Youth Compete in Dairy Knowledge Events at National Junior Holstein Convention

Brattleboro, Vt. (June 29, 2015)...Youth showed off their dairy knowledge in Dairy Bowl and Dairy Jeopardy competitions at the 2015 National Holstein Convention, held June 23 -26, in St. Charles, Illinois. Almost 185 youth competed in the two contests, many of whom qualified at the state level to earn a spot to compete nationally with their team.

Dairy Bowl

Dairy Bowl is a fast-paced competition in which teams of four compete head-to-head to see who can buzz in first to answer questions related to the dairy industry. A total of 28 teams competed in two divisions.

The Junior Division (ages 9-15) championship round came down to teams from Florida and Illinois. Illinois was victorious in the junior division, with a team consisting of Emma Carlson, Jared Dickman, Connor Erbsen, and Lane Heinzmann, with coaches John Mitchell, Becky Meier, and Glen Meier. The runner-up in this division, Florida, consisted of teammates Hunter Fioretto, Michael Fioretto, Garrett Greaves, and Cady McGehee, with coaches Chris Holcomb and Dianne Spann. Placing in the top five teams were Wisconsin, third, Pennsylvania, fourth, and Maryland, fifth.

Senior Division (ages 16-21) finalists consisted of Illinois and New York, with Illinois emerging as champion. The team was made up of Sarah Duncan, Emily Irwin, Dylan Reed, and Ryan Sheehan, with John Mitchell, Becky Meier, and Glen Meier as coaches. The second place team, New York, consisted of Allison Herrick, Emily Lampson, Alton Rudgers, and Tracey Rudgers, with coach William Herrick. Rounding out the top five teams in the senior competition were Maryland, third, Wisconsin, fourth, and Florida, fifth.

J. George and Anna Smith Sportsmanship Awards

This is the first year for the Sportsmanship Awards established by J. George and Anna Smith, who named the Holstein Foundation as a beneficiary of their charitable remainder trust. The Smiths founded Rock-I farm in the early 1940s in Oswego, Illinois. J. George Smith was a National Distinguished Junior member finalist in 1935 and served as a director of Holstein Association USA. Anna Smith was a 4-H leader for over 25 years.

In the heat of competition, it is important for teams to maintain sportsmanlike conduct. One team in each division is given an award for exemplifying the principles of courtesy, friendliness, and team spirit. The junior division team that best displayed these attributes was Maryland, made up of Todd Allen, Jordyn Griffin, Ryan Allen, and Shelby Iager. They were coached by Carole Doody. Senior division honors went to Iowa, with a team consisting of Sally Hamlett, Royce Demmer, Kaleb Kruse, and Ethan Hammerand. They were coached by Jeff Hammerand.

Dairy Knowledge

The Dairy Knowledge exam attracted more than 170 participants, who tested their knowledge with a 25-question written test. It is open to any youth, without pre-registration. Participants are given one of two tests, depending on their age. The winners of each age division were:

Junior Division
1st – Siana Barrett, California
2nd – Mackenzie Elmer, California
3rd – Haley Fernandes, California

Senior Division
1st – Alex Gambonini, California;
2nd – Sarah Duncan, Illinois
3rd – Cody Getschel, Wisconsin

Dairy Jeopardy

More than 70 participants, broken into three divisions, competed in Dairy Jeopardy. Based on the popular TV game show, youth compete individually, answering dairy industry-related questions and wagering points, testing not only their industry knowledge but their critical thinking and risk management skills. The top three individuals in each division were:

Junior Division
1st – Caroline Arrowsmith, Pennsylvania
2nd – Siana Barrett, California
3rd – Blake Wright, Missouri

Intermediate Division
1st – Nathan Arthur, Iowa
2nd – Logan Potts, Virginia
3rd – Alex Gambonini, California

Senior Division
1st – Travis Holtzinger, Pennsylvania
2nd – Elizabeth Endres, Wisconsin
3rd – Amber Gabel, Pennsylvania

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Mil-R-Mor Calf Donated to National Sale to Benefit Holstein Foundation

Brattleboro, Vt. (June 4, 2015)… Bob and Kaye Miller of Mil-R-Mor Farm, Orangeville, Illinois, have generously donated a Holstein calf to be sold at the National Holstein Convention Sale, Wednesday, June 24, with the proceeds to go to the Holstein Foundation. The sale will be held during the National Holstein Convention and Annual Meeting, June 23-26, in St. Charles, Illinois.

“We wanted to do something special for the convention sale this year, since it is in our home state of Illinois,” Bob Miller said. “As we transition our own business to the next generation, it also seems fitting to benefit young dairy enthusiasts by donating a calf to the Holstein Foundation.”

Mil-R-Mor Drm Reflection-ET, born on March 27, 2015, is from the heart of the Roxy family, descended from an EX-91 Duplex x EX 90 Storm x VG 87 Fargo x VG 89 Elevation x Roxy 4E 97 GMD. With Roxy as her fifth dam, the calf is one of the closest living descendants of Roxy.

“Many of our grandkids have benefitted from participating in Holstein Foundation activities including Dairy Bowl, Dairy Jeopardy, youth shows, and the Young Dairy Leaders Institute,” Bob Miller said. “Kaye and I have seen the results of these programs first-hand and think they are a valuable way for kids to start a life-long love of the dairy industry. The knowledge they have gained and passion for cows has served our grandkids well. With this donation, want to help make sure other young dairy kids have the same opportunities.”

Find out more about the Holstein Foundation at: www.holsteinfoundation.org

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Young Dairy Leaders Institute Concludes Phase I

Brattleboro, Vt. (April 7, 2015)... Fifty-seven young adults from the United States and Canada came together in Phoenix in February as Class 9 of Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), a cornerstone program of the Holstein Foundation.

After the class, members had plenty to say about YDLI In their feedback surveys:

• This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only network with future leaders, but to solidify my commitment to the future of this industry.
• Prior to YDLI, I was at a crossroads in my dairy industry involvement. YDLI helped me find my direction.
• YDLI has motivated and inspired me at a time in my life when I have been feeling stuck, stressed, and stagnant. It has given me something to strive for, goals to achieve, and positive energy to move forward.
• I am truly blown away by the skill sets that have been brought together and really look forward to the progression.
• One of the best leadership, or any, programs I have been to!

The Week’s Activities
Most took a pre-conference tour of two dairy farms in the Casa Grande area: T & K Red River Dairy and Shamrock Farms. Then the class started off with an interactive training session about personalities.  "Create a Leadership Oasis using Behavioral Styles to Influence Others" was led by Marnie Green of the Management Education Group. Following that, Paul Vitale conducted an inspirational session, "Legendary Leadership in Action," and talked about building on community support and partnerships.

David Pelzer and Michele Ruby from David Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) led a training session in communications. Jamie Vander Molen, also from DMI, conducted a session on how to develop a personal brand and use a variety of social media channels to tell the story of dairy to consumers. Then class members put their newly learned skills to use in the field, interviewing people on the Arizona State University campus. They talked to more than 200 people, to find out their perceptions about how food is produced in this country, how they believe animals are cared for by farmers, and more. Laura Daniels, YDLI advisory board member, gave the evening keynote presentation, and talked about how personal stories can connect farmers with people who eat.

On the last day of the class, Mark Mayfield taught strategies to use for stress management and Monty Miller led a presentation training workshop. The Holstein Foundation also recognized Chandler Goule, senior vice president of programs for the National Farmers Union and a graduate of YDLI Class 5, as 2015 Distinguished Alumni Leader.

Jodi Hoynoski, manager of Holstein Foundation programs, wrapped up the workshops by leaving them with assignments to be completed in the year ahead during Phase II of their YDLI training. A banquet and a comedy show by Mark Mayfield closed out Phase I of YDLI Class 9. Phase II is underway already—the class is working on community outreach projects.  Then, during Phase III, held in February 2016, they will give presentations on these projects as well as learn group leadership skills such as media training, conflict resolution, and influencing public policy.

Applications for YDLI Class 10 will be due August 1, 2016.  To sign-up for an email notification when applications are available, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org/YDLI/ydli.html.

For more information on other Holstein Foundation programs, go to www.holsteinfoundation.org or contact Jodi Hoynoski, 802.451.4261 or email Jodi.

***Note: A class photo is available, as well as photos of other regional groups.

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Holstein Foundation’s YDLI Class 9 Set to Begin in February

Brattleboro, Vt. (February 10, 2015)… The Holstein Foundation staff is preparing for the kick-off of Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Class 9, which meets for Phase I February 25–28, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Sixty young adults from the United States and Canada will be a part of Class 9 of YDLI, a cornerstone program for the Holstein Foundation.

The three-phase program takes place over 12 months. Phase I includes hands-on workshops to improve attendees' leadership, communication, and advocacy skills. It also offer opportunities for networking and building enthusiasm for the dairy industry.

The class will tour Dugan and Shamrock dairies in the Casa Grande areas as a pre-tour conference. This will be the first time that YDLI has met in Phoenix; in previous years, classes have met in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Florida.

In Phase II, which takes place in the year between Phase I and III, class members develop and use their new skills in a community outreach project of their choice. Phase III, held February 24-27, 2016, will focus on group leadership skills and topics such as advanced communication training, conflict resolution skills, and influencing public policy. Class members will give presentations on their Phase II projects.

The Holstein Foundation thanks these YDLI Class 9 sponsors:

Platinum Sponsors: Allflex USA, CHS Foundation, DairyBusiness Communications, Dairy Herd Management, Dairy Management Inc., Dean Foods Foundation, Farm Credit System Foundation, Hoard’s Dairyman, Holstein Association USA, Land O’Lakes Foundation, Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation, and Zoetis.
Gold Sponsors: Cargill and Deere & Company.

Silver Sponsors: Accelerated Genetics, Center for Dairy Excellence, GEA Farm Technologies, Inc., Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.

Bronze Sponsors: COBA Select Sires, Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement, Horace Backus Fund, Merial Ltd., and Select Sires GenerVations.

The first class of YDLI was held in 1994; it now has more than 500 alumni. For more information about YDLI and other Holstein Foundation programs, go to www.holsteinfoundation.org, or contact Jodi Hoynoski, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or by email.

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Groves and Stoll Join Holstein Foundation Board

Brattleboro, Vt. (February 3, 2015)… Brad Groves, of Billings, Missouri, and Rod Stoll, of Savoy, Illinois, are the newest trustees named to the Holstein Foundation board of trustees. The 12-member board oversees the direction of the Holstein Foundation’s youth and young adult educational and leadership development programs.

About Brad Groves

Brad Groves is the fourth generation on Groves View Dairy, where they milk 200 head of Registered Holsteins and Brown Swiss, and which received Century Farm status in 2013. The Groves-Vu prefix can be found nationally and internationally.

Groves served as co-chairman of the Host Day committee for the 2012 National Holstein Convention, held in Springfield, Missouri. He is also director at large for the Missouri Holstein Association and a 2014 graduate of the Young Dairy Leaders Institute.

“It is my pleasure to have been asked to join the Holstein Foundation board,” Groves said. “Holstein Association USA and the Holstein Foundation have done so much for me, I think it's time to help make decisions to help out the next recipient who will be touched by activities available through the Foundation.”

About Rod Stoll

Rod Stoll is vice president of marketplace engagement for Farm Credit Illinois. He grew up on a dairy and grain farm in Chestnut, Illinois, and earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from the University of Illinois. He worked for Monsanto’s dairy business, then as director of development for the University of Illinois’ College of ACES Advancement Office and the Illinois 4-H Foundation. He joined Farm Credit in 2007.

Stoll is a certified basketball official and a Big Brother in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program. He has served as a co-lead facilitator at 25 college LeaderShape Institutes around the country, and has moderated the Dairy Bowl at the National Holstein Convention’s Dairy Bowl for 23 years. “My extraordinary experiences working with Junior Holstein members as a Dairy Bowl volunteer since 1991 created a special place in my heart for the important work of the Holstein Foundation,” Stoll said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to join the Holstein Foundation’s board team and commit to being a loyal advocate and faithful steward of the organization in this trustee role.”

For more information about Holstein Foundation programs, including Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), visit www.holsteinfoundation.org or contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or by email.

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Holstein Foundation Names Chandler Goule as
2015 Young Dairy Leaders Institute Distinguished Alumnus

Brattleboro, Vt. (January 6, 2015)...Earnest “Chandler” Goule, of Washington, D.C., senior vice president of programs for the National Farmers Union (NFU), has been named the 2015 Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader by the Holstein Foundation.

Each year, the Holstein Foundation recognizes one YDLI alum who has made notable contributions and used the skills gained during their YDLI experience for the betterment of the dairy industry. Goule was a graduate of YDLI Class 5.

The NFU is the second largest general farm organization in the United States, with 200,000 members. Goule is one of the NFU’s media spokespeople and oversees the departments of government relations, communication, education, and membership.

"YDLI was key in my initial development as a professional,” Goule said. “It was the first time I took Meyers Briggs and learned about the 16 types of personalities. It was the first time I had any type of formal media training, and it helped me bring the entire dairy industry supply chain together and later helped when I worked on the House Agriculture Committee. The program helped me identify my strengths and my weaknesses in order to improve upon both areas. It is a great program and I am honored to receive this award.”

Goule was named to his position last March, after four-and-a-half years as the NFU’s vice president of government relations. Previous to the NFU, he worked for the U.S. House Agriculture Committee, for U.S. Rep. Collin C. Peterson, and for U.S. Rep. John S. Tanner. He earned a master’s degree from George Washington University and a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University.

Goule will be recognized during the upcoming YDLI Class 9, Phase I program, February 25–28, 2015, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Young Dairy Leaders Institute, a program of the Holstein Foundation, is a nationally recognized three-phase leadership and communication skills development program for young adults working in the dairy industry. For more information on YDLI or other Holstein Foundation programs, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org or contact Jodi Hoynoski, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or by email.

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