The Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) is a nationally recognized three-phase leadership and communication skills development program for young adults ages 22 to 45 involved in the dairy industry. Full-time dairy farmers who apply for YDLI will be considered for one of three full-ride scholarships.
Dairy producers working with all breeds of dairy cattle, and allied dairy industry members, are encouraged to apply. YDLI Class 14 will have on-site meetings in Dallas, Texas February 2-5, 2026 and February 1-4, 2027. Applications are due August 1, 2025, and may be downloaded from the Holstein Foundation website, www.holsteinfoundation.org.
Dairy producers applying for YDLI that are Holstein Association USA members are automatically eligible for scholarships and do not need to fill out a separate application.
The Horace Backus YDLI Scholarship will be provided to two dairy farmers from anywhere in the U.S. This fund was initially created by Tim Abbott, Frank Conyngham, Joel Hastings and Dave Rama to honor Horace’s legacy and encourage dairy producers to attend YDLI. If selected for the Backus scholarship, the registration fee, airfare, hotel and any other travel costs associated with attending both the 2026 and 2027 meetings are all covered by the scholarship. 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 Robert L. Cain Memorial Scholarship will be given to one dairy farmer in the Southeast region. Cain served as a field representative and then Area Manager for Holstein Association USA for 40 years. If selected for the Cain scholarship, it will cover registration fee, airfare, hotel and any other travel costs associated with attending both the 2026 and 2027 meetings.
“Dairy producers have a lot to gain from YDLI personally and professionally from gaining new skills to growing their network,” says Jodi Hoynoski, Holstein Foundation Programs Director. “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.”
