NYHA President’s Report

By Beth Keene

Hello Holstein members and enthusiasts,

I am looking forward to serving as president of NYHA the next couple of years with pride and honor, an Association that moves into its 102nd year of existence. As 2022 moves along, it’s both with nostalgia and amazement that we as members look back at the changes that have occurred in the industry and at NYHA, changes that our for fathers would not have felt possible compared to where we are today! One thing I believe all of us had in common was the enthusiasm, passion and drive for Registered Holsteins and improvement of the breed.

As one of five girls growing up on my family’s dairy in Gilbertsville (Otsego County), my passion and enthusiasm for Registered Holsteins started early. As a youngster, my parents Dick and Shirley were strong supporters, encouragers, and enthusiasts as we became members of NYHA. Involvement in many county and state shows to dairy bowl and dairy judging events, to State and National Holstein Conventions, to serving on the Junior Executive Committee, State Director and more, my passion for Holsteins still burns bright. Many of you may have experienced some of the similar success – are you helping to pass that on to others?

I encourage you as members to continue your involvement and keep your passion for Registered Holsteins alive and burning. The Mission Statement of NYHA on page 4 reads: The mission of the New York Holstein Association is to promote and add value to our breeders and members through events and activities and build a strong fraternity of individuals with a passion for NY Holsteins.” Along with the Mission Statement, the Goals that strive to be met by NYHA include

1. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY, continue to work closely with the Finance Committee to create a realistic budget for the association to work with

2. MAINTAIN STRENGTH OF JUNIOR PROGRAM, continue to help coordinate junior activities and events that will encourage involvement and increase membership; continue to foster and develop positive and influential interaction between Jr and Sr members. Building a strong bridge and transitioning Jr members to Sr membership is a key to increasing NYHA membership.

3. EMPOWERMENT OF DIRECTORS & COMMITTEES, encouraging, guiding, and supporting these members to take strong leadership and commitment in order to engage with and increase participation at events, activities and increase membership at the county and state level. The inclusiveness of members from across the state on committees and empowering them to actively execute is key to the success of NYHA.

4. LONG RANGE PLANNING, working with Jr

Club advisors and Sr clubs to establish regional clubs & activities; continue to follow the Mission

Statement to find ways to bring value to NYHA members, work with all membership; continue to encourage involvement, enthusiasm, and passion of NYHA at all levels of the organization. 5. INCREASE VISIBILITY AND COOPERATION of staff and executive committee at NYHA activities and events, unite the four standing State committees with a common goal.

As the Spring Carousel in Hamburg is just around the corner, I hope to see many of you there! Whether you are an exhibitor, supporter or an avid Holstein enthusiast, there is a great line up of activities, shows and events to be involved in. Many thanks in advance to the NY show committee, show management, sponsors, supporters and especially the exhibitors. Without all of you, this event would not be the success that it is! Thank you!!

To the NYHA membership, thank you for your involvement and support at whichever level of the organization or task you partake in. You are appreciated. Please reach out to any member of the NY Executive Committee or Executive Manager if you have any questions.

Keep your enthusiasm, energy and passion for NYHA burning bright. As the acronym TEAM applies, together, everyone accomplishes more!

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