Holstein Connections
Welcome to Holstein Connections – where we share the latest stories, insights, and news from Holstein Association USA and beyond. 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 Holstein Connections.
Episodes
18 episodes
Leadership Starts Here: A YDLI Alumni Conversation with Nic Schoenberger
Sit down with Nic Schoenberger, recipient of the Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader Award from the Holstein Foundation. From dairy farmer to district sales manager, Nic’s career has spanned many differe...
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Episode 18
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26:46
A Look Back at 2025: CEO Lindsey Worden's Top 10
In this episode of Holstein Connections, CEO Lindsey Worden counts down her "Top 10" of 2025. The lively conversation with host Jodi Hoynoski spans from the the success of Holstein Association USA programs to new initiatives in 2025. Lindsey al...
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Episode 17
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39:45
Showring Spotlight: National Holstein Show Update with Tim Ziemba
National Show Coordinator Tim Ziemba visits with Jacob Schaefer about updates to the National Holstein Show Program. Tim discusses how he works with the show committee to continue to improve National Holstein Shows. The episode covers show and ...
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Episode 16
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42:37
Innovation, Industry Leadership & the Future of Dairy with Nick Randle
This episode of Holstein Connections features a diverse conversation with Nick Randle, a dairy industry leader whose career spans genetics, leadership, and youth development. The episode explores Nick’s upbringing, his lifelong passion for dair...
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Episode 15
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44:58
From First Draft to Finalist: The Distinguished Junior Member Journey with Keenan Thygesen & Kylie Konyn
Rising Holstein leaders Keenan Thygesen and Kylie Konyn share a firsthand look at the Distinguished Junior Member journey, reflecting on the early experiences that sparked their passion for the breed, the months of preparation behind their bind...
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Episode 14
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27:15
Meet Frank Conyngham: Holstein Breeder, Ice Cream Innovator, and Holstein Foundation Supporter
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...
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Episode 13
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28:31
From Barn to Board Room: Our Journey to the Holstein Board with Directors Betsy Bullard, Andy Lenkaitis, and Scott Yocum
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 t...
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Episode 12
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22:55
Carrying the Legacy Forward: Farm Transition Insights from Betsy Bullard, Trent Hendrickson, and John Schoen
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 le...
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Episode 11
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44:46
Devoted to the Holstein Cow: Celebrating the Careers of Cy Letter and John Steinhoff
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...
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Episode 10
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27:56
It’s Not Just the Cows, It’s the People: with Tom Morris
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 alwa...
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Episode 9
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37:33
Holstein Marketplace Sires Spotlight: with Tim Ziemba
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 2...
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Episode 8
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26:38
From Juniors to Leaders: A Junior Holstein Association USA Spotlight with Jon Chapman, Madison Mowrer, and Madeline Hensel
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...
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Episode 7
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28:56
Creating Their Own Luck: with Joe and Matt Engel
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 productio...
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Episode 6
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35:41
A Million Reasons Why Conformation Matters: with Dr. Jeffrey Bewley
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 ...
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Episode 5
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21:23
Passion, Focus & Good People: with Tim Rauen
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 force...
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Episode 4
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27:20
President's Perspective: with John Burket
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.
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Episode 3
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30:21
Meet the New CEO: with Lindsey Worden
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 fut...
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Episode 2
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32:22