National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA) recognized Harlan Borman, Kingdom City, Missouri, with the H. Victor Joachim Distinguished Leadership/Martin A. Wilson Memorial Award on March 16, in New Orleans, in conjunction with the association’s annual meeting. This award goes to a DHI dairy producer and/or spouse who has held a leadership position in DHIA or the dairy industry, and rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years, along with a notable contributions to advancing DHIA in the U.S.; or, is a worthy person who has been employed in a DHI management position for at least five years and has been dedicated to improving DHIA.
From 1997-2006, Borman served as a National DHIA director, including the roles of president and vice president. Also, he was a director for Mid-South Dairy Records, Springfield, Missouri, with terms as president, vice president and secretary.
A Registered Holstein breeder, he has managed a dairy operation since 1963. Today, Borman farms in partnership with his wife, Judy; son, Tim; and daughter, Kate. In addition to the Holsteins, they raise beef cattle, corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat.
Borman has given countless hours of dedicated service to improving and advancing one of his life passions – the dairy industry. In 1991, the Borman family represented Missouri at the Smithsonian Institute for their American Folklife Festival. The annual festival is held on the Washington, D.C. Mall during July 4 celebrations. Twice daily, Harlan performed a milking demonstration for interested visitors. This festival provided several opportunities to visit with people about dairy farming and the value of dairy products in a healthy diet.
Susan Lee, Idaho DHIA manager, said Borman has always believed that communication was one of the most important functions of an organization and essential to the success of any undertaking. Furthermore, Borman was not afraid to make difficult decisions – once all input from interested parties was solicited and considered. “He wanted to be sure that DHIA was positioned to satisfy the future needs of all members,” Lee stated.
In addition, Borman worked diligently to support and encourage dairy producers to use DHI tools to successfully manage their dairies. He taught youth about the dairy industry and shared important life lessons to help them in the endeavors they chose to pursue.
Borman also served his community and church, including Callaway County Soil and Water District president; Callaway County University Council; Callaway County Farm Bureau president; Richland Baptist Church Sunday School director, trustee and deacon; Little League baseball coach; and 4-H leader. PD
—From National DHIA news release
