07/09/2021
Having been through YDLI and being involved in other leadership training outside of ag, I would encourage everyone that can apply to do so. In today’s world you need to network network network, know how to talk to media, and step up to lead dairy into the next era. I feel the program does this and more. It’s a no brainer to apply and get your friends to as well. Hope to hear from and all about our next leaders after this class graduates.
Randy Blodgett YDLI Class IV
Young Dairy Leaders Institute Accepting Applications for Class 12
The Holstein Foundation is delighted to reintroduce the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) after a year hiatus with a new location and refreshed agenda. Applications for YDLI Class 12 are due August 1, 2021 and can be found at www.holsteinfoundation.org.
YDLI is the cornerstone program of the Holstein Foundation. The nationally recognized leadership and communication skills development program is open to young adults ages 22 to 45 working in the dairy industry.
After postponing YDLI for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Holstein Foundation created a task force to evaluate all aspects the program as if they were starting with a blank state. The minor but relevant changes made to YDLI ensure it will remain a top-notch dairy leadership program long into the future. Several core components that have made YDLI a success for the past 25 years will remain.
“This next class of YDLI could be the best one yet. If you’re even thinking about applying for this class, you should,” said Josh Hushon, Holstein Foundation board of trustees chairman. “Over the past year, we’ve revamped the curriculum to better prepare the future leaders of the dairy industry. This next group will be the first to benefit from that work and I am confident they will.”
YDLI's three-phase approach will reflect updates to the course content and schedule. Phase I is the first face to face meeting February 15-18, 2022. Phase II is a series of self-driven projects completed in the participants’ home communities. Phase III is a second in-person meeting one year later, February 14-17, 2023. YDLI Class 12 will also have a new location in Fort Worth, Texas, meeting at a hotel in the heart of the famed Stockyards area.
The Phase I and III meetings will focus heavily on interpersonal communication skills, and topics like team culture, influence, enabling change, and embracing diversity. Phase II will be individually customized with projects and timeline to achieve personal goals and include virtual meetings and reports. Phase III builds on the skills learned over the first two phases and is planned to include a hard-hitting hot industry topics session.
YDLI seeks to attract the brightest and most engaged young adults in the industry and boasts over 600 alumni since the program’s inception in 1993. By October 1, top tier applicants will be selected for the class from across North America, diverse in their backgrounds and roles within the industry. English-speaking international applicants are considered.
If selected as a YDLI class member, participants will need to invest the time required to complete projects. Class members pay a registration fee, and their travel and hotel costs. Some scholarships are available for full-time dairy producers that apply. The majority of the program is funded by the Holstein Foundation, thanks to several generous sponsors. To learn more about costs or sponsorship opportunities, as well as find the YDLI application, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org. With questions, contact Jodi Hoynoski at [email protected]
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Dairy Producer Scholarship Opportunities for the Young Dairy Leaders Institute
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.
The Holstein Foundation’s mission is to promote and support programs that develop leadership for the dairy industry. The Holstein Foundation’s education, leadership development and outreach programs benefit youth and young adults involved with all breeds of dairy cattle. The Holstein Foundation....
