Brattleboro, Vt. (December 29, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce that three new traits have been added to Official Holstein Pedigrees. Feed Efficiency, Fertility Index, and Sire Calving Ease are now displayed on all versions of the pedigrees for the subject animal, sire and dam.

“Feed Efficiency and Fertility Index are two newer traits which are both included in the TPI® formula, and we wanted to make them widely available for anyone to see for any Registered Holstein®,” said Lindsey Worden, Executive Director, Holstein Genetic Services. “Sire Calving Ease is another trait which many breeders requested to have added to pedigrees, so we are happy to be able to make all of that information publicly available and easily accessible.”

Official Holstein Pedigrees may be ordered online at www.holsteinusa.com, or printed pedigrees may be ordered by calling Customer Service at 800.952.5200. Holstein COMPLETETM members receive free internet pedigrees, up to the number of cows they have enrolled in the program.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (December 20, 2016)...Douglas Boop of Millmont, Pa., is the 2016 recipient of the Holstein Association USA's Overall Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Award. The Collinsworth Award is presented annually 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 selected based on sportsmanship, herdsmanship, participation in Holstein and other agricultural activities, as well as an essay describing what they have learned while exhibiting Registered Holstein® cattle. The winners at each of the National Junior Holstein Shows receive a $250 cash prize and the overall winner receives an additional $500 scholarship.

Boop, 21, is a Junior at Pennsylvania State University, majoring in animal science, business option. He is very active as a Dairy Science Club member serving on the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Selection Committee as well as the Heifer Crew. After finishing his education at Penn State, Doug is planning to return to his family dairy, Heart and Soul, and continue developing their show program.

"It is an honor to receive this award and be recognized by Holstein Association USA for the hard work that has gone into competing in shows and other Holstein activities throughout my Junior Holstein career," Boop said.

Boop has participated widely in his state and county Holstein organizations. He has had success in and out of the showring, receiving a total of 16 Junior All-American nominations, two of which were honored as Reserve Junior All-American. At the 2016 World Dairy Expo, he was recently awarded the Merle Howard Award.

"Showing Registered Holsteins has shaped me into the person that I am today," Boop explained. "The opportunities and challenges that have been presented to me both in the showring and in preparing to get there have taught me sportsmanship, patience, and the type of example that should be set for youth to follow, while allowing me to make many connections that will be invaluable as I continue in the industry."

As a member of the Pennsylvania Junior Holstein Association, he was a 2012 Young Distinguished Junior Member finalist and has participated in Dairy Bowl on local, state and national levels, as well as Dairy Jeopardy and Dairy Judging.

One Judi Collinsworth Award recipient is selected at each of the four National Junior Holstein Shows. Boop won the award at Premier National Junior Holstein Show. Other winners from 2016 National Junior Holstein Shows are Alyson Philips, Texas, Southern Spring National Junior Holstein Show; and Carley Krull, Wisconsin, Grand National Junior Holstein Show.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (November 28, 2016)...The Holstein Association USA, Inc. (HAUSA) board of directors conducted its fall meeting November 16-17 in Minneapolis, Minn. President Gordie Cook chaired the day-and-a-half session.

The board approved the 2017 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.

Update on 2016 Business Plan

Registrations through October totaled 303,310, which represents a two percent decrease over the same time period in 2015. Reporting through October, 328,648 cows in 1,801 herds were enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE®. This represents an increase of 17,584 cows, or six percent, and a slight decrease in the number of herds when compared to October 2015.

Staff reported on early progress on the multi-year initiative to restructure and retool the Association's information technology systems. This is needed to gain operational efficiencies and ensure the best service possible to our members.

Bill VerBoort, AgriTech Analytics general manager, reported 968,655 cows in 571 herds were processed in October. This represents an increase of 18,464 cows or two percent over the last six months.

Other Business

The board approved "The Great Holstein Roundup," a limited time promotion, offering all transfers at the discount price of $5.00. This special pricing applies to transfer applications received at 1 Holstein Place by day's end December 28, 2016.

The board adopted a position statement on the Margin Protection Program - Dairy (MPP) advocating for monthly regional calculations of producers' "NET All-Milk Prices" that factor in marketing costs, combined with regional calculations of feed costs. These regional calculations of milk prices and feed costs would result in a much more accurate determination of net margins and ensure that the MPP accomplishes its intended purpose --- a safety net for U.S. dairy farms. For more information, contact Peter Cole at pcole@holstein.com or 802.451.4127.

The board also expressed strong support for lowering the maximum allowable Somatic Cell Count (SCC) for interstate shipment of raw milk from 750,000/ml to 400,000/ml. This would improve milk quality and dairy cow health, as well as increase the amount of U.S. milk products eligible for export.

The board approved the release of 2,158 prefixes, effective December 31, 2016. Since its inception in 2009, 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 will be 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 contact Customer Service and request to do so for a $100 fee.

The board approved a policy updating publication rules as they pertain to polled Holsteins. Effective December 2016, in order for an animal to appear on any list published by HAUSA that is meant to be comprised of polled animals, an animal must be coded as PC or PP. Animals coded as PO are not eligible for publication on any HAUSA list meant to be comprised solely of polled animals.

The intent of the policy is to encourage genetic testing and ensure accurate representation of genetically polled animals on official lists produced by Holstein Association USA. Animals coded as PO ("Observed Polled") will continue to have that designation printed on registration certificates, pedigrees and similar lineage statements in the same location as other genetic codes.

Beginning in 2017, members will receive a free duplicate certificate for all individual transfers submitted online. In other action, the board approved a $5 service fee for each individual phoned-in transfer. This is similar to the fee charged for registration applications which are phoned in.

Upcoming Meetings

The next board meetings are:

• Spring board meeting March 30-31, 2017, Brattleboro, Vt.
• Summer board meeting June 27-28, 2017. This will be in Bellevue, Wash., held in conjunction with the 132nd Annual Meeting.
  

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Brattleboro, Vt. (November 21, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is excited to offer The Great Holstein Roundup. Starting November 21, 2016 until December 28, 2016 all transfers, regardless of sale or purchase date will be discounted to $5.

Build additional value in Registered Holstein® herds by filing an ownership transfer with Holstein Association USA. Without a transfer, years of profitable matings will be lost and the industry will lose this valuable information forever.

Take advantage of The Great Holstein Roundup by submitting the transfer online, through the mail or by calling 800.952.5200. All transfers must be received at 1 Holstein Place by December 28, 2016.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (November 14, 2016)...Holstein Association USA has released its annual Pedigree Analysis of National Holstein Show winners, calculated after all 2016 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 2016 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 2016, a total of 169 different heifers and 255 different cows.

2016 Highlights

• Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET was again the Overall Leading Sire of 2016 National Holstein winners, siring 59 daughters who took the top three places in their classes. He was also the Leading Sire of winning cows, 43, and the second leading sire of heifers, at 16. His sire, Braedale Goldwyn was second in the overall ranking with 53, and Val-Bisson Doorman-ET was third with 43.
  
  
• Val-Bisson Doorman- ET was also the new front-runner for the Leading Sire of Heifers, siring 33.
   
• Once again, Braedale Goldwyn capped the Leading Maternal Grandsires of Heifers list, siring 41 heifers and taking second leading maternal grandsire of cows with 28. Regancrest Dundee-ET was second in Overall Leading Maternal Grandsire and Leading Maternal Grandsire of Heifers lists but topped the Leading Maternal Grandsire of Cows with a total of 33. Maple-Downs-I G W Atwood-ET rounded out the top three in the overall list of Leading Maternal Grandsires.
   
• The combination of Braedale Goldwyn x Regancrest Dundee-ET was the leading Sire Stack for all National Show winners, and for cows, with 19 animals placing in the top three at 2016 National Holstein shows resulting from that mating. Braedale Goldwyn x Val-Bisson Doorman- ET topped the Heifer list with 15 daughters from the combination.
  

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. (August 17, 2016)...Holstein Association USA welcomes five new Regional Sales Representatives to their team. Regional Sales Representatives are located throughout the country and are focused on helping dairy producers increase profitability by using the Association's services.

	Seth Carpenter of West Burke, Vt., a 2006 graduate from Vermont Technical College holds an Associate's Degree in Dairy Business Management, serves New England and Eastern New York. He is certified as a Registered Animal Scientist by American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists. Prior to joining the Association, Carpenter worked in the dairy supply industry.
Barry Cavitt of Stephenville, Texas covers Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Eastern Texas. Most recently Cavitt was an Adjunct Instructor and Dairy Judging Team Coach for Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas where he received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education and Master of Science Teaching degrees.
	Jeremy Ettestad of Heber City, Utah, serves dairymen in Colorado, Idaho, and Utah. Ettestad, a 1998 graduate from Linn Benton Community College in Oregon, holds an Associate's Degree in General Studies, with an Agriculture emphasis. Ettestad served as Dairy Operations Manager for a Utah dairy prior to joining the Association.
Matt Lawrence of Mercer, Pa., a graduate of Penn State University in 2000, works with dairy producers in Western New York and Western Pennsylvania. Lawrence's previous experience includes dairy farming with his family and working in the AI industry.
	Lacee Paulo of Hanford, Calif. covers Northern California and Nevada. Paulo, a 2012 graduate from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science/Communications, with a Minor in Dairy Science. Before joining the Association, she had worked as an intern in the AI industry and as Small Business Account Manager for an insurance agency.

"Regional Sales Representatives are essential for our membership. They provide support for products and services to our members and help to assist dairies in implementing new dairy technologies on their farms," says Steve Peterson, National Sales Manager. "Our new hires have the passion along with the dairy experience to help our customers and prospects be more profitable and successful."

Along with Carpenter, Cavitt, Ettestad, Lawrence, and Paulo, there are fifteen other Regional Sales Representatives representing the Association in the field. These dairy experts help producers utilize Association programs to improve their herds and increase their bottom lines. To find which Regional Sales Representative covers your area or contact the Representative, visit www.holsteinusa.com.

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Brattleboro, VT (August 3, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is proud to recognize several youth every year for their accomplishments in breeding and developing outstanding Registered Holstein cows. Two new awards have been created in 2016 to recognize even more Juniors and their cows. Additionally, all awards have been moved from an application process to automatic screen for all eligible animals.

"Changes were made to the Junior Production & Breeder Awards in an effort to recognize more Holstein youth, for owning and breeding exceptional Registered Holsteins," said Holstein Association USA Program Specialist Kelli Dunkliee. "The biggest change is that youth no longer have to submit entries, as they are now automatically calculated each year."

National Junior Star Performer Award

The National Star Performer award is new this year, and recognizes youth who have homebred cows with exceptional milk production and classification scores. To be eligible for recognition, cows must be bred and owned by a Holstein Association USA Junior member, classified at least Very-Good 85, and have a 305-day (or less) production record of at least 25,000 pounds completed within the last calendar year. Once the eligible cows are determined, they have a score calculated based on their age-adjusted classification score and Mature Equivalent milk production, and they are ranked based on that value. Ten cows will be recognized with this honor annually, with the highest ranking cow being designated as the National Junior Star Performer.

The 2015 National Junior Star Performer is SIEMERS BRDNK AVAS-CHARM-ET owned by Crystal Siemers-Peterman of Wisconsin. The cow is classified Very Good-85 at 2-07, and calving in a 1-10, has a 305-day production record of 34,260 pounds of milk, with 1,297 pounds of fat and 985 pounds of protein.

2nd place: SRD-IL WING BLYE, owned by Carson Kasbergen, Ill.
3rd place: SIEMERS OSMOND SHE-RAY-ET, owned by Jordan & Connor Siemers, Wis.
4th place: SIEMERS BRDNK AVAS-ELITE-ET, owned by Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.
5th place: SIEMERS BRADNCK ASTONISHING, owned by Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.
6th place: SIEMERS AFTRSHK ADVANTAGE-ET, owned by Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.
7th place: CURLYDELL SANCHEZ BRIE, owned by Callie Curley, Pa.
8th place: SIEMERS BRADNCK AVAS-JOY-ET, owned by Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.
9th place: BERRYRIDGE DVINE INTRVNTION, owned by Elizabeth & Zachary Endres, Wis.
10th place: SIEMERS BRDNK AVAS-GIFT-ET, owned by Crystal Siemers-Peterman, Wis.

National Cream of the Crop Award

Another new award in 2016, the National Cream of the Crop award recognizes cows owned by Holstein youth with exceptional milk production. All Junior-owned cows who produced at least 30,000 pounds of milk in a single 305-day of less lactation, completed in the previous calendar year are eligible for this recognition. All eligible cows are ranked based on their combined pounds of fat and protein produced in the lactation, and the top 75 cows are recognized annually. The 2015 top 10 cows for combined fat and protein:

1st place in the 2015 Cream of the Crop recognition group based on combined pounds of fat and protein is MT-GLEN DUNDEE LOVELY, owned by Katie Jackson of Pennsylvania. Lovely is classified Excellent-94 points, and calving in at 6-00, had a 305-day production record of 37,110 pounds of milk, with 2,171 pounds of fat and 1,199 pounds of protein.

2nd place: SIEMERS GWYN GLAM-DREAM-ET, owned by Crystal, Jordan, Josh, Jake, Connor & Lauren Siemers, Wis.
3rd place: JOLIAM ASPEN MJ 3540-ET, owned by Jessica & Nicole Pralle, Wis.
4th place: WHITELEATHER GLDWYN 1492-ET, owned by Autumn Whiteleather, Ohio
5th place: OCEAN-VIEW GOLD ROXETTE-ET, owned by Jenavieve Kisst, Calif.
6th place: UFM-DUBS SIEMER SHEROCKS-ET, owned by Jordan & Connor Siemers, Wis.
7th place: NOR-BERT SHOTTLE KIA, owned by Dalton, Dillon & Breanne Freeman, Ind.
8th place: PARADISE-R ANNAS DAISY, owned by Anna Ramsey, Ohio
9th place: KIMEBERT SHOTTLE DAFNEY, owned by Richard Ball, Idaho
10th place: JOLIAM ASPEN 3332-ET, owned by Jessica & Nicole Pralle, Wis.

Other recognitions Holstein Association USA Junior members can achieve include the National Junior Breeder of an Excellent Cow award, National Junior Breeder of a Multiple E Excellent Cow award, National Junior 150,000 Pound Lifetime Production award, and the National Junior 200,000 Pound Lifetime Production award.

Find complete lists of all Junior award honorees at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors, under Junior Awards in the main menu. With questions or for more information, or contact Kelli Dunklee, youth programs specialist, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (August 1, 2016)...Holstein Association USA has updated the eligibility rules for the Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) award, removing the cap on the number of youth who may apply from any state. These changes will take effect for the 2017 competition. The 2017 DJM application & forms are now available on the Holstein Association USA web site at www.holsteinusa.com/juniors, and are due March 1, 2017.

"Removing the number of applicants allowed per state in the Distinguished Junior Member Contest will encourage more Holstein youth members to apply," said Kelli Dunklee, Youth Programs Specialist. "This will allow us to select from the most qualified youth members in the country, regardless of what state they are from."

The Distinguished Junior Member award is the highest honor bestowed on Holstein Association USA Junior members, who have excelled in their junior project work, involvement on their farm, and in their communities. To apply, youth must be between the ages of 17 and 20 as of January 1 in the award year.

Based on the applications submitted, a group of semifinalists is chosen to travel to the National Junior Holstein Convention, where they go through an interview process. Six finalists are selected each year to receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA.

For more information about the Distinguished Junior Member award, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors, or contact Kelli Dunklee, youth programs specialist, at 800.952.5200, ext. 4124 or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (August 1, 2016)...With the 2016 National Holstein Convention successfully concluded, the election of delegates for the 2017 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, delegates voted to 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 for the 2017 Annual Meeting to 143 delegates allowed.

The 2017 Annual Meeting will be held in Bellevue, Washington, June 30-July 1.

Here are the important deadlines to take into account:

August 1 - Nominating petitions mailed to members
September 30 - Nominating petitions must be received by Holstein Association USA
October 14 - Deadline for nominees to withdraw names from the ballot
November 1 - Ballots mailed to members
January 2, 2017 - Ballots must be received by Holstein Association USA
February 1, 2017 - 2017 delegate election finalized

In accordance with Holstein Association USA bylaws, the following members are ineligible to serve in 2017, having served three consecutive years as elected delegates:

Donald T. Bennink, Florida
Roger A. Hibschman, Indiana
David F. Rottinghaus, Kansas
Janice K. Albrecht, Minnesota
Matthew Hendel, Minnesota
Brad Groves, Missouri
Alicia Lamb, New York
Willard H. Peck, New York
Joseph Miley, Ohio
Ted S. Renner, Ohio
David W. Bitler, Pennsylvania
Dean W. Jackson, Pennsylvania
Richard N. Mellinger, Pennsylvania
Matthew James Nuckols, Virginia
Paula A. Bovre, Wisconsin
Kevin Jorgensen, Wisconsin
Christopher M. McCullough, Wisconsin
Chad J. Ryan, Wisconsin
Karyn Schauf, Wisconsin
Robert J. Schauf, Wisconsin

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 14, 2016)...The Holstein Association USA board of directors met June 27-28, 2016, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. President Gordie Cook chaired the board meeting held during the 131st National Holstein Convention and Annual Meeting at The Saratoga Hilton hotel.

The board honored retiring Directors Gayle Carson of Tennessee, Corey A. Geiger of Wisconsin, and Peter B. Waterman of Maine. All were formally recognized during the awards banquet on July 1st for their many contributions and leadership on the Association board of directors.

Update on 2016 Business Plan

Staff presented updates on the 2016 Management-by-Objective Business Plan and year-to-date financials during the Board meeting. At the end of May, registrations stood at 150,969, up one percent more than the same time last year. Staff reported a four percent increase in the number of animals enrolled in Holstein COMPLETE®.

2016 Financial Update

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Barbara Casna presented the Association's consolidated financial statements through the end of May, 2016, and reviewed the reserve fund report for the same period. Year-to-date the Association has net income from operations of $390,000.

AgriTech Analytics (ATA)

AgriTech Analytics (ATA) General Manager Bill VerBoort reported the dairy records processing center has had steady enrollment in the second quarter of the year with more than 950,000 records processed monthly. ATA's net operating results were $9,000 more than the same time last year.

Other Board Action

With the elimination of the embryo transfer form submission requirement, the Association now relies solely on information supplied by breeders on their registration applications. The board took steps to preserve the integrity of Association records by implementing an animal birthdate oversight plan.

This plan incorporates the use of a computer algorithm to identify outlier herds where animals appear to be registered with birthdates beneficial for show ring purposes. These herds may be visited unannounced, prior to any particular show date, for on-farm record audits.

President Cook presided over the reorganization meeting of the board on July 1st. The board welcomed newly-elected Directors Peter Dueppengiesser, Region 1, Steve Keene, At-Large, and Benjamin Newberry, Region 4, along with re-elected Director Mark Kerndt of Iowa. Directors serve three-year terms.

The next scheduled board of directors meeting will be held November 16-17 in Minneapolis, Minn.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 6, 2016)...The 2016 National Holstein Convention was held June 27 through July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. Over 400 Holstein Junior members competed in contests and participated in various other activities. Contests are designed to showcase talents and develop skills that will be useful for these young Holstein breeders' future endeavors.

Prepared Public Speaking
Broken into three age divisions, 51 youth participated in the prepared public speaking competition. Following are the results from each division.

Junior (ages 9 through 13 years)
1st: Brianna Meyer, Wis., "Goldwyn - Sire of Champions"
2nd: Kylie Konyn, Calif., "Genomics"
3rd: Julia Heijkoop, Fla., "Educating the Public on Organic versus Conventional Farming"

Intermediate (ages 14 through 17 years)
1st: Brock Irwin, Ill., "The Real Truth About the Dairy Industry"
2nd: Cady McGehee, Fla., "Conventional versus Organic Farming"
3rd: Kristin Johns, Pa., "The 'EIEIO' of Farming"

Senior (ages 18 through 21 years)
1st: Stephanie McBath, N.Y., "When in Rome, on an Italian Dairy Farm"
2nd: Halee Wasson, Pa., "Dairy Sweetener"
3rd: Charlie Sasscer, Md., "The Moo that Keeps on Giving (Sustainability)"

Folding Display Contest
Fifty-seven entries were submitted in this year's Folding Display competition. Participants create a free-standing display educating people about a dairy industry-related topic of their choice. Youth are divided into three age divisions, and each division has two categories - Scientific and Creative. Junior Holstein members are not required to attend the National Convention to enter a display and compete in this contest. Following are the results for each category.

Creative Division - Junior
1st: Whitney Dunklee, Vt., "Dairy Around the World"
2nd: Danica Rupard, Wash., "The Talents of a Cow's Tongue"
3rd: Sarah Craun, Va., "Calf-a-Bunga"

Scientific Division - Junior
1st: Rachel Craun, Va., "What's the Matter"
2nd: Shelby Sumner, Fl., "Robotic Milkers - Risk vs Reward"
3rd: Gary Young, Wash., "The Heritability of Red Genetics"

Creative Division - Intermediate
1st: Taylor Wolfe, Pa., "FARM"
2nd: Gregory Norris, Ma., "Expo through the Years"
3rd: Allie Goss, Pa., "I'm Done, Now What? (Opportunities for Women)"

Scientific Division - Intermediate
1st: Katelyn Sowers, Pa., "The Effects of Methane Production on the Environment"
2nd: Cole Verano, Fla., "The Power of Poo"
3rd: Michael Fioretto, Fla., "AI: Repro Anatomy"

Creative Division - Senior
1st: Daniel Kitchen, Pa., "Milk and More"
2nd: Megan Rauen, Iowa, "How to Connect with the Consumer"
3rd: Mary Ellen Sousa, N.J., "The Veterinary Feed Directive"

Scientific Division - Senior
1st: Shannon Sears, N.Y., "Hairy Heel Warts"
2nd: Marcy Bartelheimer, Wash., "Why is She So Moody (Estrous Cycle)"
3rd: Halee Wasson, Pa., "Can Lactose Hydrolysis be used to Replace Sugar in Dairy Products"

State Scrapbook
The state scrapbook contest gives each state the chance to tell the story of activities and events their Junior Holstein associations take part in each year. Nine states submitted traditional scrapbooks this year.

1st: Iowa
2nd: Illinois
3rd: Minnesota
4th: New England
5th: Pennsylvania

Digital State Scrapbook
The Digital Scrapbook division had nine entries submitted this year. This division is judged on the same criteria as a traditional scrapbook, but entries must be presented on a computer, DVD player, or other digital format.

1st: Illinois
2nd: Missouri
3rd: Washington
4th: New York
5th: Michigan

State Banner
The state banner competition allows states to creatively showcase their state pride, with nine entries submitted this year, displayed throughout the week at the Convention.

1st: Washington
2nd: New England
3rd: New York

NHWSO Awards Scholarships

The National Holstein Women's Scholarship Organization (NHWSO) presented a total of $8,000 in scholarships to three deserving Junior Holstein members. Recipients include Charlie Hamilton, Wis., Elizabeth Endres, Wis., and Jill Seiler, Kan.

New Representatives Elected to Junior Advisory Committee (JAC)

These youth members were elected to the Junior Advisory Committee. From Area II was Cady McGeehee, Fla.; Area IV was Alexandra Gambonini, Calif.; and at At-Large was Rachel Demmer, Iowa.

Penny Wars

Iowa was the winning state in the Penny War contest, raising $1,335.88 for the Holstein Foundation.

See the Summer 2016 issue of the Holstein Pulse, and visit our web site, www.holsteinusa.com, for more coverage of the 2016 National Holstein Convention.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 5, 2016)...Holstein Association USA was pleased to honor several Registered Holstein® breeders and stand-out leaders in the industry with their coveted Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership Awards. They unveiled these recipients at their annual National Holstein Convention Awards Banquet on July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.

Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder - Joe Loehr, WI

As a father of five young children, this year's Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award winner Joe Loehr of Mount Calvary, Wis., is dedicated to progressing his family's farm, Loehr Dairy, LLC, while being actively involved in his community and developing a solid, sustainable foundation for his family.

Through the years, Joe has invested in animals, while working towards a partnership with his parents, Norman and Rosie, and two of his brothers, Mark and Dan. In 1996, that partnership came to fruition. Since then, Loehr Dairy has grown from 100 to 400 milk cows and with the use of genomics, Joe continues to actively purchase animals to add genetic potential to their herd. The elite Registered Holstein herd carrying the prefix "Holyland" has been gaining interest. Joe looks forward to developing elite bloodlines to ensure his young family's future, for wife, Gina, their children, Sophia, 8, Isaac, 6, Lucia, 5, Gianna, 3, and Anthony, 1.

Joe and his family utilize the following Holstein Association USA programs to assist with developing their genetic herd: Holstein COMPLETE®, EASY IDTM, Sire Summaries and TriStarSM. He also credits the use of genomic data in dairy cattle evaluation in developing their herd into a more uniform group of very well balanced cows that possess the traits needed to become more profitable Holstein cows. Loehr Dairy currently has a rolling herd average of 26,613 pounds of milk with 1,057 pounds of fat and 879 pounds of protein on three time a day milking.

Elite Breeder Award - Harvue Farms, David & Debbie Hardesty, VA

The 2016 Elite Breeder award recipient was David & Debbie Hardesty of Harvue Farms in Berryville, Va. Now in its fourth generation of family ownership, the Hardesty family is truly defining balanced breeding with a philosophy that has been grounded in balancing type and production.

Family has always come first at Harvue and the enthusiasm for Registered Holsteins began with David's grandfather, John O. Hardesty, and his father, Jack Hardesty. Jack passed that enthusiasm and dedication to developing great genetics to David, a passion grew through the years and drove him to take an active role in herd management while pursuing a Dairy Science degree at Virginia Tech. In 1982, David returned to the family farm to follow in his father's footsteps.

Today, David and his wife, Debbie, and their family are carrying on that tradition and taking their herd to the next level. Other family members involved with the Harvue success include their son, Matt and his wife, Ashley and their son, James (4 months); their son Dan and his wife, Mary, and their two children, Henry (5) and Heidi (3); their daughter, Leslie and her husband, Cody, and their youngest son, Davey.

Over 400 Excellent cows have carried the Harvue prefix and eighteen cows with over 300,000 pounds of lifetime production have either been bred or developed by the herd. The rolling herd average on 365 cows is 27,149 pounds of milk and following the most recent classification, the herd was home to 96 Excellent cows, 191 scored Very Good, and 75 Good Plus cows. The Harvue prefix is also well known for their show winning genetics, with the most notable of their show winners being the two-time Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo, Harvue Roy Frosty 3E-97.

David and Debbie and their family are committed to the Holstein and dairy communities. They have both served on the Virginia Holstein Association board of directors, both have been president of that association and were delegates to the National Holstein Convention. They are also 4-H leaders, who have provided calves for training and hours of encouragement to youth.

Distinguished Leadership Award - Dick Witter, PA

Dick Witter, Mehoopany, Pa., was recognized with the 2016 Distinguished Leadership Award. He has a long-rooted history with Registered Holsteins and more specifically, the A.I. industry. After years of working in A.I., Dick partnered with Herb Steele and Paul Dann to form the corporation, Taurus Service, Inc. on July 15, 1971, with Dick serving as the sole operator and employee at the time.

In 1982, Taurus purchased a farm to build a new state of the art Taurus stud. This new facility, which was built using UK guidelines, also enabled Taurus to be the first to expand their market into the UK, as well as Italy, Germany, Holland, Switzerland and France. Today, Dick's son, John, who has been involved with the business almost since inception, serves as the Vice President of Operations for Taurus/ST, overseeing the production, exporting and distribution to representatives and dealers.

Dick has been the driving force behind the Taurus success since the beginning and leads with distinction and by example. He is driven by the goal of helping his customers breed the best, most profitable cows. Dick's contributions to the dairy and A.I. industry and his leadership ability have been recognized with numerous awards. In 2004, he was honored with the Pennsylvania Governors Agriculture Export Award and in 2014 the Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer Award. Just last year, he received the Ayrshire Industry Service Award and the Friend of New York Holstein.

Along with being involved in many dairy industry activities, Dick has been a leader in his community and the American Legion for many years. While he is no longer President of Taurus/ST, he has taken a more active role on the farm and owns cattle in various partnerships. He enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife, Sharon, with whom he shares 20 years of marriage, her children Kimberly, Kenneth and Jason and his children, John and Ginny. Dick and Sharon have been blessed with eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Watch the Summer 2016 Holstein Pulse for more coverage of these honorees, and the rest of the 2016 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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Brattleboro, Vt. (July 5, 2016)...Holstein Association USA announced six finalists in the 2016 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) competition, held June 27 through July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., during the National Holstein Convention. The Distinguished Junior Member recognition is the highest honor a Holstein Association USA Junior member can receive. The finalists receive annual renewed memberships to Holstein Association USA.

This year's finalists are: Matthew Kramer, Wis.; Nicole Pralle, Wis.; Lucas Plamann, Minn.; Elizabeth Sarbacker, Wis.; Jordan Siemers, Wis.; and Kayla Windecker, N.Y.

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 DJM award, 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 22, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is excited to unveil new Ideal Holstein Cow and Bull models during the 2016 National Holstein Convention, on Thursday, June 30th, in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., during the Annual Business Meeting. Created by renowned agricultural sculptor Carol Herden of Carol's Original WorkS in Minnesota, the models were created in the image of the Ideal Holstein Cow and Bull paintings, created by Bonnie Mohr in 2012. Holstein enthusiasts will have the opportunity to purchase Limited Edition models for the first time at the National Holstein Convention next week.

"We are delighted to pay tribute to our beloved Holstein breed with these new models," said Holstein Association USA CEO John M. Meyer. "The paintings we unveiled in 2012 are magnificent in their own right, and now these models bring them to life even further. They provide a 3-D portrayal of the animals Registered Holstein breeders across the country are striving for - balanced, functionally correct and profitable."

Only 100 Limited Edition cow models and 50 Limited Edition bull models will be available for purchase. Each model in the Limited Edition run is hand-painted, individually numbered, and comes with a Certificate of Edition from the sculptor. They are beautifully mounted on a 2" oak base.

In the art and collector world, the lower the number a piece has in a run, the more valuable it is typically considered. The #11 cow and bull models will be the lowest number models available to the public, and they will be offered at public auction at the start of the National Holstein Convention Sale, on Thursday, June 30th, at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the sale of the #11 models will benefit the Holstein Foundation and their youth and young adult educational programs. Consider bidding last on this unique piece of Holstein history and support a great cause!

The remaining models in the Limited Edition will also be available for purchase starting on Thursday, June 30th. Special pricing will be offered for orders placed during the Convention - a 10 percent discount on the purchase of one model and 15 percent total discount if both the cow and bull are purchased as a set. Following the National Convention, the remaining models in the Limited Edition may be purchased exclusively by contacting Holstein Association USA.

With questions or for more information, contact Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA Executive Director of Holstein Genetic Services, for more information via email, or 800.952.5200, ext. 4096.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (June 9, 2016)...The stage is set in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. for the 2016 National Holstein Convention and the Holstein Association USA's 131st Annual Business Meeting from June 27 to July 1. This event themed "New York Charm...City to Farm" to be held in the picturesque Saratoga Springs known for health, history and horses is poised to offer Holstein enthusiasts of all ages from the U.S. and beyond a charming experience to remember.

Early Bird Session - "Can We Breed to Increase Feed Efficiency?" Thursday, June 30, 7:30 a.m.

Dr. Michael VandeHaar, professor of Animal Science at Michigan State University, will shed light on a multi-state feed efficiency research project that he is directing in the Early Bird Session at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, June 30. Holstein Association USA has contributed type evaluation services for this USDA-funded project. The universities participating in this project include Michigan State University, Iowa State University, University of Florida, Virginia Tech, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and universities in the Netherlands and Scotland. The study, which is scheduled to run through the end of 2016, is measuring individual feed intake of 8,000 Holstein cows 70 to 100 days postpartum and is focused on delivering genomic breeding value estimates for dry matter intake and residual feed intake.

Dr. VandeHaar grew up on a dairy farm in Iowa and has a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. His research has focused on nutrition and feed efficiency, and he has taught nutrition to over 3,000 students. Along with directing this project to improve dairy feed efficiency, he serves on the National Research Council committee to revise nutrient requirements for dairy cattle.

Annual Meeting Keynote - "A Futuristic Look at Animal Genetics," Thursday, June 30, 1:55 p.m.

The keynote speaker for this year's Annual Meeting is Dr. Jennifer Garrett, Senior Associate at the Context Network, a premier global and agribusiness consulting firm in advancing agriculture. As a professional at identifying and prioritizing opportunities that might be coming down the road, Dr. Garrett's presentation entitled, "A Futuristic Look at Animal Genetics" will examine and enlighten attendees on the future of animal genetics.

Jennifer Garrett has over 30 years of leadership and business experience in agriculture, food and nutrition. As Senior Associate at the Context Network, her business background as a farmer, academic, scientist, educator, communicator and nutrition advocate brings a unique and practical perspective to clients with interest in navigating business opportunities from farm to table.

She grew up on a dairy farm in Kentucky and received her Ph.D. in Dairy Nutrition from Virginia Tech, and her MS and BS in Animal Sciences at the University of Kentucky. She started her career as assistant professor of Animal Science and State Extension Dairy Specialist at the University of Missouri in Columbia. From 1995 to 2005, she held various U.S. and global leadership roles in the Monsanto Dairy and Monsanto Corporate Engagement businesses.

For the last ten years, Jennifer held senior positions with the Kellogg Company, then McCain Foods, working with executives, scientists, marketers and policy-makers to advocate for science-based food policy and communications. In January 2015, she returned to her agricultural roots when she joined the Context Network, a global agricultural consulting firm focused on management and strategy consulting for advancing agriculture. Jennifer is passionate about effective communications from farm to table that improve understanding, relationships and business results.

Holstein Honors

Four elite dairies will be recognized as Herds of Excellence and the distinguished Star of the Breed will be honored on Thursday, June 30th. Other recognitions for the day will include 40-year Members, Elite Performers and Holstein COMPLETE® acknowledgements. Holstein Association USA Executive Chief Executive Officer John M. Meyer will also reveal the New Ideal Holstein True Type Model.

Director Elections

Delegates to the 131st Annual Meeting of the Holstein Association USA will be electing directors on Friday, July 1. The 2016 candidates for the Holstein Association USA board of directors include Peter Dueppengiesser of New York and Steven Keene of Maine from Region 1; James Cook of Virginia and Benjamin J. Newberry of Georgia in Region 4; and Mark Kerndt of Iowa as an incumbent in Region 6. Those vying for the Director At-Large position include: Dan Berry of Washington, Chris Hannan of Connecticut, Reid Hoover of Pennsylvania and Jim Rickert of Wisconsin.

Directors retiring from the board this year include, from Region 1, Peter B. Waterman, Maine; Region 4, Gayle Carson, Tennessee; and At-Large, Corey A. Geiger, Wisconsin.

Highest Recognition at Awards Banquet

The culmination of the Annual Convention will occur at the Awards Banquet on Friday, July 1, when the coveted Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Distinguished Leadership, and Elite Breeder award recipients will be honored. The evening will be capped off by entertainment from a New York favorite band - The Refrigerators.

National Holstein Youth

The National Junior Holstein Convention will run concurrently, but separate from the National Holstein Convention. The nation's top Holstein youth will be showcasing their talents as they compete in various contests throughout the week. The Association will also name its prestigious National Distinguished Junior Member finalists and recognize Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists, among other honors.

Follow the Events

Holstein Association USA staff will be providing coverage throughout both conventions with updates and photos. Be sure to follow Holstein Association USA on Facebook or visit www.holsteinusa.com for the latest updates, including junior competition results, award winners and election results. For a complete schedule, lodging information and convention registration, visit, www.nyholsteins.com/2016convention.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (June 8, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is excited to welcome Megan Rauen from Farley, Iowa, as the Holstein Association USA and Holstein Foundation youth programs and communications summer intern. Rauen will assist with the preparation and coordination of youth activities held during the National Junior Holstein Convention in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. She will also assist with communication efforts and the development of educational materials for dairy youth.

"Megan's extensive experience with our programs makes her a great fit for this internship," said Jodi Hoynoski, Holstein Association USA Executive Director of Identification and Member Services. "Her energy and enthusiasm make her a welcome addition to the Holstein team for the summer."

A senior at Iowa State University, Megan is double majoring in dairy science and agricultural and life sciences education. She is actively involved in the ISU Dairy Science Club and Sigma Alpha Agricultural Sorority.

Rauen grew up down the road from her grandparent's farm, Farnear Holsteins. She has been actively involved in the Iowa and National Junior Holstein Associations, participating in dairy bowl, dairy jeopardy, digital scrapbook, and folding display contests.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (May 10, 2016)...Holstein Association USA has recently calculated the Mature Equivalent (ME) Production Breed Averages for 2015. We are pleased to announce that the Holstein ME average for Fat has reached 1,000 pounds for the first time. Along with this unprecedented level of Fat, the Holstein ME for Milk for 2015 is 26,690 pounds, and for Protein is 810 pounds.

"Reaching 1,000 pounds of fat production as a breed is an accomplishment all Holstein breeders should be proud of," said Holstein Association USA CEO John M. Meyer. "Dairy farmers are paid based on the total pounds of fat, protein and milk produced. As such, Holsteins provide more lifetime profit per cow than any other breed."

Measuring dairy cattle production levels by butterfat is one of the oldest and most valuable measurements of productivity. The Holstein Association has been calculating ME breed averages for many years. The oldest available ME Breed Average is from 1967, when the ME Fat level was 559 pounds. Fat production has increased by 441 pounds over the past 48 years, illustrating the tremendous progress of the Holstein breed.

Similar breed average calculations done by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) also show the Holstein average for fat to be in excess of 1,000 pounds. The Holstein breed leads all other major dairy breeds for pounds of production for milk, fat and protein.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (May 9, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is pleased to honor four U.S. Registered Holstein breeders as 2016 Herd of Excellence award recipients. 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.

This year's honorees are:

• The Brewer Family, Glenn-Ann Holsteins, Albany, Wis.
       ME Production Averages - 33,203M 1,303F 1,067P
• The Behnke Family, Bur-Wall Holsteins, Brooklyn, Wis.
       ME Production Averages - 35,328M 1,330F 1,098P
• Thomas J. Kestell, Ever-Green-View Farms, Waldo, Wis.
       ME Production Averages - 37,887M 1,526F 1,156P
• Randy & Jana Kortus, Mainstream Holsteins, Lynden, Wash.
       ME Production Averages - 36,018M 1,542F 1,034P

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 TriStarSM production records program.

Read more about these outstanding breeder herds in the Spring 2016 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. (May 9, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is excited to announce that Air-Osa Redbull 12417 EX-95 2E, bred and owned by the Airoso family of Air-Osa Dairy in Pixley, Calif., has been named the 2015 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 TriStarSM 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).

"12417" is a daughter of KHW Redbull, out of Cache-Valley Lea Septst2-ET VG-85. She had a great year in the show ring in 2015, being named Grand Champion of the California State Holstein Show, placing first in the Aged Cow class at the Western Spring National Holstein show and taking home Reserve Grand Champion honors from that show, and going on to be the fourth place 150,000 Pound Cow at the 2015 International Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo.

The cow's milk production has been equally as impressive as her show record. In her last lactation, calving in at six years and three months of age, on three time a day milk, "12417" produced 61,020 pounds of milk, with 2,491 pounds of fat and 1,975 pounds of protein. Joey Airoso says, "she has always had tremendous dairy strength and been very persistent in her lactations." This is evidenced by her lifetime milk production total of 166,190 pounds of milk, 6,086 pounds of fat and 5,284 pounds of protein in four lactations.

The Airoso family has been farming outside of Tulare, Calif., since 1912. Today, Air-Osa Dairy is a family partnership between Joe and Diane Airoso, their son Joey and his wife Laurie, and Joey and Laurie's son, Joseph and wife Kelci, with their two children, Ruby and Phillip. They milk 2,900 Registered and identified Holstein cattle, with a rolling herd average over 28,000 pounds of energy-corrected milk, and farm 1,500 acres of alfalfa, wheat, oats and corn.

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

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Brattleboro, Vt. (May 2, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is excited to announce that, effective May 1, 2016, recovery, transfer and freezing forms will no longer be required to register calves resulting from embryo transfer (ET) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). As a result, embryo transfer administration fees will no longer be charged when registering calves resulting from ET or IVF.

"We have seen tremendous interest in Registered Holsteins and want to make the registration process as simple as possible for our customers. With the number of animals being parentage verified by their owners through genomic testing increasing every year at an increasing rate, it made good sense for us to make this progressive move for our members," says Jodi Hoynoski, Executive Director, Holstein Identification and Member Services.

In lieu of the recovery forms, Holstein Association USA will be requiring additional information when submitting ET/IVF calf registration applications. Updates have been made to the EASY ID software (May 2016 version) and customers are strongly urged to download this latest version so that applications can be processed as efficiently as possible. The latest EASY software is always available for free download at: www.holsteinusa.com/software/easy.html.

In conjunction with these changes, Holstein Association USA is also making some updates to the ET parentage spot-checking programs. Most significantly, animals will not be selected until four months after registration, in order to avoid making duplicate requests to parentage test animals who have already been voluntarily tested by their owners. An additional random parentage verification program is also being instituted for ET heifers of high genetic merit.

"We are excited to be able to take advantage of technology to help streamline the registration process for some of our customers," said Lindsey Worden, Executive Director, Holstein Genetic Services. "We feel that with the updates to our ET spot-checking programs, we will not only eliminate some processes that currently create headaches for breeders, but also help ensure that the integrity of the Holstein herd book is still maintained at a high standard."

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Brattleboro, Vt. (April 18, 2016)...Holstein Association USA has named six semifinalists for the 2016 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: Matthew Kramer, St. Cloud, Wis.; Lucas Plamann, Hutchinson, Minn.; Nicole Pralle, Humbird, Wis.; Elizabeth Sarbacker, Verona, Wis.; Jordan Siemers, Newton, Wis.; and Kayla Windecker, Frankfort, N.Y.

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.

"I could never imagine my life without the dairy industry or Junior Holstein," said Kayla Windecker of Frankfort, N.Y., in her Story of Junior Project Work. "The opportunities offered and the people I have met have become unforgettable. It is my dream to be able to give back to the industry that has helped shape and mold me into the person I am today and the person I hope to become in the future."

"Through perseverance, hard work, and calculated decisions I've been able to achieve many goals as a member of the Junior Holstein Association," Jordan Siemers, of Newton, Wis., wrote in his story. "As I transition to an adult member of Holstein Association USA, I will use the skills I learned as a Junior Holstein member for the good of our farm and for my involvement in the Association."

The six semifinalists will interview at the National Holstein Convention, June 27- July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., where the finalists will be selected. 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.

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 18, 2016) ...Holstein Association USA has announced the finalists in the 2016 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 2016 YDJM competition are: Todd Allen, Jefferson, Md.; Jordyn Griffin, Union Bridge, Md.; Kaianne Hodorff, Eden, Wis.; Kalista Hodorff, Eden, Wis.; Johnathan King, Schuylerville, N.Y.; Hannah Nelson, Ellsworth, Wis.; Kylie Nickels, Watertown, Wis.; and Madison Weaver, Ephrata, Pa.

To qualify, a youth must compile a portfolio 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, sixteen-year-old Todd Allen talked about his involvement in his community and breed association. "Being an active youth of Holstein Association USA has given me a life-changing impact over the past sixteen years. My knowledge and experiences of exhibiting cattle, and participating in dairy bowl and dairy judging, and on-the farm management tasks have given me not only many exciting opportunities, but also a passion for the industry," he wrote.

"My farm responsibilities are many and varied which is helping me prepare for my future by increasing my knowledge and understanding of the farm's operations and allowed me to experience the complete life cycle of our animals," said sixteen-year-old Kalista Hodorff in her story of Junior Holstein work.

Finalists in the YDJM contest will be recognized at the National Holstein Convention, which will be held June 27- July 1 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. 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. (April 11, 2016)...Holstein Association USA is introducing a new award at 2016 National and National Junior Holstein Shows, recognizing the top Total Performance Index® (TPI®) animal in each class, called the Genetic Merit Award.

"It is a great opportunity for us to acknowledge animals competing in our National Holstein Shows with superior genetic merit. This gives us another way to add value to Registered Holsteins® and reward their hard-working breeders," says Jodi Hoynoski, Executive Director, Holstein Identification and Member Services.

To be eligible for the award, animals must be registered with Holstein Association USA. They must have a GTPI®, or milking animals may have a CTPI®. Animals with genomic values will only be considered if they were tested prior to the most recent national genetic evaluation, which takes place three times per year, in April, August and December. The award will be given to the highest ranking animal in each heifer and milking cow class that is recognized on the Holstein Association USA Uniform Class List.

Holstein Association USA will be presenting winners with neck medallions, recognizable with their green ribbon, at the ten 2016 National Holstein Shows and four 2016 National Junior Holstein Shows.

With questions or for more information about this new award, contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200 ext. 4261, or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (February 1, 2016)...Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) is planning a 2016 Judges Conference in Syracuse, New York, Friday, April 8, in conjunction with the Spring Dairy Carousel. The conference is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Coliseum at the New York State Fairgrounds.

The conference will include judging classes as well as classroom time and lunch. Participants will judge six high-quality Holstein classes, one of which they will be assigned to give reasons on. A panel of officials will give attendees who meet the minimum requirements a "satisfactory" rating. Those planning to apply for the HAUSA Judges lists in the future must first attend and receive a satisfactory rating at a HAUSA Judges Conference before submitting an application. Individuals on the HAUSA Judges List must have attended and received a satisfactory rating at a HAUSA Judges Conference within a five-year period.

Attendees at the Judges Conference must be at least 22 years of age by day of the conference. The fee to attend is $50 for pre-registrants (closing two weeks before the conference) and $100 for late registrants. Register for the conference online with a credit card at this link:
www.holsteinusa.com/shows/judges_preregister.html

Hotel accommodations can be made at the Clarion Inn & Suites, 100 Farrell Road, Syracuse, NY 13209; phone 315.457.8700. Ask for the Holstein Association room rate of $69/night plus tax, available until March 31, subject to availability.

With questions, contact Jodi Hoynoski via email.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 21, 2016)...Lindsey Worden, executive director of genetic services for Holstein Association USA, will speak on "Tools for Building Tomorrow's Super Cow" during Building Your Herd in the 21st Century, Genetics and Reproduction for Tomorrow’s Dairy Operation, a seminar presented by DairyBusiness and HolsteinWorld at the World Ag Expo in Tulare, California, February 10. The event will give attendees a look into the future of the rapidly changing world of dairy reproduction and genetics. Joel Hastings, owner/partner in DairyBusiness, and Bill Baker, general manager of DairyLine radio show and DairyBusiness Radio Network, will host the event.

DairyBusiness and HolsteinWorld will partner with All West Select Sires, Trans Ova Genetics, RuAnn and Maddox Dairies, Zoetis, and Holstein Association USA in the seminar. An all-star list of the most knowledgeable professionals in the dairy business will give practical and educational presentations.

Also speaking at the seminar are:

• Kevin Jorgenson, sire analyst for Select Sires in the Western U.S., who will discuss "Maximizing the Value of Genetics in the Era of Genomics."
• Paul Loney, director of sales and marketing at Trans Ova Genetics, who will talk about "Full Throttle Genetic Improvement."
• Pat Maddox, partner in RuAnn and Maddox dairies, who will discuss "Genetics and Reproduction at RuAnn and Maddox Dairies: Achieving Goals."
• Dr. Ralph Bruno, dairy reproduction specialist at Zoetis, who will discuss "The Impact of Genomics and Reproduction and Other Low Heritability Traits."

Seats will be limited to 200 dairy industry professionals and will go fast. A picnic lunch and ice-cold milk will be served to guests. Call Joel Hastings at 559-440-9220 or send email to jhastings@dairybusiness.com to make reservations now.

Raised on her family’s dairies in New York and New Mexico, Lindsey Worden has a degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she was on the dairy judging team. She now oversees genomic and genetic programs and software for Holstein Association USA, where she was project manager for the collaboration with Zoetis on the development of the Enlight® genetic management tool.

Since its formation, the Holstein Association has been dedicated to the development of the Holstein breed. Today, Holstein cattle dominate the U.S. dairy industry due to unexcelled production, greater income over feed costs, unequaled genetic merit, and adaptability to a wide range of environmental conditions. Contact Holstein Association USA, Inc. at 800-952-5200.

DairyBusiness Communications has served the dairy industry since 1904 and is a multi-platform publisher and marketer of news and information content vital to the dairy industry, creating technology-driven communications and media services for marketers and advertisers in the milk production business. DairyBusiness East and DairyBusiness West magazines and associated online communications cover news about important dairy industry issues in regional areas of the United States. HolsteinWorld magazine and online communications focus on breeders across the U.S. who develop genetics in dairy cows used for high output milk production. Other communications services include: The Weekly, DairyBusiness Radio, and DairyBusiness Update.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 20, 2016)...Bur-Wall Buckeye Gigi, a Wisconsin Holstein, has become the new holder of the national milk production record. Gigi, bred and owned by the Behnke family’s Bur-Wall Holsteins in Brooklyn, Wisconsin, calved at nine years and three months, and set a 365-day record of 74,650 pounds of milk, with 2,126 pounds of fat and 2,251 pounds of protein.

Her production breaks the record set by Ever-Green-View My 1326-ET, owned by Thomas J. Kestell of Waldo, Wisconsin, back in 2010. That 365-day record was 72,170 pounds of milk.

By comparison, the actual production average for all U.S. Holstein herds enrolled in production-testing programs in 2014 was 24, 953 pounds of milk, 918 pounds of butterfat and 773 pounds of protein.

Nine-year-old Gigi, who is scored EX-94 3E, was sired by R-E-W Buckeye-ET. She classified VG-88 as a two-year-old. Then, as an eight-year-old, she gave 61,186 pounds of milk and led the state of Wisconsin and the country in milk production, fat, and protein for Mature cows.

Gigi took third place and Best Udder in the 2011 Midwest Spring National Holstein Show. She placed eighth as a Five-Year-Old Cow in the 2012 International Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo, and fifth as an Aged Cow in the 2013 Midwest Spring National Holstein Show. She was a 2013 winner of Holstein Association USA’s Star of the Breed award, when her 365-day production record was 52,190 pounds of milk.

“Gigi represents what’s great about the Holstein breed,” said John Meyer, Holstein Association USA, Inc. CEO. “She is nine years old, she produced 74,650 pounds of high-quality milk in one year, and she excels in type, as she is classified EX-94. The national milk production record is a true credit to not only Gigi, but to the Behnke family’s breeding and management expertise. What the Behnkes have accomplished with Gigi exemplifies why the Holstein cow is the most efficient producing dairy animal.”

Even without the use of sexed semen, Gigi has had four heifers in her four calvings:

- Bur-Wall Talent Gina, sired by Ladino Park Talent-IMP-ET, scored VG-88.
- Bur-Wall Lheros Giggles, sired by Comestar Lheros-ET, scored EX-90.
- Bur-Wall Braxton Ginger, a Regancrest S. Braxton-ET daughter, scored VG-87 on her first classification.
- Gigi’s latest calf, Bur-Wall Brokaw GG Gorgeous, sired by MR Atwood Brokaw-ET.

Bur-Wall Holsteins is owned by Robert (Bob) and Denise Behnke, who purchased the farm from Bob’s parents, Wallace and Donna Behnke, who bred Gigi. Bob Behnke says Gigi earns her title of “diva” every day—but it’s worth it. “We’re really sure that she’s a complete cow—her width and length, her feet and legs and udder are out of this world and she really likes to milk,” he said.

Behnke said they will soon start IVF-flushing Gigi, and perhaps do some conventional flushing. And they will continue to choose high production bulls when they breed her. “I think we’ll just stick to making another duplicate of her,” he said.

The Behnke family has long been actively involved in breeding, raising, showing, and merchandising elite Holsteins. Today, they milk 50 Registered Holsteins, with a rolling herd average of 32,377 pounds of milk, 3.9 percent fat, 1,256 pounds of fat, 3.2 percent protein and 1,029 pounds of protein. The herd has a Breed Age Average (BAA) of 110.6.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 19, 2016)...Tiara Brothen, of Viroqua, Wisconsin, is the grand prize winner of Holstein Association USA Inc.'s 2015 Junior Photo Contest. She won for her photograph, "Spring Snacking," and will receive a Kindle Fire.

Awards were given to the top individuals in each division:

Juniors

1. "Happy calf" - Campbell Booth, Plymouth, Wisconsin
2. "Autumn Holsteins" - Evelyn Troutman, Myerstown, Pennsylvania
3. "My flush cows enjoying the lush pasture" - Ava Booth, Plymouth, Wisconsin

Intermediate

1. "Cows on pasture" - Connor Siemers, Newton, Wisconsin
2. "Soaking up the Sun" - Joseph Opsal, Blue Mound, Wisconsin
3. "My parents and brother Royce enjoying time at the State Show" - Cole Booth, Plymouth, Wisconsin

Senior

1. "Spring Snacking" - Tiara Brothen, Viroqua, Wisconsin

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 7, 2016)...Holstein Association USA will host its 2016 Member Update Meeting on Friday, January 29, from 9:00 a.m. - noon at the Modesto Doubletree Hotel in Modeso, California.

The guest speaker is agriculture visionary Mike J. Borel, principal in The Context Network, who will speak on "A Futuristic Look at Animal Genetics."

Borel, a futuristic agriculture thinker, was born and raised on a grain and livestock farm in north central Iowa, and graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Animal Science.

After graduating from college, Borel joined DuPont. Leadership positions he held at DuPont included Business Manager Europe, Middle East, Africa and General Manager Australasia.

After leaving DuPont, Borel served as President and COO Valent and Chairman and CEO at Novazone prior to becoming a principal in The Context Network. The Context Network, based in Des Moines, Iowa, focuses on advancing agriculture toward a better future. Specifically, Borel is an expert at identifying and prioritizing opportunities that might be coming down the road.

Meeting attendees will also hear the State of the Association address, an update on Holstein Association products and services, as well as a financial report.

All dairy enthusiasts are invited to attend this meeting, scheduled to start at 9:00 a.m. at the Modesto Doubletree Hotel. For further information, contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200 ext. 4261, or by email.

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Brattleboro, Vt. (January 7, 2016)...Holstein Association USA Inc. has presented the Overall Judi Collinsworth Outstanding Junior Exhibitor Award to Jaylene Lesher of Bernville, Pennsylvania.

Lesher, 21, is a senior at Pennsylvania State University, majoring in animal science with a minor in agribusiness management. She also works part time at her parents' dairy, Way-Har Farms, LLC, helping on the farm and in the dairy store.

Lesher has participated widely in her state and county Holstein organizations. As a member of the Pennsylvania Junior Holstein Association, she was a Distinguished Junior Member finalist in 2014 and has participated in dairy judging on local, state, national, and international levels, as well as in public speaking and the Dairy Bowl. She was a National Holstein Women's Scholarship Organization winner and a Premier National Junior Show Exhibitor for six years.

Lesher took second place in the Senior Division of the All-American Dairy Show Youth Showmanship contest in 2014. As a member of the Penn State Dairy Science Club, she chaired the 2015 Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale and was a Today In Agriculture volunteer at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. She was a member of the Penn State Dairy Judging Team.

Eventually Lesher would like to become a partner in her family's dairy farm and store and continue to raise Holstein cattle.

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. Lesher won the award at Premier Junior Holstein Show. Other winners from 2015 National Junior Holstein Shows were Morgan Sageser, Kentucky, North American International Livestock Exposition; Jordan Siemers, Wisconsin, International Junior Holstein Show; and Steven Nelson, Missouri, 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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