Brattleboro, Vermont (June 30, 2008)…Richard Coyne, Avon, New York, is the 2008 recipient of the Holstein Association USA’s Distinguished Leadership Award. The award was presented at the Association’s recent National Convention in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
In its second year, the award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry.

As a young 4-H member 70 years ago, Richard “Dick” Coyne made the decision to introduce Registered Holsteins to his family farm, a decision that had a major impact on his life and career. When he and his brother, Gerald, formed a partnership a few years later, they continued to expand their herd, worked to breed a genetically-superior herd, and Dick added his leadership in local, state and national dairy levels.

“Registered Holsteins have provided my family and me with a great living, brought us many friends, and allowed us to travel, especially during my years on the Holstein board,” Dick said. “I’ll always be grateful for that opportunity.”

Dick served on the National Holstein board of directors from 1984 to 1992. During his tenure, Dick’s knowledge and expertise in breeding, merchandising and showing dairy cattle were of great benefit as a member of the Genetic Advancement Committee (GAC). As a GAC member, he was one of the directors who led the board in changing the TPI formula to a better balance of type and production. That decision paved the way for the TPI formula to include information other than type and production that would guide the U.S. dairy industry toward breeding more profitable cows.

Dick always understood the importance of dairy farmers providing a positive image of dairying in the public eye. He was a member of the founding committee for the Dairy of Distinction Program in New York, which recognizes farms for their overall appearance. Coyne Farms was a recipient of the award and Dick continues to serve on the program committee.

Perhaps Dick’s greatest leadership accomplishment and contribution to preserving agriculture in his local community was entering Coyne Farms in the New York State Farmland Protection Grants Program. It provides a perpetual restriction on the development of the land, which is located less than 20 miles south of the city of Rochester and bordered by a major interstate. The program will ensure the preservation of the farm and will help protect the rich tradition of agriculture in the Avon community.

Dick is a past president of the New York Holstein Association and his son, Greg, is the current president, making them the first father and son to hold the position. Over the years, Dick selected cattle for many regional Holstein club sales and the New York State Sale. He was co-chairman of the 1993 National Convention Holstein Sale in Rochester, N.Y. During his presidency, New York was divided into districts which held individual district Holstein shows and which are still held today.

Dick and Jerry have made it inviting for the next generation to farm. They recognized the importance of handing over management responsibilities and giving the next generation a stake in the future of the operation by allowing them to make decisions and try new things. Two of Dick’s sons, Greg and Shawn, a nephew, Malachy, and a grandson, Brian, are partners in the operation. Another grandson, Steven, has also returned to the farm after graduating from college.

There is no doubt Dick’s passion for the dairy business has rubbed off on his sons and grandsons and made it an attractive livelihood for them. Nephew Malachy said it best when commenting on what drives his dad and uncle: “I believe their drive and determination come from a desire to have the next generation enjoy the unexplainable satisfaction that is dairy farming.”