Cow care and cow development - those are the passions of this year's MacKenzie Award winner. Over the years, Yerina has helped remodel four farms to better suit cow comfort and Holsteins in those barns, and the results have been impressive, as the herd he cares for has achieved Holstein BAA's (breed age averages) as high as 116.

Possessing a strong work ethic, the 21st MacKenzie Award winner began working on his family's farm before and after school as a 14-year-old. By 16, Yerina was helping manage the breeding and feeding program, handling flushes and working with crops. Today, he uses those skills as he works with the 50-cow herd he manages. In addition to managing an extensive embryo transfer program, Yerina handles 300 acres of hay, taking pride in making some of the best show hay possible at ElmVue Farm.

This winner's list of accomplishments includes working with 11 New York State Fair Grand Champions, 6 Eastern States Grand Champions, and 5 Syracuse Spring National Grand Champions. At World Dairy Expo, honors include developing two Supreme Champions, two Reserve Grand Champions, and several Honorable Mention Champions. Yerina also has helped develop six 96-point cows along with several 95-point individuals. What's more, the farm he manages has been honored with three herdsmanship awards and three Premier Exhibitor banners in the International Holstein Show at World Dairy Expo. Today, Yerina, the herd manager at ElmVue Farm, is working towards his goal of being awarded the Premier Breeder banner.

Above all, this year's winner definitely exemplifies all the principles of a Duncan MacKenzie recipient as to character, sportsmanship, ability, and endeavor. He has a passion to help others succeed, especially young people. Yerina is willing to share his knowledge by helping young dairy exhibitors pick up ways to enhance feeding programs and help improve show animals.