Each year, Holstein Association USA celebrates dairy community leaders with its prestigious Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Distinguished Leadership, and Elite Breeder awards.
“There are many Holstein Association USA members and supporters who are actively furthering the Holstein breed and the dairy industry as a whole,” says Holstein Association USA CEO John Meyer. “I encourage each of you to think about those you know who are making a positive impact on the Holstein industry and consider nominating them for an award.”
Holstein enthusiasts are invited to submit nominations for the Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership awards. Nominees for these two awards will be considered for three years following their initial submission. Current Holstein breeders between the ages of 21 and 40 are encouraged to apply for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award. Nomination applications must be postmarked by January 31, 2025.
Award applications are available on the Holstein Association USA website at www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals. Honorees will receive their recognition during the 2025 National Holstein Convention being held June 23-26, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. More information about the 2025 National Holstein Convention can be found at www.holsteinconvention.com
Additionally, a scholarship is available to students interested in agriculture who plan to pursue their master’s degree in business administration. The Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship awards $3,000 to a qualified individual pursuing their MBA at an accredited university. Applications for this scholarship must be received by April 15, 2025.
About the Awards:
The Elite Breeder Award honors a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership, or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins.
The Distinguished Leadership Award is given to an individual who has provided outstanding and unselfish leadership that has contributed to the improvement of Holstein Association USA and/or the dairy industry.
The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein® breeders ages 21 to 40. Submissions can be made for individuals, a couple, or business partners. The winning applicant will receive travel and lodging expenses (for up to two people) to National Holstein Convention, complimentary tickets to the Convention banquet, and a $2,000 cash award.
The previous award winners from the past ten years are recognized below. To view a full list of award recipients since 2007, visit www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals. Congratulations to these deserving recipients!
Previous Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award Winners
2024 - Trent Hendrickson, WI
2023 - Ty Etgen, OH
2022 - Mitch Kappelman, WI
2021 - Mackenzie, Andy, Tyler, and Kelly Reynolds, NY
2020 - Kurt and Sarah Loehr, WI
2019 - Sheri Regan-Danhof, IA
2018 - David Harvatine, NY
2017 - Craig Carncross, WI
2016 - Joe Loehr, WI
2015 - Joel Mills, PA
Previous Distinguished Leadership Award Winners
2024 - The Honorable Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, PA
2023 - John Marshman, NY
2022 - The Honorable Collin Peterson, MN
2021 - Dave Fischer, IL
2020 - Patricia Gifford, NY
2019 - George A. Miller, OH
2018 - William C. Nichol, PA
2017 - Jerry Strandlund, WA
2016 - Dick Witter, PA
2015 - M. Duane Green, MI
Previous Elite Breeder Award Winners
2024 - Siemers Holsteins, WI
2023 - Bomaz Farms, WI
2022 - Sandy Valley Farms/Bauer Brothers, WI
2021 - Emerald Acres, WI
2020 - James and Nina Burdette, PA
2019 - David Bachmann Sr., WI
2018 - Tom and Gin Kestel, WI
2017 - Olmar Farms, MN
2016 - Harvue Farms - David Hardesty, VA
2015 - Conant Acres, ME
Previous Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship Recipients
2022 - Jacob Achen, MN
2021 - Trent Dado, WI
2018 - Tera Baker, MI
2017 - Kelly Driver, NY
2014 - Susie Chelesvig, IA
