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Holstein Association USA’s 2018 Distinguished Leadership Award recipient is respected by all who meet him. He is a tireless promoter of Registered Holstein cattle, who developed ideas that would make people want to be a part of the Registered Holstein industry. Holstein Association USA is proud to honor William C. Nichol of State College, Pennsylvania as the 2018 Distinguished Leadership Award recipient.

For nearly 40 years, Nichol was at the helm of the Pennsylvania Holstein Association. As executive director, he spearheaded the state’s organization, and initiated programs and services to benefit Holstein breeders. During his career, he coordinated the activities of 50 county clubs, and increased membership to over 6,300 members statewide. After retiring in 1997, he received the lifetime title of executive director emeritus.

Under his leadership, the Pennsylvania Holstein Association grew to the point that a 125-acre farm was purchased to accommodate the shipment of cattle for export to more than 50 countries. The farm serves as a USDA export facility and has a capacity for 1,200 Holsteins. Nichol even flew with the cattle to help buyers in other countries with herd management techniques.

Nichol helped to lead the Pennsylvania dairy industry in a positive direction for many years. He was there for the start of the All-American Dairy show, helped get embryo transfer programs started in the eastern United States, and was always willing to offer advice and counsel to many organizations. He had the vision for the weekly magazine, Farmshine, and encouraged Dieter Krieg to produce a state-wide dairy paper.

Nichol is dedicated to serving not only the dairy industry, but also his community, church and other worthy causes. Nichol has been a member of his local Kiwanis club since 1956. While president of the State College Kiwanis Club, the club became the largest in Pennsylvania.

Nichol and his wife, Lilly, have one daughter, Nancy. Nancy and her husband, Craig, have three children, Lindsey, Spencer and Taylor.

Leading the dairy industry forward for decades, Nichol created a lifetime legacy. He has devoted his life to providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry and the Registered Holstein cow.

About the Award

This award recognizes an individual who has made a career of providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. Nichol received the award at the recent National Holstein Convention in Acme, Mich.

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.