BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — The Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) 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 who apply for YDLI will be considered for one of 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 13 will have on-site meetings in Tampa, FL January 28 to February 1, 2024 and January 26 to 30, 2025. Applications are due September 15, 2023 and may be downloaded from the Holstein Foundation website, www.holsteinfoundation.org.
Dairy producers applying for the Young Dairy Leaders Institute who are Holstein Association USA members 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 2024 and 2025 meetings. Upon successful attendance for both meetings, an additional $1,000 graduation bonus check will be provided to the scholarship recipients to help offset cost 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 gives dairy producers valuable tools to lead their operation and other organizations and is well worth the time away from the farm,” says Diedra Harkenrider, director of development for the Holstein Foundation. “In addition to these scholarships, dairy producers are encouraged to seek grants from state agricultural or dairy organizations or scholarships from companies they do business with to help offset the cost of attending.”
Visit www.holsteinfoundation.org to download the YDLI Class 13 application, as well as view more detailed information on the program. With questions or for more information, contact Diedra Harkenrider at [email protected], or call 607.279.0335.
— Holstein Association USA, Inc.
