Holstein Connections

As dairy farms increasingly rely on advanced technologies and data-driven decision-making, the industry needs individuals who can connect agriculture, technology, and analytics to solve complex challenges. The Dairy Data Academy was created with this in mind.  In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, Executive Director of Genetics and Innovation at Holstein Association USA, and Jodi Hoynoski, Holstein...

In this episode, we caught up with Junior Holstein member Justin Brandel of Lake Mills, Wisconsin. He’s had an unforgettable World Dairy Expo, winning Intermediate Youth Showmanship and going on to be named the Annette Ostrom Memorial Supreme Showman. Justin discusses the mentors and opportunities that helped grow his showmanship skills, what he does to prepare at home, and the little things that...

How can classification data help improve your herd beyond the final score? Tim  Abrahamson, Senior Manager of Conformation Evaluation at Holstein Association USA, explains how breeders can use linear trait information to identify trends, guide breeding decisions, and enhance herd performance. He also shares insights on classification consistency, characteristics of successful herds, current Holste...

Panelists Craig Carncross of Wargo Acres, Cuyler Johnson of Godfrey Dairy, and Ashley Swenson of Forest Lawn Holsteins explore strategies they use on their own farms to accelerate the genetic progress of their herds. Throughout the conversation, they gave timely insights on topics like milk components, longevity, and beef on dairy. Moderator Corey Geiger asks the panelists to reflect on how genomi...

In this episode, we hear from newly elected Holstein Association USA President Dwight Rokey of Rokeyroad Holsteins in Sabetha, Kansas. Dwight shares how a childhood visit to a Wisconsin dairy sparked his dream and how he and his wife Anita got their start in dairy farming. He describes their current 100-cow herd and the family-run creamery launched about a year ago. The Kansas Holstein Association...

In this episode of Holstein Connections, Distinguished Leadership Award recipient Corey Geiger reflects on his journey growing up on a Wisconsin dairy farm to his career in the dairy industry. Corey shares stories of his family's Ranrose prefix, mentors who helped him along the way, aspirations as a young dairy enthusiast, service on the Holstein Association USA Board of Directors, and his ca...

Dairy producers are often inundated with technology promises that demand capital investments – yet some of the most impactful management tools require surprisingly modest commitments. In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Bewley shares a practical framework for evaluating technology readiness, cost-benefit potential, and implementation strategies tailored to operations of varying size.  This presentation w...

What started as an FFA and Junior Holstein project has grown into a multi-generational dairy known around the world. Join 2026 Elite Breeder honorees Jeff and Kate Hendrickson of Jeffrey-Way Holsteins as they reflect on the cows, people, and values that shaped their success. From the influential Taffy cow family to their breeding goals and community involvement, Jeff and Kate tell the story of the...

In this special episode, we share the 2026 Annual Meeting addresses from the National Holstein Convention. As the Association marks its 140th Annual Meeting, these remarks reflect on 2025 progress, recognize the people and cows at the heart of the organization, and look ahead. Hear from President John Burket in his final address and CEO Lindsey Worden with an update on priorities and momentum shap...

In this special National Dairy Month episode of Holstein Connections, Lolly Lesher, Way-Har Farms and chair of the National Dairy Board, and Katie Bambacht, Vice President of nutrition affairs for the National Dairy Council, share their insights on whole milk in schools. Lolly shares about her family’s multigenerational Registered Holstein farm and why telling the dairy story is important to her....

Hear from Holstein Association USA’s 2026 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Curtis Vanden Berge. Growing up on his family’s California dairy, Curtis developed an early passion for breeding better cows. By focusing on genetic progress and continuous improvement, he has developed a high-performing herd. In this conversation, Curtis explains how he uses genetic tools and programs from Holstein As...

Get ready for Holstein Horizons! In this episode, Jodi Hoynoski shares what to expect from this year’s educational sessions at the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida. Taking place Tuesday, June 23, Holstein Horizons offers a full day of learning designed to bring real value back to your farm or career. Centered around the theme Small Investments, Big Returns , attendees will gai...

The Holstein Conformation Composite (HCC) is a new selection tool designed to help breeders identify animals with the combination of conformation traits most closely associated with balance, functionality, and long-term durability. Directors Dwight Rokey and Jeff King share their perspectives as Holstein breeders who have both served on the Conformation Advisory Committee. They are joined by Holst...

The highest honor presented to a Registered Holstein, the Star of the Breed award recognizes a cow who excels in both type and production. Receiving the 2025 recognition from Holstein Association USA is Oakfield Solomon Sunset-ET EX-96 2E. Hear Sunset's story from the perspective of her breeders and owners, Jonathan and Alicia Lamb, of Oakfield Corners Dairy in New York, along with Jamie Blac...

Beginning with the April 2026 genetic evaluation, the TPI formula shifts emphasis from fat toward protein. Join Dr. Jeffrey Bewley, Executive Director of Genetics Programs and Innovation, Dr. Jason Graham, Genetic Evaluation and Research Scientist, Director Spencer Hackett, Chair of the Genetic Advancement Committee, and Board of Director President John Burketfor a conversation about the change. T...

Registered Holstein breeder Jill Nelson joins Sarah Sarbacker, Director of Sales and Market Development at Holstein Association USA, for a conversation about her experience with stray voltage. Jill farms with her family at Olmar Farms in Sleepy Eye, Minnesota. Through perseverance, Jill and her family have resolved their stray voltage issues and their herd of Registered Holsteins is thriving. Now,...

The 2026 National Holstein Convention takes place from June 22-25, 2026, in sunny Orlando, Florida. Join Holstein Association USA CEO Lindsey Worden and Convention & Youth Programs Manager Kelli Dunklee for a conversation about what’s in store for the week. The Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort will be a beautiful backdrop for the Association’s Annual Business meeting, educational speaker ses...

Rachel Craun recently wrapped up her Junior Holstein Association career. In this episode, Rachel shares how her Junior Holstein experiences have shaped her future career goals. The conversations spans from tips for competing in Dairy Jeopardy, to memorable showring experiences, to leadership opportunities in the Junior Holstein Association. Rachel has won the Dairy Jeopardy contest at the National...

From video to print, and social media to event coverage, Holstein Association USA tells the Holstein Story in a many ways. The communications team works closely with the Grant Company to expand Holstein USA's media coverage, including the Holstein America video series. In this episode, hear from Eric Grant, founder of the Grant Company, as he shares insights from his 40-year career in agricul...

Sit down with Nic Schoenberger, recipient of the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader Award from the Holstein Foundation.  From dairy farmer to district sales manager, Nic’s career has spanned many different facets of the dairy industry. Today, Nic and his wife Christine are partners in Kansas Dairy Development, a calf ranch and heifer raising facility in Deerfield, Kan...

In this episode of Holstein Connections, CEO Lindsey Worden counts down her "Top 10" of 2025. The lively conversation with host Jodi Hoynoski spans from the the success of Holstein Association USA programs to new initiatives in 2025. Lindsey also gives us a peek at what's ahead in 2026. We don't want to give away any spoilers.... so tune in for the full list and additional insi...

National Show Coordinator Tim Ziemba visits with Jacob Schaefer about updates to the National Holstein Show Program. Tim discusses how he works with the show committee to continue to improve National Holstein Shows. The episode covers show and class changes recently approved by the show committee. Tim also dives into the National and Qualified Judges list, the Judges Conference, and the new Judges...

This episode of Holstein Connections features a diverse conversation with Nick Randle, a dairy industry leader whose career spans genetics, leadership, and youth development. The episode explores Nick’s upbringing, his lifelong passion for dairy cattle, and his unique professional journey at Zoetis. He discusses the impact of genomics on modern dairy management, the evolution of the Holstein-Zoeti...

Rising Holstein leaders Keenan Thygesen and Kylie Konyn share a firsthand look at the Distinguished Junior Member journey, reflecting on the early experiences that sparked their passion for the breed, the months of preparation behind their binders and interviews, and the mentors who helped shape their paths. Established in 1922, the DJM contest is the longest-running Holstein youth program and the...

This episode features longtime Holstein enthusiast, Hillside Holsteins breeder, and ice cream entrepreneur Frank Conyngham as he reflects on a lifetime connected to dairy cattle, community service, and devoted support of the Holstein Foundation. From the early days of his family’s historic herd to pioneering on-farm ice cream processing, Frank shares how a love for cows grew into a passion for peo...