This episode features longtime Holstein enthusiast, Hillside Holsteins breeder, and ice cream entrepreneur Frank Conyngham as he reflects on a lifetime connected to dairy cattle, community service, and devoted support of the Holstein Foundation. From the early days of his family’s historic herd to pioneering on-farm ice cream processing, Frank shares how a love for cows grew into a passion for people, mentoring young leaders, and strengthening local organizations. The conversation explores th...
This episode features Holstein Association USA board members Betsy Bullard, Andy Lenkaitis, and Scott Yocum sharing their perspectives on leadership, service, and the future of the breed. From discovering unexpected opportunities to represent their regions, to balancing board responsibilities with life on the farm, to mentoring the next generation through youth programs and technology, each story reflects the shared purpose that drives Holstein USA forward. The conversation explores the rewar...
This episode was recorded at Holstein Horizons during the 2025 National Holstein Convention and features Betsy Bullard, Trent Hendrickson, and John Schoen sharing their distinct paths through farm transition. From preserving a ten-generation legacy to launching a partnership from a handshake to leading a long-established operation into modernization. Moderated by Lisa Behnke, the panel explores the emotional and strategic realities of ownership transfer, including family dynamics, risk manage...
Every great cow has a story, and so do the people who evaluate them. Two seasoned classifiers, Cy Letter and John Steinhoff, can share endless stories about life on the road and their thoughts on some famous Registered Holstein cows. From early mornings and memorable herds to the people who make the work special, they share candid stories and reflections on what makes classification more like a lifestyle than a job. As they prepare to close this chapter and look forward toward retirement, we ...
Hear from Tom Morris, the 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award recipient whose lifelong dedication to the dairy industry has left an enduring mark. Auctioneer, mentor, breeder, teacher, publisher, and volunteer, Tom has worn many hats while always leading with integrity, service, and a deep appreciation for people. From energizing high-profile events like the World Classic Sale to building his own herd of elite Registered Holsteins® and creating The Cattle Connection, Tom has been a trailblaze...
Holstein Marketplace Sires provides a unique avenue for Holstein breeders to market their genetics. In this conversation with Holstein Marketplace Sires Manager Tim Ziemba, we discuss how the program has grown and evolved since it launched in 2019. Learn more about the bulls that put the program on the map, our current line up of diverse bulls, and highlights from the recent August 2025 genetic update. To learn more or view our current line up of Holstein Marketplace Sires bulls, visit ...
Junior Holstein Association members Jon Chapman, Madison Mowrer, and Madeline Hensel share how their unique experience led them to serve on the Junior Advisory Committee. As young people in the dairy industry, they highlight the positive impact these experiences have had on their personal and professional growth. From the center of the showring with their Registered Holsteins to the center of the dance floor at National Holstein Convention, their time in the Junior Holstein Association has le...
Get an inside look at Luck-E Holsteins from brothers Joe and Matt Engel. Named this year's Elite Breeder Award recipient, Denny and Beth, Matt, and Joe and Margaret Engel have excelled in breeding Registered Holsteins with exceptional production and components, tremendous udders, strength from end to end, and the ability to thrive in any environment. In this episode, the Engel brothers discuss the farm’s history, their breeding philosophy, cow families, show memories, the importance of mentor...
What should a dairy cow look like? How does physical conformation in today's dairy industry relate to economically important traits? A study completed by Holstein Association USA staff aimed to answer these questions using a large dataset with matching data from official linear classification evaluations and DHIA production records. The dataset covered almost 20 years of data and included over 1 million cows. Dr. Jeffrey Bewley shares the highlights of the study in this episode of Holstein Co...
Hear from Holstein Association USA's 2025 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Tim Rauen. Embracing technology, staying true to his breeding strategy, and the desire to constantly improve the Registered Holstein cow have been the driving forces behind his path in the dairy industry. His connection to the dairy community started at his grandparents' and uncles' farm, and today he is the Directing Manager and Genetics Manager at GenoSource. The breeder behind numerous chart-topping cows and bu...
In this episode, Holstein Association USA Board of Directors President John Burket gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the board’s role in guiding the future of the association.
Holstein Association USA’s new CEO, Lindsey Worden, took the reigns on January 1, 2025. In this episode, Lindsey shares her dairy background, talks about her career with the association so far, and gives us a glimpse into her vision for the future.
Welcome to Holstein Connections – where we share the latest stories, insights, and news from Holstein Association USA and beyond. Listen to learn more about what to expect from the podcast. The largest dairy cattle breed association in the world, Holstein Association USA provides leadership, information, and services to help dairy producers worldwide be successful. Whether you’re in the barn, on the road, or just tuning in for your dose of dairy news – we’re glad you’re here! This is Ho...