YDLI Class 11 Graduates!

Saturday, February 8th, marked the final day of training for Young Dairy Leaders Institute Class 11. The morning started with a workshop led by YDLI Class1 alum Bonnie Burr, "Growing Farm Policy in a Changing Climate." Bonnie walked the class through the in's and out's of how public policy is formed, and shared tips for getting involved and being effective. Each table was then assigned an actual bill that had been brought forth, and was tasked to review the bill, take individual positions on it, and then develop a testimony that they would deliver in a mock hearing later in the morning.

Bonnie Burr talks to the class about the legislative process.

Nathan Ulmer (PA), Sara Horst (PA), Ashley Martin (ME), Rachel Holtz (NY) and Katie Brown (MN) during their group's mock hearing.

Connor McCluskey (NY) and Laura Shoemaker (NY) deliver their mock testimony. 

Lacey Papageorge (UT), Elizabeth Byers-Doten (IN) and Keith Gibson (OH) during Saturday morning's mock hearing.

After lunch, closing speaker Ty Bennett took the floor to lead the capstone session - "Partnership is the New Leadership", imparting some final lessons on core leadership and communicating with others to build an effective team.

Ty Bennett

With their formal training completed, Saturday night was time to celebrate! The class headed up to Rustler's Rooste, overlooking beautiful downtown Phoenix, where they enjoyed some friendly competition in the form of a chili cook-off, and then enjoyed a delicious dinner and some last fellowship with their classmates.

YDLI Advisory Committee - Tyler Ribeiro, Jessica Getty, Jodi Hoynoski, Jolene Griffin, Josh Hushon, Heather Hunt, Rebecca Shaw, Lindsey Worden and Laura Daniels

The Holstein Foundation is incredibly proud of the 47 young adults who are now graduates of Young Dairy Leaders Institute Class 11. Applications for YDLI Class 12 will be available later this year. For more information about YDLI, or to be notified when applications are available for the next class, visit the Holstein Foundation web site.

YDLI Class 11 Graduates!