Thanks to Our YDLI Sponsors!

Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) would not be possible without the support of many generous donors. The following organizations have shown their commitment to the future of the dairy industry as YDLI sponsors:

Platinum sponsors include:

Gold sponsors are AFACT, Cargill Animal Nutrition, Dairy Management, Inc., Dean Foods Company, Elanco, Farm Credit System Foundation, Holstein Association USA, Merck and Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation. 

Silver sponsors are Accelerated Genetics, Center for Dairy Excellence, CHS Foundation, GEA Farm Technologies, Inc., and Pfizer Animal Genetics. 

Bronze sponsors include Chobani, COBA/Select Sires, Cooperative Resources International, Farm Credit Northeast Ag Enhancement, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc., Robert L. Cain Memorial Fund, and Select Sires Canada, Inc.

YDLI Class 8 meets for Phase 1 February 6-9, in Albuquerque, N.M. Stay tuned for more updates as the class meets!

Final Preparations Being Made for YDLI Class 8!

Holstein Foundation staff is now making final preparations for Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Class 8! The class will meet February 6-9 in Albuquerque, N.M., and the theme is "Blaze Your Leadership Trail!"

YDLI, a cornerstone program for the Holstein Foundation, is a three-phase program which takes place over 12 months. Fifty young adults from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico have been selected to be a part of Class 8. The first class of YDLI was held in 1994, and the program now boasts 475 alumni.

Phase I includes several hands-on workshops aimed at improving attendees' leadership, communication and advocacy skills, while providing opportunities for networking and building general enthusiasm for the dairy industry. The four-day schedule is packed with excitement, covering personality styles, leadership presence, media and presentation training, and more.

Phase II takes place in the year between Phase I and III. Class members put their new skills to use through a community outreach project of their choice, as well as other projects aimed at further developing and utilizing their skills.

Phase III will be held February 5-8, 2014, and will focus on group leadership skills. Sessions will cover topics such as advanced media training, conflict resolution skills and influencing public policy. Class members will also give presentations on their Phase II projects.

Follow along on here on this blog, along with the Holstein Foundation's Facebook page for updates live from Albuquerque, February 6-9!. For more information about YDLI, including a Class 8 participant list, and other Holstein Foundation programs, at www.holsteinfoundation.org, or contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200, ext. 4261, by email.