Embracing technology, staying true to his breeding strategy, and the desire to constantly improve the Registered Holstein cow have been the driving forces behind the 2025 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder’s path in the dairy industry. Holstein Association USA is pleased to recognize Tim Rauen of Epworth, Iowa as this year’s Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder.

“Over the years, I’ve put countless hours into researching cow families, pedigrees, and different traits to make breeding decisions. If you ask people around me, I pretty much eat, sleep, and breath dairy cattle genetics,” Tim Rauen says. “So, to get recognized for this award, it means the world to me.”

Tim’s connection to the dairy industry started at his grandparents’ and uncle’s farm, Farnear Holsteins in Farley, Iowa. He also became involved in the Junior Holstein Association, competing in the showring, participating in youth competitions, and attending National Holstein Conventions.

These experiences led Tim to Iowa State University, where he majored in Dairy Science. While in college, he started building his own herd of Registered Holsteins with the help of his uncles by investing in heifers backed by multiple generations of Excellent and Very Good dams. Being an early adopter of technology also allowed for faster genetic progress and played a key role in the success of Tim’s breeding program.

In 2014, Tim became a founding partner in GenoSource. In his role as Directing Manager and Genetics Manager, Tim oversees the day-to-day activities on the farm and manages the breeding program. With the use of IVF and ET technologies, he has created an advanced genetic program.

Tim places an emphasis on production, health, and efficiency traits along with strong maternal bloodlines. Under his direction, GenoSource successfully markets embryos internationally and continuously supply bulls to A.I.

Tim enjoys sharing his passion for the dairy industry with his wife Jennifer and their five children. Tim is also an active Iowa Holstein Association member and a softball and basketball coach in his community.

The breeder behind numerous chart-topping cows and bulls, Tim’s success speaks for itself. However, it’s the experiences and people along the way, along with his focus and vision for the future, that set this year’s Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder apart.

“It really comes down to passion, focus, and trying to surround yourself with good people,” Tim says. “That’s really a key formula I feel my success has built on over the last 25 years. I’ve tried to surround myself with great people, and great people have supported me on the backside.”