones Dairy, Inc., in Veguita, and H.A.W. Farms in Belen. Upon returning from the tours, YDLI officially began with the New Mexico Welcome Fiesta, during which attendees enjoyed Mexican cuisine and icebreaker activities.

Class members began their leadership training with a workshop on personality types by Jim Henion. Everyone discovered their own personality types, learned the traits of different types, and then had a practical exercise in working with people with different personality styles. Everyone came away with a better understanding of themselves and each other.

David Williamson challenged participants to use creativity to solve the issues facing the dairy industry. After dinner, Patricia Katz provided a keynote on achieving balance in life.

David Pelzer and Joan Horbiak led an intensive media training workshop. Participants were brought on stage to practice on camera, making this session a YDLI favorite. Nutritionist Donna Manring shared insight on how the dairy industry could work more closely with nutrition professionals. Evening entertainment was provided by hypnotist Dr. Al Snyder, who provided a hilarious show with the help of a few YDLI class members.

A panel discussion was held concerning milk labeling issues and consumer-driven changes in technology. On the panel were Richard Cotta, CEO of California Dairies, Liz Doornink, Wisconsin dairy producer, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Dennis Wolff. Class members lined up with questions for the panel, which generated some lively discussion.

Participants hit the streets of Albuquerque to interview consumers and gather their perceptions of the dairy industry. The exercise provided an excellent opportunity to test out some key industry messages and learn more about target audiences. After reporting their findings, Michele Payn-Knoper led the closing session, where plans were made for Phase II, which will take place over the next year. Class members developed action plans for their Phase II outreach projects, leaving everyone “fired up” and ready to champion agriculture!

Rounding out Phase I was the Fiesta Finale. An authentic mariachi band entertained the crowd during dinner, and the evening concluded with a keynote by Jolene Brown, who encouraged everyone to “let go of the rope,” and step up to meet the challenges facing today’s agriculture.
Three members of the first class of YDLI were honored as Distinguished Alumni Leader Award (DAL) recipients. Bonnie Burr, from Connecticut was honored as the 2006 DAL, and Duane and Marilyn Hershey, Pennsylvania, were the 2007 recipients.

“YDLI was an amazing opportunity to grow as a dairy producer and leader.  The people you meet and tools you can take home are very valuable,” said Doug Post, South Dakota dairy producer and Class 6 member.

"YDLI was one of the best things I could have done as a young person in a position to promote the dairy industry”, added Ashley Yager, Public Relations Associate for the Wisconsin Holstein Association, and class participant.  “It was a very eye-opening experience that I would recommend to anyone with a passion for keeping the industry alive and strong.  Listening to speakers and sessions on various topics lit a fire and passion inside me that I didn't know existed.”

The class will meet again in Albuquerque for Phase III February 25-28, 2009. This phase will focus on developing group leadership skills and advanced media training.

The Holstein Foundation thanks the generous sponsors that make YDLI possible:

Institute Leaders include Agway Foundation, Inc., Allflex, Cargill, Cooperative Resources International, Dairy Management Inc., Holstein Association USA, Inc., Select Sires, Inc., The Farm Credit System Foundation, and WestfaliaSurge, Inc.

Institute Friends include Accelerated Genetics, AgStar Financial Services, Badgerland Farm Credit Services, Cause Matters Corporation, CHS, COBA/Select Sires, Inc., Dairy MAX, Inc.,
DairyBusiness Communications, FCS Financial Services, GreenStone Farm Credit Services, KeyBank, Land O’Lakes Foundation, Northeast Farm Credit Ag Enhancement Program, Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc., Robert L. Cain Memorial Fund, The Center for Dairy Excellence, Walco International, Inc.

YDLI is designed for young adults in the dairy industry, ages 22-45, and boasts 500 alumni since starting in 1993. Applicants are accepted from the U.S. and English-speaking countries. YDLI is a cornerstone program of the Holstein Foundation. The vision of the Holstein Foundation, a 501(c)(3) founded in 1989, is a dairy industry with vibrant leadership.

For more information about YDLI, to learn about available sponsorship opportunities, or for more information on Holstein Foundation programs, contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200 ext. 4261
or e-mail jhoynoski@holstein.com, or visit www.holsteinfoundation.org.

Application Deadline Approaching for Holstein Association USA Awards

Brattleboro, Vt.  (March 12, 2008)…Holstein Association USA offers awards recognizing notable members, breeders, and friends of the Association. Applications for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Award are due to the national office by March 31, 2008.

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein Breeders, ages 21-40. Applicants can nominate themselves or be nominated, and may apply as individuals, a couple, or business partners.  The winning applicant will receive travel and lodging expenses for two to the National Holstein Convention, complimentary tickets to the Convention banquet, a $2,000 cash award, and a plaque.

The Elite Breeder Award honors a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. The applicant must have been a member of Holstein Association USA for at least five years. Applications will be considered for three years.

The Distinguished Leadership Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership that has contributed to the improvement of the Holstein Association and/or dairy industry. This is a unique award, as the recipient does not necessarily have to be a member of Holstein Association USA. Applications for this award will also be considered for three years.

Winners will be announced at the final banquet during the National Holstein Convention in Wisconsin in June and will be recognized permanently with plaques on the newly-created
Holstein Association Wall of Fame, located at the headquarters in Brattleboro, Vt.

Additionally, a scholarship is available to students interested in agriculture who plan to pursue their Master’s Degree in Business Administration. The Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship awards $3,000 to a qualified individual pursuing their MBA at an accredited university. Applications for this scholarship are due to the Holstein office by April 15, 2008.

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Holstein Association USA, Inc., www.holsteinusa.com, provides products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability–ranging from registry processing to identification programs to consulting services. The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins^SM and represents more than 30,000 members throughout the United States. The Association is also leading the initiative for national animal identification through the National FAIR program.