The Holstein Foundation has graduated the 7th Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) class, with forty-two young adults from the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Italy, completing the three-phase leadership and communication skills development program.

Featured speakers on the “All-Star Leadership” roster included:
· Joan Horbiak and David Pelzer, who presented “Media Spring Training,” focused on mastering interviews with the media and speaking with consumers
· Pete Kappelman, YDLI Class 1 alum and current chairman of the Land O’Lakes board of directors, who delivered an inspiring message about accomplishing leadership objectives
· Wes Jamison of Palm Beach Atlantic University, focused on conflict management and resolution, going from identifying your personal “conflict style” to crafting effective messaging to convey your point of view. Jamison also moderated a debate about the animal rights movement between Gene Baur, co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, and Wesley J. Smith, a lawyer and pro-animal agriculture author, which was enlightening for all.
· Bonnie Burr, YDLI Class 1 alum, led a session on understanding public policy and gave participants hands-on experience with the governmental process.
· Ty Bennett was the closing keynote speaker, who hit a home run with his talk about the “Power of Influence.” His message left the class inspired and feeling empowered to continue their leadership journey and have a lasting influence on those they interact with.

The Holstein Foundation and Young Dairy Leaders Institute participants would like to sincerely thank the many gracious sponsors who made the experience possible. Institute Leaders include Allflex USA, Inc.; Cargill, Inc.; Dairy Management, Inc.; Elanco Animal Health; Farm Credit System Foundation; Hoard’s Dairyman; Holstein Association USA, Inc.; and the Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation. Institute Supporter sponsors are CHS Foundation; Dairy Business Communications; Dairy Farmers of America; Farm Credit Northeast AgEnhancement; GEA Farm Technologies; Land O’Lakes Foundation; Pfizer Animal Genetics. Institute Friends include Animal Health International; Robert L. Cain Memorial Fund; Center for Dairy Excellence; COBA Select Sires; Cooperative Resources International; Dean Foods Company; Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc.; International Food Information Council; KeyBank; Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.; Select Sires Canada, Inc.; Select Sires, Inc.; U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Source: The Holstein Foundation