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Brattleboro, Vt., December 17, 2025 — The 2025 All-National Showcase recipients have been selected by Holstein Association USA. Exhibitors from all over North America paraded their finest cattle in the showring to earn points based on their show placings. The All-National Showcase Program recognizes U.S. Registered Holstein® cows and their owners for exceptional performance at National Holstein Shows.

Summer Heifer Calf
All-National: LIDDLEHOLME MAGIC CLAIRE, Derek A Liddle
Reserve All-National: OCEAN-VIEW SHES TAKEN, Ocean View Genetics

Spring Heifer Calf
All-National: GO-SHO DETECT REVENGE-ET, Clarkvalley Holsteins & Pierre Boulet
Reserve All-National: BEERS MASTER TULSI, Kale Kley Ryan & Logan Beer

Winter Heifer Calf
All-National: CURR-VALE-AE DIRECT EPIC-ET, Doeberiener Bowen J&J Osinga & Conroy
Reserve All-National: CURR-VALE ADELLES ADDICT-ET, Jared & Jason Pareo Adelyn Ford & Aria Pechal

Fall Heifer Calf
All-National: SCO-LO LEGENDARY-ET, Clarkvalley Holsteins
Reserve All-National: RIDGEDALE-W MAX OVERDRIVE, Ridgedale Farm & Richard Witter

Summer Yearling Heifer
All-National: PLUM-LINE DOORMAN EVA, Brooke E Carey
Reserve All-National: CURR-VALE ALL ABOUT ME-ET, G. Alpheus Stoltzfus

Spring Yearling Heifer
All-National: RYAN-VU AWESOME RAPTURE, Maple-Leigh Arizona Dairy & Grai-Rose Cattle
Reserve All-National: JACOBS ALLIGATOR BUNNY-ET, Vierra Dairy LLC & Triple-T Holsteins

Winter Yearling Heifer
All-National: WINRIGHT SK CREME BRULEE-ET, Glamourview - Iager & Walton
Reserve All-National: MYTOWN-JK TIMBER, Gavin Bewley & Avery Best

Fall Yearling Heifer
All-National: POLESTAR ST WAR SASSPERILLA, Makayla & Jaclyn Osinga
Reserve All-National: QUIETCOVE HOT TOPIC-RED, H H & H McIsaac & M & M Price

Milking Yearling
All-National: MAT-AR-DOR UNIX JOY, Elmvue Farm
Reserve All-National: GENOSOURCE HIDE OUT-ET, Oakfield Corners Dairy Show Cattle

Summer Junior Two-Year-Old Cow
All-National: CRISDHOME TSTRUCK ABUDHABI, Elmvue Farm
Reserve All-National: CRACKHOLM LAMBDA CLEAVAGE, Peter Vail & Budjon Farms

Spring Junior Two-Year-Old Cow
All-National: ROSBLAIS TATOO MADISSON, Glamourview - Iager & Walton
Reserve All-National: BUDJON-VAIL EYEC CHALACK-ET, Milk Source LLC

Winter Senior Two-Year-Old Cow
All-National: AROLENE SIDEKICK ELDA-ET, Elmvue Farm
Reserve All-National: MICHERET SOUTH BELIEVE-ET, Butlerview Farm

Fall Senior Two-Year-Old Cow
All-National: MD-LOCUSTCREST P ZURINIAH, C C & C Savage & Thomas Mercuro
Reserve All-National: OAKFIELD AWE HORSESHOE-ET, Jonathan & Alicia Lamb

Junior Three-Year-Old Cow
All-National: WEST-ADUB LAMBDA SADIE, Butlerview Farm
Reserve All-National: COUNTRY-AYRE PARSLY 7239, Country Ayre Farm LLC

Senior Three-Year-Old Cow
All-National: DONACIN DELTA-LAMBDA RAIN, Austin Adam & Terrance Yoder
Reserve All-National: SMYGWATYS LAMBDA ERICA, Showbox Sires

Four-Year-Old Cow
All-National: MCWILLIAMS LAMBDA WIZARD, Pappys Farms LLC
Reserve All-National: EIXDALE PWRUP ALONGSIDE, Milk Source LLC

Five-Year-Old Cow
All-National: LOVHILL SIDEKICK KANDY CANE, Jonathan & Alicia Lamb
Reserve All-National: HAVENVALLEY LIGHT BOBBYHOE, Michael & Julie Duckett

Six-Year-Old & Older Cow
All-National: OAKFIELD TATOO TENDER-ET, Chloe & Claire Lamb
Reserve All-National: JACOBS AVALANCHE BRADLY-ET, Glamourview - Iager & Walton

150,000 Lb. Lifetime Milk Production Cow
All-National: TUSC-VU AVALANCHE CALI-ET, Isaac Folts
Reserve All-National: LUCK-E MERJACK ASALIA, Tessa VL & Stella RB Schmocker

All-National Breeder
Oakfield Corners Dairy, NY

All-National Exhibitor
Oakfield Corners Dairy, NY

With questions about the All-National Showcase Program, please contact Tim Ziemba at 800.952.5200, ext. 4285 or [email protected].

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Holstein Association USA and Holstein Foundation Announce Two Exciting Summer Internship Opportunities

Brattleboro, Vt., November 25, 2025 — Holstein Association USA and the Holstein Foundation are excited to announce two hands-on, paid summer internship opportunities for students. These internships provide unique, professional experiences at the National Holstein Convention, offering participants the chance to build their skills and gain industry exposure. The deadline to apply for either internship is January 15, 2026. Complete details and application information can be found at www.holsteinusa.com, under Our Association in the main menu, then Employment Opportunities.

“These internships offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in both communications and youth development within the dairy industry,” said Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA CEO. “We are excited to provide students with the chance to play a role in our biggest member event of the year, while working alongside and learning from our experienced team.”

Holstein Foundation Youth Programs Intern

The Holstein Foundation Intern will assist with youth contest development and coordination for the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida, with a focus on the Dairy Bowl and Dairy Jeopardy competitions. This six-week internship runs from May 26 to July 2, 2026, and includes pre-event planning, on-site execution, and post-event wrap-up.

This internship will offer competitive hourly pay based on experience, with housing provided in Brattleboro, Vermont for the weeks leading up to the Convention, as well as all transportation, lodging, and meals associated with attending the National Holstein Convention.

National Holstein Convention Communications Intern

The National Holstein Convention Intern will assist the Holstein Association USA communications team with event coverage and content creation for the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida. This fast-paced, two-week internship runs from June 19 to July 2, 2026, and offers hands-on experience in photography, social media management, writing, and public relations.

This internship will offer competitive hourly pay based on experience, as well as all transportation, lodging, and meals associated with attending the National Holstein Convention.

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Holstein Association USA Invites Nominations for 2026 Awards

Brattleboro, Vt., November 6, 2025 — Holstein Association USA is proud to recognize exceptional breeders and dairy industry leaders through its annual awards program, including the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Distinguished Leadership, and Elite Breeder honors.

“These awards celebrate the very best of our Holstein community,” said Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA CEO. “We encourage everyone to nominate a peer or mentor who has made a difference, or even apply yourself. It’s an opportunity to honor excellence and inspire the next generation of Holstein leaders.”

Applications for the 2026 awards are due January 31, 2026. Holstein enthusiasts are invited to submit nominations for the Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership awards, which remain eligible for consideration for three years after initial submission. Young breeders between the ages of 21 and 40 are encouraged to apply for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award.

About the Award

The Elite Breeder Award honors a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership, or corporation that has bred outstanding animals and made a lasting contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. Recent recipients include Luck-E Holsteins (IL), Siemers Holsteins (WI), and Bomaz Farms (WI).

The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, service, and vision have strengthened Holstein Association USA and the dairy community as a whole. Recent recipients include Tom Morris (WI), The Honorable Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA), and John Marshman (NY).

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award celebrates the accomplishments of young Registered Holstein® breeders ages 21 to 40. Applicants may be individuals, a couple, or business partners. The recipient will receive travel and lodging expenses (for up to two people) to National Holstein Convention, complimentary tickets to the Awards Luncheon, and a $2,000 cash award. Recent recipients include Tim Rauen (IA), Trent Hendrickson (WI), and Ty Etgen (OH).

Award applications are available at: www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals. Honorees will be recognized at the 2026 National Holstein Convention, June 22-25, 2026, in Orlando, FL. Learn more at www.holsteinconvention.com.

Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship

A complete list of past honorees for all of these awards is available at www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals.

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Applications Open for 2025 National Judi Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship

Brattleboro, Vt., October 28, 2025 — Junior Holstein members are encouraged to apply for the 2025 National Judi Collinsworth Memorial Scholarship, an award honoring youth who demonstrate dedication to the Holstein breed and leadership within their communities.

Two scholarships will be awarded: a top award of $1,000 and a second award of $500. Eligible applicants must be National Junior Holstein Association members enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university who have exhibited their animal at a National Junior Holstein Show during the current show season.

Last year’s recipients were Jacob Harbaugh of Wisconsin and Keenan Thygesen of Vermont. Reflecting on his Junior Holstein experiences, Harbaugh shared, “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to travel and learn new things because of the Holstein cow, and I am excited to pursue a career in the dairy industry because of these many experiences.”

Applicants are evaluated on leadership, participation in Holstein activities, and involvement in school, community, and agricultural organizations.

Applications are due December 1, 2025, and can be found at www.juniorholstein.com, under Scholarships.

About the Award

Judi Collinsworth served as Executive Director of Member and Industry Relations at Holstein Association USA in Brattleboro, Vermont. Collinsworth oversaw member relations, State Association communications, telemarketing, and external affairs, but her passion was Holstein youth programs. She devoted many hours to program development and was instrumental in securing financial support for youth programs during her tenure with the Holstein Association.

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Junior Holstein Members Invited to Apply for the Virtual Interview Contest

Brattleboro, Vt., August 6, 2025 — The Holstein Association USA Virtual Interview Contest gives youth the opportunity to enhance their resume writing, cover letter development, and interview skills in a supportive, real-world setting. Feedback from dairy industry professionals gives Junior Holstein members actionable ways to grow. All Junior Holstein members ages 12 to 21 are encouraged to participate in the online contest.

“The Virtual Interview Contest has been a valuable experience for me for several years as I have been able to improve my resume and cover writing skills as well as my interviewing skills,” says contest participant Elsie Donlick of New York. “From participating in this contest, I now feel more confident in how my resume looks and how to answer interview questions. I enjoy participating in this contest because it helps me grow my professional career skills.”

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 receive additional feedback on their interview.

Junior Holstein members will be split into three categories based on age. 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 due by October 1, 2025. Following are the mock scenarios for each age division.

Junior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 12 to 14 as of January 1):

Youth are applying to be sponsored for an award trip to World Dairy Expo. Through their resume and cover letter, youth should indicate why they would be the best candidate to receive this sponsorship.

Intermediate Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 15 to 17 as of January 1):

Youth are applying for an internship experience on a Holstein farm in another country. In their resume and cover letter, youth should explain why they are the best candidate to be selected for this opportunity.

Senior Division Mock Interview Scenario (ages 18 to 21 as of January 1):

Youth are applying for the career of their dreams! Youth should list the position and/or the company they are applying for in their cover letter and resume.

Interested youth should submit their cover letter and resume corresponding to their appropriate age division to the online form found at www.juniorholstein.com/virtual-interview. 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 [email protected] or 802.451.4124.

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2026 Delegate Election Underway for Holstein Association USA’s 140th Annual Meeting

Brattleboro, Vt., August 4, 2025 — Holstein Association USA's annual delegate election process is now underway. Each year, members can nominate fellow members from their state to serve as voting delegates at the Association’s Annual Meeting the following year. The 140th Annual Meeting will be held on June 24-25, 2026, in conjunction with the National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida.

All members have been mailed a Nominating Petition, which can be used to nominate eligible individuals from their state (or district), including themselves, to serve as delegates. Eligible nominees must be individual members or representatives of corporate, partnership, institution, or estate members.

New this year, members may also submit nominations online. An email with a link to the online petition form has been sent to all members with a valid email address associated with their account. Members are encouraged to complete whichever version of the petition form is most convenient.

Members who have served as a delegate at three consecutive Annual Meetings are not eligible for nomination. A list of ineligible nominees for 2026 can be found here: www.holsteinusa.com/HAUSAineligible_delegates.html.

All members who are nominated will be notified and have an opportunity to accept or decline their nomination. Once nominations are finalized, election ballots will be mailed to all members, who will vote to elect delegates for their state (or district).

Delegates who serve will receive a reimbursement of $1,000 for their expenses after they have attended and participated in the 140th Annual Meeting in Orlando, Florida. More information about the 2026 National Holstein Convention can be found at www.holsteinconvention.com.

Important dates for delegate election:

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Holstein Association USA Hosts Successful 2025 National Holstein Convention

Brattleboro, Vt., July 15, 2025 — Holstein Association USA members recently gathered in St. Louis, Missouri for National Holstein Convention, held June 22-26, 2025. Themed “Meet Me in St. Louis,” National Holstein Convention drew almost 800 attendees from across the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico.

“The National Holstein Convention is always a powerful reminder of the passion and commitment our members bring to the dairy industry,” said Lindsey Worden, CEO of Holstein Association USA. “From insightful seminars and farm tours to dynamic Junior events, this year’s gathering in St. Louis was a true celebration of the Holstein cow and the people who dedicate their lives to her.”

The National Holstein Convention began on Monday, June 23, with the Local Lens Farm Tours. Holstein enthusiasts took a trip to three different Registered Holstein farms that have all found their niche in the industry. First, attendees stopped at Carter’s Corner, where the Carter family highlighted their herd of Registered Holsteins and IFV facility. Next, the tour stopped at Rolling Lawns Farm before heading to the farm’s storefront, The Milk House, for a delicious lunch. The final stop of the day was Wilra Farms, where attendees saw the rotary parlor and heard about the herd’s genetic strategy from the Harre family.

The Juniors ended the day listening to words of wisdom and learning about the impact the Holstein Association can have on their path to success during the “Mics, Markets, and Law” workshop. Then, they got dressed up and danced the night away at The Great Gatsby Ball.

Holstein Horizons held on Tuesday, June 24, offered attendees a full slate of enriching seminars on timely topics in the dairy industry. Jared Holt of Ascent Financial opened the day with strategies for farm transition planning, followed by a breeder panel that shared personal transition stories. Next, Dr. Jason Lombard of Colorado State University provided insights into evolving biosecurity practices and lessons learned from HPAI in dairy cattle. Dr. Matt Lucy of the University of Missouri-Columbia discussed approaches to achieving productive and long-lived dairy cows, and Christopher Urban of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) closed the day with a look at how we can position dairy to win in the future. Lisa Behnke of World Dairy Expo, served as
moderator for the day.

Attendees also enjoyed a variety of casual events designed to foster connections with fellow Holstein enthusiasts. On Tuesday evening, convention attendees relaxed with friends during “Family Night Under the Sea” at the St. Louis Aquarium. The night included games, dinner, and a walk through the beautiful aquarium. On Wednesday, the Awards Luncheon showcased talented adult and Junior members. The National Holstein Convention Sale, dairy bar, and trade show rounded out the week’s activities.

Throughout the week, Holstein Association USA Junior members showcased their talents through various contests and made new friends along the way. Whether attending workshops, dances, or tours, or testing their dairy knowledge during competitions, Juniors brought enthusiasm and excitement to the convention.


“The National Junior Holstein Convention brings people together from across the country,” says Junior Holstein Member Garrett Ulness from Valders, Wisconsin. “I have attended for almost a decade and as a result have created many strong friendships with people who all have the same passion for the Holstein cow.”

139th Annual Meeting

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Junior Members Shine During National Holstein Convention

Brattleboro, Vt., July 9, 2025 — National Junior Holstein Association members shared their passion for Holstein cows and the dairy industry at the 2025 National Holstein Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. From June 23 to 26, 2025, nearly 300 enthusiastic Junior Holstein members participated in the Convention. Throughout the week, youth members engaged in various contests, enjoyed local tours, attended enriching workshops, and forged new connections with fellow members.

“Attending the National Holstein Convention was an incredible opportunity to connect with like-minded youth from across the country and meet some truly inspiring adults who share a passion for the Holstein breed,” says Junior Holstein Member and DJM finalist Alexis Hoefs from New Prague, Minnesota. “It was amazing to spend time in the Union Station soaking in the beauty and deep history of the area, making the experience even more unforgettable.”

Prepared Public Speaking

Thirty-eight youth members from across the country showcased their presentation skills during the Prepared Public Speaking contest. Speech topics covered a broad range of dairy industry topics, including beef on dairy, a world without dairy, artificial intelligence in the dairy industry, and more.

Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)

1st place: Brynley Bossard, New York
2nd place: Seth Peiffer, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Sedona Sifford, Virginia

Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)

1st place: Chloe Chapman, California
2nd place: Abby Meyer, Wisconsin
3rd place: Logan Harbaugh, Wisconsin

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)

1st place: Sarah Craun, Virginia
2nd place: Brianna Meyer, Wisconsin
3rd place: Gabriella Taylor, New York


Extemporaneous Speaking

This year makes the debut of our first Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, open to Juniors in the senior division. The contest is designed to help youth develop the ability to think on their feet and broaden their knowledge of dairy industry topics. Contestants were judged on organization of material, power of expression, voice, stage presence, and response to questions.

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)

1st place: Case Melzer, Missouri
2nd place: Aubree Topp, Ohio
3rd place: Heather Hodges, California



Folding Display Contest

This year’s Folding Display competition, now in its 16th year, had forty-one entries. 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: Carson Rauen, Iowa
2nd place: Hailey Zook, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Ashtyn Gehringer, Pennsylvania

Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)

1st place: Charlotte Quick, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Brinkley Burdette, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Suzanna Oesch, Michigan

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)

1st place: Elaina Lahmers, Ohio
2nd place: Casey Zirk, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Carlee Roell, New Jersey

Scientific Division
Junior Division (ages 9-13 as of January 1)

1st place: Briecyn Kurth, Minnesota
2nd place: Andrea Hix, Pennsylvania
3rd place: Violet Mendez, California

Intermediate Division (ages 14-17 as of January 1)

1st place: Amy Adolphsen, Washington
2nd place: Lydia Kaverman, Ohio
3rd place: Abby Brown, Pennsylvania

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)

1st place: Sophie Griswold, Pennsylvania
2nd place: Carlee Roell, New Jersey
3rd place: Faith Wolfe, Pennsylvania

Digital State Scrapbook

The Digital Scrapbook Contest gives each state the chance to tell the story of activities and events their Junior Holstein associations take part in each year. Entries must be presented on a computer or another digital format and share judges on their news clippings, photo organization, originality, and variety of activities.

1st place: Virginia
2nd place: Missouri
3rd place: California
4th place: New England
5th place: Minnesota

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: California
2nd place: Ohio
3rd place: Pennsylvania

New Representatives Elected to Junior Advisory Committee (JAC)

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“This accolade has celebrated the efforts of youth in the dairy industry and their work with Registered Holsteins since 1922,” says Kelli Dunklee, Holstein Association USA Event and Program Lead. “We’re proud to continue recognizing outstanding young adults in the dairy industry and look forward to seeing where they will go in the future.”

Holstein Association USA named the DJM finalists on June 26, 2025, during the National Junior Holstein Convention Awards Breakfast in St. Louis, Missouri. Congratulations to the 2025 Distinguished Junior Member finalists!

2025 DJM Finalists:

• Lauren Breunig, Sauk City, Wisconsin
• Rachel Craun, Bridgewater, Virginia
• Delana Erbsen, Lanark, Illinois
• Evan Hathaway, Barneveld, Wisconsin
• Alexis Hoefs, New Prague, Minnesota
• Brianna Meyer, Chilton, 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 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.

Young 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 2025 National Junior Holstein Convention in St. Louis, Missouri. Congratulations to these outstanding Junior Holstein members for their impressive accomplishments!

2025 YDJM Finalists:

For more information about the Distinguished Junior Member and Young Distinguished Junior Member awards and other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.juniorholstein.com. To learn more about National Holstein Convention, visit www.holsteinconvention.com.

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“The Holstein Connections podcast is an accessible and engaging way for members of the dairy community to hear from the people guiding the progress of the Holstein breed,” says Emily Bosch, Senior Communications Manager for Holstein Association USA. “Whether you’re in the barn, on the road, or somewhere in between, we are looking forward to sharing stories from Holstein Association USA and beyond with you.”

The first official episode features a conversation with Holstein Association USA’s new CEO, Lindsey Worden. A longtime leader with the organization, Lindsey shares her background in the dairy industry and her vision of the future of the Association.

The next episode will be a conversation with Board of Directors President John Burket. In this episode, President Burket will give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the board’s role in guiding the future of Holstein Association USA.

Following the premiere episodes, Holstein Connections will feature a diverse line up of guests including Holstein Association USA staff, members, and industry partners. New episodes will be released on a bi-weekly basis.

Holstein Connections can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and www.holsteinusa.com. For more information, visit www.holsteinusa.com or follow Holstein Association USA on social media. Like and subscribe to the show to stay up to date with the latest podcast episodes.

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“The WKU SmartHolstein Lab gives us a unique perspective on the value of technology and data and how farmers can use the information provided to improve their bottom line,” says Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, Executive Director of Genetic Programs and Innovation at Holstein Association USA. “The showcase event will give dairy farmers and the greater dairy industry a chance to see this one-of-a-kind farm up close and hear insights from featured technology partners.”

The WKU SmartHolstein Lab Showcase will kick off at 10:00 a.m. Central Time with presentations from featured technology partners and an opportunity to interact and ask questions. The day will also include a farm tour of the herd at Western Kentucky University, where attendees will have a chance to see the technology in use.

The event is free and lunch is included thanks to the generous sponsorship of AgCentral, CPC Commodities, and Farm Credit. To register for the event visit bit.ly/smartholsteinshowcase and fill out the registration form. To see more information about the event, visit www.smartholstein.com/showcase.

The WKU SmartHolstein Lab in Bowling Green, Kentucky is located just 70 miles from Nashville, Tennessee and near Mammoth Cave National Park, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, and other local attractions.

About the WKU SmartHolstein Lab

The WKU SmartHolstein Lab is a partnership between Holstein Association USA and the Western Kentucky University Department of Agriculture and Food Science, designed to be a research, development, and demonstration center for the dairy industry. The WKU SmartHolstein Lab leads Holstein and dairy advancements through research, development, and outreach in technologies, analytics, and genetics. Learn more about the WKU SmartHolstein Lab at www.smartholstein.com.

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Luck-E Holsteins was started by Denny and Beth Engel over 50 years ago. Denny began building a handpicked herd of Registered Holsteins and was an early adopter of embryo transfer. Today, the farm is known worldwide for their elite genetics, as Matt and Joe continue to carry out the legacy started by their parents.

“It was all smiles when we got the phone call about the recognition,” Joe Engel says. “We know there are a lot of great breeders out there and be to be selected among the group of past recipients is just a huge, huge honor for us.”.

Matt and Joe concentrate on breeding cows with extreme width throughout, high-quality udders, high components, and superior health traits. They have steadily incorporated red, polled, and A2A2 genetics into the herd and use IVF technology to enhance their marketing and breeding strategies.

Some influential cows from the Luck-E herd include Luck-E Blitz Australia VG-87, Luck-E Advent Asia-ET EX-94 2E, Luck-E McGucci Afro EX-94, Luck-E Advent Kandie-Red EX-95 2E 96MS, Luck-E Royal Klassy EX-94, and Luck-E Linjet Twizzle EX-95.

The herd is impressive on many levels, with over 650 Excellent cows carrying the Luck-E prefix, 18 Gold Medal Dams and 28 Dams of Merit to date, and current heifer genomics averaging +2.58 PTA Type.

Equally remarkable is Matt and Joe’s ability to market Luck-E genetics. In addition to successful sales domestically, they’ve exported over 1,000 embryos. The farm is also a popular tour stop for Holstein enthusiasts from around the world, and they’ve hosted many international interns on the farm over the years.

Matt and Joe are thankful for the opportunities and encouragement given to them by their parents and dairy industry mentors.

“We've been really blessed to have a good start. We had wonderful mentors at the farm and at shows like Bill Beghorn, and we try to be the mentors for the next generation,” Matt Engel says. “If we can help you, we will, because so many people did it for us and we'll never be able to repay that. So, we're at least going to try.”

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“I’m certainly honored and humbled to join the list that have gone before me with the Distinguished Leadership award,” Tom Morris says. “Certainly, a lot of them on the list were my mentors as I read down through them.”

Tom’s interest in the Registered Holstein® business started on his family’s southeast Wisconsin farm, Arwyn Farms, owned and operated by his father and uncle. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison to study Dairy Science and took home the high individual honor in the 1971 Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest at World Dairy Expo.

After graduating college, Tom took a position at Northwoods Technical College in New Richmond, Wisconsin. He joined two other young instructors and started the nine-month dairy herdsman program from the ground up.

In 1977, Tom and his wife Sandy established Deronda Farm. Along with their children Moriah and Adam, they built a select group of Registered Holstein cattle, concentrating on showing and merchandising. In a dozen years, they developed more than 200 Excellent cows and conducted three complete herd dispersals.

Throughout this time, Tom also worked as an associate with Alvin R. Piper’s International Holstein Sales. This spurred his interest in auctioneering, and in 1982, he formed Tom Morris Ltd., a sale management business. After partnering with Jim Hoskens Ltd. for the first few years, Tom and Sandy went on to manage over 500 Holstein auctions from coast to coast including nine National Holstein Convention sales and 35 World Classic Sales at World Dairy Expo.

Always in tune to marketing and merchandising dairy cattle, Tom and Sandy took their experiences in advertising to launch the Cattle Connection in 1990.

Tom has mentored the next generation in many ways, from coaching dairy judging teams to helping college dairy clubs conduct sales and auctioneering at the Polk County Fair Junior Livestock Sale. He has served Holstein Association USA at the local, state, and National levels and been a member of the Holstein Foundation Board of Trustees.

Tom has also been highly involved in World Dairy Expo since attending the first one in 1967, serving as chair of the Dairy Cattle Exhibitors Committee, as an Executive Committee member, and Vice-President of the Board of Directors.

From adding the sizzle to high-profile sales like the World Classic to breeding his own herd of elite Registered Holsteins and creating the Cattle Connection, Tom has been a trailblazer in several aspects of the dairy industry.

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“Over the years, I’ve put countless hours into researching cow families, pedigrees, and different traits to make breeding decisions. If you ask people around me, I pretty much eat, sleep, and breath dairy cattle genetics,” Tim Rauen says. “So, to get recognized for this award, it means the world to me.”

Tim’s connection to the dairy industry started at his grandparents’ and uncle’s farm, Farnear Holsteins in Farley, Iowa. He also became involved in the Junior Holstein Association, competing in the showring, participating in youth competitions, and attending National Holstein Conventions.

These experiences led Tim to Iowa State University, where he majored in Dairy Science. While in college, he started building his own herd of Registered Holsteins with the help of his uncles by investing in heifers backed by multiple generations of Excellent and Very Good dams. Being an early adopter of technology also allowed for faster genetic progress and played a key role in the success of Tim’s breeding program.

In 2014, Tim became a founding partner in GenoSource. In his role as Directing Manager and Genetics Manager, Tim oversees the day-to-day activities on the farm and manages the breeding program. With the use of IVF and ET technologies, he has created an advanced genetic program.

Tim places an emphasis on production, health, and efficiency traits along with strong maternal bloodlines. Under his direction, GenoSource successfully markets embryos internationally and continuously supply bulls to A.I.

Tim enjoys sharing his passion for the dairy industry with his wife Jennifer and their five children. Tim is also an active Iowa Holstein Association member and a softball and basketball coach in his community.

The breeder behind numerous chart-topping cows and bulls, Tim’s success speaks for itself. However, it’s the experiences and people along the way, along with his focus and vision for the future, that set this year’s Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder apart.

“It really comes down to passion, focus, and trying to surround yourself with good people,” Tim says. “That's really a key formula I feel my success has built on over the last 25 years. I've tried to surround myself with great people, and great people have supported me on the backside.”

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This season’s episode takes viewers on a journey through dairying across the four seasons — spring, summer, fall and winter — while traveling to meet the dedicated individuals and families behind U.S. Registered Holsteins. From lush spring pastures to the tranquil beauty of winter barns, the show highlights the hard work, resilience, and innovation that define the dairy industry year-round.

“Holstein America showcases the incredible spirit of dairy farmers and the role U.S. Registered Holsteins play in feeding our communities,” says Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA CEO. “This episode beautifully illustrates how dedication and progress never take a season off — dairy farmers are constantly adapting, improving and leading with ingenuity every day of the year.”

Airing at the start of National Dairy Month, the June 4 broadcast offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate dairy families and their contributions to wholesome, nutritious dairy products enjoyed around the globe. From the East Coast to America’s Dairyland, the Great Lakes to the South, this episode of Holstein America highlights dairy farm families committed to raising high-quality Registered Holsteins. They also serve their communities by way of delicious products, informative farm tours, and advocacy efforts.

Sponsored by Merck Animal Health, Holstein America is the only nationally televised program dedicated to Registered Holsteins and the people who care for them.

Don’t miss Holstein America at 6:30 p.m. CST/7:30 p.m. EST, Wednesday, June 4, on RFD-TV. The network is available on DISH Network, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Charter Spectrum, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Suddenlink and many other rural cable systems. Check local listings for details. In addition, RFD-TV can be streamed online via RFD-TV Now at watchrfdtv.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, iOS, Android, Firestick, Apple TV and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package.

Following the broadcast, visit www.holsteinusa.com to watch this and previous episodes of Holstein America. Follow Holstein Association USA on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive program highlights.

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“The 2024 Herds of Excellence are wonderful examples of all that is possible with the Registered Holstein cow,” says Holstein Association USA CEO Lindsey Worden. “From intentional breeding programs to carefully managed cow comfort, the recipients work hard each day to maximize the potential of their herds. Congratulations to this year’s recipients on their well-deserved honor!”

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)

Fustead Holsteins — The Fust Family, Wausau, Wisconsin
72.4% homebred; AACS — 83.2 points
ME Production Averages — 32,829 M 1,489F 1,071P
First Year Honoree

Medium Herd Size Division (100-499 Cows)

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 2024 Herds of Excellence!

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Brattleboro, Vt., May 7, 2025 — The 2024 Star of the Breed is described as the “kind of cow you’d like to have a whole herd of.” A trouble-free cow with high production, impressive components, eye-catching type, and an easy-going personality, Ms Shadow QCove Magnificent embodies the Star of the Breed award.

Established in 2007, Holstein Association USA’s Star of the Breed award honors an elite Registered Holstein cow with outstanding production and exceptional type. The 2024 Star of the Breed is owned by Ohio Holstein breeders Quietcove Holsteins and Kurt Wolf.

“Magnificent is a beautiful cow, not only to look at but also to work with. She produces high volumes of milk with really high components,” says owner Kurt Wolf of Shadow-W Holsteins and Boarding.

Ms Shadow QCove Magnificent qualified for the award with her three-year-old production record of 42,390 pounds of milk with 2,471 pounds of fat (5.8%) and 1,298 pounds of protein (3.1%). She’s classified Excellent 92 and placed fourth as a Junior Three-Year-Old at the Mid-East Summer National Show in 2024.

Magnificent is a Walnutlawn Sidekick out of a maternal line Kurt and Quietcove Holsteins have found success with. Both Magnificent’s dam, Shadow-W Denver Mile High EX-94, and grandam, Shadow-W Reginald Marian EX-95 3E, have been named All-National Five-Year Old Cow.

Magnificent is a cow Kurt appreciates having on the farm.

“She’s easy going, she’s easy to work with, and she’s a problem free type of cow,” Kurt describes. “She’s got a will to milk and does it very easily. She’s also reproductively sound and breeds back right away.”

The 2024 Star of the Breed will be recognized during Holstein Association USA’s 139th Annual Meeting at the 2025 National Holstein Convention in Saint Louis, Missouri this summer. To learn more or register for convention, visit www.holsteinconvention.com.

About The Award

To be eligible for the Star of the Breed award, a cow must place in the top five in her class at a National Holstein Show, be in a herd enrolled in the TriStarSM program and have an official classification score.

Once the eligible cows are determined, the following calculation is used to determine the award recipient: Combined Mature Equivalent (ME) Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score X (Breed Average ME CFP/Breed Average Age Adjusted Score.)


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Brattleboro, Vt., April 1, 2025 — Holstein Association USA is thrilled to announce the 2025 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) Semifinalists and 2025 Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) Finalists. The National Junior Holstein Association is a dynamic organization for youth under the age of 21, with over 8,000 active members in 48 states.

The Distinguished Junior Member award is the highest achievement for National Junior Holstein Association members. Established in 1922, it’s the longest-running Holstein Youth Program and recognizes the commitment of Junior members to the Holstein breed, the dairy industry, and other agricultural related activities.

“For over a century, we’ve been recognizing deserving Junior members with the DJM award,” says Kelli Dunklee, Event and Program Lead for Holstein Association USA and the Holstein Foundation. “It’s rewarding to see the impact the National Junior Holstein Association has had on our DJM semifinalists and YDJM finalists and we’re excited to see where these outstanding young people are headed in the future.”

Ten young adults ages 17 to 20 were selected as semifinalists. They were judged through an application process including a resume, story of their Junior Holstein work, essay questions, video elements, and more.

The 2025 Distinguished Junior Member Semifinalists are:

Lauren Breunig, Sauk City, WI
Rachel Craun, Bridgewater, VA
Delana Erbsen, Lanark, IL
Evan Hathaway, Barneveld, WI
Alexis Hoefs, New Prague, MN
Katheryn Longenecker, Williamsburg, PA
Brianna Meyer, Chilton, WI
Katelyn Poitras, Brimfield, MA
Garrett Ulness, Valders, WI
Lauryn Young, Buhl, ID

The DJM semifinalists will be interviewed and recognized at the National Holstein Convention being held June 23 to 26, 2025 in Saint Louis, Missouri. The DJM finalists will be announced during the Junior Awards Breakfast on Thursday, June 26.

Eight finalists will also be recognized with Holstein Association USA’s Young Distinguished Junior Member award. The YDJM recognition honors youth ages 9 to 16, who demonstrate a firsthand working knowledge of the dairy industry. Applicants must be involved in the Junior Holstein Association and other agricultural activities, be role models for other youth, and good spokespeople for the dairy industry.

The 2025 Young Distinguished Junior Member Finalists are:

Justin Brandel, Lake Mills, WI
Gavin Carncross, Lodi, WI
Chloe Chapman, Keyes, CA
Elyse Mead, Biglerville, PA
Abby Meyer, Chilton, WI
Hannah Scott, Westgate, IA
Olivia VanEvera, Cobleskill, NY
Grant Yoder, Belleville, PA

To learn more about the 2025 National Holstein Convention visit www.holsteinconvention.com. Registration for the event is currently open and hotel rooms are available to be booked at the Saint Louis Union Station Hotel.

For more information about the DJM and YDJM contests or other Holstein youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vt., February 26, 2025 — The 2025 National Judges Conference will be held on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Quietcove Holsteins in Wapakoneta, Ohio. Registration is now open for the event.

“We welcome you to attend the 2025 National Judges Conference at Quietcove Holsteins,” says Tim Ziemba, Holstein Association USA’s National Show Coordinator. “We appreciate the Elsass family for opening their doors to us and displaying their cattle, providing a realistic ‘show ring’ atmosphere for an immersive learning experience.”

The conference is designed to sharpen participants’ judging skills, deepen their understanding of Holstein cattle evaluation, and promote consistency in the show ring. By providing expert guidance and hands-on experience, the conference develops a trusted network of highly qualified judges that shows of all sizes can rely on when making judging selections.

The Judges Conference will include in-depth classroom sessions led by experienced judges. Attendees will also participate in hands-on learning activities, including placing classes of heifers and cows and giving a set of reasons. Participants will also listen to placing and reasons from both fellow attendees and officials.

Schedule of events:

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Brattleboro, Vt., February 14, 2025 — Registration is open for the 2025 National Holstein Convention being held June 23-26, 2025, at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. The convention will feature local farm tours, educational seminars, Holstein Association USA’s Annual meeting, contests and workshops for Junior Holstein members, award recognitions, and much more!

“The theme of this year’s convention is ‘Meet Me in St. Louis,’ — and Holstein enthusiasts from across the country are welcome to do just that,” says Holstein Association USA CEO Lindsey Worden. “We have a full lineup of engaging activities for adults and Juniors alike to enjoy. Be sure to check out the Convention schedule and register soon!”

Registration Details

Early bird registration is now open and will run through April 14, 2025. This option offers convention tickets at a discounted price. Tickets will be available to purchase at a standard price from April 15 to May 31, 2025. After May 31, late registration will be available until June 6, 2025, for additional fees.

Two ticket packages are also being offered for the convention. Package options provide adults and Juniors who plan to attend all or most of National Holstein Convention with a discounted price on tickets. Individual meal and activity tickets are also available for purchase. To learn more about ticket package options or register for the convention, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/registration.

Hotel Rooms Available

Hotel rooms are available for booking at the historic Union Station Hotel, the Convention headquarters. Originally a bustling train station, the architectural gem combines old-world charm with modern comforts. The hotel is also attached to the Union Station, which is home to restaurants and attractions including the St. Louis Wheel, a ropes course, mini golf, carousel, and more.

The discounted convention hotel room rates will be applied from June 21 to 27, 2025, as room availability lasts. To learn more or book a hotel room, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/accommodations. All room reservations must be made by June 1, 2025, as availability lasts.

Convention Details

The 2025 National Holstein Convention will kick-off with the Local Lens Farm Tour on Monday, June 23, featuring three local farms that have all found their unique niche in the dairy industry. Tuesday, June 24 will bring Holstein Horizons — a day of engaging and educational seminars led by industry experts. That evening, attendees will enjoy dinner and tour the St. Louis Aquarium during Family Night Under the Sea.

Wednesday, June 25 will bring Holstein Association USA’s Annual Meeting, along with the Awards Luncheon. The board candidate forum will take place in the afternoon, followed by the National Convention Sale, managed by the Cattle Exchange, that evening. Convention will wrap up on Thursday, June 26, with the conclusion of the Annual Meeting and the Junior Awards Breakfast.

Junior Holstein members will also stay busy throughout the week competing in contests, attending workshops, and meeting new friends during fun evening activities. To see a more detailed schedule for the convention, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/schedule.

For those wanting to extend their trip, St. Louis offers many family friendly activities, rich history, live entertainment, iconic landmarks, and sporting events. For more details on St. Louis highlights, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/experience-st-louis.

Learn more at www.holsteinconvention.com or reach out to [email protected] with questions. If you need assistance using the online Convention registration website, call Holstein Association USA customer service at 800.952.5200.

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Brattleboro, Vt., February 11, 2025 — Holstein Association USA is excited to announce the 2025 National Holstein Convention Internship, an exceptional opportunity for students pursuing careers in dairy, agriculture, or communications-related fields. This internship will take place from June 20 to July 3, 2025, and include a trip to National Holstein Convention, being held June 23-26, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.

“If you’re a creative, organized, and driven individual looking to gain hands-on experience in event planning, media coverage, and communications, we hope you’ll consider applying for this internship,” says Emily Bosch, Senior Communications Manager at Holstein Association USA. “National Holstein Convention provides a fun, fast-paced, and professional environment to level up your communication skills and gain hands-on experience.”

The intern will work alongside Holstien Association USA’s communications team to cover convention activities and award winners and assist with event operations. From creating engaging social media content to writing press releases and assisting with photography, this role offers a wide range of communication experiences.

Key Responsibilities:

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and passionate about both communications and agriculture. Applicants should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dairy, agriculture, or communications-related fields. Key qualifications include:

The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and passionate about both communications and agriculture. Applicants should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dairy, agriculture, or communications-related fields. Key qualifications include:

Interested candidates must submit their applications by March 21, 2025. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. For the full job description and additional information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/association/employment.html.

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Brattleboro, Vt., February 4, 2025 — Holstein Association USA is excited to announce the top Holstein Breed Age Average (BAA%) herds for 2024 classifications. This recognition highlights the outstanding dedication of Holstein breeders nationwide who participate in the Classic or Standard options of the Holstein classification program.

“With the Classic and Standard program options herds receive a whole herd BAA, using each animal’s age and stage of lactation balancing the scale for all animals,” says Amy Fletcher, Senior Manager of Classification Operations. “Congratulations to all the Registered Holstein breeders earning a spot on the Top BAA lists, it is a great achievement.”

In 2024, 924 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 66, and the average BAA% was 108.2.

Topping the 2024 highest overall BAA list is Triple-T Holsteins from North Lewisburg, Ohio, with a BAA of 116.9. Also earning top five honors are:

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 found under the Popular List section on the homepage or directly at www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/baa_lists_2024.html. Congratulations to all herds on these lists!

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Brattleboro, Vt., January 23, 2025 — Holstein enthusiasts are invited to gather in Saint Louis for the 2025 National Holstein Convention this summer. The convention will be held from June 23-26, 2025, at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. With the theme “Meet Me in St. Louis,” the convention will feature farm tours, educational seminars, award recognition, and Holstein Association USA’s Annual Meeting, along with contests, workshops, and activities for youth.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming the dairy community to join us in exploring Saint Louis this summer. This Gateway City feels like a big city with a small-town charm and has so much to offer, from family-friendly fun to live entertainment to exhilarating sporting events,” says Holstein Association USA Event & Program Lead Kelli Dunklee. “Additionally, we have a full line up of exciting activities planned for both adults and Juniors at National Holstein Convention.”

With its rich history and iconic landmarks, Saint Louis provides a perfect gathering place for Holstein enthusiasts of all ages. From engaging seminars and networking with industry leaders to exploring other farms and participating in association business, attendees will maximize their time at National Holstein Convention. Registration for convention will be available in mid-February at www.holsteinconvention.com.

Convention Schedule
National Holstein Convention will kick off on Monday, June 23 with a breakfast buffet and the Local Lens Farm Tour. Attendees will visit three Registered Holstein farms that have found their niche in the dairy industry through innovation — Wilra Farms, Carters Corner, and Rolling Lawns Farm. The day will also include lunch and a stop at The Milk House, the charming storefront for Rolling Lawns Farm. Junior Holstein members will wrap up the day with Dairy Jeopardy Orientation and a Great Gatsby inspired dance.

Holstein Horizons will be held on Tuesday, June 24. The program will feature a variety of enriching seminars, including a panel focused on farm transition planning and experts on topics like dairy cattle longevity, biosecurity, and dairy product innovations. Youth will stay busy with Dairy Jeopardy, speech contests, and the dairy knowledge exam. The trade show will also be open throughout the day. In the evening, adults and youth will come together for a fun filled family night at the aquarium attached to the hotel.

Wednesday, June 25 will bring Holstein Association USA’s 139th Annual Meeting and Board Candidate Forum. An Awards Luncheon will honor Holstein Association USA’s award recipients, and the National Holstein Convention Sale will follow that evening. The Dairy Bowl contest, workshop, Junior Forum, and an evening activity will be offered for youth.

The 2025 convention will wrap up on Thursday, June 26 with the conclusion of Holstein Association USA’s Annual Meeting, Dairy Bowl finals, and the Junior Awards Breakfast, where the Distinguished Junior Member finalists are announced and Junior Holstein members are recognized. For a full National Holstein Convention schedule, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/schedule.

Hotel Rooms Available

Breeder Advertising Opportunities

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Brattleboro, Vt., January 7, 2025 — Launched in 2020, the Virtual Interview Contest provides Junior Holstein Association members the opportunity to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills. The virtual format of the contest allows Junior members from across the country to easily participate and practice interviewing in a realistic setting.

“Competing in the Virtual Interview Contest for several years has definitely helped me improve my interview skills,” says Junior Holstein Association member Rachel Craun. “I have used the feedback received from judges to prepare my resume and cover letter when applying for internships. Thanks to the skills gained from this contest, I have landed several awesome internship opportunities.”

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. Every participant also receives constructive feedback from the judges.

Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Chloe Chapman, California
2nd place: Brady McConnell, Wisconsin
3rd place: Josiah Freier, New York

Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Sydney Bullard, Maine
2nd place: Elsie Donlick, New York
3rd place: Sophia Geppert, Missouri

Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Rachel Craun, Virginia
2nd place: Alexis Hoefs, Minnesota
3rd place: Mark Freier, New York

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.

“I really enjoyed participating in this year's Virtual Interview Contest,” says Junior Holstein member Josiah Freier. “I sharpened my communication skills while interacting and learning from great people in the dairy industry from across the country. I encourage all Junior Holstein members to take up this great opportunity as well.”

For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, or other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/ or contact Kelli Dunklee at [email protected].

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Brattleboro, Vt., January 6, 2025 — Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) recently announced several promotions among senior staff members. The promotions and new positions, along with the plethora of products, programs, and services offered, position HAUSA well to continue to serve Registered Holstein® breeders and the broader dairy community.

Lindsey Worden was introduced as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on June 20, 2024, following a comprehensive interview process with the HAUSA Board of Directors. Lindsey assumed her official duties as CEO on January 1, 2025, succeeding John Meyer as the 10th CEO of Holstein Association USA after his retirement on December 31, 2024.

“I am humbled to follow in John Meyer’s footsteps and have been grateful to work alongside him and witness many of the significant achievements our organization has enjoyed under his leadership,” CEO Worden says. “I am honored to be named Holstein Association USA’s next CEO, and excited to navigate the opportunities and challenges that will propel us into the future, while respecting and honoring our organization’s rich history.”

During her 17-year tenure at HAUSA, Lindsey has held several positions including college intern, Public Relations Specialist, Communications Manager, Executive Director of the Holstein Genetic Services Department, and most recently, Chief Operating Officer. The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate also serves the dairy industry as Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Board Chair, a National Pedigreed Livestock Council Director, and Councilor for the World Holstein Friesian Federation.

“One of Holstein Association USA’s strengths lies in the talent and dedication of our team. I am proud to work alongside all of our staff, who all play a key part in helping HAUSA achieve our mission of providing programs, products and services to help dairy producers worldwide be successful, regardless of their role within the organization,” said CEO Worden.

Dr. Jeffrey Bewley has been promoted to Executive Director of Genetic Programs and Innovation. In this role, Dr. Bewley will be responsible for leading efforts in developing and providing high quality, unbiased information and decision support tools that can be used by dairy producers worldwide to breed more profitable Holstein cattle. Dr. Bewley has been with the Holstein Association for over four years as our Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist.

Jason Ewing has been promoted to Western Region Sales Manager, where he will be responsible for overseeing the sales team covering the western half of the United States, and serving a territory of his own in the central part of the country. Jason has been with the Holstein Association for two years as a Regional Sales Representative.

Jenifer Levisee has been promoted to Senior Director of Herdbook Services, where she will lead the team responsible for producing and providing the gamut of identification products and services, as well as overseeing quality assurance programs, and the customer service team. Jen has been with the Association for over 26 years, working in various roles within the Quality Assurance department for most of that time.

Sarah Sarbacker joined the HAUSA team in November 2024 as Director of Sales and Market Development. In this role, Sarah is responsible for leading strategic initiatives aimed at expanding market presence, enhancing member engagement, developing and executing comprehensive sales strategies, and identifying new market opportunities.

Daren Sheffield has been promoted to Senior Director of Performance Programs, Membership and Governance. Daren is a 20-year veteran of the organization and provides valuable oversight and guidance to several value-added programs and services that Holstein Association USA offers. He will serve as a steward for HAUSA membership processes and programs for both adult and Junior members, and oversees the organization’s governance processes.

	Lindsey Worden	Dr. Jeffrey Bewley	Jason Ewing
	Jenifer Levisee	Sarah Sarbacker	Daren Sheffield

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Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services, and Holstein semen.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT., represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States. To learn more about Registered Holsteins® and the other exciting programs offered by the Holstein Association, visit www.holsteinusa.com, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.