Enthusiasm is always palpable at a Junior DAIRY LEADER graduation, held in August on the Cornell campus at Morrison Hall. The day is a culmination of an intense year of hands-on learning, exposure to industry issues, networking, farm tours and travel, all designed to push comfort zones and promote leadership growth. And this year was special as the 25th class of Junior DAIRY LEADERs. Led by PRO-DAIRY Senior Extension Associate Debbie Grusenmeyer, Junior DAIRY LEADER (JDL) inspires youth, ages 16 to 19, builds critical enthusiasm for the industry, and develops the next generation of dairy leaders.
Today was a special, proud, and emotional day. Today, the 25th class of Junior DAIRY LEADERs graduated from their year-long program. They are an incredible group of young people who will do great things in life and the dairy field. I am incredibly proud of them and honored to have been able to watch the grow so much over the last year. Over the past 25 years, and almost 600 Junior DAIRY LEADERs, I’ve earned the name "Momma Debbie”. It is a name I hold dear to heart and proud to have a little part in all their lives. But what they all should know is how much they have brought to my life - these 25 young people and all the classes before them. Congratulations JDL class of 2024. Love you all. You are my Why! - Debbie Grusenmeyer
Entry into the program is competitive, with applications being a precursor to college applications that are the next step for many graduates. Students participate in on-farm production analysis, develop resumes for internship opportunities, enhance teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills, prepare public presentations, and participate in farm tours and regional seminars. The program kicks off in fall with a trip to tour dairies in Wisconsin and attend the National 4-H dairy conference. Many of the participants meet for the first time in the airport as they prepare to leave for the trip. In eight more programs over the year participants learn about and develop technical production management skills, are exposed to career opportunities, and build tools to make positive contributions to the industry. All with the goal of developing a growth mindset and positive impact on the dairy industry.
The need to attract high-caliber youth to the dairy field is frequently identified as a top priority by farm owners and JDL engages youth with careers in the dairy industry and inspires their educational choices. Of the nearly 600 Junior DAIRY LEADER graduates over the past 25 years, 97 percent continue their education beyond high school. Notable is that 84 percent of these youth choose agriculture, while prior to participation 53 percent indicated that they had not planned to pursue agricultural careers or had been undecided.
Junior DAIRY LEADER impact
- Nearly participants since 1999
- 96 percent say JDL influenced their decision to pursue dairy or agricultural careers
- 77 percent learned technical skills applicable to production management
- 98 percent increased their dairy knowledge
- 97 percent improved communication skills
- 87 percent improved teamwork
- 92 percent chose a career path
- 69 percent enhanced problem-solving skills
- 85 percent valued networking within the industry
- 58 percent of undecided participants chose dairy or another agricultural career path
2024 graduates and NYS county
- Reilley Patterson, Cayuga
- Lance Reese, Chemung
- Caylene Russell, Chenango
- Sophie Griswold, Chester
- John Alden, Clinton
- Elsie Donlick, Cortland
- Justin Mesch, Erie
- Jillian Brewer, Genesee
- Maggie Winspear, Genesee
- Kasey Purdy, Greene
- Megan Klossner, Lewis
- Justice Lee Maciejko, Lewis
- Andrew Curtis Szalach, Madison
- Kayla Tracy-Dwyer, Onondaga
- Megan Weisbrodt, Onondaga
- Olivia Maslyn, Ontario
- Evelyn Kersmanc, Otsego
- Hannah King, Saratoga
- Avrie Koval, Saratoga
- Brae Dunham, Schoharie
- Kaylie Petteys, Steuben
- Alexis Schultz, Wayne
- Blanche Virginia Wolfe, Wayne
- Courtney Keem, Wyoming
