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. 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.
"Graduation is always kind of a bittersweet for me because I get pretty close to the group of kids," Grusenmeyer said. "It's a pretty big growing step for them. I'm very proud of them all, not just today, but for the whole year. They've made connections across the industry that can help them as they're moving forward with their careers and figuring out what they want to do and pursue."
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 preconference tours of the dairy and agriculture industry in Wisconsin before attending 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.
"I think it's incumbent upon us in industry to encourage youth to help expand their minds, learn what's out there, and to encourage them to become part of our industry. Because if we don't do that, we won't have a vibrant industry in the future," said John Clark, FeedWorks USA, who has supported the leadership program for over 10 years after he saw the life-changing impact it had on his daughter. Because of her participation in Junior DAIRY LEADER Mary Murray chose a career in the dairy industry, and is a successful dairy nutritionist.
"Passion for the dairy industry is the driving force that makes this program unmatched across the country," Clark said.
Junior DAIRY LEADER impact
- 96 percent say JDL influenced their decision to pursue dairy or agricultural careers
- 98 percent increased their dairy knowledge
- 97 percent improved communication skills
- 87 percent improved teamwork
- 85 percent valued networking within the industry
- 53 percent of undecided participants chose dairy or another agricultural career path
What 2025 graduates learned, in their own words
- "I learned to ask questions and take advantage of opportunities while also expanding my knowledge of the dairy industry." - Hadessa Adsit
- "I learned to enjoy the small moments and to always be present, along with how many opportunities are available in the industry." - Brycen Aukema
- "I learned that connections are everything in this industry and that they can take you so many different places." - Hayden Ayers
- "I learned about building connections with new people in many different places." - Everett Cox
- "I learned how to better connect and build relationships with people in the indsutry and about all the careers within it." - Adrienne Hodge
- "I learned the differences in farming due to location and many new skills to help myself in the industry." - Hannah Holmes
- "I learned about the different careers in the dairy industry and how many opportunities I have in it." - Megan DePaul
- "I learned about unique careers in the dairy industry and it helped me decide to pursue a career in dairy nutrition." - Nathan Foss
- "I learned about the various opportunities within the dairy industry and how no two people will have the same experience within the same field." - Pilar Gamage
- "I learned the importance of connections in the dairy industry and how they can shape your future career." - Dayne Jantzi
- "I learned that there are endless opportunities in the dairy industry, while building lifelong friendships." - Olivia Shawley
- "I expanded my knowledge of and abilities within the dairy industry." - Lilah Stroud
- "I learned new ways to manage a farm and how much involvement each area needs." - Wyatt Swatling
- "I learned that there is more to success than just connections and that there is no set path." - Ashton Wilcox
- "I learned about so many new opportunities in the industry and built lifelong friendships." - Casey Youngers
