Guest blogger: Lindsey Worden, Holstein Association USA

Young Dairy Leaders Institute Class 6 Kicks Off Today!

Final preparations are being made for Phase I of Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI) Class 6 in Albuquerque, New Mexico! While most of the country is experiencing frigid temperatures, the YDLI crew is enjoying beautiful weather in the low 60s, with no chance of snow.

Phase I kicks off on Wednesday afternoon with tours of two New Mexico dairy farms - Jones Dairy, Inc., in Veguita and H.A.W. Farms in Belen. Later in the evening is the New Mexico Welcome Fiesta, where class members will have the opportunity to mingle and meet their fellow classmates, Holstein Foundation Board of Trustees, and the YDLI Advisory Committee.

The rest of the week has a jam-packed schedule full of interactive workshops. Thursday’s program will focus on understanding different personality types and developing creative thinking. Friday’s workshops will cover life balance, extensive media training, nutritional issues, and will close with a hypnotist for evening entertainment. The final day, Friday, will include development of leadership skills, an industry discussion panel, understanding consumer issues, and planning for Phase II. The class will conclude with a final banquet on Saturday evening.

Seventy-five young adults from across the country will participate in this class of YDLI. Phase I is held February 27-March 1 and focuses on individual leadership and communications skills. Phase II takes place in the year after Phase I, and gives attendees the opportunity to apply and practice skills that they acquired during Phase I through activities and projects in their home communities. The class comes together again in Albuquerque February 25-28, 2009 for Phase III, which focuses more on group leadership skills and advanced media training.

Check back daily for pictures and updates from the events and workshops!

Sandia Mountain range

Sunset in the mountains

Welcome to YDLI!

Hotel entryway

The Albuquerque Grand Airport Hotel

This entry was posted on Wednesday, February 27th, 2008 at 8:59 am by kknutsen and is filed under Youth. Hits for this post:2814 You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.