The National Dairy Shrine has announced a new award to recognize young dairy producers and dairy industry professionals. The National Dairy
Shrine Emerging Leader award honors people 40 years of age or younger who have made significant accomplishments in their young dairy careers.

“One of the pillars of our mission is to recognize dairy leaders. This new award sheds light on the people who are early in their career who have already accomplished great things and taken on leadership roles,” says Jodi Hoynoski, National Dairy Shrine President. “We’re looking forward to honoring these emerging leaders through this new awards program.”

Any dairy producer or dairy industry professional, including those in academia, in the processing industry or any career related to the dairy industry, is eligible for the award if they are 40 years of age or younger at the time of the application. All award winners will be recognized at the National Dairy Shrine awards banquet held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo on Monday, September 28, 2026.

In addition to the new Emerging Leader award, the application process for all National Dairy Shrine awards is now open. This includes the Guest of Honor, Pioneer, and Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder awards. All applications, including information about each award category and a list of past winners, is available at www.dairyshrine.org/awards. Nominations must be submitted by March 15, 2026.

For any questions about the awards program or more information about National Dairy Shrine visit www.dairyshrine.org.