BRATTLEBORO, Vt. — Corey Geiger of Omro, Wisconsin, will receive Holstein Association USA’s 2026 Distinguished Leadership Award at the National Holstein Convention this month, in recognition of his long-standing commitment to the Holstein breed and dairy industry.
“It’s humbling to be recognized, because as I stand and look at some of the past winners, I see past leaders of this Association, people that I looked up to as a young person, and to be considered in that group is pretty special,” Corey says. “To be recognized by your peers for the work you do means everything.”
From journalism to economics, Corey has dedicated his career to advancing the dairy community. Growing up as the sixth generation on his family’s Wisconsin dairy farm, Corey developed an early interest in the Holstein cow.
A University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate, Corey spent 28 years with Hoard’s Dairyman, including many as managing editor, and now serves as the lead dairy economist for CoBank. He resides in Omro, Wisconsin with his wife Krista Knigge.
Internationally recognized as an expert in dairy economics, Corey is frequently sought by agricultural publications and media outlets for his insights. He has spoken in 40 states and to audiences around the globe, sharing his understanding of genetics, farming, processing, and milk markets.
Named a Distinguished Junior Member finalist in 1993, Corey has remained engaged in the Registered Holstein business, including the Wisconsin Holstein Association Board of Directors. He served as president of Holstein Association USA from 2019 to 2022, following terms as vice president and at-large director.
Corey’s industry service has also included leadership roles with the Holstein Foundation, National Dairy Shrine, World Dairy Expo, superintendent of the National Collegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, Klussendorf Association, and the Farm Wisconsin Discovery Center. He served as co-editor of World Dairy Expo’s 50th anniversary book and has authored two books, inspired by his own family history.
From sharing important industry topics as a journalist and dairy economist, to leading at the national level, Corey continues to make a lasting impact across multiple facets of the Holstein and dairy industry.
The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made a career of providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. Corey will be honored with the award on Wednesday, June 24 during the National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida.
