Daniels named YDLI Distinguished Alumni Leader

Laura Daniels, Cobb, Wis., has been named the recipient of the 2009 Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Distinguished Alumni Leader Award. This award is given annually to a YDLI alumni who has used his or her YDLI training to have influence and provide leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. Daniels is the ninth recipient of this award since the YDLI program began in 1994 and was a member of Class 4. In all, over 600 dairy leaders have graduated from the program.

Daniels, along with husband Jarred Searls, have owned and operated their dairy, Heartwood Farm, since October 2005. They rotationally graze 280 Jersey cows, as well as raising all young stock on pasture. The farm has a strong commitment to the environment, and because of their conservation efforts, Laura and Jarred received the Conservation Farmer of the Year Award from their local Trout Unlimited chapter. Heartwood Farm welcomes numerous nonfarm visitors to tour the farm each year to learn more about dairying and agriculture. In addition to farm tours, Daniels strives to educate consumers through their farm's Facebook page and blog where she shares stories and pictures about life on a dairy farm. She says it has been an excellent way for her to spread the story of how they care for their animals to those who are not able to visit the farm. (You can view Daniels' blog by clicking on the title of this blog post).

"YDLI was a complete turning point for me. Much of what I speak about today are messages whose origin can be traced to those days with 80 other fully engaged young dairy professionals," said Daniels. "It wasn't really until YDLI that I realized the absolute importance of not only showing up, but also lending my strong voice to the conversation. I have found a passion to spread my message which is really 'our' message in agriculture."

Through YDLI, Daniels developed an understanding of the importance of projecting positive messages to consumers. She urges others to do the same and tell the story of why they are involved in the dairy industry.

Daniels is an active member of several agricultural organizations, including the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association, Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and American Farmers for the Advancement and Conservation of Technology (AFACT). She is a member of the AFACT National Leadership Team and is an Advocate Trainer.

Testifying numerous times at Wisconsin Senate and House Ag Committee hearings, Laura has been politically active regarding legislation about regulations on dairy farms. She was also involved in policy and message development meetings with the Wisconsin Dairy Business Association and Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

YDLI, a program of the Holstein Foundation, is a leadership and communication skills development program unique to the dairy industry. Three phases take place over a 12-month period of time to encourage strong retention from the training, as well as personal accountability. Applications will be available soon for Class 7, which will meet between March 2011 and March 2012. For more information about YDLI, or to receive an application when they are available, visit www.holsteinfoundation.org , or contact Jodi Hoynoski at jhoynoski@holstein.com or 800.952.5200, ext. 4261.