The Dairy Calf and Heifer Association and Merck Animal Health remain committed to the development of the next generation of dairy leaders through their sponsorship of the fifth Merck Animal Health Leadership Program.

Custom dairy calf and heifer raisers and dairy producers who raise their own calves and heifers are eligible to apply for this 12-month program. Six class members and two alternates will be selected based on their dairy industry and community involvement, in addition to their interest in the dairy calf and heifer industry. Applicants do not need to be a DCHA member to apply. The complete leadership program criteria and application are available on the DCHA website. Applications will be accepted until Jan. 30, 2013.

“The program offers an outstanding opportunity for dairy calf and heifer raisers to sharpen their business skills, network within the industry and become more involved in DCHA,” says the organization’s president Darin Mann. “Many of our former program participants have gone on to take leadership roles within their communities and even within our own organization.”
Six program participants will receive valuable hands-on training in such areas as working with the media, conflict resolution and negotiation skills. They also will serve on a DCHA committee and have opportunities to meet and interact with fellow calf and heifer raisers, as well as industry leaders and experts from across the country. In addition to training, participants will receive all-expenses-paid travel to the 2013 DCHA Conference in Lancaster, Pa., and the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.

Source: Dairy Calf & Heifer Association