“John Marshman quietly leads by example with integrity, honesty, humility, perseverance and determination,” says Patsy Gifford, New York Holstein Association co-executive manager. She adds that Marshman has used his sharp, number crunching mind to guide the New York Holstein Association as a member of the finance committee for almost 20 years.
Serving on the Holstein Association USA Board of Directors from 2015 to 2022, John was appointed to the Audit committee for his entire tenure on the board. His fellow board members say he could be counted on for well thought out and researched recommendations.
“Servant leadership is prioritizing the team and organization above oneself for the greater good,” fellow board member Peter Dueppengiesser says. “It is often talked about, but in John Marshman, I witnessed it being lived out in many ways.”
Marshman’s passion for the dairy industry was evident from a young age, and he was a Distinguished Junior Member finalist in 1985. He studied animal science at Cornell University, where he was a member of the dairy judging team. He went on to graduate from the university’s dairy executive program as well.
Soon after, John and his brother, David, took the reins at Marshman Farms. Today they care for 420 milking cows and 400 young stock. Early adopters of polled genetics with a passion for Red and White Holsteins, the family’s Tiger-Lily prefix is recognized around the world for elite Red and White polled genetics.
True to his nature, John says that, above all, family is the cornerstone of progress. His daughter, Lily, and wife, Sheila, are major supporters of his well-being and life.
Known as a man whose personality is as humble as it is noteworthy, John says he is beyond honored to receive the Distinguished Leadership Award.
“I've never thought of myself as leading the charge. I am more of the type who does the supporting,” he says. “It's overwhelming to realize that others think of me in the same vein as those who were previously been honored. It's a prestigious award, and I appreciate it.”
About the Award
The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made a career of providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. John Marshman will be recognized with this honor during the 2023 National Holstein Convention in Lexington, Kentucky.
