Champaign, IL (May 8, 2026)—The American Dairy Science Association® (ADSA®) is pleased to announce Christen Burgett as the 2026 recipient of the Hoard’s Dairyman Youth Development Award. The award will be presented on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, during the awards ceremony at the ADSA Annual Meeting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Hoard’s Dairyman Youth Development Award was created to recognize a candidate who has had significant involvement in dairy-related youth activities in either a professional or a volunteer capacity for a minimum of 10 years. The recipient shall be highly regarded in the dairy industry for his or her role in personal development of dairy youths and for enhancing knowledge of and interest in the dairy industry. The winner need not be a member of ADSA and may have worked with youths of any age, up to and including college, in many possible capacities, such as coach, counselor, teacher, adviser, mentor, chaperone, or supervisor.
Christen Burgett, an associate teaching professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University (ISU), is committed to supporting the next generation of dairy professionals. She teaches dairy cattle science and evaluation and career preparation, and advises an average of 70 students per year. She coaches the ISU dairy judging team and serves as an advisor to the Dairy Science Club. Twice, she led efforts to host the ISU Dairy Farm Open House and was vital in developing the department’s Dairy Cattle Production Management Certificate. She assists with various youth-focused dairy events and serves on the Dairy Shrine Board of Directors.
It is with great pleasure that ADSA and Hoard’s Dairyman present Christen Burgett with the 2026 Hoard’s Dairyman Youth Development Award.
About the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA)
The American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) is an international organization of educators, scientists, and industry representatives who are committed to advancing the dairy industry and keenly aware of the vital role the dairy sciences play in fulfilling the economic, nutritive, and health requirements of the world’s population. It provides leadership in scientific and technical support to sustain and grow the global dairy industry through generation, dissemination, and exchange of information and services. Together, ADSA members have discovered new methods and technologies that have revolutionized the dairy industry. www.adsa.org