BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — The Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), a cornerstone program of the Holstein Foundation, is a nationally recognized three-phase leadership and communication skills development program for young adults (ages 22-45) working in the dairy industry. Full-time dairy producers that apply for YDLI will be considered for three full-ride scholarships that come with an additional cash bonus upon graduation.
Dairy producers working with all breeds of dairy cattle, and allied dairy industry members, are encouraged to apply. YDLI Class 12 will have on-site meetings in Fort Worth, Texas February 15-18, 2022 and February 14-17, 2023. Applications are due August 1, 2021 and may be downloaded from the Holstein Foundation website, www.holsteinfoundation.org.
Dairy producers that are Holstein Association USA members applying for YDLI are automatically eligible for scholarships and do not need to fill out a separate application. If selected, the scholarships will cover the registration fee, airfare, hotel and any other travel costs associated with attending both the 2022 and 2023 meetings. Upon successful attendance for both meetings, an additional $1,000 graduation bonus check will be provided to the scholarship recipients to help offset costs of being off the farm.
The Horace Backus YDLI Scholarship will be provided to two dairy producers from anywhere in the U.S. This fund was created by Tim Abbott, Frank Conyngham, Joel Hastings and Dave Rama to honor Horace’s legacy and encourage dairy producers to attend YDLI.
The Robert L. Cain Memorial Scholarship will be given to one dairy producer in the Southeast region. Cain served as a field representative and then Area Manager for Holstein Association USA for 40 years.
“We believe YDLI is extremely beneficial for dairy producers and well worth the time away from the farm,” says Jodi Hoynoski, Holstein Foundation Programs Manager. “In addition to these scholarships, dairy producers are encouraged to seek sponsorship from companies they do business with to help offset the cost of attending.”
Visit www.holsteinfoundation.org to download the YDLI Class 12 application, as well as view more detailed information on the program. With questions or for more information, contact Jodi Hoynoski via email, or 800.952.5200, ext. 4261.
–Holstein Association USA, Inc.
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