Wayne L. Conard, a transformative force in Holstein breeding and a titan of the American dairy industry, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2025, after battling leukemia. At 67, the Sharon Springs, NY, breeder leaves behind a genetic legacy that continues to influence dairy herds worldwide.
A Life Built on Holstein Excellence
Born in Princeton, NJ in 1957, Wayne’s destiny was sealed when his family established Ridgedale Farm in Sharon Springs in 1969. Even as a young man, his exceptional livestock talents were apparent, earning him the NYS FFA Empire Degree, American Degree, and National Star Farmer recognition during his high school years.
Rather than completing his formal education at SUNY Cobleskill, Wayne chose hands-on learning, honing his craft alongside industry legends at The R. Austin Backus Company, Tom Coyne, and Hanover Hill Sales. This practical education shaped him into one of the most respected cattlemen of his generation.
Breaking Breeding Barriers
Wayne’s genetic prowess at Ridgedale Farm produced staggering results that few breeders worldwide have matched:
- Bred 449 Excellent cows, including 41 scored EX-94, 8 at EX-95, and 2 at the exceptional EX-96 level
- Developed the unprecedented achievement of four consecutive generations of EX-95 cows all bearing the Ridgedale prefix
- Co-bred the world’s first EX-97 Red and White Holstein bull, Sir Ridgedale Rustler-RED, whose genetics continue influencing global herds
- Maintained one of America’s highest BAA Holstein herds at an impressive 112.3
Unparalleled Show Ring Success
Wayne’s expertise in cattle showmanship earned him respect across continents. His skills as a leadsman made him the go-to professional for elite herds, including Dreamstreet, Hanover Hill, Top Acres, and Elite Dairy, at National Dairy Cattle Shows.
His crowning personal achievement came in 2013 when his peers awarded him the 72nd Klussendorf Trophy, dairy’s equivalent to a lifetime achievement award. This followed the 1992 Klussendorf-MacKenzie award he shared with his late brother Willis Jr.
Building a Dairy Dynasty
Under Wayne’s visionary leadership, Ridgedale Farm:
- Captured the 1987 All-Canadian Breeder’s Herd award, becoming the first US herd to claim that honor
- Earned two NYS Master Breeder Awards (1988 and 2019)
- Expanded to 750 acres through strategic acquisition of five neighboring farms
- Diversified into crop production, earning regional awards from the NYS Corn and Soybean Growers Association in 2020 and 2023
- Exported elite genetics to Canada, Chile, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and beyond
Family Legacy Continues
Wayne is survived by Jennifer, his wife of 30 years whom he met at the NYS Fair; sons Wayne Cyrus and Isaac; grandchildren Liam, Keaton and Raife; sister Amy Monk and numerous extended family members.
The dairy industry has lost not just a master breeder, but a passionate advocate and mentor. Wayne’s genetic imprint continues through the exceptional cattle bearing the Ridgedale prefix in herds across the globe.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 18th at 1 pm at the Stone Barn at Beardslee Farm in Little Falls, NY. Memorial contributions may be made to the OHM Holstein Club.
