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Brattleboro, Vt., February 14, 2025 — Registration is open for the 2025 National Holstein Convention being held June 23-26, 2025, at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. The convention will feature local farm tours, educational seminars, Holstein Association USA’s Annual meeting, contests and workshops for Junior Holstein members, award recognitions, and much more!
“The theme of this year’s convention is ‘Meet Me in St. Louis,’ — and Holstein enthusiasts from across the country are welcome to do just that,” says Holstein Association USA CEO Lindsey Worden. “We have a full lineup of engaging activities for adults and Juniors alike to enjoy. Be sure to check out the Convention schedule and register soon!”
Registration Details
Early bird registration is now open and will run through April 14, 2025. This option offers convention tickets at a discounted price. Tickets will be available to purchase at a standard price from April 15 to May 31, 2025. After May 31, late registration will be available until June 6, 2025, for additional fees.
Two ticket packages are also being offered for the convention. Package options provide adults and Juniors who plan to attend all or most of National Holstein Convention with a discounted price on tickets. Individual meal and activity tickets are also available for purchase. To learn more about ticket package options or register for the convention, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/registration.
Hotel Rooms Available
Hotel rooms are available for booking at the historic Union Station Hotel, the Convention headquarters. Originally a bustling train station, the architectural gem combines old-world charm with modern comforts. The hotel is also attached to the Union Station, which is home to restaurants and attractions including the St. Louis Wheel, a ropes course, mini golf, carousel, and more.
The discounted convention hotel room rates will be applied from June 21 to 27, 2025, as room availability lasts. To learn more or book a hotel room, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/accommodations. All room reservations must be made by June 1, 2025, as availability lasts.
Convention Details
The 2025 National Holstein Convention will kick-off with the Local Lens Farm Tour on Monday, June 23, featuring three local farms that have all found their unique niche in the dairy industry. Tuesday, June 24 will bring Holstein Horizons — a day of engaging and educational seminars led by industry experts. That evening, attendees will enjoy dinner and tour the St. Louis Aquarium during Family Night Under the Sea.
Wednesday, June 25 will bring Holstein Association USA’s Annual Meeting, along with the Awards Luncheon. The board candidate forum will take place in the afternoon, followed by the National Convention Sale, managed by the Cattle Exchange, that evening. Convention will wrap up on Thursday, June 26, with the conclusion of the Annual Meeting and the Junior Awards Breakfast.
Junior Holstein members will also stay busy throughout the week competing in contests, attending workshops, and meeting new friends during fun evening activities. To see a more detailed schedule for the convention, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/schedule.
For those wanting to extend their trip, St. Louis offers many family friendly activities, rich history, live entertainment, iconic landmarks, and sporting events. For more details on St. Louis highlights, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/experience-st-louis.
Learn more at www.holsteinconvention.com or reach out to [email protected] with questions. If you need assistance using the online Convention registration website, call Holstein Association USA customer service at 800.952.5200.
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Brattleboro, Vt., February 11, 2025 — Holstein Association USA is excited to announce the 2025 National Holstein Convention Internship, an exceptional opportunity for students pursuing careers in dairy, agriculture, or communications-related fields. This internship will take place from June 20 to July 3, 2025, and include a trip to National Holstein Convention, being held June 23-26, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri.
“If you’re a creative, organized, and driven individual looking to gain hands-on experience in event planning, media coverage, and communications, we hope you’ll consider applying for this internship,” says Emily Bosch, Senior Communications Manager at Holstein Association USA. “National Holstein Convention provides a fun, fast-paced, and professional environment to level up your communication skills and gain hands-on experience.”
The intern will work alongside Holstien Association USA’s communications team to cover convention activities and award winners and assist with event operations. From creating engaging social media content to writing press releases and assisting with photography, this role offers a wide range of communication experiences.
Key Responsibilities:
Assist with event planning and general coverage during the convention.
Plan, capture, and execute engaging social media content.
Write and edit press releases.
Photograph convention activities and organize media assets.
Intern Qualifications
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and passionate about both communications and agriculture. Applicants should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dairy, agriculture, or communications-related fields. Key qualifications include:
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Experience creating social media content and managing platforms.
Familiarity with design programs such as Canva or Adobe Suite.
Photography experience and a knack for capturing compelling visuals.
A positive, team-oriented attitude and strong organizational skills.
Internship Details
The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, creative, and passionate about both communications and agriculture. Applicants should be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in dairy, agriculture, or communications-related fields. Key qualifications include:
Location: The internship includes on-site work at the National Holstein Convention in St. Louis from June 21-26, 2025, as well as remote or in-office work before and after the event.
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate, with all transportation, meals, and lodging during the convention covered.
Additional Requirements: Interns must have a working laptop and smartphone, be available for 10 hours of paid remote training in May and June 2025, and must not be a 2025 Distinguished Junior member semifinalist, Junior Advisory Committee member, or competing in Dairy Bowl or Dairy Jeopardy during National Holstein Convention.
How to Apply
Interested candidates must submit their applications by March 21, 2025. Applicants should send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]. For the full job description and additional information, visit www.holsteinusa.com/association/employment.html.
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Brattleboro, Vt., February 4, 2025 — Holstein Association USA is excited to announce the top Holstein Breed Age Average (BAA%) herds for 2024 classifications. This recognition highlights the outstanding dedication of Holstein breeders nationwide who participate in the Classic or Standard options of the Holstein classification program.
“With the Classic and Standard program options herds receive a whole herd BAA, using each animal’s age and stage of lactation balancing the scale for all animals,” says Amy Fletcher, Senior Manager of Classification Operations. “Congratulations to all the Registered Holstein breeders earning a spot on the Top BAA lists, it is a great achievement.”
In 2024, 924 herds had a BAA value eligible for inclusion in these lists. The average number of cows included in the BAA calculation for the entire group was 66, and the average BAA% was 108.2.
Topping the 2024 highest overall BAA list is Triple-T Holsteins from North Lewisburg, Ohio, with a BAA of 116.9. Also earning top five honors are:
Matthew T. Mitchell, Tennessee, BAA of 116.6
Jeffrey Jet Butler, Illinois, BAA of 115.8
Juniper Farm Inc, Maine, BAA of 115.5
Conant Acres Inc, Maine, BAA of 115.4
Lists are broken down in several different ways to recognize members across the country with herds of all sizes. Lists of the Overall Top 200 BAA Herds, Top 25 BAA Herds by Region, Top 25 BAA Herds by Herd Size, and Top 15 BAA Herds for Colleges & Universities can be found under the Popular List section on the homepage or directly at www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/baa_lists_2024.html. Congratulations to all herds on these lists!
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Brattleboro, Vt., January 23, 2025 — Holstein enthusiasts are invited to gather in Saint Louis for the 2025 National Holstein Convention this summer. The convention will be held from June 23-26, 2025, at the Union Station Hotel in St. Louis, Missouri. With the theme “Meet Me in St. Louis,” the convention will feature farm tours, educational seminars, award recognition, and Holstein Association USA’s Annual Meeting, along with contests, workshops, and activities for youth.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming the dairy community to join us in exploring Saint Louis this summer. This Gateway City feels like a big city with a small-town charm and has so much to offer, from family-friendly fun to live entertainment to exhilarating sporting events,” says Holstein Association USA Event & Program Lead Kelli Dunklee. “Additionally, we have a full line up of exciting activities planned for both adults and Juniors at National Holstein Convention.”
With its rich history and iconic landmarks, Saint Louis provides a perfect gathering place for Holstein enthusiasts of all ages. From engaging seminars and networking with industry leaders to exploring other farms and participating in association business, attendees will maximize their time at National Holstein Convention. Registration for convention will be available in mid-February at www.holsteinconvention.com.
Convention Schedule
National Holstein Convention will kick off on Monday, June 23 with a breakfast buffet and the Local Lens Farm Tour. Attendees will visit three Registered Holstein farms that have found their niche in the dairy industry through innovation — Wilra Farms, Carters Corner, and Rolling Lawns Farm. The day will also include lunch and a stop at The Milk House, the charming storefront for Rolling Lawns Farm. Junior Holstein members will wrap up the day with Dairy Jeopardy Orientation and a Great Gatsby inspired dance.
Holstein Horizons will be held on Tuesday, June 24. The program will feature a variety of enriching seminars, including a panel focused on farm transition planning and experts on topics like dairy cattle longevity, biosecurity, and dairy product innovations. Youth will stay busy with Dairy Jeopardy, speech contests, and the dairy knowledge exam. The trade show will also be open throughout the day. In the evening, adults and youth will come together for a fun filled family night at the aquarium attached to the hotel.
Wednesday, June 25 will bring Holstein Association USA’s 139th Annual Meeting and Board Candidate Forum. An Awards Luncheon will honor Holstein Association USA’s award recipients, and the National Holstein Convention Sale will follow that evening. The Dairy Bowl contest, workshop, Junior Forum, and an evening activity will be offered for youth.
The 2025 convention will wrap up on Thursday, June 26 with the conclusion of Holstein Association USA’s Annual Meeting, Dairy Bowl finals, and the Junior Awards Breakfast, where the Distinguished Junior Member finalists are announced and Junior Holstein members are recognized. For a full National Holstein Convention schedule, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/schedule.
Hotel Rooms Available
Hotel rooms are available for booking at the historic Union Station Hotel, the Convention headquarters. Originally a bustling train station, the architectural gem combines old-world charm with modern comforts. The hotel is also attached to the Union Station, which is home to restaurants and attractions including the St. Louis Wheel, a ropes course, mini golf, carousel, and more. The discounted convention hotel room rates will be applied from June 21 to 27, 2025, as room availability lasts. To learn more or book a hotel room, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/accommodations. All room reservations must be received by June 1, 2025, as availability lasts.
Breeder Advertising Opportunities
New in 2025, advertising opportunities through National Holstein Convention channels are being offered to Holstein Association USA members. These affordable advertising options are designed to promote Registered Holstein farms or genetics to fellow Holstein enthusiasts on a national scale.
Full page, half page, and farm spotlight advertisements are available for purchase and will be featured in the official National Holstein Convention program. A breeder map will feature Registered Holstein farms welcoming National Holstein Convention attendees to stop by on their way to or from Convention on the website and in the Convention program. To place an advertisement or participate in the breeder map, visit www.holsteinconvention.com/farm-promotion.
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Brattleboro, Vt., January 7, 2025 — Launched in 2020, the Virtual Interview Contest provides Junior Holstein Association members the opportunity to sharpen their resume writing and interview skills. The virtual format of the contest allows Junior members from across the country to easily participate and practice interviewing in a realistic setting.
“Competing in the Virtual Interview Contest for several years has definitely helped me improve my interview skills,” says Junior Holstein Association member Rachel Craun. “I have used the feedback received from judges to prepare my resume and cover letter when applying for internships. Thanks to the skills gained from this contest, I have landed several awesome internship opportunities.”
Applicants submitted cover letters and resumes based on a mock interview scenario and were selected to move on to the second phase of the contest based on their combined cover letter and resume scores. During the second phase contestants were interviewed by a panel of three judges. Final scores were calculated based on each applicant’s cover letter, resume, and interview. Every participant also receives constructive feedback from the judges.
Junior Division (ages 12-14 as of January 1)
1st place: Chloe Chapman, California
2nd place: Brady McConnell, Wisconsin
3rd place: Josiah Freier, New York
Intermediate Division (ages 15-17 as of January 1)
1st place: Sydney Bullard, Maine
2nd place: Elsie Donlick, New York
3rd place: Sophia Geppert, Missouri
Senior Division (ages 18-21 as of January 1)
1st place: Rachel Craun, Virginia
2nd place: Alexis Hoefs, Minnesota
3rd place: Mark Freier, New York
Cash prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place, and $50 for third place will be awarded in the junior and intermediate divisions. In the senior division, youth will be given cash prizes of $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $100 for third place.
“I really enjoyed participating in this year's Virtual Interview Contest,” says Junior Holstein member Josiah Freier. “I sharpened my communication skills while interacting and learning from great people in the dairy industry from across the country. I encourage all Junior Holstein members to take up this great opportunity as well.”
For more information about the Virtual Interview Contest, or other Holstein Association USA youth programs, visit www.holstein usa.com/juniors/ or contact Kelli Dunklee at [email protected].
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Brattleboro, Vt., January 6, 2025 — Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) recently announced several promotions among senior staff members. The promotions and new positions, along with the plethora of products, programs, and services offered, position HAUSA well to continue to serve Registered Holstein® breeders and the broader dairy community.
Lindsey Worden was introduced as the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) on June 20, 2024, following a comprehensive interview process with the HAUSA Board of Directors. Lindsey assumed her official duties as CEO on January 1, 2025, succeeding John Meyer as the 10th CEO of Holstein Association USA after his retirement on December 31, 2024.
“I am humbled to follow in John Meyer’s footsteps and have been grateful to work alongside him and witness many of the significant achievements our organization has enjoyed under his leadership,” CEO Worden says. “I am honored to be named Holstein Association USA’s next CEO, and excited to navigate the opportunities and challenges that will propel us into the future, while respecting and honoring our organization’s rich history.”
During her 17-year tenure at HAUSA, Lindsey has held several positions including college intern, Public Relations Specialist, Communications Manager, Executive Director of the Holstein Genetic Services Department, and most recently, Chief Operating Officer. The University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate also serves the dairy industry as Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Board Chair, a National Pedigreed Livestock Council Director, and Councilor for the World Holstein Friesian Federation.
“One of Holstein Association USA’s strengths lies in the talent and dedication of our team. I am proud to work alongside all of our staff, who all play a key part in helping HAUSA achieve our mission of providing programs, products and services to help dairy producers worldwide be successful, regardless of their role within the organization,” said CEO Worden.
Dr. Jeffrey Bewley has been promoted to Executive Director of Genetic Programs and Innovation. In this role, Dr. Bewley will be responsible for leading efforts in developing and providing high quality, unbiased information and decision support tools that can be used by dairy producers worldwide to breed more profitable Holstein cattle. Dr. Bewley has been with the Holstein Association for over four years as our Dairy Analytics and Innovation Scientist.
Jason Ewing has been promoted to Western Region Sales Manager, where he will be responsible for overseeing the sales team covering the western half of the United States, and serving a territory of his own in the central part of the country. Jason has been with the Holstein Association for two years as a Regional Sales Representative.
Jenifer Levisee has been promoted to Senior Director of Herdbook Services, where she will lead the team responsible for producing and providing the gamut of identification products and services, as well as overseeing quality assurance programs, and the customer service team. Jen has been with the Association for over 26 years, working in various roles within the Quality Assurance department for most of that time.
Sarah Sarbacker joined the HAUSA team in November 2024 as Director of Sales and Market Development. In this role, Sarah is responsible for leading strategic initiatives aimed at expanding market presence, enhancing member engagement, developing and executing comprehensive sales strategies, and identifying new market opportunities.
Daren Sheffield has been promoted to Senior Director of Performance Programs, Membership and Governance. Daren is a 20-year veteran of the organization and provides valuable oversight and guidance to several value-added programs and services that Holstein Association USA offers. He will serve as a steward for HAUSA membership processes and programs for both adult and Junior members, and oversees the organization’s governance processes.
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Lindsey Worden |
Dr. Jeffrey Bewley |
Jason Ewing |
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Jenifer Levisee |
Sarah Sarbacker |
Daren Sheffield |
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