The Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI), a cornerstone program of the Holstein Foundation, is a nationally recognized
three-phase leadership and communication skills development program for young adults (ages 22-45) working in the dairy industry. The first class of YDLI was held in 1994, and the program now boasts over 600 graduates.
Dairy producers working with all breeds of dairy cattle, and allied dairy industry members, are encouraged to apply. YDLI Class 11 will have on-site meetings in Phoenix, Ariz. Feb. 6-9, 2019 and Feb. 5-8, 2020.
Applications are due Aug. 1, 2018 and may be downloaded from the Holstein Foundation website.
Dairy producers that apply for YDLI are automatically eligible for several full-ride scholarships. If selected, the scholarships will cover the registration fee, airfare, hotel and any other travel costs associated with attending both the 2019 and 2020 meetings.
The Horace Backus YDLI Scholarship is for one dairy producer 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 Pennsylvania Dairyman’s Association and the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence are providing scholarships for two Pennsylvania dairy producers.
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.
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is sponsoring a scholarship for a dairy cooperative member. DFA has been a long time YDLI supporter, and encourages their cooperative members to apply.
Visit the Holstein Foundation to download the YDLI Class 11 application, as well as view more detailed information on the program.
With questions or for more information, contact Jodi Hoynoski via email, [email protected], or 800.952.5200, ext. 4261.
Source: Wisconsin State Farmer