Junior Leasing Program
The Holstein Association USA Leasing Program is designed to encourage active participation in Holstein Junior show activities, whether or not participants live on a dairy farm or own a Registered Holstein. Through this program, youth can get involved in dairy projects, gaining hands-on experience with Holsteins and learning important life skills like animal care, responsibility, and teamwork.
Show eligibility
The Holstein Association Junior Leasing program took effect at all nationally-sanctioned Junior Holstein Shows in 2008. Other Holstein shows have adopted the leasing program on an individual basis, so be sure to check the show’s rules if you are planning to exhibit.
*Note: The National Holstein Junior Leasing Program is different from the 4-H leasing program.
10 Steps to Get Involved in the Junior Leasing Program
Find a Match
Find a dairy producer in your area willing to lease an animal. Local extension agents or State Holstein Associations may be a good resource!
Select an Animal
Work with the owner to select an animal to lease. The animal must be leased before her first birthday.
Agree on a Plan
Communicate about how the animal should be cared for and any other expectations.
Become a National Junior Holstein Member
Complete a Junior Membership Application and mail it in with the one-time $30 fee.
Apply for the Lease
Complete an Application for Transfer and be sure to check the Lease box on the application.
Meet the Deadline
The member and lease applications must be received by July 15 in the year exhibiting.
Registration Paper is Returned
Once the lease is approved, the registration paper will be mailed to the youth leasing the animal.
Get Ready to Show
Before entering a show review the show rules to make sure a leased animal is eligible to show.
Exhibit your Leased Animal
Any youth leasing an animal must be the person leading that animal at all times, in both the Junior and open shows.
Terminate the Lease
Call the Holstein Association USA office and complete a lease termination report after the show season is over.
“Having the opportunity to lease a calf showed me not only how much I love doing it, but the dedication it takes to be able to take a calf to the fair. I think the most valuable thing I learned was the work that went into it, especially learning how to properly
handle and train animals.”
— Evelyn Farese, New York