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Jerry Strandlund, Bellingham, Wash. was recognized with the 2017 Distinguished Leadership Award during the 2017 National Holstein Convention banquet on July 1 in Belleuve, Wash. A lifelong servant to the dairy industry, Jerry has devoted a great deal of time and energy to promoting the Holstein breed and providing opportunities for Holstein breeders.

Jerry, born and raised on his parents’ dairy farm in Mora, Minn., grew up milking 19 cows. Jerry attended the University of Minnesota and completed the Herdsman Short Course. He continued his undergraduate studies and in 1962 he graduated with a degree in Animal Husbandry.

(l-r): John M. Meyer; Sharon and Jerry Strandlund; Gordie Cook, and Boyd Schaufelberger

Diligent about broadening his horizons in the purebred dairy industry, he gained insight in the Registered Holstein® business by completing internships with notable herds such as, Carnation, Pinehurst, Pineyhill and Elmwood Farms. After graduating from college, Jerry went to work for Mor-Ayr Ayrshire Farm, where he mated the highest classified Ayrshire ever at that farm.

In 1967, the National Holstein Association hired Jerry as a fieldman. Covering seven Pacific Northwest states, he kept busy traveling between farm visits, shows, sales, and meetings. After moving to Washington, Jerry began working as the marketing manager for All West Breeders. He created a successful marketing campaign by developing the “Family Album” sire directory. He also was instrumental in the “One Jump Ahead” advertisements, a campaign that put All West Breeders on the map and is still used today.

After four years with All West Breeders, Jerry started Bovagraph, a cattle photography business. Jerry merged his cattle photography business with his love of advertising and took over the quarterly newspaper, Northwest Holstein News. Today, Jerry publishes an inclusive directory called the Northwest Holstein Annual which covers the six states of Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, and Washington, along with one Canadian providence, British Columbia.

As editor of the Northwest Holstein News for over 40 years, Jerry has been an integral part of many events. His desire for breeders to succeed is evident in each quarterly and annual publication.

During the past 35 years, he hasn’t missed a single Western Spring National Holstein Show in Richmond, Utah. He has regularly attended the Washington, Oregon, and Idaho state shows and sales, volunteering his time to photograph the class winners.

Jerry’s commitment to the future of the dairy industry and continually lending his time and expertise for the benefit of our industry make him deserving of this honor. By always putting the good of the cause above his own personal benefit, Jerry has ensured his legacy will be lasting.

For more information about Holstein Association USA annual awards, including applications, visit www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals.html or contact Ashley Mohn at 800.952.5200, ext. 4128 or by email, amohn@holstein.com.

Holstein Association USA, Inc.
, www.holsteinusa.com, provides products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability–ranging from registry processing to identification programs to consulting services. The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, Vt., maintains the records for Registered Holsteins® and represents approximately 30,000 members throughout the United States..