FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJune 2016Contact: National Dairy ShrineEmail: info@dairyshrine.org

Denier Named National Dairy Shrine Guest of Honor

Richard Denier, retired General Manager of World Wide Sires (WWS) in Visalia, Calif., is being honored with the National Dairy Shrine’s highest recognition. The Guest of Honor award, presented annually, recognizes a contemporary dairy leader for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the dairy industry.

“Without question, he has had a constructive and certain impact on the dairy industry and its future,” John M. Meyer, CEO of Holstein Association USA, Inc. wrote in his nomination letter for Denier. Meyer’s thoughts are shared by many of Denier’s colleagues, as they acknowledged his outstanding drive to serve others and commitment to keeping the dairy industry progressive.

Denier dedicated 27 years to WWS, where he served as an Area Director of Marketing from 1974-1986. He was the first salesman hired by Willard Clark, founder of WWS and a true pioneer in the dairy industry. During that time, Denier worked with European markets to help develop and strengthen the influence of WWS. His hard work and drive did not go unnoticed, as he became General Manager of World Wide Sires in 1986.

While serving as General Manager, Denier worked to grow the success of WWS. By improving farmer profitability with WWS genetics, he helped the company evolve into the largest exporter of livestock semen in the world, doing business in 55 countries at the time. Denier served as General Manager until 2001. He retired to return to farming with his brother Fred on Cal-Denier Dairy in Galt, Calif., where he is a co-owner.

Denier’s success has continued since leaving World Wide Sires. Cal-Denier Dairy is a top producing Holstein herd with one of the top milk production per cow averages in California. In 2000, the team at Cal-Denier Dairy was awarded the title of Progressive Dairy Producer by the National Dairy Shrine in recognition of their innovative practices.

Denier is no stranger to the National Dairy Shrine, as he was elected to the Board of Directors in 1996 and served on the board for six years. Denier also served as the National Dairy Shrine President in 2001. Under his leadership, the Progressive Dairy Producer award was promoted to recognize young dairymen and women who are managing and working on dairy farms. In addition to his service to the National Dairy Shrine, Denier has also made significant donations to the organization and its scholarships programs.

Denier’s passion for the dairy industry is complemented by his involvement with local organizations close to his heart. As an active member of the Galt FFA Chapter in his youth, he continues to serve the organization today as a Director of the California FFA Foundation. Denier and his wife Kathy were also generous supporters of the California FFA Center, donating $115,000 in memory of his grandfather so the California FFA could purchase 6 acres to build the Center.

Denier is also involved with his alma mater, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, where he was part of the 1st place dairy judging team in 1972 at the National Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest. He was also named “Outstanding Senior” in Agriculture at Cal Poly. He went on to serve as Chairman of the Cal Poly Dairy Science Board of Directors for several years and continues to support the program today.

In his community of Carmel, Calif., Denier is highly involved with the Boys and Girls organizations, helping out every chance he can. He also serves as a Director for the local Catholic high school and is on the fundraising committee for a museum in Carmel. Denier goes above and beyond to show others he cares and wants to give back to the world around him.

Denier’s dedication to his community and the dairy industry is clear in his actions and praise from his peers. Roger L. Ripley, former President and CEO of Accelerated Genetics shared, “Rich Denier has shown tireless energy, enthusiasm and hard work for the betterment of the dairy industry and National Dairy Shrine.”

Denier will receive the Guest of Honor award at the National Dairy Shrine banquet on October 6th in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about the banquet or about students, producers and industry representatives being recognized by National Dairy Shrine, please contact National Dairy Shrine at info@dairyshrine.org. Information on the National Dairy Shrine membership is also available online at www.dairyshrine.org. Dairy enthusiasts are encouraged to become a part of the most important organization honoring our dairy heritage, inspiring future leaders and promoting the dairy industry.

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Pictures are available if desired. Please contact info@dairyshrine.org to obtain photos of the honorees.