Brattleboro, Vt. (December 17, 2015)... Katherine Larson, of Viroqua, Wisconsin, is the grand prize winner of Holstein Association USA Inc.'s 2015 Junior Recipe Contest. She won for her Creamy Dairy Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecake, and will receive a Kindle Fire.

Her cheesecake recipe is used often for local fundraising events, Katherine says. "The best part is it raises money for Jr. Holstein and FFA members while tasting dreamingly, dairyingly delicious using five different dairy products!" Katherine also took first prize in the senior division.

Awards were given to the top individuals in each division.

Juniors
1- Mexican Lasagna – Cole Meyer, Hanover, Kansas
2- Coconut Cream Pie – Brandon Rokey, Sabetha, Kansas
3- Cherry Torte – Clarissa Ulness, Valders, Wisconsin

Intermediate
1- Charleston Cheese Dip – Sarah Lehner, Delaware, Ohio
2- Caramel Apple Skillet Cake – Ellie Ainslie, West Winfield, New York
3- Cheddar Bits – Katherine Gathje, Richmond, Minnesota

The winning recipes will be displayed by the National Holstein Women's Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) at the National Holstein Convention next summer in Saratoga Springs, New York. NHWSO will publish all the recipes in a booklet to be sold for the benefit of NHWSO.

Meanwhile, there's still time to enter the Junior Holstein Photo contest this year. Send us a photo that captures today's Registered Holstein industry with creativity and flair. Deadline: January 5, 2016. Find more information on this contest at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors/index.jsp.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (December 17, 2015)...Applications for the 2016 Holstein Association USA Inc. (HAUSA) awards that recognize notable members, breeders, and friends of the Association are due in the HAUSA office by February 26, 2016.

You may download applications for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Award from our website, www.holsteinusa.com. Recipients for each award will be announced at the final banquet, during the National Holstein Convention in Saratoga Springs, New York, on July 1, 2016.

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

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

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

Additionally, a scholarship is available to students interested in agriculture who plan to pursue their Master's Degree in Business Administration. The Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship awards $3,000 to a qualified individual pursuing their MBA at an accredited university. Applications for this scholarship are due to the Holstein office by April 15, 2016.

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Brattleboro, Vermont (December 11, 2015)...For the first time in many years, the Holstein Association USA will raise prices on some of its products and services, effective February 1, 2016. Those members enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE®, the Association's premier package program for convenience and savings, will see no increase in prices.

While the costs of doing business have increased considerably over the years, the Association has held the line on prices. For example, the membership fee was last increased in 1994.

Registration rates have not increased in 13 years, and prices for classification have not changed since 2011. Holstein COMPLETE program prices will remain at the same level they were when the program was introduced in 2002.

Even with the new registration prices, it is less expensive to register U.S. Holsteins than it is to register any other breed of dairy cattle in the United States and Canada. The new pricing schedule is outlined below.

Membership (prices effective January 1, 2016)

Registration (prices effective February 1, 2016)

Start-Up Registrations

Classification (prices effective February 1, 2016)
   Classic, Standard, and Introductory program prices are unchanged.

Consulting Services (prices effective February 1, 2016)

As a reminder, Holstein COMPLETE pricing remains unchanged.
Please call the Holstein Association Customer Service Department
at 800.952.5200 to sign up for COMPLETE.

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Brattleboro, Vermont (November 30, 2015)...The Holstein Association USA, Inc. (HAUSA) board of directors conducted its fall meeting November 17-18 in Fresno, California. President Gordie Cook of Hadley, Massachusetts, chaired the one-and-a-half day session.

The board approved the 2016 Management-by-Objective Business Plan and associated budget, as presented by management. The Business Plan forecasts growth of Holstein Association USA's core products and services, including registrations, transfers and Holstein COMPLETE® participation.

Update on 2015 Business Plan

Registrations through October totaled 309,422, which represents a one percent increase, or 3,607 animals, over 2014 year-to-date totals. Members are looking for opportunities to build their herd with registered cows and take advantage of having Registered Holsteins®.

As of October 31st, 311,064 cows in 1,825 herds were enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE®. This represents an increase of 21,790 cows, or 7.5 percent, compared to the same time last year.

Bill VerBoort, AgriTech Analytics general manager, reported 982,862 cows in 605 herds were processed in October. This represents an increase of 3.5 percent, or 38,901 cows, and an increase of 3.4 percent, or 20 herds, when compared to the same time last year.

2016 Business Plan

As part of the 2016 Management-by-Objective Business Plan, the board heard a proposal to start a four-year project to restructure and retool the Holstein Association information technology environment. The current IT systems and software at Holstein USA are in need of replacement/update to gain operational efficiencies and to help Holstein continue providing the best service possible to its members.

The board approved allocating $2,911,000 from the reserve fund for this multi-year IT project. The money is being made available as a result of the 2014 Holstein Association USA Board of Directors decision to provide, ''up to 5% annually from the reserve fund toward the betterment of the Holstein Association."

Other Business

The board approved the release of 2,207 prefixes, effective December 31, 2015. Since its inception in 2009, the board policy allows the release for reuse of a prefix after 20 years of non-use and makes it easier for members to acquire prefixes for their herds.

The list has been posted on the Holstein Association's website to give notice to membership. If someone wants to retire his or her prefix prior to the release date, they may request to do so for a $100 fee.

Upcoming Meetings

The next board meetings are:

• Spring board meeting March 23-24, 2016.
• Summer board meeting June 27-28, 2016.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (November 11, 2015)...Holstein Association USA has released its annual Pedigree Analysis of National Holstein Show winners, calculated after all 2015 National Holstein Shows were completed. The lists give you a picture of the genetics behind the cattle receiving show ring honors at the highest levels of competition.

Find the Pedigree Analysis of 2015 National Holstein Show winners at www.holsteinusa.com, under the "Popular Lists" section toward the bottom of the homepage.

Holstein females in the analysis are those that placed in the top three in their respective age classes at a National Holstein Show in 2015, a total of 162 different heifers and 215 different cows.

2015 Highlights

• Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET was the Leading Sire of 2015 National Holstein winners, siring 63 daughters who took the top three places in their classes. He was also the Leading Sire of winning heifers, 33, and the second leading sire of cows, at 30.
  
  
• Atwood took over from his sire, Braedale Goldwyn, who had been the Leading Sire for five years. This year, Goldwyn was the second Leading Sire, of 53 winning daughters, and the Leading Sire of cows, with 40. Pine-Tree Sid-ET, in third place overall, sired 32 daughters in the top three places. Sid was also the second Leading Sire of heifers.
  
  
• Once again, Braedale Goldwyn capped all the Leading Maternal Grandsires lists, siring 26 heifers and 33 cows who placed in the top three. Regancrest Dundee-ET was the second Leading Sire in all three lists in this category with a total of 47.
  
  The combination of Pine-Tree Sid-ET x Braedale Goldwyn was the leading Sire Stack for all National Show winners, and for heifers, with 21 animals placing in the top three at 2015 National Holstein shows resulting from that mating. Braedale Goldwyn x Regancrest Dundee-ET was the second overall Leading Sire stack and also topped the cow list.

Find the complete Pedigree Analysis under the Popular Lists section on the Holstein Association USA homepage, or go directly to www.holsteinusa.com/shows/pedanalysis_show_winners.html.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (Nov. 3, 2015)... Show us your creative side, and earn the chance to win a Kindle Fire in the 2015 Holstein Junior Photo Contest. We're looking for photos that showcase the Holstein breed—and its people—at their best.

Perhaps you have taken photos at your farm or at one of the many Junior Holstein activities you're involved with. Send us your best photograph and earn a chance to win a Kindle Fire. All images must include at least one Holstein animal and should illustrate the best attributes and values of the Holstein industry.

The contest is divided into three age divisions. Prizes will be awarded to the top three photos in each age division. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire tablet.

The deadline to submit your photo is January 5, 2016. All rules for the 2015 Holstein Association USA Junior Photo Contest are now online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

For complete details and entry information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors. With questions, contact Susan Harlow at 800.952.5200, ext. 4165, or [email protected].

Kindle Fire is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Kindle device is given away on behalf of Holstein Association USA. Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (October 20, 2015)...Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce the 2015 Progressive Breeders' Registry and Progressive Genetics Herd awards, which recognize top-performing herds. These awards are given annually to the top Registered Holstein® herds excelling in type, milk production, and genetic merit in their herds.

Progressive Breeders' Registry

There were 232 herds that received the Progressive Breeders' Registry (PBR) award this year; 24 for the first time. Walhowdon Farm of New Hampshire has received PBR honors for 56 years.

To receive the award, a herd's BAA (Breed Age Average) must be in the top 25 percent of herds classified in the 18 months prior to March 1 of the award year. Herds must have at least 20 cows which are 87% RHA or higher, and at least 75 percent of the herd must be homebred. Herds must exceed award-year production level cut-offs, which are based on the Mature Equivalent (ME) for combined fat and protein. Cut-offs are adjusted for each state, based on the ME herd averages for that state, to compensate for regional differences in production levels.

For 2015, herds had to achieve a BAA of at least 104.9 and have an adjusted TriStar herd ME exceeding the national cut-off of 25,700 pounds of milk, 925 pounds of fat, and 743 pounds of protein.

The PBR recognition was first given in 1937 to promote interest in both the Holstein Association classification program and production testing. Herds receiving this honor must be enrolled in the Association's TriStar production records program (Premier or Deluxe levels) and participate in either a Classic or Standard classification program. All eligible herds are evaluated automatically each year.

Progressive Genetics Herd award

The Progressive Genetics Herd (PGH) award honors herds with high genetic value, based on average TPI® levels, which lead toward continued breed progress. This award was first given in 1991, and recognizes the top 500 herds for average TPI values, from the group of herds meeting minimum requirements. The cut-off TPI value for PGH herds in 2015 was +1816.

Like the PBR recognition, PGH herds must participate in the TriStar production records program at the Premier or Deluxe levels, and classify. Herds must have at least 20 cows of 87% RHA or higher. All eligible herds are automatically evaluated annually.

Twenty-seven herds have received the PGH recognition every year it has been given: Floyd & Lloyd Baumann & Fred Lang, Wisconsin; Bomaz Inc., Wisconsin; R. Paul Buhr, Jr., Wisconsin; De Su Holsteins LLC, Iowa; End Road Farm, Michigan; Brian & Wendy Fust, Wisconsin; Jeff Henschel, Wisconsin; Steven G. Holte, Wisconsin; Gary L. Housner, Wisconsin; Jaloda Farms, Ohio; Randy W. Kortus, Washington; Roger & David Latuch, Pennsylvania; Larry Lexvold, Minnesota; Lirr Farm, Wisconsin; Nordic-Haven Holsteins, Iowa; Gaylon, Gary & Steve Obert, Illinois; Mark P. Paul, Wisconsin; Regancrest Farm, Iowa; Darrell Richard, Indiana; Alfred & Mark Schmitt, Minnesota; Scott Seward, Wisconsin; Stelling Farms Inc., Minnesota; Springhill, Ohio; Veazland Farms, Maine; Walhowdon Farm Inc., New Hampshire; Wardin Bros., Michigan; and Welcome Stock Farm LLC, New York. Forty-six herds received the award for the first time.

Find complete lists of this year's recipients, along with those from past years, on the Holstein Association USA web site, www.holsteinusa.com, under Awards, then Herds in the main menu. Or go directly to www.holsteinusa.com/awards/herds.html.

With questions about any Holstein Association USA awards, contact Customer Service at 800.952.5200.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (October 20, 2015)...Holstein Association USA proudly announces its 347 Gold Medal Dam winners for 2015. To be recognized as a Gold Medal Dam (GMD), a cow must qualify under the following criteria:

• She and at least three of her daughters must have been classified.
• The cow must be milking in a herd participating in the TriStar service option. TriStar records are used in the evaluation.
• Equal emphasis is placed on production and type, and on progeny and dam performance.

All cows 87% Registered Holstein Ancestry (RHA) or higher born in the past 25 years are automatically evaluated twice a year. The GMD is a permanent recognition and has been awarded since 1984.

Find out more about the award and about this year's new Gold Medal Dams on our website, www.holsteinusa.com. Go to Awards, and then to Animals. Or go directly to www.holsteinusa.com/hol/damRecognition.action.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (October 20, 2015)...Holstein Association USA is proud to announce 22 new Gold Medal Sires for 2015. Mountfield SSI DCY Mogul, DE-SU 521 Bookem-ET, and Seagull Bay Supersire-ET are just three of the new sires recently added to the list.

A Gold Medal Sire must meet the minimum TPI level, have a minimum reliability of 90 percent for PTA Fat and PTA Type, and must not have any undesirable recessive and enzyme deficiencies. Holstein Association USA automatically evaluates all sires 87 percent RHA or higher twice a year for the recognition, which is permanent.

Find out more about the award and the full list of 2015 Gold Medal Sires on the Holstein Association USA website, www.holsteinusa.com. Go to Awards, and then Animals. Or go directly to www.holsteinusa.com/hol/sireRecognition.action.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (October 8, 2015)...Matt Ruby, of Scio, Oregon, is the grand prize winner of Holstein Association USA Inc.'s 2015 Junior Mating Contest. Matt also won first in the senior division. As the grand prize winner, Matt receives a Kindle Fire.

Awards were given to the top individuals in each of three divisions. Other division winners are:

Intermediate Division: Sarah Lehner, 15, Delaware, Ohio
Junior Division: Austin Holcomb, 11, Lithia, Florida.

Two more Junior Holstein contests are lined up for this year:
Recipe. Enter your favorite dairy recipe, along with instructions on how to make it. Deadline: November 1
Photo. Send a photo that captures today's Registered Holstein industry with creativity and flair. Deadline: January 1, 2016.

Find more information on these contests at www.holsteinusa.com.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (Sept. 10, 2015)... Do you whip up a great dish full of dairy products? Maybe it's a special cheese burrito or homemade ice cream, a custard pie or a milkshake that no one can resist. If so, send us your favorite dairy recipe and earn a chance to win a Kindle! Rules for the 2015 Holstein Association USA Junior Recipe Contest are now online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

The contest is divided into three age divisions. Prizes will be awarded to the top three recipes in each age division. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire tablet. Selected recipes will be included in a mini-cookbook published by the National Holstein Women's Scholarship Organization, and available at the 2016 National Holstein Convention. Winning recipes will also be featured in the NHWSO auction area.

The recipe must contain at least one (1) cup of dairy products. To enter the contest, submit your favorite dairy recipe along with the instructions on how to make the product. You'll also need to submit a photo of the finished product and an essay on the story behind the recipe. Our judges will evaluate each recipe based on creativity, visual appeal, taste, and use of dairy products.

For complete details and entry information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors. With questions, contact Susan Harlow at 800.952.5200, ext. 4165, or [email protected].

Kindle Fire is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Kindle device is given away on behalf of Holstein Association USA. Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (August 5, 2015)... Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce the 2015 recipients of the Elite Performer recognition. The Elite Performer award, first given by Holstein Association USA last year, recognizes superior Registered Holstein® cows that have demonstrated a profitable combination of high production, sound conformation, and longevity.

This year, 384 cows hailing from 16 states were named National Elite Performers. Another 306 cows from 23 states received Regional Elite Performer honors, from nine regions across the country. "The purpose of this prestigious recognition is to honor cows that every dairy farmer would love to milk; those with high milk production, elite type, and long, productive lives," said John M. Meyer, Holstein Association USA Chief Executive Officer. "This award helps bring added value for the cattle designated with the honor, and it rewards breeders for developing these high-performing, profitable Registered Holsteins®."

In order to qualify for Elite Performer recognition, cows must have completed at least three lactations in a herd participating in the Association's TriStarTM program, completing the most recent lactation in the past twelve months, and must be classified Very Good-85 or higher. All cows currently enrolled in TriStar who are 87% RHA or higher are evaluated annually.

Once eligible cows are determined, they are ranked based on total lifetime pounds of combined fat and protein per day in milk. The top one percent of cows meeting the criteria are awarded National Elite Performer recognition. Those cows are then removed from consideration for Regional Elite Performer honors, and the remaining top one percent of cows from each of nine regions, the same as Holstein Association USA election regions, are named Regional Elite Performers. The Elite Performer award is a lifetime recognition, so cows are only eligible to receive the honor one time.

The Elite Performer award recognizes not only the cow for her achievements, but also the breeder, the owner, and the herd management that together allowed her to qualify for this prestigious award. A complete list of 2015 Elite Performers can be found on the Holstein Association USA web site at www.holsteinusa.com, under Awards, then Animals in the main menu. For more information, refer to the article in the Summer 2015 Holstein Pulse, or contact Customer Service at 800.952.5200.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (August 3, 2015)...Information on a newly discovered unfavorable haplotype in Holstein cattle, known as haplotype associated with cholesterol deficiency (HCD), will be made available with next week's official genetic evaluation release. Calves who are homozygous for the unfavorable form of the haplotype only survive for a few months after birth. This new haplotype was identified by German researchers and first reported at the July 2015 Interbull meeting.

According to reports from German researchers, calves inheriting the homozygous form of the unfavorable haplotype presented with chronic diarrhea, did not respond to any treatment, and tested negative for pathogens that may cause those symptoms. The calves became very thin, depleting all fat reserves in the body, and in their weakened state sometimes developed secondary diseases such as pneumonia. In the majority of cases, death occurred between three weeks and six months after birth from apparent starvation or from complications of a secondary disease. The economic impact of HCD is estimated to be approximately $450 per case, including the value of the calf, cost of raising until death, and medical treatment. There is no treatment or cure for affected calves.

Since the genetic variant causing this genetic defect is relatively new, the haplotype carrying the defect is difficult to track because both the normal version and the unfavorable version occur frequently, especially in Canadian Holsteins. The earliest known carrier of the unfavorable haplotype is Maughlin Storm-ET (HOCAN000005457798), born in 1991. The primary source of the normal form of the haplotype is Willowholme Mark Anthony (HOCAN000000334489), born in 1975.

The exact genetic variant causing this inherited condition has yet to be identified. Researchers have been able to narrow down the search to a haplotype which encompasses the precise location of the genetic defect. The two haplotype versions look identical when examining only the surrounding marker genotypes. Pedigree information, combined with knowledge of the haplotype status of earlier ancestors, allows for an accurate determination. An animal's true HCD status is simple to determine when only one of those two ancestors appears in the pedigree but is more difficult to ascertain when both appear, which is not uncommon for younger animals. This leads to different coding than what has previously been used for Haplotypes Impacting Fertility, with two new codes denoting "suspect" animals. USDA-AGIL, CDN and Germany's VIT are cooperating to improve the precision of HCD tracing.

"The discovery of HCD is an example of how genomic testing, coupled with excellent data collection, good pedigree data and rigorous scientific investigation, has led to valuable genetic information," says Dr. Tom Lawlor, executive director of research at Holstein Association USA. "However, the lack of a gene test indicates that more work needs to be done in obtaining a more complete genetic map of the full sequence of our cattle, as well as obtaining a better understanding of the metabolic pathways involved. Labeling this haplotype as a Cholesterol Deficiency indicates our knowledge of this genetic condition today. The actual name of this inherited disorder could change when the precise error in lipid (fat) metabolism and/or the actual gene involved is discovered."

Holstein Association USA encourages breeders to pay attention to pedigrees, work to learn the status of their animals, be mindful of the status of service sires in their herd, and avoid mating carriers of individual unfavorable haplotypes to carriers of the same haplotype. Discovery and labelling of these haplotypes is a benefit of genomic testing and gives breeders the opportunity to improve the genetic quality of the breed through careful mating.

Codes of 0 to 4 are being used to denote an animal's status, with approximate percentages of animals in each category shown below, as of July 2015. Animals with missing pedigree were coded as non-carriers (0) in the counts below but will have code 3 in the future if they carry a haplotype but lack the pedigree to determine its source.

HCD results will be available for all animals who have been previously genomic tested, after the August 2015 genetic evaluation. Holstein Association USA is making this information available in a variety of places. Lists of tested animals will appear on the Holstein Association USA web site, and HCD status will also appear on the Family Tree Search results in the haplotype section. Breeders using EnlightTM may use the Genetic Conditions report to view the status of all tested animals in their herd, and the haplotype result will be available on Holstein Association USA's preliminary and interim genomic reports after the release.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 27, 2015)...Holstein Association USA and Zoetis are partnering to offer a webinar series this year as an educational resource for current and prospective CLARIFIDE® customers and EnlightTM users.
Through a series of online presentations, dairy producers will be able to better understand:

• How genomic testing works
• How genetic improvement and genomics can benefit the future of their herd
• How to use the data generated from genomic testing to make more effective management decisions.

Webinar presentations will be made by Zoetis or Holstein Association personnel. Viewers will be able to watch and ask questions during the live presentation, and archived presentations will be accessible on the Holstein USA and Zoetis web sites and YouTube channels for viewing at a later date.

The following webinars will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Eastern time (9 a.m. - 10 a.m. Pacific time):

Sign up for the webinars by clicking on the button on the Holstein Association homepage, www.holsteinusa.com. Contact your Holstein Association USA or Zoetis representative with questions or for more information.
You can watch the first webinar in the series here.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 28, 2015) ... With the 2015 National Holstein Convention successfully concluded, the election of delegates for the 2016 Annual Meeting is underway.

Delegates attend Holstein Association USA's Annual Meeting, representing the members in their election district, to elect officers and board members and to vote on bylaw amendments and resolutions.

At the 2015 Annual Meeting, held in June, delegates voted to amend an Association bylaw to allow appointment of an unelected nominee to an unfilled seat from another state in the same region, effective this year. Also going into effect this year is the combination of Connecticut and Rhode Island into one delegate election district.

The 2016 Annual Meeting will be held in Saratoga Springs, New York, June 29-July 1.

Here are the important deadlines to take into account:

Important Deadlines

August 3 - Nominating petitions mailed to members
October 1 - Nominating petitions must be received by Holstein Association USA
October 15 - Deadline for nominees to withdraw names from the ballot
November 2 - Ballots mailed to members
January 4, 2016 - Ballots must be received by Holstein Association USA
February 1, 2016 - 2016 delegate election finalized

Members Ineligible to Serve in 2016

In accordance with Holstein Association USA bylaws, the following members are ineligible to serve in 2016, having served three consecutive years as elected delegates:

Joey Airosa, California
Matthew E. Iager DVM, Maryland
Paul R. Haskins, Ohio
Barry M. England, Pennsylvania
Kenneth M. Umble, Pennsylvania
Martha E. Seifert, Vermont
Paul A. Trapp, Jr., Wisconsin

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 16, 2015)... Are you a Junior who enjoys selecting the best bulls for your family's Holstein herd? Then the 2015 Holstein Association USA Junior Mating Contest is for you. Rules are now online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

The contest challenges Junior Holstein members to analyze cattle, use genetic information, and express themselves in writing. Contestants plan a mating for a specific cow based on her physical appearance, pedigree, and performance information, with the goal of creating a functionally sound, profitable calf. Most of all, the contest is meant to be fun, interesting, and educational.

The contest is divided into three age divisions. Prizes will be awarded to the top three mating selections in each age division. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire tablet. Entries must be received by September 15, 2015.

Any National Junior Holstein member is eligible to compete. Here are the divisions:

• Junior (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
• Intermediate (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
• Senior (ages 18-21 as of January 1)

For complete details and entry information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors. With questions, contact Susan Harlow at 800.952.5200, ext. 4165, or email Susan.

Kindle Fire is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Kindle device is given away on behalf of Holstein Association USA. Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 6, 2015)...Gordie Cook of Massachusetts was elected president of the Holstein Association USA board of directors at the organization's annual meeting, held June 25- 26 in St. Charles, Illinois, during the 130th National Holstein Convention. He succeeds retiring President Glen E. Brown of Utah.

Boyd Schaufelberger of Illinois was elected vice president. R. Paul Buhr of Wisconsin and Patrick Maddox of California were re-elected as directors for Regions 5 and 9, respectively. John Andersen of Idaho was elected director for Region 8, while John Marshman of New York was elected at-large director. The president and vice president serve for two years, while the directors serve three-year terms. Jonathan Lamb of New York and Bill Wright of Utah retired from the board.

Delegate Actions

There were 103 delegates who attended the National Holstein Convention. They voted to:

Amend an Association bylaw and the constitution to remove the requirement that the Annual Meeting be held only in June or July. The amendment will not affect future Annual Meetings already scheduled.

Amend an Association bylaw to allow one additional delegate for every 100 (formerly 150) active members in each election district. This will increase the total number of delegates beginning with the 2017 Annual Meeting.
Amend an Association bylaw to allow appointment of an unelected nominee to an unfilled seat from another state in the same regions.

Approve an increase in per diem allowance for the president and vice president from $150 to $450, and for the directors from $150 to $300, effective with the November 2015 board meeting.

Approve a resolution to pursue discussions with Holstein Canada on electronic data sharing of pedigree information.

Approve a resolution honoring former Executive Secretary Charles A. Larson, who passed away June 15, 2015.

Special Presentations and Awards

During the highlight presentation, "Holstein Genomics Today," a panel of four distinguished genetics experts discussed how Holstein breeders can benefit from the use of genomics.

These awards were presented:

• Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder: Joel and Sara Mills, Thompsontown, Pa.
• Distinguished Leadership: M. Duane Green, Elsie, Mich.
• Elite Breeder: Conant Acres, Canton, Maine
• Star of the Breed: Pineylawn Jasper Bethany, Wisconsin
• Herds of Excellence: Ever-Green-View Farms, Wisconsin; Double D Dairy, California; Dirt-Road Holsteins, Wisconsin; and Mainstream Holsteins, Washington
• Forty-year members of Holstein Association USA.

CEO John M. Meyer and outgoing President Glen E. Brown addressed the delegates. Watch videos of leadership addresses, genomics panel, and other presentations at www.holsteinusa.com/meetings/convention2015.html. For more information about our award winners, visit our website, wwwholsteinusa.com, and click on Awards.

The 2016 National Holstein Convention and Annual Meeting will be held June 27-July 1, 2016, in Saratoga Springs, New York.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 6, 2015)...The Holstein Association USA board of directors met June 22-23, 2015, in St. Charles, Illinois. President Glen E. Brown chaired the board meeting held during the 130th National Holstein Convention at the Pheasant Run Resort.

The board honored retiring President Glen E. Brown of Utah and Directors Jonathan Lamb of New York and Bill Wright of Utah. All were formally recognized for their leadership, contributions, and service to the Association at the convention banquet on June 26th.

Update on 2015 Business Plan

Staff presented updates on the 2015 Management-by-Objective Business Plan and year-to-date financials during the Board meeting. At the end of May, registrations stood at 149,437, up one percent. Staff reported on Holstein COMPLETE® activity during the same time period. There were 306,453 animals in 1,851 herds enrolled in the program, representing an increase of five percent and one percent respectively.

2015 Financial Update

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Barbara Casna presented the Association's consolidated financial statements through the end of May, 2015, and reviewed the reserve fund report for the same period. The Association and its subsidiaries show year-to-date consolidated net operating income of $224,000.

AgriTech Analytics (ATA)

AgriTech Analytics (ATA) General Manager Bill VerBoort reported the dairy records processing center continues to grow its business in more states. Through the end of May, 973,742 animal records were processed, representing a 2.5 percent increase in the number of cows enrolled since the beginning of the year.

Other Board Action

The board approved a request from the Connecticut Holstein Association and a representative from Rhode Island to combine the Connecticut and Rhode Island election districts into one district, as permitted in Article III, Sec. 5 of the Bylaws. This will be effective for the 2016 delegate election.

The board gave the go-ahead for the Wisconsin Holstein Association to host the 2019 National Holstein Convention in Appleton, Wisconsin on June 21-27. The Radisson Paper Valley Hotel will be the headquarters for the event.

Incoming President Gordie Cook of Massachusetts presided over the reorganization meeting of the board on June 26th. The board welcomed newly-elected Vice President Boyd Schaufelberger of Illinois, returning Directors R. Paul Buhr of Wisconsin and Patrick Maddox of California, along with incoming Directors John Andersen of Idaho and John Marshman of New York. The President and Vice President serve two-year terms and the Directors serve three-year terms.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 1, 2015)... Joseph Real of Georgia, Vermont, is the grand prize winner of Holstein Association USA Inc.'s 2015 Junior Acrostic Contest. Joseph's acrostic also won first in the intermediate division. As grand prize winner, he receives a Kindle Fire.

Awards were given to the top three individuals in each of three divisions. Other division winners are:

Senior
First - Taylor Leach, Linwood, Kansas
Second - Leigha Rokey, Sabetha, Kansas

Intermediate
First - Joseph Real, Georgia, Vermont
Second - Sarah Lehner, Delaware, Ohio
Third - Caitlin Cox, Carthage, Indiana

Junior
First - Nevin Erbsen, Lanark, Illinois
Second - Whitney Dunklee, Vernon, Vermont
Third- Austin Holcomb, Lithia, Florida

You can find Joseph's winning poster and the other two division winners here: www.holsteinusa.com/juniors/content/funzone.html

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Brattleboro, Vt. (June 30, 2015)...Nearly 400 Junior Holstein members competed in activities and contests at the National Junior Holstein Convention, held June 23 through 26 in St. Charles, Illinois. Here are some of the competition winners, who took awards to their home states:

Prepared Public Speaking

Junior
1st - Danielle Herrick, New York - How to Choose the Best Sire for my Heifer
2nd - Matthew Gunst, Wisconsin - How the Holstein Association has Benefited My Life
3rd - Jacob Fernandes, California - Dairy Sustainability

Intermediate
1st - Lora Wright, Missouri - Farmed and Dangerous
2nd - Brock Irwin, Illinois - Protecting the Farmers Most Valuable Asset...the Farmer
3rd - Cady McGehee, Florida - First Impressions

Senior
1st - Ashley Mohn, Pennsylvania - All About the Butter, No Margarine
2nd - Caitlyn Pool, Pennsylvania - Apps...they Make the Dairy World Go Round
3rd - Josiah Manning, Maryland - Holsteins on the Moove

Scrapbook

1st - Florida
2nd - Illinois
3rd - Washington
4th - Wisconsin
5th - New York

Digital Scrapbook

1st - Virginia
2nd - Michigan
3rd - Iowa
4th - Wisconsin
5th - Illinois

Folding Display, Creative

Junior
1st - Allie Goss, Pennsylvania - The World of Dairy in the Palm of Your Hand
2nd - Jacy Smith, Washington - Shoo Fly Shoo
3rd - Noah Iager, Maryland - Chicago Bulls vs. Holstein Bulls

Intermediate
1st - Ross Laskey, Florida - The Many Lives of Milk
2nd - Courtney Moser, Wisconsin - EMERGENCY! Newborn Calf Resuscitation
3rd - Sarah Thomas, North Carolina - Something in the Way She Mooves!

Senior
1st - Ashley Mohn, Pennsylvania - All About the Butter
2nd - Halee Wasson, Pennsylvania - Dairyland
3rd - Connor Shendow, Virginia - Tilling Up the Truth on Compost Pack Barns

Folding Display, Scientific

Junior
1st - Austin Holcomb, Florida - The Yogurt Process
2nd - Brady Bleck, Wisconsin - Diseases of the Cows Stomach
3rd - Cassy Schilter, Washington - Milk vs. Colostrum - What is the Difference?

Intermediate
1st - Garrett Greaves, Florida - Colostrum Management
2nd - Nicole Guise, Pennsylvania - Byproducts of Dairy Cows
3rd - Katelyn Sowers, Pennsylvania - Embryo Transfer

Senior
1st - Marcy Bartelheimer, Washington - Break it Down
2nd - Alex Pluskot, Florida - When it's Time to Say Goodbye
3rd - Heather Wasson, Pennsylvania - Carbon Foot Print

Banner

1st - New England
2nd - Washington
3rd - Florida

Penny War

Missouri was the winning state in the Penny War contest, in which $1,000.39 was raised for the benefit of the Holstein Foundation.

NHWSO

The National Holstein Women's Scholarship Organization presented $1,500 scholarships to these Junior Holstein members - Anna Culbertson, Minnesota; David Hardesty Jr., Virginia; Taylor Leach, Kansas; Jaylene Lesher, Pennsylvania; Caitlyn Pool, Pennsylvania, and Megan Rauen, Iowa.

Junior Advisory Committee

These youth members were appointed to the Junior Advisory Committee: Area 1 - David Hardesty Jr., Virginia; Area 3 - Megan Rauen, Iowa; At-large - Charles Hamilton, Wisconsin.

Check our website for other Junior Holstein contest winners: www.holsteinusa.com.

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Brattleboro, VT (June 29, 2015)...Holstein Association USA annually recognizes Junior members who have bred or developed high-performing Registered Holstein® cattle. At the National Holstein Convention, held June 23 through 26 in St. Charles, Illinois, Junior members received honors for six different awards, based on the milk production and classification performance of their cattle.

National Breeder of an Excellent Cow

Junior members who have bred a cow officially classified Excellent on or after January 1, 2013 are eligible for Breeder of an Excellent Cow. The 2015 recipients are Charlotte Auman, Pa.; Daniel Benedict, Pa.; Douglas Boop, Pa.; Scott DeBaugh, Md.; Kasey Doll, Pa.; Francesca Gambonini, Calif.; Samantha Gambonini, Calif.; Charles Hamilton, Wis.; David Hardesty Jr., Va.; Tyler Herrington, N.Y.; Kayci Johns, Pa.; Valarie Kramer, Wis.; Jordan London, Pa.; Aryn Martin, Maine; Emily Mikel, N.Y.; Oliver Nisen, Ind.; Taylor Pool, Pa.; Jessica Pralle, Wis.; Nicole Pralle, Wis.; Hannah Riser, Pa.; Adam Schultz, N.Y.; Mary Scott, Iowa; Jacob Shaffer, Pa.; Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.; Jillian Sutton, Md.; Logan Voigts, Wis.; and Joel Younker, Pa.

National Breeder of a Multiple E Excellent Cow
Breeder of a Multiple E Excellent Cow award is received by Junior members who have bred a cow who has classified Excellent multiple times, in designated age groups. Breeders earning the award this year include: Douglas Boop, Pa.; Kaicey Conant, Maine; Rachel Craun, Va.; Francesca Gambonini, Calif.; Tyler Herrington, N.Y.; Katherine Larson, Wis.; Jessica Pralle, Wis.; Jocelyn Riser, Pa.; Adam Schultz, N.Y.; Charlotte Simpson, Pa.; Austin Vandertie, Wis.; and Logan Voigts, Wis.

National Junior Progressive Breeder

The National Junior Progressive Breeder honor recognizes cattle bred by Junior members that meet high production and classification standards for their age group. Every cow qualifying receives a star, and Junior members acquire a star for each cow they have bred which meets the criteria. Those accumulating five or more stars over their career are presented with a plaque during the National Junior Holstein Convention.

Earning their first star are: Ava Booth, Wis., Campbell Booth, Wis.; Cole Booth, Wis.; John Foster, Pa.; Brock Irwin, Ill.; Justin Kocher, Pa.; Ashley Wetzel, Pa.; Ellie Widerman, Pa.; Jared Widerman, Pa.; and Kelsey Zepp, Md.
Two-star honorees: Kaicey Conant, Maine, Nathan Cordes, Wis.; Benjamin Doll, Pa.; Amber Gabel, Pa.; Valarie Kramer, Wis.; Taylor Pool, Pa.; Charlotte Simpson, Pa.; and Kyle Wright, Pa.

Three-star honorees: Blake Crothers, N.Y.; Anna Culbertson, Minn.; Rebecca Davis, Pa.; Courtney Moser, Wis.; Connor Siemers, Wis.; and Joel Younker, Pa.

Four-star honorees: Samantha Gambonini, Calif., Katelyn Nolt, Pa.; Logan Potts, Va.; and Collin Stoltzfus, Pa.

Five-star honorees: Aaron Auman, Pa.; Charlotte Auman, Pa.; Annie Dell, Md.; Alexandra Gambonini, Calif.; Francesca Gambonini, Calif.; Caitlyn Pool, Pa.; Hannah Riser, Pa.; and Austin Vandertie, Wis.

Six-star honoree: Jessica Nolt, Pa.

Eight-star honorees: Emily Mikel, N.Y.

Nine-star honoree: Emily Irwin, Ill.

11-star honoree: Jocelyn Riser, Pa.

14-star honorees: Jordan London, Pa.; Jordan Siemers, Wis.; and Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.

17-star honoree: Charles Hamilton, Wis.

19-star honoree: Kathryn Osborne, Pa.

20-star honorees: David Hardesty Jr., Va.; and Andrew Younker, Pa.

21-star honoree: Nicole Pralle, Wis.

Earning her 49th star is Jessica Pralle, Wis.

National 30,000 Pound Cow Award

The National 30,000 Pound Cow award is presented to youth owning a cow who has produced over 30,000 pounds of milk in 305 days or less, between May 2013 and May 2015. This year's recipients are: Dylan Anderson, N.Y.; Douglas Boop, Pa.; Matthew Boop, Pa.; Magen Busker, Ill.; Matthew Busker, Ill.; Kelly Callender, Va.; Nathan Cordes, Wis.; Emily Davis, Pa.; Rebecca Davis, Pa.; Annie Dell, Md.; Matthew Deome, Pa.; Kristen Gallagher, N.Y.; Francesca Gambonini, Calif.; Samantha Gambonini, Calif.; Charles Hamilton, Wis.; David Hardesty Jr., Va.; Brittany Hardy, Pa.; Tyler Herrington, N.Y.; Brook Hoff, Md.; Kurtis Houser, Pa.; Emily Irwin, Ill.; Valarie Kramer, Wis.; Ryan Lawton, N.Y.; Emily Mikel, N.Y.; Madison Mowrer, Pa.; Katelyn Neff, Pa.; Caitlyn Pool, Pa.; Amber Pownal, Pa.; Jessica Pralle, Wis., Nicole Pralle, Wis.; Hannah Riser, Pa.; Jocelyn Riser, Pa.; Kalli Sherer, Ore.; Connor Siemers, Wis.; Jordan Siemers, Wis.; Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.; Jillian Sutton, Md.; Rachel Ulrich, Pa.; Ellie Widerman, Pa.; Jared Widerman, Pa.; Kyle Wright, Pa.; and Megan Wright, Pa.

National 150,000 Pound Cow Award

Junior members who own a cow which has produced over 150,000 pounds of milk in her lifetime are eligible to earn the National 150,000 Pound Cow award. This year's honorees are: Brittany Brewer, Pa.; Emily K. Davis, Pa.; Alexandra Gambonini, Calif.; Francesca Gambonini, Calif.; Charles Hamilton, Wis.; Jessica Pralle, Wis.; Nicole Pralle, Wis.; Jocelyn Riser, Pa., and Kalli Sherer, Ore.

National 200,000 Pound Cow Award

The National 200,000 Pound Cow award honors youth owning a cow who has produced 200,000 pounds of milk in her lifetime, entirely under the ownership of the youth. Receiving the award this year are Brittany Brewer, Pa.; Amber Gabel, Pa.; Samantha Gambonini, Calif.; David Hardesty Jr., Va.; Kathryn Osborne, Pa.; and Jordan Siemers, Wis.

For more information on the awards, or to print an application, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors, or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124, or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (June 29, 2015)... Holstein Association USA announced six finalists in the 2015 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) competition, on June 26 in St. Charles, Illinois, during the National Holstein Convention. The Distinguished Junior Member recognition is the highest honor a Junior Holstein Association member can receive.

This year's finalists are: Elizabeth Endres, Wisconsin; Jessica Pralle, Wisconsin; Megan Rauen, Iowa; Jacob Shaffer, Pennsylvania; David Hardesty Jr., Virginia; and Kathryn Osborne, Pennsylvania.

These six individuals were chosen from a group of twelve semifinalists who interviewed during the National Junior Holstein Convention. The finalists will receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA.

The Distinguished Junior Member award honors Junior Holstein members, ages 17 to 21, who have excelled in their junior project work, involvement on their farm, and in their communities. For more information about the Distinguished Junior Member award, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors, or contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (June 29, 2015)... Holstein Association USA proudly recognized influential breeders and farms for their contributions to the Holstein breed at the 2015 National Holstein Convention, held in St. Charles, Illinois, June 23 through 26.

Recognized at the closing banquet on June 26 were:

Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder

Joel Mills of Millwork Holsteins in Thompsontown, Pennsylvania, was honored as Holstein Association USA's 2015 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder. This award is given annually to a Holstein Association USA member or partnership between the ages of 21 and 40. It recognizes the significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein® breeders, and their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and achieving excellence in their daily lives. Honorees receive paid travel and lodging expenses to the National Holstein Convention and a $2,000 cash award.

Joel, his wife, Sara, and their three children milk 115 Registered Holsteins on their Juniata County dairy farm. Neither Joel nor Sara grew up on a dairy farm, but with teamwork and dedication, they bought a farm eight years ago and have built an excellent herd of Holsteins. The herd has a rolling herd average of 23,620 pounds of milk, 924 pounds of fat, and 726 pounds of protein, milked 2X.

The Millses use Holstein's Tag ID and EASY ID and are on Holstein COMPLETE. They also classify in the Limited program, and at their last classification added another Excellent cow, giving them seven Excellents, and 14 Very Good cows, bringing that total to 40. Last year for the first time, they had two homebred Excellents. They have won the Progressive Genetic Herd Award for five years.

Elite Breeder Honoree

Recognized as the 2015 Elite Breeder was Conant Acres of Canton, Maine. The Elite Breeder award annually honors a Holstein Association USA member or partnership who has bred high-quality Registered Holstein cattle, contributing to the overall improved quality of the breed.

Duane and Betty Conant began building a herd of Registered Holsteins when they took over the family business in 1970. Over the years, they have won many awards, including National Dairy Shrine Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award in 2009, as well as the 1993 Dairy Industry Leader Award and the 1999 Distinguished Breeder Award from the Maine Dairy Shrine, and the Master Breeder Award from the New England Holstein Association in 1995. They have won the Progressive Genetics Award for 24 years, and Progressive Breeder Registry Award for seven years.

Today there are four generations on the farm. Duane and Betty's children, Dennis and Debbie, along with Debbie's husband, Steve Keene, are all actively involved. Dennis, who is married to Heidi, joined the farm in 1982. Debbie and Steve developed their own herd, Dirigo Holsteins, before merging with Conant Acres in 2003. Now the third generation has joined them. Matt Sneller, husband of Debbie and Steve's daughter Natalie, works on the farm full-time, as does Sarah Keene, wife of son Brian.

Distinguished Leadership Award

Duane Green of Elsie, Michigan, was presented the 2015 Distinguished Leadership award. This award is given annually to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership to the Holstein Association or dairy industry as a whole.

Duane served as a director of Holstein Association USA from 1974 to 1983 and served two years as president. He was a charter member of the Holstein Foundation in 1989, serving as its chairman for its first eight years and helping to develop and launch the Young Dairy Leaders Institute.

Duane's father, Merle Green, started Green Meadow Farm in 1922 and in 1954, Duane went into partnership in the dairy with his brother, Velmar. Today, it has 9,500 animals, most of them Holsteins. Along with his father and brother, Duane was named the 1980 Outstanding Dairyman by Michigan State University. He and Velmar, who worked closely together for many years, were named Master Breeders in 1948 by the Michigan Holstein Association. In 2008, Duane's family sold its share in the farm to Velmar's family.

See the Summer 2015 Holstein Pulse for more coverage of these honorees, and the 2015 National Holstein Convention, or visit www.youtube.com/HolsteinUSA to view videos of the award presentations. For more information about Holstein Association USA's annual awards, visit www.holsteinusa.com and click on Awards, then Individuals, in the main menu.

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Dr. Michael Bishop	Mr. Chuck Ripp	Dr. Dan Weigel	Dr. Nate Zwald

Brattleboro, VT. (June 16, 2015)...A panel of distinguished speakers on Holstein genomics is a highlight of this year's National Holstein Convention. It will take place at 1:45 p.m., Thursday, June 25, at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois. Everyone in the Holstein business will want to hear our panelists give their insights on practical and effective ways to benefit from genomics in their herds.

Chuck Ripp, owner and partner of Ripp's Dairy Valley LLC in Dane, Wisconsin, will detail how he incorporates genomics for herd improvement. Ripp's Dairy Valley LLC has a herd of 1,000 cows and 900 heifers. Their rolling herd average is 31,100 pounds of milk, with 3.8% fat and 3% protein, and with somatic cell count average of 170,000.

Holstein breeder and director of outcomes research for Zoetis, Dr. Dan Weigel will outline genomic success stories he has been involved with. Dr. Weigel knows firsthand how producers can use genomic predictions and how well predictions work for various traits in Holstein dairy herds.

Dr. Nate Zwald, USA general manager for Alta Genetics, rounds out the panel. Dr. Zwald has used his practical experience, through his continued involvement with his family's Bomaz Farms, an 800-cow operation in northwest Wisconsin, to genetically impact the health and productivity of cows in competitive commercial environments.

The Holstein Association USA Annual Meeting is open to all of those interested in the dairy industry. This session is expected to be one of the most enlightening discussions on Holstein genomics that has ever taken place.

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Brattleboro, VT. (June 11, 2015)... Holstein Association USA and the Illinois Holstein Convention Planning Committee are getting ready to welcome hundreds of Registered Holstein® enthusiasts to the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois, for the 2015 National Holstein Convention and Holstein Association USA's 130th Annual Business Meeting June 23-26. Attendees will enjoy enlightening programs for Holstein breeders and fun-filled activities for young and old.

Early Bird Session - 7:30 a.m., June 25

Stan Erwine, vice president of farmer relations and activation for Dairy Management, Inc. (DMI), will kick off the educational program with his presentation on "Building and Maintaining Consumer Confidence in Dairy: What's at stake and what's your role?" during the Early Bird Session. Erwine works on behalf of dairy farmers with state and regional dairy promotion organizations, cooperatives, trade associations, and agribusiness to build relationships and increase awareness, understanding and support of the National Dairy Checkoff's business plan. The long-time dairy leader is deeply engaged in training and activating dairy farmers and industry stakeholders in checkoff-led consumer confidence efforts, which include the use of social media and farm tours, and engaging customers and community members in conversations about dairy values, practices, and products.

One-of-a-Kind Holstein Genomics Panel - 1:45 p.m., June 25

Everyone in the Holstein business will want to take part in a unique Holstein panel that will give insight into genomics specifically for Holstein breeders. Panelists include: Dr. Michael Bishop, senior market development specialist for Illumina; Mr. Chuck Ripp, owner and partner of Ripp's Dairy Valley LLC; Dr. Dan Weigel, director of outcomes research for Zoetis; and Dr. Nate Zwald, USA general manager for Alta Genetics Inc. Each of these leaders in genomics will provide practical ideas on how dairy producers can incorporate genomics effectively into their dairy operation.

Award Winners Unveiled at Banquet

The 2015 Distinguished Leadership, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder honors will be presented during the convention's evening banquet June 26. Orion Samuelson, the most well-known agriculture broadcaster in the country and host of U.S. Farm Report, will be the banquet keynote speaker.

Officer and Director Elections

Delegates will elect officers and directors during the Annual Meeting June 26. Vice President Gordie Cook of Massachusetts is the sole candidate for president, the position vacated by retiring President Glen E. Brown. Running for the vice president seat are Boyd Schaufelberger of Illinois and Bill Wright of Utah.

In director elections, candidates include R. Paul Buhr of Wisconsin as the incumbent candidate for Region 5, and John Andersen of Idaho and Dan Berry of Washington, candidates for Region 8, a seat being vacated by retiring director Bill Wright. For Region 9 director, Patrick Maddox of California is the incumbent candidate. Barry England of Pennsylvania, John Marshman of New York, and Bruce Tencleve of Arkansas are candidates for the open at-large director seat being vacated by retiring director Jonathan Lamb.

Stay Up-to-Date

Holstein Association staff will be blogging throughout the week with updates and pictures from the convention. If you cannot make it to the convention this year, be sure to follow Holstein Association USA on Facebook, or visit www.holsteinusa.com for latest updates, including junior competition results, award recipients, and election results. For the complete schedule and lodging information, go to: www.holsteinconvention2015.com.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (May 21, 2015)... John Achen, 14, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, is the grand prize winner of Holstein Association USA Inc.'s 2015 Junior Essay Contest. John's essay "Milk is the Real MVP," also won first in the junior division. As grand prize winner, John receives a Kindle Fire.

Awards were given to the top three individuals in each of three divisions. Other division winners are:
Intermediate: Dawson Nickels, Watertown, Wisconsin-"The Holstein Breeder I Would Want to Have Dinner With."
Senior Division: Tony Lopes, Gustine, California-"Registering Your Success."

The Online Junior Video Contest is now underway. The challenge is to create a short video promoting your dairy farm. Deadline for entries is July 1, 2015. Find the rules posted online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

Several other Junior Holstein contests are lined up for this year:

Mating. Choose a mating for a cow, then write an essay discussing why you chose that particular bull. Deadline: September 1
Recipe. Enter your favorite dairy recipe, along with instructions on how to make it. Deadline: November 1
Photo. Send a photo that captures today's Registered Holstein industry with creativity and flair. Deadline: January 1, 2016.

You can find John's winning essay and the other two division winners here.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (May 20, 2015)...Create a two-minute video promoting your dairy farm and be entered to win a Kindle Fire in the 2015 Holstein Association USA Online Junior Video Contest. Rules are now posted online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

Videos will be judged on creativity, originality, expertise, and skill. Any National Junior Holstein member is eligible to compete. You can create the video on your home farm or another farm to which you have a connection.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three videos in each of three age divisions. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire tablet. Entries must be received by July 1, 2015.

For complete details and entry information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors. With questions, contact Susan Harlow at 800.952.5200, ext. 4165, or email Susan.

Kindle Fire is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Kindle device is given away on behalf of Holstein Association USA. Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (May 13, 2015)...Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce Pineylawn Jasper Bethany as the 2014 Star of the Breed.

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 in the award year, be in a herd enrolled in the TriStar program, and have an official classification score. Once the eligible cows are determined, the following calculation is used to decide the award recipient: Combined ME Fat and Protein + Age Adjusted Classification Score x (Breed Average ME Combined Fat & Protein/Breed Average Age Adjusted Classification Score).

This recognition is given annually to a Holstein that exemplifies outstanding production combined with exceptional type. Bethany has a Mature Equivalent Combined Fat and Protein (ME CFP) of 3077 and is classified Excellent-94. She placed fifth as a five-year-old in her classes at both the Midwest Spring National Show and the Midwest Fall National Show in 2014.

Bethany is owned by the Mike and Valerie Holschbach family, Heatherstone Enterprises of Baraboo, Wisconsin. In her third lactation she produced 46,920 pounds of milk, with 4.5 percent fat (2,130 pounds) and 2.9 percent protein (1,366 pounds) on a 365-day record. Mike Holschbach bought Bethany in April 2013 from her breeder, Ed Monstma of Pineylawn Acres in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

For more information about the Star of the Breed Award, visit www.holsteinusa.com/awards/animals.html.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (May 13, 2015) ... Holstein Association USA is pleased to honor four U.S. Registered Holstein breeders as 2015 Herd of Excellence award winners. The Herd of Excellence designation was introduced in 2008 to honor dairymen who have bred and managed Holstein cattle that consistently perform at the highest levels.

• Harold and Marlene Agresti, Double D Dairy, Ceres, California
• Thomas J. Kestell, Ever-Green-View Farms, Waldo, Wisconsin
• Steve and Amanda Killian, Dirt-Road Holsteins, Blair, Wisconsin
• Randy and Jana Kortus, Mainstream Holsteins, Lynden, Washington

To be named a Herd of Excellence, herds must be 25 percent above breed average Mature Equivalent (ME) for milk, fat, and protein; have classified within the last year and have an actual average classification score of 83 points or higher; have at least 70 percent of the herd homebred; and be enrolled in the Association's TriStar production records program.

Read more about these outstanding breeder herds in the Spring 2015 issue of the Holstein Pulse. Select pages of the Pulse are available online at www.holsteinusa.com under Latest News, then click on The Holstein Pulse.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (April 7, 2015)...The rules for the 2015 Holstein Association USA Junior Acrostic Contest are now posted online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors.

The contest challenges Juniors to come with a creative acrostic for "Holstein," using words that support its meaning.

The contest is divided into three age divisions. Prizes will be awarded to the top three acrostics in each age division. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire tablet. Entries must be received by May 15, 2015.

Any National Junior Holstein member is eligible to compete. Here are the divisions:

• Junior (ages 9-13 as of January 1)
• Intermediate (ages 14-17 as of January 1)
• Senior (ages 18-21 as of January 1)

For complete details and entry information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors. With questions, contact Susan Harlow at 800.952.5200, ext. 4165, or email Susan.

Kindle Fire is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Kindle device is given away on behalf of Holstein Association USA. Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (April 2, 2015)...President Glen E. Brown presided at the spring Holstein Association USA, Inc. (HAUSA) board of directors meeting on March 26-27 at the Association's headquarters in Brattleboro. The board heard reports from the Audit, Genetic Advancement, Junior Advisory, Legislative Affairs, and Type Advisory committees.

The Business Plan portion of the meeting included results of 2014 objectives and updates on 2015 objectives. The board heard a presentation on the new mobile website for use on smartphones and tablets. Since its introduction on February 20, the site has had more than 450 visitors, the majority of them on smartphones. Management reported EnlightTM, the online management tool, has enrolled 654 herds since June 2014, an excellent response to this new program.

Program Activity

Management reported registrations through February 28 of 58,399, up 2 percent from the same time last year. Total transfers, including individual, whole herd, and family transfers, through the end of February, stood at 8,673, up 32 percent from 2014.

Holstein COMPLETE® enrollment through February 28 totaled 305,727 cows and 1,860 herds. This is an increase of 7 percent and 2 percent respectively, since the end of last year.

Research

The board was updated on the Association's grassroots, membership-driven research project to find haplotypes of elite Holstein females that are associated with their valuable and unique phenotypes. Work will continue on this project, which began in 2013.

The board heard a report of the Type Advisory Committee meeting held in January. The Committee recommended the Association initiate a research project to find out specifically what role genetics/genomics could play in reducing the occurrence of digital dermatitis (hairy heel warts) in Holstein cattle.

The board heard an update on the feed efficiency research project being conducted between USDA and several universities. Since 2013, the Holstein Association has provided type evaluation services on approximately 2,000 cows in the study. The main project plan is to deliver genomic breeding value estimates for dry matter intake and residual feed intake and to learn more about the relationship of feed efficiency to body, mobility, udder, and other type traits. The project continues through 2016.

Holstein History

One of the highlights of the meeting was the tour of the Holstein Association USA, Inc.'s new history room. Still in development, the "Ideal Holstein Room" is designed to create a space to preserve and display important historical Holstein Association artifacts and documents that tell the story of the Association. President Glen E. Brown led the initiative for this permanent home of important Holstein history.

Other Board Action

In discussion on genomic evaluations, the board approved several recommendations by the Genetic Advancement Committee. These included: 1) to emphasize the need for continued validation/verification of actual phenotypic performance of type and production; 2) to make the haplotype information available on the weekly genomic updates; 3) to support a research project on the genetic resistance and susceptibility to digital dermatitis; 4) to encourage USDA-AGIL to continue to study heat stress across the U.S., with the goal of identifying the genetics that works best in different climates; and 5) to support the industry moving to an annual Genetic Base Change.

The board approved the Junior Advisory Committee's (JAC) recommendation to transition the Junior Breeder and Production awards from an application process to a query process that will acknowledge more youth. This will be used for the first time in 2016 using 2015 data. Awards involved are: Breeder of an EX Cow, Breeder of a Multiple E Cow, Cream of the Crop (replaces 30,000# Cow), 150,000 Lifetime Cow, 200,000 Lifetime Cow, and Junior Star Performer (replaces Junior Progressive Breeder).

The board approved the re-appointment to the Junior Advisory Committee, of adult members Matt Lippert, Wisconsin, and Staci Zilles-Nelson, Utah. Each will serve a second two-year term.

New to the Holstein Association's website is a legislative affairs page. Visit www.holsteinusa.com, click on "Our Association," and then "Legislative Affairs." This page provides easy email links to the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, and members of the U.S. House and Senate Agriculture Committees. This one-stop resource will aid members in contacting their legislators to advocate for subjects important to the dairy industry.

Proposed Bylaw Amendments

The board approved proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws which would remove the requirement of holding the annual meeting in June or July, to increase the number of delegates allowed to serve, and to establish a process for appointing alternates from neighboring states to unfilled delegate seats. Delegates to the Holstein Association USA 2015 Annual Meeting will vote on the proposals in June.

The next scheduled board of directors meeting will be held June 22-23, in St. Charles, Illinois, in conjunction with the Association's Annual Meeting and Convention.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (April 1, 2015)...Holstein Association USA has named twelve semifinalists for the 2015 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) awards. The Distinguished Junior Member recognition is the highest honor given to members of the National Junior Association ages 17 to 21 who demonstrate a lifetime of commitment to the Holstein breed and involvement in a variety of activities.

This year's semifinalists are: Anna Culbertson, Pine Island, Minnesota; Hannah Douglas, Ilion, New York; Elizabeth Endres, Waunakee, Wisconsin; Amber Gabel, Newport, Pennsylvania; David Hardesty Jr., Berryville, Virginia; Kayla Krueger, Marion, Wisconsin; Kathryn Osborne, Millerstown, Pennsylvania; Caitlyn Pool, Robesonia, Pennsylvania; Jessica Pralle, Humbird, Wisconsin; Megan Rauen, Farley, Iowa; Andy Sell, Watertown, Wisconsin; and Jacob Shaffer, Beavertown, Pennsylvania.

Each of the semifinalists completed an entry book, detailing their Junior Holstein project work, involvement with their cattle, program participation, and school and community activities.

"My involvement with the Holstein cow has molded me into the driven young woman I am today," said Megan Rauen of Farley, Iowa, in her Story of Junior Project Work. "The Holstein cow took me from shadowing my older siblings on the family farm and junior events at a young age, to being a leader in my community and a future professional in the dairy industry."

"I can honestly say that I would not be the person I am today without my involvement in the dairy industry," David Hardesty Jr., of Berryville, Virginia, wrote in his story. "I have met some extraordinary people, gone places I would have never been able to, and found a career that I am excited to pursue. I have learned the true meaning of hard work and responsibility, and have my family by my side in everything I do."

The twelve semifinalists will interview at the National Holstein Convention, June 22-26 in St. Charles, Illinois, to be named one of six finalists. Finalists receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA. All Junior members of Holstein Association USA ages 17 to 21 are eligible to apply for the Distinguished Junior Member recognition.

Learn more about our DJM finalists and find links to their video presentations at: http://www.holsteinusa.com/juniors/content/DJM.html

For more information about DJM 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. (April 1, 2015) ...Holstein Association USA has announced the finalists in the 2015 Young Distinguished Junior Member (YDJM) competition. The YDJM award is the highest honor a Holstein Association Junior member between the ages of 9 and 16 can achieve.

The eight finalists in the 2015 YDJM competition are: Nicholas Achen, Aberdeen, South Dakota; Nathan Arthur, Sumner, Iowa; Matthew Boop, Millmont, Pennsylvania; Connor Erbsen, Lanark, Illinois; Brock Irwin, Belvidere, Illinois; Isabelle Leonard, Spottswood, Virginia.; Rachel McCullough, Juda, Wisconsin; and Dawson Nickels, Watertown, Wisconsin.

To qualify, a youth must compile a book which demonstrates their involvement and leadership within the Holstein community, their school, and in other aspects of their life.

In his Story of Junior Holstein work, fifteen-year-old Nicholas Achen talked about his involvement in his community, parish, and breed associations. "With these opportunities comes responsibility, the responsibility of acting maturely and being fair and courteous to all. If I can make younger members in my community practice these qualities, I will have succeeded in being a role model," he wrote.

“Having high quality, homebred Registered Holsteins doesn't just happen,” said Rachel McCullough in her story of Junior Holstein work. “They are the backbone of my future.”

Finalists in the YDJM contest will be recognized at the National Holstein Convention, which will be held June 22-26 in St. Charles, Illinois. For more information about YDJM 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. (March 16, 2015)...Registration is now open for the Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) 2015 Judges Conference, which will be held Thursday, May 14, in Richmond, Utah, in conjunction with the Western Spring National Holstein Show and 100th Richmond Black and White Show.

The one-day conference will run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The fee is $50 for pre-registration, which closes two weeks before the conference, on April 30. Late registrants will pay a $100 fee. To attend the conference, you must be 22 years old by the day of the conference.

If you plan to apply for the Holstein Association USA Judges List in the future, you must first attend and receive a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA Judges Conference before submitting an application. If you are already on the Holstein Association USA Judges List, you must have attended and received a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA Judges Conference within a five-year period to remain on the list.

Dates of future Holstein Judges Conferences are:
2016 - New York Spring Dairy Carousel, Syracuse, New York
2017 - Southern Spring National Show, Stillwater, Oklahoma

Find registration forms and information at: http://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. (March 12, 2015)...Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) invites all members and other Holstein fans to view video clips from the recent National Member Update Meeting. The meeting was held on February 20, in Hudson, Wisconsin, in conjunction with the Wisconsin Holstein Association State Meeting.

This is the second year that HAUSA has videoed its National Member Update Meeting and posted it on-line. You can see the videos at www.youtube.com/HolsteinUSA. Or visit www.holsteinusa.com and click on Meetings & Conventions in the main menu, then select Member Update Meeting.

"We are able to reach many of our members who wouldn't otherwise be able to attend a member meeting, and they can watch the proceedings whenever they would like," said John M. Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA. "This is a terrific way to engage our members in HAUSA activities."

The meeting video is broken down into several sections for ease of viewing. See these presentations by video:

• John Meyer, HAUSA CEO—State of the Association
• R. Paul Buhr, director—HAUSA Director Elections
• Lindsey Worden, HAUSA executive director of genetic services—TPI Adjustment and Preliminary Genomic Evaluations
• Dr. Michael Bishop of Illumina—What's New in the World of HD and LD Chips
• Lindsey Worden—New Mobile Website
• Jodi Hoynoski, HAUSA executive director of identification and member services—Calendar of Events

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Brattleboro, Vermont (February 23, 2015)... Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) has just launched a mobile app—a new way for you to use a mobile device to access Holstein information on the Web. Getting information from HAUSA with your cellphone or tablet is now much more user-friendly.

To access the mobile site, point the Internet browser on your mobile device to services.holsteinusa.com. You'll get a menu with several options that include:

• Animal Search: Animal Search displays the same information as the traditional HAUSA Animal Search, optimized for performance on mobile devices. Results display quickly and columns are easy to sort.
  
  
• Popular Lists: The lists of High-Scoring Two-Year-Olds, First Time Excellents, Holsteins scored 95 or higher in the last twelve months, and Highest Registry Activity Bulls all available.
  
  
• Family Tree: Access Family Tree search results by clicking on an animal's registration number from the Animal Search results page or Family Tree in the menu, or search for an animal by registration number or NAAB code.
  
  
• Pedigree: Order pedigrees for animals from a variety of places within the mobile app, including directly from the Animal Search and Family Tree results.
  
  
• Inbreeding Calculator: View mating results for up to ten different sires and pedigree inbreeding values for each mating. You can also find genomic inbreeding values, if both the female and males are genomic tested.
  
  
• Bull Lists: Frequently accessed bull lists as well as the High Ranking Sire Report, Top 100 TPI Bulls, and Top 50 Sire lists for several traits can be easily accessed through the mobile site.

Visit services.holsteinusa.com from your smartphone or tablet today, and take advantage of some of HAUSA's most frequently used services.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (February 24, 2015)...The 2015 Holstein Association USA Online Junior Essay contest topics are now posted online at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors! The contest is divided into three age divisions, each with its own topic and page limits.

Prizes will be awarded to the top three essays in each age division. One Grand Prize winner will receive a Kindle Fire tablet. Entries must be received by April 1, 2015.

Any National Junior Holstein member is eligible to compete. Here are the topics for this year's contest:

Junior (ages 9-13 as of January 1): What is your favorite dairy product and how would you promote your love for this product to the public to help entice them to purchase it in the future?

Intermediate (ages 14-17): If you could have dinner with any Holstein breeder past or present who would you choose and why?

Senior (ages 18-21): How would you explain to someone the difference between a Registered Holstein animal and a black and white cow not identified with Holstein Association USA?

For complete details and entry information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors. With questions, contact Susan Harlow at 800.952.5200, ext. 4165, or email Susan.

Kindle Fire is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Kindle device is given away on behalf of Holstein Association USA. Amazon is not a sponsor of this contest.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (February 17, 2015)... Come to the Ohio Breeders Seminars in March for a discussion of genomics and Enlight, and how they can help you make a profit on your dairy.

The speakers will be Daren Sheffield, production records specialist, Holstein Association USA (HAUSA), Glenn Sageser, HAUSA regional representative, and Tom Esselburn of Zoetis. The March 10 seminar will also include
Dr. Daniel Weigel from Zoetis. Leesa Beanblossom of Zoetis will also speak at the March 14 seminar.

Dates, times, and locations of the seminars are:

• Wednesday, March 4 11 a.m., Damascus Fire Station, Damascus, Ohio, State Rte. 534
  
  
• Thursday, March 5 10 a.m., Der Dutchman Restaurant, Walnut Creek, Ohio
  Coffee and doughnuts at 9:30 a.m.
  
  
• Tuesday, March 10 10 a.m., Jake's Restaurant, Wooster, Ohio
  Coffee and doughnuts at 9:30 a.m.
  
  
• Saturday, March 14 8:30 a.m., Ohio Holstein State Convention, Howard Johnson's, Lima, Ohio

For more information, contact Glenn Sageser, regional representative, Holstein Association USA Inc., 502.321.8670, or email Glenn.

The seminars are sponsored by Holstein Association USA and Zoetis.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 20, 2015)...Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) will host a member update meeting on Friday, February 20, 2015, from noon to 3 p.m. at the Hudson House Grand Hotel in Hudson, Wisconsin. The meeting will be in conjunction with the Wisconsin Holstein Association state meeting.

Dr. Michael Bishop, senior market development specialist for Illumina, will be a special guest speaker. He will discuss "What's New in the World of HD and LD Chips." Attendees will also hear the State of the Association address, a financial report, and an update on HAUSA programs and services. HAUSA will record the meeting and post presentation videos on its website.

The Hudson House Grand Hotel is located at 1616 Crest View Drive, Hudson, Wisconsin. Visit its website at http://hudsonhousegrandhotel.com/

If you have questions, contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261, or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vermont (January 12, 2015)...The continuous growth of U.S. Registered Holsteins® is demonstrated by the 373,056 animals registered in 2014. This exceeds the 2013 total by 12,876, or four percent. In the last ten years, Holstein registrations have increased by 79,529 head, or 27 percent.

In addition to the 373,056 animals registered, 248,688 Holsteins were officially identified through the Association's Basic ID program, a stepping stone to full registry status. This is an increase of 29,183, or 13 percent, in Basic ID totals over 2013. Over the last ten years, Basic ID enrollments have increased by 128,804 animals, or 107 percent.

In summary, the Holstein Association USA officially identified 621,744 animals in 2014, an all-time record!

"Dairy producers continue to harvest the benefits from the copious amounts of high quality milk the Holstein cow easily produces. Whenever studies on income over feed costs are performed, the most important profitability factor is the total amount of milk, fat, and protein produced," said John Meyer, Chief Executive Officer of Holstein Association USA, Inc.

Meyer continued, "Quite simply, more milk, fat, and protein mean more money in the dairy producer's pocket. That's why the lion's share of the milk produced in the United States and the world come from Holstein cattle. The numbers speak for themselves."

The Holstein Association USA is the largest dairy breed organization in the world. The Association is in its 130th year of providing dairy producers with products and services to help them breed Holsteins, the world's most popular dairy cattle.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 5, 2015)...Holstein Association USA Inc. has presented the Overall Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Award to Karsen Haag of Mt. Horeb, Wisconsin.

Haag is a 21-year-old senior at Southwest Technical College in Fennimore, Wisconsin, where she completed a dairy herd management degree. Next year she will transfer to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville to earn a double major in dairy science and agribusiness. She also works part-time at Virhada Holsteins in Mt. Horeb.

Haag's long-term goal is to expand her herd and improve its genetics, while working toward management and ownership of the farm owned by her parents, Virgil and Dawn Haag. "I couldn't imagine my life without cows in it," she wrote in her Collinsworth application. "I have great childhood memories of being in the barn, working beside my brother with our show animals and tagging along after dad. From when I was little, showing Holsteins has been a growing, learning, and important experience for me."

Haag has participated widely in her state and county Holstein organizations. She started showing dairy cattle at age four, and has been a frequent exhibitor and volunteer at World Dairy Expo and North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE). As a high school student, she was involved in many activities, including FFA, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, and her church.

The Collinsworth Award is presented in honor of the Association's former executive director of member and industry services, Judi Collinsworth. The award recognizes youths' work and involvement with Holstein cattle and dairy activities. Recipients are chosen based on their sportsmanship, herdsmanship, and participation in Holstein and other agricultural activities. They must also write an essay describing what they have learned while exhibiting Registered Holstein cattle.

One Judi Collinsworth Award recipient is selected at each of the four National Junior Holstein Shows. Haag won the award at NAILE. Other winners from 2014 National Junior Holstein Shows are Miranda Iager, Maryland, Premier Junior Holstein Show; Laura Lesher, Pennsylvania, International Junior Holstein Show; and Liza Van der Laan, Oklahoma, Southern Spring National Junior Holstein Show.

For more information on Holstein youth programs, contact Kelli Dunklee at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 5, 2015)...Applications for the 2015 Holstein Association USA Inc. (HAUSA) awards that recognize notable members, breeders, and friends of the Association are due in the HAUSA office by February 28, 2015.

You may download applications for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership Award from our website, www.holsteinusa.com. Recipients for each award will be announced at the final banquet, during the National Holstein Convention in St. Charles, Illinois, on June 26.

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

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

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

Additionally, a scholarship is available to students interested in agriculture who plan to pursue their Master's Degree in Business Administration. The Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship awards $3,000 to a qualified individual pursuing their MBA at an accredited university. Applications for this scholarship are due to the Holstein office by April 15, 2015.

With questions or for more information, visit www.holsteinusa.com, and click on Awards, then Individuals in the main menu, or contact Susan Harlow by email or 800.952.5200, ext. 4165.

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