Mentoring youth for successful careers in the dairy industry

 

Enthusiasm is always palpable at a Junior DAIRY LEADER graduation, held in August on the Cornell campus at Stocking 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.

“I’m incredibly proud of them and the people they are and the great things they’re going to do.” — Deborah Grusenmeyer, Junior DAIRY LEADER

For Grusenmeyer, graduation day always carries a mix of pride and loss. She has spent the year traveling and working closely with the group and letting go is never easy. “The way they start that first trip, then who they become at the end. They don’t see the growth in themselves as much as those of us looking in.”

She compared the moment to any parent’s role: giving kids room to grow, trusting they’ll come back changed. Within a week or two, she said, it starts all over again with a new group, which is exactly what makes graduation bittersweet.

That closeness with the industry is also what keeps doors open for JDL groups on the road. Grusenmeyer said host farms in Wisconsin now ask for the group by name when planning their own schedules, offering the students priority over other visitors.

“These kids ask questions, they’re engaged, they want to learn,” Grusenmeyer said. “That is worth time from people in the industry to dedicate to them. So that says a lot.”

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 pre-conference 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. Notably, 84 percent of these youth choose agriculture, while prior to participation, 53 percent indicated they had not planned to pursue agricultural careers or had been undecided.

A longtime sponsor’s perspective

John Clark, of FeedWorks USA, has supported the leadership program for more than a decade, and this year marked his 12th year teaching its careers and nutrition module. “It is so great to be able to interact with young people,” he said, describing how much he values seeing what students are thinking about, what they need, and how much they already know, or don’t, about the industry.

Clark used part of his remarks to thank Grusenmeyer for building JDL into a program other states have modeled their programs after and to thank the program’s sponsors, whose support goes beyond dollars. Sponsorship, he said, sends a signal that the industry believes in investing in its own future, something he keeps in mind when advocating for the program in front of lawmakers.

He also spoke about his own family’s connection to the program: his daughter, Mary Murray, once a high school junior with little interest in agriculture, went through JDL at a pivotal, undecided moment in her life. The program, Clark said, gave her direction and drive. He and his wife, he said, are incredibly proud of what she’s accomplished, both personally and professionally, and he credited much of it back to the connections and confidence she built during her JDL year.

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

2026 graduate in their own words

• “JDL has been a wonderful experience for me. The opportunity these sponsors have given me to meet new people, learn new things, and make great connections is enough in itself, but the experience I gain from going on farm tours is something I’ll never forget. Thank you, sponsors, for everything.” Carlie Ward
• “Throughout my time in JDL, I learned to be more open-minded and take advantage of every opportunity while also expanding my knowledge and view of the dairy industry.” Colette Kappauf
• “During my year in JDL, I expanded my overall knowledge of the dairy industry, as well as learned that my interest is mainly in the nutrition side of dairy.” Delaney McCann
• “I learned how to build relationships, connect with people, and network. I will take these with me in the future. Thank you, Debbie.” Grace Maslyn
• “This was an excellent program that gave me the opportunity to learn more about the dairy industry and the many possibilities it holds.” Hannah Wieboldt
• “JDL opened a door of opportunities for all of us in the program. Not only did I learn about the dairy industry, but I also built connections that will last a lifetime. Although, I did not grow up on a dairy farm this program helped me feel connected to such an amazing industry.” Isabella Perretta
• “JDL has sharpened my communication skills and helped me make connections with leaders in the dairy industry around the world. I am so grateful for this awesome opportunity.” Josiah Freier
• “JDL gave me an introduction to the dairy industry and to many amazing people.” Kaitlyn Eckles
• “Being in JDL has  taught me that the greatest journeys are not measured by the miles we travel, but by the  people who walk beside us. We  have such a huge opportunity  being in the dairy industry, especially in NY, and how many vast options there are if we don’t end up going to college” Karis Burns
• “One of my favorite parts of JDL was touring different farms and seeing how larger dairies operate while learning what helped them grow into the successful operations they are today.” Kasey Neal
• “I learned that the dairy industry is a very diverse industry, with many dedicated individuals all with the common goal of maintaining cow comfort and good milk quality.” Keyamari Keys
• “I enjoyed  learning from Cornell Alumni. Their advice was truly insightful and inspiring.” Lily Marshman
• “I came to JDL not being a dairy kid, but from JDL I have learned so much. JDL has taught me vast amounts about the dairy industry and the career opportunities within it. Additionally, JDL has helped me create lasting friendships with others.” Michaela Bugman
• “During this past year in JDL, I have learned more about the dairy industry and the differences and similarities between big and small farms. I also learned I like nutrition.” Morgan Evans
• “Throughout the JDL program, I gathered vast amounts of diversified information from farm to farm. I plan to apply this knowledge to our family farm in an effort to increase efficiency and profitability.” Owen Avedisian
• “JDL gave me an opportunity to learn much more about the dairy industry and agriculture in general. JDL also taught me to be comfortable being uncomfortable. JDL has motivated me to stay involved in the dairy industry.” Owen Koval

• “Being part of this wonderful program was truly life­changing. It opened the door to so many incredible experiences, unforgettable adventures, and valuable learning opportunities. From farm visits and exciting trips to shared dinners and countless hours spent together, we built friendships that I hope will last a lifetime.” Tara Moffatt
• “JDL has taught me many things about the dairy industry that I have taken back to my family farm. It has given me the desire to go to college for dairy management so that I can increase the efficiency of my family’s dairy farm.” Titus Lawson
• “I learned a lot about the ever changing dairy industry.” Tyler March
• “During this past year of JDL, I have expanded my knowledge of dairy management and gained a better understanding of the technology used on larger dairy farms.” Wilder Gamage