Holstein Association USA is pleased to announce the finalists in the 2014 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. To qualify, youth must compile a book which exhibits their involvement and leadership within the Holstein community, their school, and in other aspects of their life. The eight finalists in the 2014 YDJM competition are: Daniel Kitchen, Danville, Pa.; Haely Leiding, Fountain, Minn.; Stephanie McBath, Schuylerville, N.Y.; Megan Nelson, Ettrick, Wis.; Nicole Pralle, Humbird, Wis.; Sierra Swanson, Hutchinson, Minn.; Sarah Thomas, Pittsboro, N.C.; and Lora Wright, Verona, Mo.
"Working and learning on the farm is the best experience anyone could ask for," said fifteen-year-old Megan Nelson in her story of Junior Holstein work "I know that the skills that I have learned will be extremely beneficial to me in the future as it pertains to my career. My goal is to one day have a barn full of Excellent cows and be an ambassador for the industry in order to tell others just how great Registered Holstein cows really are!"
In his Story of Junior Holstein work, sixteen-year-old Daniel Kitchen says, "My involvement in the Pennsylvania Junior Holstein Association and Holstein USA has helped me develop the skills and knowledge to be a great representative of the dairy industry."
Finalists in the YDJM contest will be recognized at the National Holstein Convention, which will be held June 24 through 28 in Dubuque, Iowa. For more information about YDJM, or other Holstein youth programs, visit www.holsteinusa.com/juniors
5.6.2014