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Holstein Foundation would like to introduce two new trustees to the board; Brett Barlass, Hilmar, Calif. and Marilyn Easter, Laurens, S.C. The board oversees the direction of the Holstein Foundation's youth and young adult educational and leadership development programs.

After graduating from Cornell University, Barlass started working for Yosemite Jersey Dairy in California as the dairy’s manager. His responsibilities include overseeing all aspects of the dairy including calves, cows, employees, farming, and feeding. Barlass is involved with the local 4-H Dairy Club. He serves as a member of the Jerseyland Sire, Young Sire Selection committee. He is a member of the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association Advisory Committee and the American Jersey Cattle Association Type Advisory Committee. Presently, Brett is the vice president of the California Jersey Cattle Association. He volunteers with the local high school wrestling program.

“I am honored to be joining the Holstein Foundation board of trustees. I know that its goal is to promote and support youth in all breeds across the dairy industry,” says Brett. “Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) was such a life changing program for me and I hope to help the Holstein Foundation continue to change lives in programs like YDLI.”

Easter and her husband, Glen, milk Registered Holstein and Jersey cows on their dairy, Eastglen Farm. She served on the YDLI committee from its inception in 1991 to 2011. Marilyn enjoys giving back to her community, serving as her county’s chairman of the Lauren’s County Registration and Elections Board and as the speaker of the Southeastern United Dairy Industry Association. She was recently inducted in the South Carolina Dairy Hall of Fame. Furthermore, Easter has been involved with many youth related activities, as the past chairman of the All-American Open and Junior shows, past president of the South Carolina Master Farm Homemakers Guild and past president of the South Carolina 4-H Volunteer Leaders Association and a leader since 1964.

“I am most humbled and honored to be asked to serve on the Holstein Foundation board of trustees which supports numerous programs that continue to develop the future leaders of the dairy industry,” states Marilyn. “Having been involved with the YDLI program for 20 years and seeing the results of this leadership program, it is inspiring to me to have the opportunity to work with the Foundation and have an impact on the future direction of Foundation programs.”

For more information on the Holstein Foundation and the programs offered, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org, or contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261 or by email, jhoynoski@holstein.com.

The Holstein Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization founded in 1989. It is headquartered in Brattleboro, Vermont, and shares office space with its parent organization, Holstein Association USA, Inc.

The Holstein Foundation's education, leadership development and outreach programs serve both youth and young adults across the country who are involved with all breeds of dairy cattle.