 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. September 12, 2023 — Holstein Association USA’s award-winning documentary, Holstein America, is back with a new episode on Thursday, September 28.
Inspired by the stories of Registered Holstein breeders from across the country, Holstein America celebrates modern-day dairy farming and those responsible for providing delicious and nutritious dairy products to consumers around the world.
Make plans to tune in for Holstein America at 9 p.m. CST/10 p.m. EST, Thursday, September 28, on RFD-TV.
“Holstein America is the only nationally televised program devoted exclusively to the dairy community,” says John Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA. “Our September episode shows how Registered Holsteins help family farms build a brighter future, generation after generation.”
Holstein America was named best documentary by the Livestock Publications Council during the 2023 Ag Media Summit. Since 2018, the series has paid tribute to U.S. Registered Holsteins, the world’s perfect cow — and the people who raise them.
In the September 28 episode, Holstein America travels from the shores of scenic Door County, Wisconsin to the Pacific Northwest to visit family farms making their mark with U.S. Registered Holsteins. Throughout the country, Registered Holsteins point a clear path forward for herd selection, productivity, and profitability.
The Registered Holstein cow today is the picture of efficiency, and she provides so much for so many. In this episode of Holstein America, you will meet a farm family using beef-on-Holstein crosses to market high-quality beef to their neighbors. Another farm in the Heart of America’s Dairyland employees sophisticated engineering to digest methane gas and turn it into sustainable energy sources.
The hour-long program, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, also explores programs and services offered by Holstein Association USA, including the organization’s recently expanded multi-breed classification program.
Join us for Holstein America at 9 p.m. CST, Thursday, September 28, on RFD-TV.
RFD-TV is a leading independent cable channel available on DISH Network, DIRECTV®, AT&T U–Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink and many other rural cable systems. Reference local listings for more information.
After the show, visit www.holsteinusa.com to find a complete collection of the Holstein America series. Also stay tuned to Holstein Association USA on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. August 30, 2023 — Holstein Association USA’s delegate election process is currently underway. Each year, members have the opportunity to nominate members from their state to serve as voting delegates at the following year's Holstein Association USA Annual Meeting. The 138th Annual Meeting will be held on June 26-27, 2024, in conjunction with the National Holstein Convention in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Each member has been sent a Nominating Petition in the mail. Members can use this form to nominate eligible nominees from their state (or district), including themselves. Eligible nominees are individual members or representatives of corporate, partnership, institution, or estate members.
“You, our Holstein Association USA members, are important in helping us to forge change,” says Holstein Association USA President Jonathan Lamb. “We need you to be involved in your local and national Holstein associations, and serving as a delegate is a meaningful and important way to do so.”
Members become ineligible to serve as a delegate after serving as a delegate at three consecutive Annual Meetings. A list of Ineligible nominees for 2024 can be found here.
All members who are nominated will be notified and have an opportunity to accept or decline their nomination.
Once the petitions have been processed and the nominees notified, ballots will be mailed to all members to vote and elect the delegates for their state (or district).
Delegates elected to serve will receive a reimbursement of $1,000 for their expenses after they have attended a participated in the 138th Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City, Utah. More information about the 2024 National Holstein Convention can be found at www.holsteinconvention.com.
Important dates for delegate election::
- July 27, 2023 — Nominating petitions mailed to members
- September 29, 2023 — Nominating petitions must be received by Holstein Association USA
- October 13, 2023 — Deadline for nominees to withdraw names from the ballot
- October 30, 2023 — Ballots mailed to members
- December 29, 2023 — Ballots must be received by Holstein Association USA
- February 1, 2024 — 2024 delegate election finalized
If you have any questions about the Holstein Association USA delegate process, contact Daren Sheffield 800.952.5200, ext. 4276 or by email at delegateinfo@holstein.com
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 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. August 17, 2023 —Junior Holstein members are encouraged to participate in the Virtual Interview Contest. The competition helps youth practice their resume and cover letter writing skills while receiving feedback from agricultural professionals. The virtual format of the competition makes it easy for youth from across the country to participate.
“The National Junior Holstein Association Virtual Interview Contest allowed me to sharpen my interview skills, particularly strengthening my ability to respond to impromptu questions,” says 2022 Virtual Interview Contest participant Sarah Craun from Virginia. “I enjoyed the interaction with the interview panel, and I am grateful for the real world learning experience that will certainly benefit me in my future career endeavors.”
Youth will first submit their resume and cover letters for a mock scenario, and up to 15 applicants from each division will be selected for a virtual interview with a panel of three judges. Every individual who participates will be given written feedback on their cover letter and resume. Those who reach the interview phase will also receive written feedback on their interview.
The Virtual Interview Contest is open to youth ages 12 to 21 as of January 1, 2023. Individuals must be a Junior member of Holstein Association USA to be eligible. Youth will be split into three categories based on age. Following are the mock scenarios for each age division.
Junior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 12 to 14 as of January 1):
Applying to be sponsored for a free trip to the 2024 National Junior Holstein Convention.
Intermediate Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 15 to 17 as of January 1):
Applying for a job shadowing experience with Holstein Association USA in one of the following areas: Classification, Marketing & Communications, Genetics, Sales, or Customer Service.
Senior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 18 to 21 as of January 1):
Applying for your first job in your desired career path after completing your post-secondary education.
Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.
Entries for the Virtual Interview Contest are currently being accepted and interested youth should send a cover letter and resume corresponding to their appropriate age division to kdunlkee@holstein.com by October 1, 2023. Youth who make it to the virtual interview round will be notified in November with interviews to follow in December.
For more details on the content or how to apply, visit the Junior Holstein website or contact Kelli Dunklee at kdunklee@holstein.com or 802.451.4124.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. July 3, 2023 — Junior Holstein members celebrated their shared passion for the Holstein cow and the dairy industry during the 2023 National Holstein Convention Lexington, Kentucky. Held from June 23 to 27, 2023, over 300 Junior Holstein members attended the convention. These young dairy enthusiasts competed in contests, experienced tours, attended workshops, and made new connections throughout the week.
“Lexington proved to be the perfect back drop for Junior Holstein members to engage in friendly competition” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Event and Program Lead. “The variety of contests and activities throughout the week provided these future dairy leaders with countless opportunities to learn new things, gain lifelong friends, and have lots of fun!”
Prepared Public Speaking
Forty-seven youth members honed their presentation and speaking skills during the prepared public speaking competition. Speech topics ranged from farm stress to dairy innovation, to dairy breed history and milk marketing. Following are the results from each age division.
Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
1st place: Cash McCauley, Michigan
2nd place: Madalyn Troutman, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Savannah Judd, Massachusetts
Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Samantha Justice, Missouri
2nd place: Lily Marshman, New York
3rd place: Madison Wiese, Wisconsin
Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Kylie Konyn, California
2nd place: Gabriella Taylor, New York
3rd place: Sara Reed, Pennsylvania
Folding Display Contest
Twenty-seven entries were submitted in this year's Folding Display competition. Participants create a free-standing display educating people about a dairy industry-related topic of their choice. Youth are divided into three age divisions, and each division has two categories - Scientific and Creative. Following are the results for each category.
Creative Division
Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
1st place: Hailey Zook, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Trey Daubert, Virginia
3rd place: Aden Carter, Pennsylvania
Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Chelsea Empet, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Lauryn Irwin, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Kassidy Gantos, North Carolina
Scientific Division
Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
1st place: Bryson Baldwin, North Carolina
2nd place: Kimber Hough, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Madeline Branch, North Carolina
Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Sophie Griswold, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Atley Shafer, Maryland
3rd place: Aiden Empet, Pennsylvania
Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Salem Sifford, Virginia
2nd place: Kristen Houser, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Cholee Roell, New Jersey
State Scrapbook
The state scrapbook contest gives each state the chance to tell the story of activities and events their Junior Holstein associations take part in each year. The books were judged on the cover, news clippings, photos organization, originality, and variety of activities.
1st place: Illinois
2nd place: New England
Digital State Scrapbook
State Junior Holstein Associations also had the opportunity to participate in the Digital Scrapbook Contest. This contest is judged on the same criteria as a traditional scrapbook, but entries must be presented on a computer or another digital format.
1st place: California
2nd place: Missouri
3rd place: Ohio
4th place: New England
5th place: Virginia
State Banner
The state banner competition allows states to creatively showcase their associations, displayed throughout the week at the Convention. Judges assess the banners based on promotion of state, Holstein related, attractiveness, originality, and overall appearance.
1st place: Virginia
2nd place: California
3rd place: Michigan
Mission Membership
One state is recognized each year for increasing their membership. The honor is calculated on a percentage increase from January 1 to June 1 of the convention year. Minnesota took home the honor in 2023 for the second year in a row, with a membership increase of 24 new members.
NHWSO Awards Scholarships
Three Junior Holstein members were awarded scholarships by the National Holstein Women’s Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) during the National Junior Holstein Convention. This year’s recipients receiving scholarships were Emory Bewley, Doreen Dyt, and Irene Nielsen.
New Representative Elected to Junior Advisory Committee (JAC)
Three new youth representatives were elected to the National Junior Advisory Committee (JAC) during the National Junior Forum. Gabriella Taylor was elected to the Area 1 position, Aubree Topp was elected to the Area 2 position, and Clarissa Ulness was elected to the At-Large position.
The JAC is the governing body of the Junior Association and oversees the organization's activities. Youth committee members are elected by the Junior membership at the National Junior Forum, and members serve two-year terms.
For more information about Junior Holstein Association’s youth programs, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org, or contact Kelli Dunklee, youth programs specialist, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or by email.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. June 29, 2023 — Six outstanding young adults have been named Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) finalists by Holstein Association USA. The highest honor given to a Junior Holstein Member, the award has been recognizing young adults for their dedicated work with Registered Holsteins and involvement in the dairy industry since 1922.
“The commitment these young adults have to the future of the dairy industry is inspiring,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Event and Program Lead. “It’s been a joy to watch these Junior Holstein members develop a passion for the Registered Holstein cow throughout the years.”
Holstein Association USA named the DJM finalists on June 27, 2023, during the National Junior Holstein Convention Awards Banquet in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to the 2023 Distinguished Junior Member finalists!
2023 DJM Finalists:
- Quinn Dum, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania
- Madeline Hensel, Pittsville, Wisconsin
- Kylie Konyn, Escondido, California
- Ainsley Noble, Lancaster, Wisconsin
- Jacob Schaefer, Little Falls, Minnesota
- Lauren Siemers, Kiel, Wisconsin
DJM judging is a two-part process. Youth members competing put together a book highlighting their Junior Holstein work, activities and projects, breeding program, and personal views. The Junior’s entry book is worth 60 percent of the final score, and the top 12 individuals are named DJM Semifinalists based on their book score.
Phase two of the contest takes place at National Junior Holstein Convention, where the semifinalists are interviewed by a committee of judges. The interview is worth 40 percent of the final score, and the six individuals with the highest combined scores are named DJM finalists.
2023 Distinguished Junior Member Finalists:
Eight Junior Holstein members ages 9 to 16 were selected as Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) finalists. The applicants were judged on their YDJM books, which highlight their accomplishments and leadership with the Junior Holstein Association and beyond.
The YDJM finalists were recognized during the 2023 National Junior Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky. Congratulations to these outstanding Junior Holstein members for their impressive accomplishments!
2023 YDJM Finalists:
Sarah Craun, Mount Crawford, Virginia
Cathryn Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
Christopher Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
Kiara Konyn, Escondido, California
Mykel Mull, Chowchilla, California
Jesslyn Risser, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
Dylan Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
Alexis Schultz, Marion, New York
For more information about the Distinguished Junior Member and Young Distinguished Junior Member awards and other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.
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 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. June 21, 2023 — The 2023 Elite Breeder award recipient is well known for their profitable, high producing Registered Holstein® cows with high components. Holstein Association USA is pleased to recognize Bomaz Farms of Hammond, Wisconsin for the farm’s significant contributions to advancing Registered Holstein genetics.
Bob and Kay Zwald operate the dairy, alongside their son Tom and his wife Ashley, and daughter Annette and her husband Steve Schalla. Beyond their impressive herd of Registered Holstein cows, the family is known in the dairy community for their honest and humble approach to their work.
Over the years, Bomaz Farms has been an early adopter of genetic tools allowing for faster genetic progress. The family’s aptitude for dairy cattle genetics has resulted in a successful herd of cows, and they have had more than 500 bulls in AI programs across the world with the Bomaz prefix.
“Our goal is to breed profitable, hardworking cows that make money every day and can produce the kind of bull that's going to make money for the commercial breeder,” Bob says.
The family implements in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer into their genetic program. They also utilize tools such as classification and genomic testing. Seeing their herd’s genetics improve with each generation is rewarding to the family.
“The most fun thing about dairy farming is seeing progress through the generations,” Annette says. “We have two-year-olds that are calving sooner and making more milk, or looking better, lasting longer. You really get to see that happen.”
The farm’s general herd management goes hand in hand with their genetic program. In 2020, the family started milking in a new 40-stall rotary parlor and expanded the herd from 700 to 1,500 Registered Holsteins.
“We really focus on everything that makes a cow healthy and profitable, like good feed, housing and cow comfort,” Bob says. “Whatever makes the cow happy makes us happy, and in turn, she seems to respond with good production.”
The five-time Herd of Excellence recipient has a current rolling herd average of 34,000 pounds of milk, with 4.2% fat and 3.3% protein. In 2022, the Bomaz herd also had an average classification score of 85.3.
Their dedication, careful study of genetics and integrity have allowed the family to build a herd that’s positively influenced Holstein genetics on a global scale. Deserving recipients of the Elite Breeder award, the family says they are humbled to be recognized with the honor.
“I put it back at the family,” Bob says. “It's an award for the farm, and it surely wouldn't happen without the family members being part of it.”
About the Award
The Elite Breeder award is bestowed annually upon a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. Bomaz Farms Inc. will be recognized during the 2023 National Holstein Convention June 25 in Lexington, Kentucky.
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 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. June 20, 2023 — John Marshman has been selected as Holstein Association USA’s 2023 Distinguished Leadership award recipient. A dairy farmer from Oxford, New York, Marshman has served extensively in local, state, and national agricultural groups throughout the years.
“John Marshman quietly leads by example with integrity, honesty, humility, perseverance and determination,” says Patsy Gifford, New York Holstein Association co-executive manager. She adds that Marshman has used his sharp, number crunching mind to guide the New York Holstein Association as a member of the finance committee for almost 20 years.
Serving on the Holstein Association USA Board of Directors from 2015 to 2022, John was appointed to the Audit committee for his entire tenure on the board. His fellow board members say he could be counted on for well thought out and researched recommendations.
“Servant leadership is prioritizing the team and organization above oneself for the greater good,” fellow board member Peter Dueppengiesser says. “It is often talked about, but in John Marshman, I witnessed it being lived out in many ways.”
Marshman’s passion for the dairy industry was evident from a young age, and he was a Distinguished Junior Member finalist in 1985. He studied animal science at Cornell University, where he was a member of the dairy judging team. He went on to graduate from the university’s dairy executive program as well.
Soon after, John and his brother, David, took the reins at Marshman Farms. Today they care for 420 milking cows and 400 young stock. Early adopters of polled genetics with a passion for Red and White Holsteins, the family’s Tiger-Lily prefix is recognized around the world for elite Red and White polled genetics.
True to his nature, John says that, above all, family is the cornerstone of progress. His daughter, Lily, and wife, Sheila, are major supporters of his well-being and life.
Known as a man whose personality is as humble as it is noteworthy, John says he is beyond honored to receive the Distinguished Leadership Award.
“I've never thought of myself as leading the charge. I am more of the type who does the supporting,” he says. “It's overwhelming to realize that others think of me in the same vein as those who were previously been honored. It's a prestigious award, and I appreciate it.”
About the Award
The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made a career of providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. John Marshman will be recognized with this honor during the 2023 National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky.
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 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. June 19, 2023 — The 2023 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder followed an unconventional path to his career as a dairy farmer. Growing up in town, Ty Etgen always jumped at the chance to spend time on his friends’ farms. Today, he’s living out his dream as a successful Registered Holstein® breeder and dairy farmer.
Holstein Association USA is thrilled to recognize Ty Etgen as this year’s Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder. Ty is the sole owner and manager of Etgen-Way, a herd of 100 Registered Holstein cows near Harrod, Ohio. He’s sharing life on the farm with his wife, Heather, and sons Cash and Henry.
“The whole list of Distinguished Young Holstein Breeders is impressive, and to be on that list, it means a lot to me,” Ty shares. “Fifteen years ago, I had nothing, and to be recognized with this award, it’s awesome.”
As a youth, Ty found his way to the dairy industry through jobs on dairy farms and involvement in 4-H and FFA. After high school, he dove into working full time on a dairy farm for a year and a half. Ty then furthered his education with a degree in dairy cattle production and management from Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute (ATI). He notes his participation on the dairy judging team and an internship at Air-Osa Dairy in California as key learning experiences during his college years.
After graduating from college, Ty farmed in a partnership for a couple of years before starting a small herd of his own. In spring 2015, Ty and his family broke ground on a new 110 cow barn and double-seven herringbone parlor. Today, he takes on all the primary responsibilities on the dairy, and continuously works to improve his Registered Holstein herd.
The herd at Etgen-Way is milked twice a day and has a rolling herd average of 23,044 pounds of milk, with a 4.0% fat test and a 3.1% protein test. Breeding high-scoring cows is also important to Ty, and in 2022 the herd had a BAA of 111.4.
Ty and Heather, who met while showing dairy cattle, also enjoy competing in the show ring. Whether doing day to day chores or getting ready for a show, Ty says he’s thankful for the work ethic he’s teaching his two young sons. He’s also quick to give credit to the many mentors and friends he’s had in the dairy industry who have helped him pursue his dreams.
“One thing that got me where I am today is, I’ve always been surrounded by great people that challenged me and pushed me on,” Ty says.
About the Award
The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein breeders for their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and for achieving excellence in their daily lives. Ty Etgen will be recognized on June 25, 2023 during the National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky.
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 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. June 13, 2023 — The Holstein Foundation and Holstein Association USA recently welcomed Diedra Harkenrider of Freeville, New York as the Director of Development of the Holstein Foundation. In this role, Harkenrider will oversee the Holstein Foundation’s programs and lead fundraising efforts for both the Holstein Foundation and Holstein Association USA. This includes driving fundraising for future National Holstein Conventions.
She has a wealth of fundraising and leadership experience along with a rich history with the Holstein Foundation. Harkenrider helped develop the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute and served on the Advisory Committee.
“Thirty years ago, I was on the original Advisory Committee that established the Young Dairy Leaders Institute and then worked with Classes 1, 2, and 3,” Harkenrider says. “I’m very proud of what that program continues to do and offer to young adults.”
Harkenrider was raised on her family’s Registered Holstein and Ayrshire farm in Pennsylvania, and went on to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech. Early in her career, she worked as Managing and Associate Editor for the Guernsey Breeders’ Journal, and in sales for Holstein World.
Most recently, Harkenrider served as Senior Associate of Philanthropy, Division of Philanthropy and Engagement for Ithaca College in New York. She also volunteered as Co-Chair of the National Holstein Convention Sponsorship Committee in 2016, where she and the committee exceeded their fundraising goal.
“I'm excited to get back to my dairy roots,” Harkenrider says. “The dairy fraternity is a wonderful group of people. I know we’re here because of cows, but it is your relationships with people that last a lifetime.”
Harkenrider looks forward to using her skills and experience in marketing, sales, philanthropy and fundraising in her new role. To get in touch with Diedra, contact her at dharkenrider@holstein.com.
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 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. June 1, 2023 — Holstein Association USA’s Research Grant Program has been providing funding to universities and non-profits in the United States performing research studies that potentially enhance the profitability of Holstein cows since 2017. Researchers are now invited to submit applications for research proposals with expected outcomes that benefit Holstein cattle.
Holstein Association USA is interested in research projects designed to advance the profitability and health of Registered Holstein® cattle. Research projects covering a wide variety of topics, such as genetics, nutrition, physiology, dairy foods, or economics, are welcome. The applications must include expected outcomes benefiting the profitability of Holstein cattle.
Executive summaries of each proposal should highlight how profit and well-being of Holstein cattle might be increased. The goal is that the research supported will benefit Registered Holsteins and the greater dairy industry.
“We are investing this money in a particular research project, because down the road when a project gets applied to the national herd, all Holstein Association USA members will benefit from it,” says Dr. Roger Shanks, Dairy Genetic Consultant, responsible for managing Holstein Association USA’s Research Grant Program.
Applications are due on or before August 15, 2023 and can be found on Holstein Association USA’s website. Grants are expected to be funded within the range of $10,000 to $80,000 per year and grant durations are expected to be one to three years.
Six research projects have been funded since the program began. A diversity of projects have been funded over the years with topics including inbreeding, twinning, the genomic evaluation of diet digestibility in Holsteins, heat tolerance, and beef on dairy.
More information about the grant guidelines and process, current projects, and applications can be found at https://www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/research_grant.html. Contact Dr. Roger Shanks at researchgrants@holstein.com with questions or for more information about Holstein USA’s Research Grant Program.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. May 26, 2023 — Today, Holstein Association USA, Inc. Chief Executive Officer John M. Meyer stated, “I’m excited and happy to announce ten promotions that will have a positive influence on the Holstein Association USA, Inc. well into the future.”
Lindsey Worden has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Lindsey will manage and direct the daily, ongoing business operations of the Holstein Association, ensuring alignment with current goals and policies throughout the organization. She has been with the Holstein Association for over 16 years, starting as Holstein Foundation youth programs intern during the summer of 2006, and later joining the HAUSA team full-time in the communications department in 2007. For the last nine years, Lindsey has led the Holstein Genetic Services department.
Meyer states, “Lindsey has an impeccable track record and I’m excited to promote her to this new position within the Association. Lindsey and I will continue to work closely together as she evaluates current internal practices and policies and works with others to help create and streamline internal processes as appropriate. Her vast history with the Association, and her dairy experience bode well for Lindsey and the Association as she assumes these new responsibilities.”
Dr. Jeffrey Bewley is assuming new responsibilities administering HAUSA’s international efforts, responding to inquiries, ensuring the Association is appropriately represented at international activities, managing usage of USLGE-allocated funding, and serving as staff liaison to the International Marketing Committee. This will be in addition to his current role as Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist, a position which he has held since 2020.
Jenna Brown has been promoted to Senior Manager, Customer Service. Jenna is responsible for leading the Customer Service team to provide exceptional service to HAUSA’s members and other customers, and maintaining strong relationships to ensure that our members’ needs are met. Jenna brings over six years of HAUSA service to this position.
Bridget Cummings has been advanced to Senior Manager, Identification Services. Bridget has been a dedicated HAUSA colleague for over 18 years, working in various departments and roles within the organization. In this position, she manages all procedures and policies related to registering and transferring Holstein cattle, ensuring work is maximized for efficiency and accuracy, while providing excellent member service. She also provides field support for our members in the state of Maine.
Kelli Dunklee is assuming the role of Holstein Association Event and Program Lead. In this role, she is responsible for directing, implementing, and administering youth programs and policies, and continues to serve as the staff liaison for the Junior Advisory Committee. In addition, Kelli plays a leading role in planning our annual National Holstein Conventions and provides management and administrative support for Holstein Foundation and Association activities, including state association communications, National Holstein Shows, and the delegate election process. Kelli brings over 28 years of experience to this position.
Amy Fletcher has been promoted to Senior Manager, Classification Operations. Amy has been with the Holstein Association for almost 13 years and has led the day-to-day responsibilities of ensuring our multi-breed classification program is conducted in an efficient and fair manner for the last several years. She has played a leading role in the implementation of our new classification handheld software, and onboarding three new breeds (Guernsey, and more recently Milking Shorthorn and Ayrshire) into our classification program.
Darin Johnson has been advanced to Senior Manager, Identification Programs. Darin has been with the Association for 13 years, in both field and office-based roles. In this capacity, he manages HAUSA’s prominent identification programs, including our ear tag program and identification software.
Jenifer Levisee has been elevated to Senior Manager, Quality Assurance. In this role, Jen is responsible for providing leadership and direction regarding HAUSA’s genomic and genetic testing programs, parentage discovery and conflict resolution, genetic conditions, export documentation, and maintaining relationships with allied organizations. She brings over 25 years of experience working for the Holstein Association to this role.
Daren Sheffield is assuming new responsibilities as the Director, Holstein Performance Programs, Governance and Policy. Daren will provide oversight and guidance to several core functions of the Genetic Services department, including software, production records programs, pedigrees, herd reports and award programs. In addition, he will be a key resource in questions related to HAUSA’s bylaws and policies, provide leadership to governance procedures including the Annual Meeting delegate process, and serve as staff liaison for the Nominating Committee and Legislative and Industry Affairs Committee. Daren has been with the Holstein Association for over 18 years.
Tim Ziemba is taking on additional responsibilities as HAUSA’s National Show Coordinator, in addition to his role as Manager of Holstein Marketplace Sires. As National Show Coordinator, Tim will manage the approved National and Junior Holstein Shows, ensuring that HAUSA polices and rules are adhered to and that each show receives appropriate support from the National office, as well as managing the Show Judges List and serving as staff liaison for the Show Committee.
According to Meyer, “Those being promoted today represent a combined 143 years of dedicated service to the Holstein Association USA and its members. Every one of these team members are experts in their field, and I’m excited to continue working with them as they grow in their positions, and the success of the Holstein Association continues to grow into the future!”
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| Lindsey Worden |
Dr. Jeffrey Bewley |
Jenna Brown |
Bridget Cummings |
Kelli Dunklee |
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| Amy Fletcher |
Darin Johnson |
Jenifer Levisee |
Daren Sheffield |
Tim Ziemba |
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. May 17, 2023 — Annually, Holstein Association USA recognizes breeders who have developed herds with incredible production and type with the Herds of Excellence award. Ten outstanding Registered Holstein® herds have achieved this honor with their 2022 records. The award is a testament to the hard work, attention to detail, and consistency these dairy farm families put into caring for their cows.
“We’re thrilled to recognize these excellent Registered Holstein cows and their breeders,” Holstein Association USA CEO John Meyer says. “These herds are shining examples of how Registered Holstein cows can excel in both production and type.”
The award is broken down into three divisions based on herd size, including the Large Herd Division (500+ cows), Medium Herd Division (100-499 cows), and Small Herd Division (10-99 cows).
This year’s honorees are:
Large Herd Size Division (500+ Cows)
Bomaz Inc. — The Zwald Family, Hammond, Wis.
94.6% homebred; Age Adjusted Classification Score (AACS) — 85.3 points
ME Production Averages — 32,546M 1,323F 1,055P
Five Year Honoree
Siemers Holstein Farms Inc. — The Siemers Family, Newton, Wis.
79.8% homebred; AACS — 84.3 points
ME Production Averages — 35,673M 1,553F 1,101P
Seven Year Honoree
Medium Herd Size Division (100-499 Cows)
Koepke Farms Inc. — The Koepke Family, Oconomowoc, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 85.0 points
ME Production Averages — 35,245M 1,406F 1,070P
Six Year Honoree
Koester Dairy Inc. — The Koester Family, Dakota, Ill.
99.5% homebred; AACS — 85.3 points
ME Production Averages — 35,283M 1,518F 1,114P
Seven Year Honoree
Hilrose Dairy, LLC. — The Brantmeier Family, Sherwood, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 88.8 points
ME Production Averages — 36,735M 1,410F 1,081P
Eleven Year Honoree
Pollack-Vu Dairy LLC — The Pollack Family, Ripon, Wis.
99.4% homebred; AACS — 85.3 points
ME Production Averages — 34,589M 1,406F 1,094P
One Year Honoree
Small Herd Size Division (10-99 Cows)
B-Long Holsteins — Bruce, Brenda & Bret Long, New London, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 88.4 points
ME Production Averages — 36,168M 1,452F 1,166P
Twelve Year Honoree
Doorco Holsteins — Dan, Julie, and Austin Vandertie, Brussels, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 88.7 points
ME Production Averages — 36,491M 1,425F 1,117P
Six Year Honoree
Ever-Green-View Holsteins, LLC — The Kestell Family, Waldo, Wis.
97.8% homebred; AACS — 88.3 points
ME Production Averages — 40,822M 1,705F 1,288P
Thirteen Year Honoree
Show-Mar Holsteins — The Brantner Family, Evans City, Pa.
100% homebred; AACS — 89.5 points
ME Production Averages — 38,394M 1,562F 1,181P
Three Year Honoree
The awards will be presented during Holstein Association USA’s 137th Annual Meeting in Lexington, Kentucky. To register for convention or learn more, visit www.2023nationalholsteinconvention.com.
Read more about the 2022 Herds of Excellence in the Spring 2023 issue of The Pulse. Select pages of The Pulse are available at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.
About the Award
The Herd of Excellence designation honors Registered Holstein breeders who have developed Holsteins herds excelling in both production and type. To be recognized with this accolade, herds must have classified within the last year and have an age-adjusted classification score of 83 points or higher; have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and be inrolled in Holstein Association USA’s TriStarSM production records program.
Additionally, qualifying herds must meet the following production criteria:
• Large Herd Division - 15 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
• Medium Herd Division - 20 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
• Small Herd Division - 25 percent above breed average ME for milk, fat and protein
Congratulations to the 2022 Herds of Excellence!
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 BRATTLEBORO, Vt. May 16, 2023 — Holstein Association USA’s Star of the Breed award is an elite accolade designed to recognize a Registered Holstein® cow with outstanding production and exceptional type. This year’s recipient, Show-Mar Crush Everyone, has eye-catching dairy character, an incredible udder, and impressive milk production. To top it off, her owners say she has the style and personality to match.
Crush Everyone is owned by Wesley Brantner of Saegertown, Pennsylvania. Wesley works on his family’s farm, Show-Mar Holsteins. The 70-cow herd is owned by his parents, Mark and Jelena Brantner. To the Junior Holstein member, the award holds special significance.
“Winning the award means a lot because it shows you are on the right track to better cows,” Wesley explains. “I appreciate that the Star of the Breed award looks at both the way she is classified and the way she’s milking.”
Show-Mar Crush Everyone qualified for the award with her fourth-place finish in the Four-Year-Old cow class at the Northeast Spring National Show in 2022. She has a lifetime production record of 108,990 pounds of milk with 4,165 pounds of fat (3.8%) and 3,421 pounds of protein (3.1%). She’s also classified Excellent 92.
“Crush Everyone has an incredible udder, with a high, wide rear udder, a good tight seam, and it attaches really well,” Wesley shares. “She’s got a lot of style, and is really dairy with a nice pretty head, wide pins, and good feet and legs.”
The 2022 Star of the Breed will be recognized during Holstein Association USA’s 137th Annual Meeting at the 2023 National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky this summer. To learn more or register for convention, visit www.2023nationalhoslteinconvention.com.
For the full story on Show-Mar Crush Everyone, see the Spring 2023 issue of The Pulse. Select pages, including the Star of the Breed article, are now available online at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. May 4, 2023 — A new U.S. Registered Holstein cow recently broke the record for most lifetime milk. Nor-Bert Colby Connie achieved this incredible feat with her lifetime milk production record of 486,300 pounds through her latest completed lactation. Connie has calved again and is continuing to add to the record total.
Connie has equally impressive numbers for components, with a lifetime record of 27,062 pounds of fat and 17,737 pounds of protein through her last completed lactation. These tremendous fat and protein totals are currently the highest lifetime totals for fat and protein in the Holstein Association USA database.
This new record comes in quick succession to the one set by Chrome-View Charles 3044, who achieved the record earlier this year with a total of 478,200 pounds of lifetime milk, 14,447 pounds of fat, and 12,576 pounds of protein. Having two cows break the lifetime milk production record within a matter of a few months is a testament to all that’s possible with U.S. Registered Holstein cows.
Connie is owned by Nor-Bert Farm in Bremen, Indiana. Roger and Deb Dankert farm alongside their son Jeremy Dankert and daughter and son-in-law Jennifer and Monty Freeman. Jennifer and Monty also have three children, Dalton, Dillon and Breanne, who are involved in the multigenerational farm.
The team at Nor-Bert Farm say Connie is a low maintenance cow, who prefers being alone and doing her thing — making lots of high-quality milk. With a classification score of Excellent 94 3E, Connie is easy to pick out in the barn.
“She has open ribs, a big frame, and impressive width, with a really good udder on her,” Jeremy shares. He believes these physical traits, along with good feet and legs, have also had a positive impact on Connie’s ability to produce so much milk. The 14-year-old cow has also achieved Holstein Association USA’s National Elite Performer status.
Connie’s sire is Solid-Gold Colby-ET. The Dankerts say her dam, Nor-Bert Buckeye Christy-ET, was also a good cow with solid production. “Connie’s out of a really milky family that has good records on them,” Jeremy says.
Connie’s granddam, Nordic-Haven Formation Cara, was bought by Nor-Bert Farms many years ago. Cara is also a sister to Nordic-Haven Mtoto Calico, who was a high TPI cow, and the dam of AI bull Nor-Bert Calypso. Connie herself has had nine calves, including four daughters who have been high-producing cows in the Nor-Bert herd.
For many years, the Registered Holstein cow has been known as the most efficient producer of high-quality milk. Nor-Bert Colby Connie has fed an impressive amount of people in her lifetime. These calculations help put her lifetime milk production total into perspective.
Nor-Bert Colby Connie’s 486,300 pound lifetime milk production record total is equivalent to:
• 56,547 gallons of milk
• 904,744 cups of milk
• 48,630 pounds of cheese1
• Enough cheese for 129,680 twelve-inch pizzas2
• 603,168 scoops of ice cream3
• 22,939 pounds of butter4
Her lifetime milk production total would also feed 10 people for over 80 years, if each person had the daily requirement of 3 servings of milk per day. Connie could also provide the daily dairy requirements for 301,581 people for one day.5
1 Flores, Nancy C. “Making Homemade Cheese: New Mexico State University - Be Bold. Shape the Future.” Making Homemade Cheese, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Feb. 2022, https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_e/E216/.
2 Staff, Wisconsin Cheese. “How to Host the Ultimate Pizza Party.” Wisconsin Cheese, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, 12 Oct. 2022, https://www.wisconsincheese.com/the-cheese-life/article/26/perfect-pizza-party.
3 Staff, The Dairy Alliance. “10 Crazy Facts About Ice Cream You Didn't Know.” The Dairy Alliance Blog, The Dairy Alliance , 22 Oct. 2020, https://thedairyalliance.com/blog/10-crazy-facts-about-ice-cream-you-didnt-know/.
4 Dairy-Cattle. “How Many Pounds of Whole Milk Does It Take to Make a Pound of Butter?” DAIReXNET, Cooperative Extension, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. , 16 Aug. 2019, https://dairy-cattle.extension.org/how-many-pounds-of-whole-milk-does-it-take-to-make-a-pound-of-butter/.
5 Ragalie-Carr, Jean. “How Many Servings of Dairy Do We Need a Day?” How Many Servings of Dairy Do We Need a Day? | U.S. Dairy, National Dairy Council, 21 Dec. 2018, https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/do-we-really-need-three-daily-servings-of-dairy.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. April 25, 2023 — How important is the physical conformation of cattle in today’s dairy industry? How does the way a cow looks relate to economically important traits? Dr. Jeffrey Bewley will answer these questions in an upcoming webinar, titled “A Million Reasons Why Conformation Matters.”
Join Holstein Association USA on Wednesday, May 10 at noon CST for the free, half-hour webinar. Dr. Bewley, Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist at Holstein USA, will share insights from a recent study showing the relationship between desirable functional conformation and economically important traits.
“The study shows the physical conformation of dairy cattle remains an important factor for dairy profitability,” Dr. Bewley shares. “For example, cows with more functionally correct physical conformation produced more lifetime energy correct milk and stayed in the herd longer.”
Holstein Association USA staff analyzed a dataset with over 1 million cows to quantify how conformation related to milk production and longevity. The large dataset used matching data from official linear classification evaluations and DHIA production records. Learn more about the study at www.holsteinusa.com/typematters.
Click here to register for the webinar. Contact Dr. Bewley at jbewley@holstein.com with questions or for more information about the webinar.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. April 12, 2023 — Eight Junior Holstein Members have been selected for Holstein Association USA’s annual Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) competition. The Young Distinguished Junior Member award is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Holstein Association, ages 9 to 16.
Launched in 2004, the award recognizes the accomplishments of these young, aspiring dairy leaders. Youth members are selected based on their dedication to working with Registered Holsteins, achievements and leadership in Holstein activities, and school and community involvement.
The 2023 Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists are:
- Sarah Craun, Mount Crawford, Virginia
- Cathryn Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
- Christopher Gunst, Pine River, Wisconsin
- Kiara Konyn, Escondido, California
- Mykel Mull, Chowchilla, California
- Jesslyn Risser, Lebanon, Pennsylvania
- Dylan Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
- Alexis Schultz, Marion, New York
The eight finalists were chosen by a panel of judges based on their knowledge of the dairy industry and participation in Holstein, dairy, and other activities. Their ability to be a good role model for other youth and positive spokesperson for the dairy industry were also taken into consideration.
The YDJM finalists will be honored at the National Holstein Convention being held June 23 to June 27, 2023, in Lexington, Kentucky.
For more information or to register for the 2023 National Holstein Convention visit www.2023nationalholsteinconvention.com. To learn more about the Young Distinguished Junior Members or Junior Holstein Association visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.
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BRATTLEBORO, Vt. April 11, 2023 — Holstein Association USA has named twelve individuals as semifinalists for the 2023 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) awards. The Distinguished Junior Member award is the highest achievement for National Junior Holstein Association members and has been recognizing deserving young adults for over a century.
The Distinguished Junior Member award was established in 1922 and is the longest-running Holstein Youth Program. The honor recognizes individuals’ commitment to the Holstein breed, involvement in the dairy industry, and related activities. Twelve young adults were selected as semifinalists based on an application process including a resume, story of their Junior Holstein work, essay questions, video elements, and more.
The 2023 Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalists are:
- Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania
- Emory Bewley, Susquehanna, Pennsylvania
- Molly Cessna, Clearville, Pennsylvania
- Quinn Dum, Elliottsburg, Pennsylvania
- Madeline Hensel, Pittsville, Wisconsin
- Kylie Konyn, Escondido, California
- Ainsley Noble, Lancaster, Wisconsin
- Jacob Schaefer, Little Falls, Minnesota
- Lauren Siemers, Kiel, Wisconsin
- Abigail Stoltzfus, Berlin, Pennsylvania
- Gary Young, Chehalis, Washington
- Kelsey Zepp, New Windsor, Maryland
The DJM semifinalists will be interviewed at the National Holstein Convention being held June 23 to 27, 2023, in Lexington, Kentucky. Six DJM finalists will be announced during the Junior Awards Banquet on Tuesday, June 27.
For more information or to register for the 2023 National Holstein Convention visit www.2023nationalholsteinconvention.com. To learn more about the Distinguished Junior Members or Junior Holstein Association visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.
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Brattleboro, Vt., February 27, 2023 — Chrome-View Charles 3044 recently topped the record for the most lifetime milk produced by a U.S Holstein cow. The record-breaking cow is owned by Mason’s Chrome View farm in Nottingham, Pennsylvania.
The 13-year-old Registered Holstein® cow is in her tenth lactation and broke the record with her lifetime milk production record of 478,200 pounds of milk, 14,447 pounds of fat, and 12,576 pounds of protein and counting.
“As is typical of dairy cows, she prefers to spend her time eating, chewing her cud, being milked, or resting in one of her three favorite stalls,” the farm’s herd manager Sarah Cady shares. “She vocally protests her dry period and is notably more content once she freshens and resumes her place in the lactating herd.”
Alan and Pamela Mason own Mason’s Chrome View and manage it along with their son Paul Mason. Together with their employees, they focus on providing the highest standard of care possible to their herd of 500 Registered Holstein cows.
“It is not one or two main things, but rather diligence in a multitude of small things that were key to her success,” Paul explains.
Chrome-View Charles 3044’s monumental milk production record surpasses the total of the record of 460,720 pounds of lifetime milk, set by Stone-Front Leader Hilda in 2020. Prior to Hilda, Koepke K0017229-1660 broke the record in 2003 with a lifetime milk total of 458,616. The record was established in 1978 by Breezewood Patsy Bar Pontiac with her final lifetime total of 425,769.
The Mason family says 3044 requires very little attention beyond routine animal husbandry practices. Now in her 10th lactation, she has consistently bred back on her first or second service. The rockstar cow also has sound conformation.
“Her build is classic Holstein of average size, open rib, excellent dairy character, remarkable feet and legs, and an udder still beautifully attached as a tenth lactation dairy cow,” Cady says. “These features have undoubtedly contributed to her longevity.”
The impressive production cow is classified Very Good 88 as a four-year-old and is a Holstein Association USA Region 2 Elite Performer. Her maternal line has the Chrome-View prefix tracing back to an animal born in 1958. She is sired by Cee-Whit Shottle Charles-ET.
For many years, the Registered Holstein cow has been known as the most efficient producer of high-quality milk. Chrome-View Charles 3044 has fed an incredible amount of people in her lifetime. These calculations help put her lifetime milk production total into perspective.
Chrome-View Charles 3044’s 478,200 pound lifetime milk production record total is equivalent to:
• 55,605 gallons of milk
• 889,674 cups of milk
• 47,820 pounds of cheese1
• Enough cheese for 127,520 twelve-inch pizzas2
• 593,120 scoops of ice cream3
• 22,557 pounds of butter4
Her lifetime milk production total would also feed 10 people for over 80 years, if each person had the daily requirement of 3 servings of milk per day.5
Taking the average milk price over CHROME-VIEW CHARLES 3044’s ten lactations, and the amount of milk she produced, her lifetime milk production has a value of $92,402.50.6
With her extreme longevity, milk production, reproductive efficiency, and health traits, Chrome-View Charles 3044 is an incredible testament to what is possible with U.S. Registered Holsteins!
1 Flores, Nancy C. “Making Homemade Cheese: New Mexico State University - Be Bold. Shape the Future.” Making Homemade Cheese, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico State University, Feb. 2022, https://pubs.nmsu.edu/_e/E216/.
2 Staff, Wisconsin Cheese. “How to Host the Ultimate Pizza Party.” Wisconsin Cheese, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, 12 Oct. 2022, https://www.wisconsincheese.com/the-cheese-life/article/26/perfect-pizza-party.
3 Staff, The Dairy Alliance. “10 Crazy Facts About Ice Cream You Didn't Know.” The Dairy Alliance Blog, The Dairy Alliance , 22 Oct. 2020, https://thedairyalliance.com/blog/10-crazy-facts-about-ice-cream-you-didnt-know/.
4 Dairy-Cattle. “How Many Pounds of Whole Milk Does It Take to Make a Pound of Butter?” DAIReXNET, Cooperative Extension, USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. , 16 Aug. 2019, https://dairy-cattle.extension.org/how-many-pounds-of-whole-milk-does-it-take-to-make-a-pound-of-butter/.
5 Ragalie-Carr, Jean. “How Many Servings of Dairy Do We Need a Day?” How Many Servings of Dairy Do We Need a Day? | U.S. Dairy, National Dairy Council, 21 Dec. 2018, https://www.usdairy.com/news-articles/do-we-really-need-three-daily-servings-of-dairy.
6 USDA. “United States Department of Agriculture.” USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, United States Department of Agriculture, 31 Jan. 2023, https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Agricultural_Prices/pricemk.php.
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Brattleboro, Vt., February 10, 2023 — Registration is open for the 2023 Holstein Association USA Judges Conference. This year’s conference will be held on Thursday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in conjunction with the Wisconsin Dairy Showcase in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Judges Conference will start with a classroom session, where topics like why conformation matters, current showring trends, managing a showring, and common dilemmas will be discussed. In the afternoon session, participants will place classes of heifers and cows, hear placings and reasons from fellow participants and officials, and take part in group discussion.
Interested participants can register for the conference on the Holstein Association USA website with a credit card. The pre-registration fee is $50 and late registrants and walk-ins will pay a $100 fee. Pre-registration will close two weeks before the conference, on Thursday, April 13.
If individuals want to participate in the Judges Conference and not receive an official rating, they have the option to do so to gain experience, but will not be eligible to apply for the Judges List.
Participants must be 22 years old by the day of the conference to attend. To register online, visit www.holsteinusa.com/shows/judges_preregister.html. For more information contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200 ext. 4261 or by email.
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Brattleboro, Vt., February 7, 2023 — Allflex has announced a price increase on ear tags, “due to the rising cost of doing business in today’s economy.” As a result, Holstein Association USA is updating pricing on ear tags, ear tag accessories and TSU’s.
Holstein Association USA has offered Allflex ear tags for more than 25 years. During that time, Holstein Association USA has typically absorbed the increased costs, and has not passed them onto our customers. This will be only the second price increase across all tag products in more than 25 years. We continue to offer a variety of products and product combinations to meet the ear tag needs of our customers, at a competitive price.
Submit new ear tag orders before 5 pm EST, February 17 to receive current pricing. Orders received after 5 pm EST, February 17 will be subject to new pricing.
New pricing can be viewed here.
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Brattleboro, Vt., February 2, 2023 — Every dairy has a story, and for six years, Holstein America has shared modern-day farm life with audiences around the world. The documentary series, produced by Holstein Association USA, pays tribute to U.S. Registered Holsteins®, the world’s perfect cow, and the people who raise them.
Tune in to the next episode of Holstein America at 7 p.m. CST/8 p.m. EST, Monday, February 13, on RFD-TV.
In 2022, 970 herds had a BAA value eligible for inclusion in these lists. The average number of cows included in the BAA calculation for the entire group was 68, and the average BAA% was 107.7. Herds must have a minimum of 10 cows to be included for calculation on the list.
“As the nation’s leading television program devoted to the dairy community, we are honored to tell these important stories,” says John Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA. “This next episode of Holstein America is a wonderful example of the diverse reaches of the Registered Holstein cow.”
At the heart of the program are Holstein breeders, who ensure an abundance of dairy products are produced efficiently, sustainably and at the highest quality in the world. Holstein America visits a dairy in southwest Missouri, where two brothers are continuing a family tradition generations in the making. The show also spotlights an industry trailblazer from Pennsylvania, who helped pioneer early genetic innovations for dairy producers.
The upcoming Holstein America will also showcase work at colleges and universities to grow an even brighter dairy future. From the Midwest to the East Coast, student-run dairy farms are inspiring students to dream big in the dairy industry. At Western Kentucky University, see how the one-of-a-kind WKU SmartHolstein Lab sparks curiosity and future technology for dairy producers around the world.
Opportunities for careers in the dairy industry expand far beyond the barn. Hear the story of how a longtime cheesemaker in New England works to engage the next generation about where their food comes from.
The hour-long program, sponsored by Merck Animal Health, also explores programs and services offered by Holstein Association USA, including a look at genetic offerings through Holstein Marketplace Sires, and research into how dairy conformation plays a role in overall productivity and performance.
Join us for Holstein America at 7 p.m. CST, Monday, February 13, on RFD-TV.
RFD-TV is a leading independent cable channel available on DISH Network, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink and many other rural cable systems. Reference local listings for more information.
After the show, visit www.holsteinusa.com to find a complete collection of the Holstein America series. Also stay tuned to Holstein Association USA on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
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Brattleboro, Vt., January 9, 2023 — Holstein Association USA recently released the lists of top Holstein Breed Age Average (BAA%) herds for 2022 classifications. Members utilizing the Classic or Standard options of the Holstein classification program receive an overall BAA for their herd. The BAA value provides a way to compare an animal’s score to breed average, taking into account the age of the animal and their stage of lactation. The calculation puts cows of all ages on the same playing field.
"Providing recognition to breeders of outstanding Registered Holstein cattle across the country is one of the more enjoyable activities we perform at Holstein Association,” said Lindsey Worden, Executive Director, Holstein Genetic Services. “Earning recognition as a high BAA herd on any of the various lists is a notable achievement. It shows a commitment to breeding quality Holstein cattle, paired with outstanding animal husbandry and management that allows those cattle to express their genetic potential."
In 2022, 970 herds had a BAA value eligible for inclusion in these lists. The average number of cows included in the BAA calculation for the entire group was 68, and the average BAA% was 107.7. Herds must have a minimum of 10 cows to be included for calculation on the list.
Topping the 2022 highest overall BAA list are Delbert W. and Heather D. Yoder from West Salem, Ohio, with a BAA of 116.3. Also earning honors in the top five spots on the list are Matthew T. Mitchell, Tennessee; Juniper Farm, Inc., Maine; Conant Acres, Maine; and G. Alpheaus Stoltzfus, Pennsylvania.
Lists are broken down in several different ways to recognize members across the country with herds of all sizes. Lists of the Overall Top 200 BAA Herds, Top 25 BAA Herds by Region, Top 25 BAA Herds by Herd Size, and Top 15 BAA Herds for Colleges & Universities can be viewed at www.holsteinusa.com. Find the page under the Popular List section on the homepage or directly at www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/baa_lists_2022.html. Congratulations to all herds on these lists!
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Brattleboro, Vt., January 5, 2023 — Junior Holstein Association members put their interviewing skills to the test during the 2022 Virtual Interview Contest. The program was created in 2020 to help prepare youth for real world opportunities by sharpening their resume writing and interview skills.
Applicants submitted cover letters and resumes based on a mock interview scenario and were selected to move on to the second phase of the contest based on their combined cover letter and resume scores. During the second phase contestants were interviewed by a panel of three judges. Final scores were calculated based on each applicant’s cover letter, resume, and interview. All youth received feedback from the judges to help further prepare them for future interviews.
“The National Junior Holstein Association Virtual Interview Contest allowed me to sharpen my interview skills, particularly strengthening my ability to respond to impromptu questions,” says contest participant Sarah Craun from Virginia. “I enjoyed the interaction with the interview panel and I am grateful for the real world learning experience that will certainly benefit me in my future career endeavors.”
Congratulations to the following 2022 Virtual Interview Contest winners!
Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Lauren Silveira, California
2nd place: Alison Gartman, Wisconsin
3rd place: Chloe Chapman, California
Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Elsie Donlick, New York
2nd place: Sarah Craun, Virginia
3rd place: Salem Sifford, Virginia
Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Emily Syme, Connecticut
2nd place: Madison Sifford, Virginia
3rd place: Jon Chapman, California
Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.
For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, or other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/.
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