The 2026 Elite Breeder honorees have built their herd around breeding productive, high-scoring cows with longevity. Holstein Association USA will recognize Jeff and Kate Hendrickson of Jeffrey-Way Holsteins, Belleville, Wisconsin with the honor at the 2026 National Holstein Convention.
“It gives us a sense of pride to be recognized by this award,” Jeff says. “It’s a good feeling to know you’re recognized by your peers, and it provides a sense of accomplishment.”
What started as an FFA and Junior Holstein project has grown into a multi-generational dairy, where Jeff and Kate now farm with their son, Brooks. Their other four children are also involved in the dairy community, reflecting the passion for dairy cattle instilled in their family.
Staying true to their farm’s motto, “Where family matters,” their herd is built around one foundation cow, Inwood Taffy Apollo EX-93, who they purchased in the early 1980s. Today, 90 percent of the herd traces back to the “T” family. The cow family’s influence extends worldwide, contributing to numerous A.I. sires and embryo sales for the Hendricksons.
There have been many other notable cows since Taffy, including Jeffrey-Way Mars Tara-ET EX-90, Jeffrey-Way Mascot Tina-ET EX-91, Jeffrey-Way Format Tate-ET EX-93, Jeffrey-Way Tranquil-ET EX-92, Jeffrey-Way Tanawood EX-95, Jeffrey-Way Addison Sauna EX-95, Jeffrey-Way Saphire EX-94, and Jeffrey-Way Hard Rock Twigs EX-96.
The Jeffrey-Way herd has been recognized on the Progressive Breeder’s Registry for 35 years and received multiple Progressive Genetics Herd Awards. They have bred dozens of Gold Medal Dams and Dams of Merit and 384 Excellent cows to date.
In addition to these achievements, Jeffrey-Way Holsteins has earned recognition in the show ring at the local, state, and national levels, garnering many Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor honors and All-American nominees.
The Hendricksons open their doors to tour groups, including many international visitors during World Dairy Expo. They have also been actively involved in their community, serving on dairy industry and church boards and leading their local 4-H club. Rooted in strong family values and a clear breeding vision, Jeff and Kate Hendrickson have built a lasting legacy within the Holstein breed.
The Elite Breeder award is bestowed annually upon a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. Jeff and Kate Hendrickson will be recognized with the honor during the National Holstein Convention in Orlando, Florida.
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