John Meyer has been CEO of Holstein Association USA (HAUSA) for the past 23 years. Progressive Dairy Editor Matti McBride asked Meyer a few questions about his tenure with HAUSA prior to his retirement in December 2024. 

I grew up on an 80-cow Holstein dairy family farm cropping corn, alfalfa, soybeans and wheat in eastern Iowa. I am putting the animal science (2005) and DVM (2009) degrees I earned at Iowa State to good use by focusing on the basics of cattle husbandry.

The daughter of peanut farmers from Georgia, Krysta Harden shows a true passion for dairy. As the president and chief executive officer of the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), she champions the work of U.S. dairy farmers and the high-quality, high-value products produced from their efforts. Progressive Dairy Managing Editor Karen Lee met with Harden to discuss how USDEC strategically meets global consumer demand for dairy and opens new opportunities for U.S. dairy products and ingredients, placing not only volume but also value in the world’s marketplace.

In addition to other celebratory activities, the National Dairy Shrine is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024 by doubling down on fundraising efforts with Campaign75 to provide more scholarships, expand their leader recognition program and make investments in their museum. With a mission to inspire youth, recognize dairy leaders and preserve dairy’s history, the organization is open to anyone who is passionate about the dairy industry and currently includes more than 20,000 members.

América Bernal and Tyler DeGroot have joined the Rock River Laboratory team as the software engineering intern and marketing and communications intern, respectively.

Meyer continues the family legacy while expanding the laboratory network’s capabilities.