Holstein Association USA is proud to recognize exceptional breeders and dairy industry leaders through its annual awards program, including the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Distinguished Leadership, and Elite Breeder honors.

“These awards celebrate the very best of our Holstein community,” said Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA CEO. “We encourage everyone to nominate a peer or mentor who has made a difference, or even apply yourself. It’s an opportunity to honor excellence and inspire the next generation of Holstein leaders.”

Applications for the 2026 awards are due January 31, 2026. Holstein enthusiasts are invited to submit nominations for the Elite Breeder and Distinguished Leadership awards, which remain eligible for consideration for three years after initial submission. Young breeders between the ages of 21 and 40 are encouraged to apply for the Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award.

The Elite Breeder Award honors a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership, or corporation that has bred outstanding animals and made a lasting contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. Recent recipients include Luck-E Holsteins (IL), Siemers Holsteins (WI), and Bomaz Farms (WI).

The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual whose leadership, service, and vision have strengthened Holstein Association USA and the dairy community as a whole. Recent recipients include Tom Morris (WI), The Honorable Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA), and John Marshman (NY).

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Award celebrates the accomplishments of young Registered Holstein® breeders ages 21 to 40. Applicants may be individuals, a couple, or business partners. The recipient will receive travel and lodging expenses (for up to two people) to National Holstein Convention, complimentary tickets to the Awards Luncheon, and a $2,000 cash award. Recent recipients include Tim Rauen (IA), Trent Hendrickson (WI), and Ty Etgen (OH).

Award applications are available at: www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals. Honorees will be recognized at the 2026 National Holstein Convention, June 22–25, 2026, in Orlando, FL. Learn more at www.holsteinconvention.com.

Holstein Association USA also offers the Robert H. Rumler MBA Scholarship, which provides $3,000 to a student pursuing a master’s degree in business administration with an interest in agriculture. Applications are due April 15, 2026.

A complete list of past honorees for all of these awards is available at www.holsteinusa.com/awards/individuals.