Explore St. Louis's rich history, iconic landmarks, and exciting adventures alongside fellow Holstein enthusiasts.
Here’s a day by day guide of Junior activities and meals for Convention. Check out the full schedule for details on Junior contests, event times and locations, and more.
Breakfast Buffet
Fuel up for the first day of Convention with a classic continental breakfast featuring a selection of fresh pastries like muffins, croissants, Danish, and bagels with butter, fruit preserves, and cream cheese. Seasonal sliced fruit and berries, cereals with dried fruit and nuts, and house made granola will top off the spread. Coffee, milk, and a variety of juices with also be served.
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
Local Lens Farm Tour
Join us for the Local Lens Farm Tour, which showcases how three Registered Holstein farms have found their niche in the dairy industry. You'll visit Carters Corner, home to an advanced IVF facility, where cutting-edge reproductive technology is used to improve herd genetics. At Rolling Lawns Farm, you'll have the chance to see highlight cows brought in from local breeders, showcasing some of the best genetics in the area. You’ll also visit The Milk House, the charming storefront for Rolling Lawns Farm, where you can enjoy local dairy products and learn about their rich Registered Holstein history. The Milk House will also host a hearty lunch with pork burgers and a variety of sides to keep you fueled up. The tour will also take you to Wilra Farms, where you'll witness the impressive rotary parlor, designed for efficiency and comfort. This immersive experience gives you a lens into the innovation, passion, and quality that define these Registered Holstein herds.
Milk Provided By: Rolling Lawns Farm
Lunch Sponsored By:
Mics, Markets &
Law: Unconventional Career Paths in Dairy
Join panelists Peggy Coffeen, Founder of Uplevel Dairy; Leah Hurtgen Ziemba, Attorney & Partner at Michael Best; and Aaron Ray Tompkins, Owner of Cowbuyer.com LLC, as they share insights from their unique journeys in the dairy industry. Discover their words of wisdom and the impact of the Holstein Association on their paths to success.
The Great Gatsby Ball: Junior
Semi-formal Dance
Juniors will step back in time to the roaring 1920s, where Gatsby reminds us that anyone can achieve their dreams through hard work and determination, and the atmosphere is filled with sparkle and excitement. Before the festivities, enjoy all the classic comfort favorites with a buffet including fresh salad, crispy chicken fingers, gourmet french fries, creamy mac and cheese, and deep dish caramel apple pie. After the meal, states will present their banners and bring giveaway goodies to exchange. Then, get ready to dance the night away, Gatsby style. Pack your semi-formal attire for this classy event! With a mix of fun activities, music, and a chance to dress up, it’s an exciting night that combines the glamour of the era with family-friendly fun!
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
Breakfast Buffet
Rise and shine with our Tuesday Breakfast Buffet, featuring all your morning favorites. Enjoy scrambled eggs, juicy grilled ham steaks, and crispy hashbrowns, paired with applewood smoked bacon and homestyle biscuits. Savor freshly baked assorted muffins and griddled buttermilk pancakes, topped with butter and maple syrup. For a lighter option, create your own tasty yogurt parfait with a variety of delicious toppings. To keep you refreshed, milk, coffee, and an assortment of juices will be served.
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
Networking Lunch
The Networking Lunch is the perfect opportunity to engage in great conversation over a tasty meal. Enjoy a variety of delicious options, including shrimp penne pasta, jumbo cheese ravioli, and crispy toasted beef ravioli. Savor classic favorites like assorted pizzas and warm garlic bread sticks, along with refreshing sides such as pasta salad, Caesar salad, and a fresh tomato basil and mozzarella salad. For dessert, indulge in delightful tiramisu, lemon panna cotta, and an assortment of biscotti. This buffet is the perfect setting to network, connect with friends, and enjoy a fantastic meal in a relaxed, inviting atmosphere.
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
Family Night
Under the Sea
Adults and Juniors will come together for an exciting Family Night at the Aquarium, where a delicious St. Louis BBQ Dinner Buffet awaits just steps away from the hotel. Savor mouthwatering favorites like tender smoked brisket, flavorful pulled pork, and juicy turkey breast, complemented by classic sides such as potato salad, green beans, fresh salad, and warm cornbread and biscuits. End your meal with a sweet treat from a selection of assorted pies and cobblers. After dining, head out on an underwater adventure through the St. Louis Aquarium, exploring the aquarium’s stunning exhibits and marine life. With fantastic food, fun-filled activities, and engaging exhibits, it’s an evening sure to create unforgettable memories with your Holstein friends!
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
Breakfast Buffet
Delight in a delicious morning spread at our Wednesday Breakfast Buffet. Featuring a variety of seasonal sliced fruit and berries, freshly baked Danish pastries and muffins, and a selection of nutritious cereals with dried fruits and nuts, this buffet has it all. Enjoy classic breakfast favorites like fluffy scrambled eggs, crispy applewood smoked bacon, pork sausage links, and savory breakfast potatoes, and wash it down with your choice of milk, coffee, or juice.
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
Awards Luncheon
Join us in honoring Holstein community leaders from all generations as we reflect on past achievements and look forward to a bright future for our membership. Holstein Association USA will recognize the recipients of the prestigious Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, Elite Breeder, and Distinguished Leadership awards, along with the Distinguished Junior Member semifinalists and the Young Distinguished Junior Member finalists. Celebrate excellence and be inspired by the dedication and passion that drives our industry forward.
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
Lunch Sponsored By:
From blood typing to genomic testing, breed associations have a long history of using technology to ensure the integrity of the records. Join Jenifer Levisee, Senior Director of Herdbook Services, to explore the past, present and future of the parentage testing programs at Holstein Association USA.
Junior Workshop: Who’s Your Daddy?
Junior Activity: Hoofing it on
Route 66
The evening begins with the National Junior Forum, where Juniors from every state can engage, share ideas, and vote on new Junior Advisory Committee members. Then kick up dust at the Route 66 dance, test your skills with cornhole, and enjoy a variety of fun games with your Holstein friends.
Junior Awards Breakfast
Be part of the celebration as we acknowledge the outstanding achievements of our National Junior Holstein Association members! Awards will be presented for both Holstein Association USA and Holstein Foundation youth contests, culminating in the highly anticipated announcement of the 2025 Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) finalists.
Cap off your convention experience by recognizing the accomplishments of our Junior members while enjoying a delicious meal. Delight in waffles and donut holes topped with whipped cream, berry compote, chocolate chips, and a variety of syrups. Enjoy breakfast sandwiches on biscuits and English muffins, fresh sliced fruit, and refreshing orange juice and milk to fuel your next adventure.
Milk Provided By: Prairie Farms
