The Holstein Association USA leasing program is designed to promote active participation in Holstein Junior show activities whether or not the participants live on a dairy farm or own a Registered Holstein. Getting involved in a dairy project and showing Holsteins is a great way to learn valuable lessons about animal care and responsibility and, just as important, have fun doing it!

The Holstein Association Junior Leasing program took effect at all nationally-sanctioned Junior Holstein Shows in 2008. We expect that other Holstein shows will adopt the leasing program as well, but that is up to the show's management, so be sure to check the show's rules if you are planning to exhibit.

Ten STEPs to Getting Involved in the Holstein Lease Program

STEP 1 Find a Match
Youth interested in the dairy industry must first find a dairy producer willing to lease an animal.

STEP 2 Select an Animal
With the owner, select a calf that is mutually agreeable to lease. As a reminder, a lease must be initiated when the animal is a calf. A lease cannot begin when an animal is a yearling or a cow.

STEP 3 Come to Terms of Agreement
Both the owner and the leasing youth should be clear on how the animal will be cared for during the lease.

STEP 4 Become a National Junior Holstein Member
Complete a Junior Membership Application and mail it in with the one-time $15 fee. Membership expires on the Junior member's 21st birthday, however members who become 21 years of age during the year will be allowed to compete in Junior activities until December 31st of the current year. Membership cannot be taken after an applicant's 21st birthday has passed.

STEP 6 Meet Deadline
The member and lease applications must be received by June 1 in the year exhibiting.

STEP 8 Getting Ready to Show
Before a youth enters a show they should first review the rules to make sure a leased animal is eligible to show.

STEP 9 Exhibiting Your Animal
Any youth who leases an animal must be the person leading that animal any time it is shown in the ring - both in the Junior show, and if it is exhibited in an open show. If anyone else appears at the halter, the lease will automatically be terminated.

STEP 10 Terminating the Lease
Complete a Lease Termination Report. Lease termination will be recorded on the certificate and the certificate will be returned to the owner. Submitting an Application for Transfer also terminates a lease.