Four years ago, when I asked for your support for vice president, I committed to you that I wanted to focus on the 98% of our members that sometimes felt they were not getting the “bang for their buck,” while supporting all members, of all sizes, and all breeding philosophies… to be successful!

Evidence of success is clearly on display in today’s marketplace. Registered and ID Holstein cattle prices are at all-time highs, as overwhelming demand outpaces supply domestically and internationally.

The Pennsylvania Holstein Association hosts the Know What You Buy Heifer Sale on a regular basis, selling hundreds of heifers several times a year. The breakdown of heifers sold is Registered, Sire ID, and Unknown. The results speak for themselves:

Bottom line: $615 Registered vs. unknown; $331 Reg. vs. Sire ID

There is real value in registered and identified Holsteins.

Holstein USA is strong because its members are determined, resilient and forward thinking. Across the country and around the world, you the breeders have set the standard in milk production, conformation, health and fitness traits, and adapting to the marketplace with 5% butterfat, polled, A2 and the slick hair gene, to mention a few.

Another reason we are strong and certainly a reason to be proud is our women in agriculture! Let’s be honest about it guys … we couldn’t do it without them!

The work we do — often unseen — always demanding — and seldom for recognition — is the foundation of everything we do on our farms and at this Association.

Over the past several years, we have navigated some real changes together. Market volatility and uncertainty in the milk business, rising costs, labor pressures, and a rapidly changing public landscape have tested all of us. Yet through it all, Holstein USA has remained steady, relevant and member focused. This is not by accident. It is the result of thoughtful leadership, sound governance and a shared commitment to progress.

Today, the state of Holstein USA is strong and stable … and with a devout determination to stay that way!

Our financial footing is solid. Your Board and staff have remained disciplined, transparent and strategic in managing resources, always with the long-term health of the Association in mind. That stability allows us to invest where it matters most – service, technology, data integrity and the many programs that deliver value back to members. Today any dairy producer milking any number of cows of any color or breed, in any state or country, can add value to their operations by using the programs of Holstein USA!

Our core programs remain world-class. From herd-book services and classification, genetic evaluations and data innovation, Holstein USA continues to set the global standard. We are not standing still – we are evolving to meet the needs of modern dairy producers while protecting the credibility and integrity that generations before us built.

Equally important are our people. Our staff brings professionalism, expertise, and dedication to their work every day. From our offices in Brattleboro, Fort Atkinson, and Visalia, and the tremendous group of field staff and classifiers, a most sincere thank you for what you do!

The list of programs that this organization is most proud of is long and significant, but none is more consequential to the future than our 8000+ Junior members. Our support for the next generation is imperative as they will shape the future of this Association, the dairy industry, and society in general!

I want to acknowledge a special group of members that don’t seek the limelight, but are faithful supporters, and that’s our Mennonite, Amish and Hutterite members. Your passion to breed good cows is becoming more evident each day. At the Lancaster County Holstein Field Day last week, nearly 500 people attended. The food and camaraderie make for a must attend event!

To the Board members, committee members and delegates: Thanks for giving generously of your time and perspectives. Our business meetings cannot be described as “retreats or vacations.” They can be at times grueling and exhaustive, but always professional and productive. The strength of this Association lies in the partnership between staff and membership, working for the betterment of the Holstein cow!

To our friends from Holstein Canada, thank you for attending and the continued long-standing relationship between our associations. Holstein USA is genuinely excited about what the future holds in working with your new leadership. As often stated, our associations have so much more in common than different, so let’s seize the renewed opportunity!

To our friends in Mexico, we can say the same. Thank you for your friendship and most gracious hospitality. Countless relationships have been established over the years, and many have lasted lifetimes. Our Association will continue to build on ways to serve members in both organizations.

And to our friends around the globe that may not be in attendance today, know that we value our partnerships and continue to explore ways to incorporate success to all dairy producers everywhere!

I continue to be optimistic that being a Holstein breeder and dairy producer is a great space to be in. The world will continue to depend on — and demand of us — to provide arguably the most nutritious form of food available.

As I reflect on my time as President, I am most pleased at the leadership and stability at the very top, most notably the position of CEO. The visionary leadership of John Meyer for 23 productive years, and the transition to Lindsey Worden ensures Holstein USA has a bright future! We are 140 years strong—and as they say: “We are just getting warmed up!”

Lindsey’s commitment to listening and communicating to all members is a priority that insures everyone can have a voice. In addition, her vast knowledge and understanding of the industry advantages Holstein USA and the members.

While there are many reasons for optimism going forward, we also know that there will be challenges. When challenges do occur, I have full confidence in Team Holstein to address them head-on. With every challenge there is opportunity!

To the delegates here today: Your role matters! You are the voice of the membership and the stewards of this Association’s future. Lead with integrity, curiosity, and courage!

To the members: Stay engaged. Ask questions. Share ideas. Hold leadership accountable. This is your Association!

Abraham Lincoln often counseled his followers to practice the “better angels of our nature.” When you think of the long and storied history of this Holstein Association, it’s apparent that many who belonged to this group did exactly that. It wasn’t always about money or notoriety or fame. It was more about hard work, helping others, building families and communities, and the noble cause of feeding ourselves and the world.

My life has been blessed with so many great life experiences and opportunities; but none greater than the opportunity to serve this great organization.

Thank you and God Bless Holstein USA!