Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding

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Archive for Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding

Holstein Association USA Announces Leadership Transition: COO Lindsey Worden to Succeed CEO John Meyer

Thursday, June 20th, 2024

Discover the leadership transition at Holstein Association USA as COO Lindsey Worden prepares to succeed CEO John Meyer. How will this change shape the future?

Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) has announced a significant leadership transition. John M. Meyer, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), will be retiring on December 31st, leaving space for Lindsey Worden, the Chief Operating Officer (COO), to follow him as the next CEO beginning January 1, 2025. This change represents a turning point for the company, which Meyer has been guiding for the last 23 years. Having served with HAUSA for 17 years, Lindsey Worden will be the 10th Executive Secretary since its founding in 1885. The world’s biggest dairy breed organization is projected to see ongoing success from the flawless changeover.

John M. Meyer: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation at Holstein Association USA

Under John M. Meyer’s 23-year leadership, Holstein Association USA reached several benchmarks and saw significant expansion. Meyer committed himself to raising Holstein cow genetic potential and profitability. He instituted cutting-edge mating procedures and sophisticated genetic projects, including genomic testing. Meyer also added more goods and services to the Association, helping dairy companies worldwide. His efforts confirmed HAUSA’s ranking as the biggest dairy breed association worldwide, therefore guaranteeing a bright future for 25,000 members.

The conference in which CEO John M. Meyer revealed his retirement intentions was emotional. Meyer told HAUSA President Jonathan Lamb and Vice President John Burket his intention to retire by the year’s end, giving time for transition preparation.

Following Meyer’s speech, the emphasis shifted to the next generation of leaders. Following a protracted interview process, the HAUSA Board of Directors selected COO Lindsey Worden to take over beginning January 1, 2025. President Lamb valued the Board’s deliberate approach, guaranteeing a seamless transfer and ongoing success for HAUSA.

Celebrating Past Leadership and Embracing a Promising Future

HAUSA President Jonathan Lamb said in the statement made by the board of directors, “I want to congratulate John Meyer for his 23 years of committed service. His efforts have shaped the success of the Holstein Association USA. Lindsey Worden’s capacity to guide the company forward excites us equally. Her great background and dedication to our cause make her the perfect replacement.

Lindsey Worden, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison who also works in the dairy business as the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Board Chair, National Pedigrained Livestock Council Director, and Councilor on the World Holstein Friesian Federation, said, “I am humbled to follow in John’s footsteps and have been grateful to work alongside him and witness many of the significant achievements our organization has enjoyed under his leadership.” Her upcoming promotion marks Respect and honoring of our organization’s rich legacy; I am privileged to be chosen as Holstein Association USA’s new CEO and am eager to negotiate the possibilities and challenges that will drive us into the future.

When John Meyer reflected on the smooth change, he said, “I’m happy about it. For the last 17 years, Lindsey and I have collaborated well as partners. Seeing Lindsey’s amazing development at the Association from undergraduate intern to CEO has been fun. Meyer stressed his faith in Worden’s leadership. He said, “Lindsey, along with HAUSA’s outstanding Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer Barbara Casna, and I will continue to work closely together, and with the HAUSA Board of Directors, to ensure the continuity of the transition along with the continuous success of HAUSA.” Meyer noted the teamwork, “Moreover, I’m also happy for the Holstein team, including staff, the Board of Directors, Association members, and the dairy industry at large.”

Having collaborated with Meyer for more than 16 years, Worden brings a lot of knowledge and expertise to her new position. Her tight cooperation with Casna, the company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer with twenty-one years of experience, guarantees a degree of financial control vital for such a major change. This cooperation assures HAUSA’s stability and readiness for future expansion and creative output.

Meyer, Worden, and CFO Barbara Casna work closely to guarantee a seamless transfer, whose combined experience and skills ensure the HAUSA Board of Directors’ active participation, which helps reinforce this cooperative effort. Together, they want to preserve the continuity and prosperity of the most significant dairy breed association worldwide. Using every leader’s abilities helps the team ensure HAUSA stays strong both during and after the change. Meyer emphasizes the value of teamwork and notes that this group effort includes the “entire Holstein team, including staff, the Board of Directors, Association members, and the dairy industry at large.”

Under the direction of President Jonathan Lamb, the HAUSA Board of Directors is essential at this time of transition. Overseeing the whole change process has been much aided by the Board’s strategic vision and determination. Involving many stakeholders, their cooperative approach shows a dedication to openness and accuracy.

The Bottom Line

The transition in leadership from John M. Meyer to Lindsey Worden marks a pivotal moment for the Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) and its members. This change not only celebrates the remarkable legacy of Meyer’s 23 years of service but also heralds a future guided by Worden’s fresh perspective and extensive industry expertise. Under new leadership, HAUSA continues to position itself as a leader in the dairy industry, striving for enhanced genetics and improved profitability for its members. With Worden at the helm, the association looks forward to navigating upcoming opportunities and challenges while honoring its rich history.

Visit HAUSA’s official website to learn more about its programs and how they can benefit your dairy operation. You can also stay updated by following its social media platforms, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Key Takeaways:

HAUSA CEO John M. Meyer to retire on December 31st, succeeded by COO Lindsey Worden from January 1, 2025.
CEO retirement plans were shared with HAUSA President Jonathan Lamb and VP John Burket well in advance.
After a comprehensive interview, Lindsey Worden was selected as CEO, becoming the 10th Executive Secretary since 1885.
Lindsey Worden holds multiple positions within the dairy industry and is a University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate.
Meyer praises Worden’s growth and their 17-year partnership, welcoming the transition.
Meyer expresses gratitude to the HAUSA team and the whole dairy industry, ensuring a smooth transition alongside CFO Barbara Casna.
Holstein Association USA serves around 25,000 members, enhancing dairy genetics and profitability through various programs and services.

Summary:

Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) is set to change its leadership after John M. Meyer, who has been its CEO for 23 years, retires. The new CEO, Lindsey Worden, will take over on January 1, 2025. Meyer’s tenure has seen HAUSA grow significantly, focusing on increasing Holstein cow genetic potential and profitability. He introduced advanced mating procedures and genetic projects, including genomic testing, and expanded the Association’s offerings to support dairy companies worldwide. HAUSA’s ranking as the largest dairy breed association worldwide ensures a bright future for its 25,000 members. Worden, a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding Board Chair, expressed her humbleness and eagerness to follow in Meyer’s footsteps.

Categories : Breed Association News

Tags : CEO, Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding, dairy breed association, genetic potential, Holstein Association USA, John M. Meyer, leadership transition, Lindsey Worden, National Pedigrained Livestock Council, Profitability, University of Wisconsin-Madison, World Holstein Friesian Federation

Reality Check – Who is Really Controlling the Dairy Breeding Industry?

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Friday, March 15th, 2013

Often I find as an industry we are guilty of living in a bubble. While sometimes that has served us well, other times there are situations where it for sure has hurt the dairy breeding industry as a whole. However, like all bubbles, this will have to burst in order for the industry to advance, otherwise the dairy cattle breeding industry will become irrelevant.

There is no question that the dairy breeding industry is going through times of great change. Genomics has had a massive effect on not only how we prove bulls, but also on the sources of revenue and the focus of many breeding programs. There has been great discussion about what the changes in April will have on the industry (Read more: How Genomics is Killing the Dairy Cattle Industry). There are some far greater issues that many breeders need to think about.

Some Big Hitters Are Coming To the Plate

One such issue is the entry of Pfizer/Zoetis into the animal genetics game. There is no question that companies like Pfizer have the resources and the experience to come into industries and dominate. When you compare the size and revenue of the Animal Health market to that of the dairy cattle breeding industry, you really have to wonder why Pfizer would even bother. There is no question that DNA testing is a very cool science, but companies like Pfizer don’t do things because they think that it is cool. They do it because they know they can make money.

When you step back and look at this from a 50,000-foot view, I start to think, is this Pfizer wanting to come and take over dairy cattle breeding? On the other hand, is it that Pfizer sees how they can protect their much larger revenue source, animal health? Walk with me on this one. If it is possible to understand genomics to such an extent that we can breed a better cow, does that not include a cow that is more resistant to disease, parasites, and bacteria? Now we’re talking about core revenue sources for Pfizer animal health, now called Zeotis.

That is why when I first saw the announcement from Pfizer in May 2012 about how Canadian Dairy Network, Holstein Canada, Pfizer Animal Health, The Semex Alliance and its owners are going to partner to support delivery of genetic services to the Canadian dairy industry it really got me thinking about is this a good thing or should we be concerned? While the public relations side of this looked all great with the message that the alliance gives dairy producers access to new genetic testing services, I could not help but think what does this mean if Pfizer/Zoetis now has direct access to all the genomic information not only in Canada but also indirectly for the world?

Also of interest about this move was that instead of being signed by all the members of the industry it was done very selectively. Instead of being signed by say Canadian Livestock Genetics Association it was done exclusively with the Semex Alliance. Is there a partnership between Semex and Pfizer that we are not aware of? Have we as an industry, or our representatives, on our behalf made decisions that we may all regret? While I am sure from first glance this agreement looked pretty basic, I can’t help but wonder if there are much greater ramifications that have not really been thought through.

Information is Power, But who controls the information?

With these questions about genetic evaluations and genomics, you can’t help but think about the heated discussion around the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and who controls genetic evaluations in the US (Read more: Council On Dairy Cattle Breeding: Land of the Free and Home of the Brave?). The Cooperative Agreement with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) pertaining to the transfer of the USDA-‐ARS dairy genetic evaluation service to the CDCB has certainly had many asking who does have control?

While the Bullvine has request several times to do an interview with CDCB officers , Ole Meland, (Chair), Jay Mattison (Vice Chair), Becky Payne (Secretary) and Gordon Doak (Recording Secretary), we have still not yet been granted the opportunity.

No Demand Means No Market

Of course there is a much bigger issue I think every breeder needs to think about. While in Canada most breeders are pretty immune to having to think about market demand, you only have to look at the US and Australia to see what happens when market demand goes south. If consumers are not drinking milk, it does not take long for the industry to dry up.

Worldwide milk consumption in relation to population growth is falling. While yes total consumption is increasing, we are not keeping pace with other beverages.

With greater international supply and less demand, it doesn’t take long to drive price and revenue down (Read more: Why the Future of the North American Dairy Industry Depends on Supply and Demand). There is no question that breeders and the industry as a whole, needs to pay greater attention to consumer demand as it will have the greatest impact on our future.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

There is no question the world is changing. It always is and always will. The question becomes are you ahead of the change or behind it? If we continue to operate in a bubble or stick our heads in the sand, we will not be the ones driving our own future, but instead will be handed the scraps from the future decided by others. That is why it is important to know who is controlling the dairy breeding industry?

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Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding: Land of the Free and Home of the Brave?

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Monday, May 28th, 2012

For some time now the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) has been working to establish a “Cooperative Agreement” with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS) pertaining to the transfer of the USDA-‐ARS dairy genetic evaluation service to the CDCB. This has culminated in the recent release of a draft Cooperative Agreement for public comment. The problem is that the draft lacks some of the core values that makes America great, specifically the ability for everyone to operate on a level playing field (access to information) and to be led by brave leadership driving toward a better future.

With these changes come many questions. Some key issues follow.

Will everyone have access to the information?

Reading the agreement may require having a law degree to fully understand it. This may be by intention, but it really doesn’t make for light reading. Some of the language in the proposed agreement is very confusing. It talks about how the CDCB will have ownership and control of the information. One of the reasons that the USA has been able to become the mega world power that it is was because it was founded on the belief that everyone is created equal and has equal opportunity to achieve success. Looking at how the use of genomic information was handled in the past does not bode well for how everyone will get free access to the information. Many smaller organizations are concerned that this will lead to a monopoly for a few A.I. studs.

The proposed wording is in stark contrast to allowing free access to the information for all those involved. This actually causes a double edged sword. On one side, the powers that be are limiting the small guy from competing at the same level. However, there is also the interest about keeping much larger players, such as say Pfizer from entering. In Canada, Pfizer is already offering genomic testing and what’s to stop them from using their many resources to use that information in new ways (read Are You Ready for Genetically Modified Cattle).

How do we maintain our integrity with breeders worldwide?

Similar to the views expressed by Greg Anderson of Seagull Bay Dairy, many breeders are concerned about the perceived integrity that comes from going away from a government organization (USDA) to a private entity. Vice President of Holstein USA Glen Brown and Director Bill Wright also express these concerns, Both men are also dairy breeders and call for the need to develop strong business plan, in the following video

While I do understand this concern, there are many examples worldwide, such as the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN), which has been able to maintain integrity and do it without the political hurdles that come with government involvement.

One of the lessons learned from the CDN model is that you need equal representation from all parties involved, not just those who put up the most money. CDN is majority funded by Industry and specifically A.I., but its board has equal representation from breed associations, breeders, and industry. This is necessary in order to maintain the integrity of the organization and also to provide effective direction for the future. One thing is for sure, it will take bold leadership through these times. This makes me remember when Murray Hunt (Dad for disclosure sake) backed by the Canadian Genetic Evaluation Board, was facing a similar challenge in Canada. At the time he made some bold moves, hiring of Paola Rossi, and Gerald Jansen, Canadians working in Italy to do Canadian genetic evaluations, long before there was the full business plan, but rather had the agreement in principle. Yes, this was putting the cart before the horse, but it also lead to the formation of the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN).

Who pays the bills?

As Holstein USA Director and dairy breeder Leroy Eggink, points out in the video above, it has been a great scenario for US breeders having taxpayers foot the bill. But, that gravy train is over. In Canada when that ship sailed, it left industry footing the bill. Since A.I. represents the most direct profitable gain from genetic evaluations, that means they are left holding the bag. Ultimately, this cost is passed on to the breeders. And while the response comes that we pay for all the systems that track and record this information, there is still the cost to convert that raw data into actionable information (bull proofs).

The one area the CDCB needs to remember is that all costs should be expensed equally and should not play favorites with the larger A.I. centers, as happened with Genomic information. In an interview with Ron Flatness, Flatness International, he repeatedly expressed the concerns around price for the smaller competitors and protecting against un-needed additional fees. (Following comments are that of the writer and not Ron) Instead of higher membership fees that will limit the involvement of smaller organizations or independent breeders, all costs need to be handled equally. One standard price per sire sampled vs. a much larger membership fees, would be fair to everyone.

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Be careful what you ask for. While many breeders want 100% free access to information, it isn’t always a good thing. While there are many questions that still need to be answered, regarding a business plan, ownership of information and how to be as transparent as possible, I ask the question, “Is this a move to keep, not smaller players, but much larger players out of the marketplace?”

Here are some more great resources:

Dairy producers will have 29 days to comment on the Cooperative Agreement (May 7 to June 4).

If you have questions please contact any of the CDCB officers.

Ole Meland, Chair
Jay Mattison, Vice Chair
Becky Payne, Secretary
Gordon Doak, Recording Secretary

Contact information for USDA representatives:

Steve Kappes, PhD Senior Advisor and Deputy Administrator
George Wiggans, PhD Research Geneticist
Joseph Spence, PhD Area Director

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Archive for Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding

Holstein Association USA Announces Leadership Transition: COO Lindsey Worden to Succeed CEO John Meyer

John M. Meyer: A Legacy of Growth and Innovation at Holstein Association USA

Celebrating Past Leadership and Embracing a Promising Future

The Bottom Line

Key Takeaways:

Summary:

Reality Check – Who is Really Controlling the Dairy Breeding Industry?

Some Big Hitters Are Coming To the Plate

Information is Power, But who controls the information?

No Demand Means No Market

The Bullvine Bottom Line

Other posts you might like:

Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding: Land of the Free and Home of the Brave?

Will everyone have access to the information?

How do we maintain our integrity with breeders worldwide?

Who pays the bills?

The Bullvine Bottom Line

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