YDLI Class 9, Phase 3 Kicks Off in Phoenix

Over 40 members of Young Dairy Leaders Institute Class 9 have congregated in sunny Phoenix, AZ, this week for Phase 3 of their YDLI experience!

Several class members flew in a little early on Wednesday to tour Ehrmann Arizona Dairies LLC, a plant in Casa Grande, AZ, which produces several flavors of Greek yogurt, as well as a pudding dairy dessert, from milk from several area dairies. With a newer, pristine facility, it was very interesting to see the processing of milk into value-added products up close, and of course it was wonderful to sample the finished product at the end of the tour!

Some of YDLI Class 9 in front of Ehrmann Arizona Dairy LLC in Casa Grande, AZ

The program officially commenced on Wednesday evening with a pool-side welcome reception lead by YDLI Advisory Committee Laura Daniels. After enjoying a relaxing dinner, participants had a chance to get reacquainted and tap back into some of the skills that they learned during Phase 1.

The first classroom session on Thursday morning was entitled "Leading Out Loud" lead by Joan Horbiak, with the focus on advanced techniques in responding to difficult questions from consumers and media. Horbiak shared several strategies to help class members navigate interviews with confidence and tell dairy's positive story with ease, no matter the situation.

Patrick Crave, WI, handles a tough question from Joan Horbiak

Courtney Smith, WI, during the advanced media training session.

Amanda Lichtensteiger, WI,  and Tyler Ribiero, CA, practices their key messages on stage with Joan Horbiak during Thursday's session.

The afternoon gave several participants the opportunity to report on their Phase 2 experience. Over the past 12 months, YDLIers have completed a variety of assignments, including making contacts with local government officials and media outlets, making a presentation to a community organization, and completing a personal advocacy project. Each and every class member had an interesting story to tell, and projects covered a variety of areas and activities, from coordinating radio interviews with dairy producers and consumers, to generating milk donations for local food banks and other charitable organizations, to hosting other local events to expose consumers to dairy and the producers behind the product - and more!

The evening capped off with a dinner and recognition of the 2016 YDLI Distinguished Alumni Leader Award recipient, Michele Ruby from Oregon, as well as honoring three YDLI Advisory Committee members who have fulfilled their terms of service with this class - Brett Barless from CA, Josh Hushon from WI, and Kathryn Walker from OR.

2016 YDLI Distinguished Alumna Michele Ruby with Holstein Foundation Programs Manager Jodi Hoynoski and HF Administrator John M. Meyer

Retiring YDLI Advisory Committee members Brett Barlass, Kathryn Walker & Josh Hushon

Young Dairy Leaders Institute would not be possible without the support of many generous sponsors - thank you to all who are helping train the next generation of leaders for the dairy industry!

YDLI Class 9 Platinum Sponsors

YDLI Class 9 Gold Sponsors

YDLI Class 9 Silver Sponsors: Accelerated Genetics, Center for Dairy Excellence, GEA Farm Technologies, Inc., and Pennsylvania Dairymen's Association

YDLI Class 9 Bronze Sponsors: COBA/Select Sires, Farm Credit Northeast Ag Enhancements, Horace Backus Fund, Merial, Ltd., and Select Sires Genervations.

Friday promises to be an exciting day, starting with a conversation with Paul Shapiro, Vice President of Farm Animal Protection with the Humane Society of the United States. Following that, class members will participate in a section on Conflict Management, led by YDLI perennial speaker Wes Jamison. The afternoon will shift gears and focus on preparing the young leaders to have an impact by getting involved with local (and eventually, higher level!) boards of directors, in a workshop lead by Pete Kappelman, YDLI alum and current chairman of the Land O'Lakes board of directors.
Stay tuned over the next few days for more Young Dairy Leaders Institute news!

Learn more about Young Dairy Leaders Institute or add your name to the list to be notified when Class 10 applications become available at the Holstein Foundation web site.