Congrats to Dr. Lisa Holden, associate professor of dairy and animal science in the Department of Dairy and Animal Science at Penn State University! At the Pa. Dairy Summit in February, she was honored with the 2007 Extension Award by the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.

Holden teaches undergraduate dairy programs and was the primary developer of the senior level class in dairy management, which she now teaches. This class, with its many on-farm evaluations, was a springboard for students to win a championship in the national collegiate Dairy Challenge competitions. Holden coached that team.

Holden’s research focuses on management styles, decision-making and the interaction of dairy farm systems that improve the levels of dairy profitability. She was instrumental in the development of the Dairy MAP program, and was co-developer of the Dairy Advisory Team project which helps producers identify and implement management changes. She was instrumental in establishing and supporting the Dairy Alliance initiative. All three programs not only benefit Pennsylvania dairymen, but also serve as models for programs nationally and internationally.