Curtis Vanden Berge Selected as Holstein Association USA’s 2026 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder

The 2026 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder says he knew from a young age that dairy farming was in his future. Curtis Vanden Berge of Bakersfield, California will be recognized with this honor from Holstein Association USA at the upcoming National Holstein Convention.

“When CEO Lindsey Worden called me to tell me the news, I was truly surprised,” Curtis says. “It’s nice to be recognized for the work we do every day.”

Raised on his family’s dairy near Mira Loma, California, Curtis’s father and grandfather inspired his passion for dairy farming and genetic progress. In 2004, the family relocated to Bakersfield, expanding the farm and creating opportunities for the next generation.

Curtis began managing the day-to-day activities at Vanden Berge Dairy in 2010 and became a partner in the operation in 2015. Today, he and his wife, Stacey, farm alongside his brother, Trevin, and his wife, Heidi. Curtis and Stacey are also raising their three children, Case, Tessa, and Payton, on the farm.

Vanden Berge Dairy is home to 2,800 Holstein cows milked three times a day. Curtis is driven to continuously improve herd genetics, focusing on increasing components and ensuring each generation is better than the last. As a result, Vanden Berge Dairy currently has a rolling herd average of 27,895 pounds of milk with 1,163 pounds of fat (4.17%) and 928 pounds of protein (3.33%).

The first group of Registered Holsteins arrived at Vanden Berge Dairy nearly 15 years ago. Longfellow Boxer Bianca and her performance in their herd demonstrated the value of Registered Holsteins to Curtis. Another influential cow, Seagull-Bay Halogen 516-ET, continues to make a lasting impact, with more than 200 descendants in the herd today, including Vanden-Berge Trpc Daphne-ET EX-90.

In addition to investing in quality Registered Holstein genetics, Curtis relies on modern genetic tools such as genomic testing, embryo transfer work, beef on dairy, and programs and services from Holstein Association USA, to accelerate progress. Curtis’s involvement in Holstein Association USA extends to leadership within the California Holstein Association, where he has been an active board member and served two years as President.

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein breeders for their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and for achieving excellence in their daily lives. Curtis Vanden Berge will be recognized on Wednesday, June 24 during the 2026 National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida.