Pictured on the cover is the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest Winner, Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis., and the Jerseys at her family farm—Proud Heritage Farm. She is the seventh national achievement winner from Wisconsin. The September issue is our youth issue featuring the accomplishments of nearly 60 young adults through the activities of the National Jersey Youth Development Programs. To read more about the accomplishments of Jersey youth, turn to page 19.
To improve and promote the Jersey breed of cattle, and to increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and for Jersey cattle.
Company and Department Heads
Executive Secretary: Neal Smith, 614/322-4455
Treasurer: Vickie White, 614/322-4452
Director of Field Services: Kristin A. Paul, 209/402-5679
Director of Communications: Kimberly A. Billman, 614/322-4451
Information Technology: Philip Cleary, 614/322-4474
Jersey Marketing Service: Greg Lavan, 614/216-8838
National All-Jersey Inc. and Herd Services: Erick Metzger, 614/322-4450
Research & Genetic Program Consultant: John Metzger, jmetzger@usjersey.com
AJCA-NAJ Area Representatives
Director of Field Services: Kristin A. Paul, 209/4025679; 614/322-4495 (fax); kpaul@usjersey.com. Illinois and Wisconsin.
Seth Israelsen, 614/216-9727; sisraelsen@usjersey. com. Advance Services Consultant; Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Wyoming, western Texas and northern California.
Greg Lavan, 614/216-8838; glavan@usjersey.com. Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and western Pennsylvania. Benny Rector, 614/313-5818; brector@usjersey.com. Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Jason Robinson, 614/216-5862; jrobinson@usjersey. com. Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, east Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. Willow Voegtlen, 614/266-2419; wvoegtlen@usjersey. com. Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
For assistance in Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oregon eastern Pennsylvania, Rhode Island Vermont and Washington, contact Kristin Paul
Type Traits Appraisal Team
Senior Appraiser: Ron Mosser, 614/264-0142, rmosser@ usjersey.com
Kelly Epperly, 614/530-6918; kepperly@usjersey.com
Mark Fisher, 209/765-7187; mfisher@usjersey.com Lee Harris, 614/284-1478; lharris@usjersey.com
Dyon Helmuth, 614/264-0140; dhelmuth@usjersey.com
Seth Israelsen, above Greg Lavan, above
Andy Paulson, 614/296-4166; apaulson@usjersey.com. Ellie Wantland, 614/261-9921; ewantland@usjersey. com.
American Jersey Cattle Association Board of Directors
Officers
President: Alan Chittenden, 84 Running Creek Rd., Schodack Landing, NY 12156-9603. Phone 518/3202893; alan.dutchhollow@gmail.com.
Joe Vanderfeltz, 898 SR 706, Lawton, PA 18828; Phone 570/934-2406; jvanfel2@gmail.com. Third District. 2027.
National All-Jersey Inc. Board of Directors
Officers
President: John Kokoski, 57 Comins Rd., Hadley, MA 01035. Phone 413/531-2116; jkokoski@maplelinefarm. com.
Vice President: Jason Cast, 4011 A Street Rd., Beaver Crossing, NE 68313-9417. Phone 402/641-2255; jjcjerseys@gmail.com.
Directors
Sam Bok, 11310 Krouse Rd., Defiance, OH 43512. Phone 419/782-0012; jawscows@defnet.com. District 7. 2025
Jason Cast, see officers. District 1. 2027. Alan Chittenden, ex officio, see AJCA officers. Garry Hansen, ex officio, see AJCA. Rogelio “Roger” Herrera, 7114 Youngstown Rd., Hilmar, CA 95324. Phone 209/485-0003; rogeliohs@yahoo.com.
District 2. 2025. Cornell Kasbergen, ex officio, see AJCA. John Kokoski, see officers. District 3. 2025. John Marcoot, 526 Dudleyville Rd. Greenville, IL. 62246. Phone 618/322-7239; johnemarcoot@gmail. com. District 4. 2026.
Tom Seals 37840 Upper Nestucca River Rd., Beaver, OR 97108. Phone 541/520-0298; jennie.seals@gmail. com. District 6. 2027. Bradley Taylor, 106 County Road 5300, Booneville, MS 38829-9131. Phone 662/720-3598; taylorjerseyfarm@ gmail.com. District 5. 2028.
Official Publication of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc.
6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068–2362 614.861.3636 phone 614.861.8040 fax
Email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com
Website: www.USJerseyJournal.com
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Editor: Kimberly A. Billman
Managing Editor: Tracie Hoying
Feature Writer: Michele Ackerman
Communications Specialist: Lindsay L’Amoreaux
Digital Media: Jolena Gioiello
Contributing Writer: Kaila Tauchen
Subscriber Services
To subscribe, log on to http://jerseyjournal. usjersey.com/Subscriptions.aspx and click on the “Subscriptions” link and enter your mailing and credit card information on the secure website. When completed, click “Submit” to process your subscription.
If you have questions, please call the Jersey Journal at 614/861-3636, or send email to jerseyjournal@usjersey.com.
Jersey Journal Subscription Rates Effective July 1, 2023 (10 online issues; January and September printed) Domestic International 1 year ........... $45 1 year.............$60 3
All subscribers to the online Jersey Journal (effective February 1, 2022) will receive a downloadable PDF version of the magazine to the email on file. They will also receive a link to the publication published online.
To make changes to your subscription, call the American Jersey Cattle Association at 614/861-3636. Or email jerseyjournal@usjersey. com. Please email or call with an updated email address if your address changes. Subscribers will receive periodical emails throughout the month. Have your customer number ready for a staff member.
If you do not receive an email with the pdf or link to the published magazine, call 614/8613636 or email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com. We will verify your information and correct what is needed.
How You Will Receive Your Jersey Journal?
First week of each month, you will receive an email that includes:
• link to flip version of the Jersey Journal
• downloadable PDF of the magazine
• links to advertising
• links to updated stories on the website
• access to the archive editions of Jersey Journal back to 2009
Make sure we have your email on file and then sit back and let us deliver the news to you!
Email: JerseyJournal@USJersey.com
Web: www.USJerseyJournal.com
This index is provided as an additional service. The Jersey Journal assumes no liability for errors or omissions. The Jersey Journal does not guarantee quality, delivery time, or availability of items ordered from commercial advertisers.
The American Jersey Cattle Association promotes the use of authentic and unaltered photographic images of Jersey animals, and disapproves of the use of any photographic images that alter the body of the Jersey animal. The American Jersey Cattle Association therefore requests that all photographic images of Jersey animals submitted for publication in the Jersey Journal contain no alterations to the body of the animal.
Despite its best efforts to ensure that only unaltered photographs of Jersey animals are used in this publication, the American Jersey Cattle Association cannot guarantee that every photographic image of a Jersey animal is authentic and unaltered.
Every effort is made to keep the calendar listings as accurate as possible. However, dates are sometimes changed or events cancelled without notice. When your association schedules an event, notify the Journal staff at least 60 days in advance by sending email to JerseyJournal@usjersey.com or phoning 614/861-3636.
Type Appraisal Schedule
POLICY: Areas will be appraised in the order listed. If you wish to appraise and do not receive an application 30 days prior to the appraisal, please request one from Appraisal Office Coordinator Lori King by telephone, 614/322-4457, or email lking@usjersey. com. Apply online at http://www.usjersey.com/forms/ appraisalapp.com. Applications can also be printed from the USJersey website at http://www.usjersey. com/forms/ttaapplication.pdf.
SEPTEMBER—Oregon and Washington; Idaho, Utah, Southern California, and Arizona; Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Western Nebraska.
OCTOBER—California and Nevada.
NOVEMBER—New Mexico and Texas; Vermont and New Hampshire; Maine, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
DECEMBER—Michigan and Ohio; New York.
Deadlines
SEPT. 20— National Jersey Jug Futurity final payments due on 2024 entries.
OCT. 8—Entries due for The All American Jersey Shows. Visit http://www.livestockexpo.org.
OCT. 15— National Jersey Queen Application deadline.
NOV. 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the December evaluation release.
DEC. 1— Deadline to apply for the Fred Stout Experience on-farm and marketing internships.
DEC. 1 Application process ends for Class IX of Jersey Youth Academy.
DEC. 31—National Jersey Jug Futurity payments due for 2026 entries.
Sales
OCT. 1—TOP OF THE WORLD SALE, via CowBuyer.com at World Dairy Expo, Madison, Wis.; 6:00 p.m. (CDT) Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer. com; Chris Hill, Thurmont, Md., auctioneer.
OCT. 19—OHIO FALL PRODUCTION SALE, Wayne County Fairgrounds, Wooster, Ohio; 11:00 a.m. (EDT); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer. com; Todd Woodruff, Urbana, Ohio, auctioneer. OCT. 22-24—DAIRYLAND PROTEIN SALE, via CowBuyer.com; closeout starts Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m. (CDT); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast on CowBuyer.com. NOV. 1—VAN DELL FARMS REGISTERED JERSEY DAIRY CATTLE RETIREMENT AUCTION, at the farm, Sharon, Wis.; 11:00 a.m. (CDT); Steffes Auctioneers, sale mgr.; more information at https:// steffesgroup.com/auctions/agriculture. NOV. 9—67TH POT O’GOLD SALE, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 1:00 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@ usjersey.com; Lynn Lee, Smyrna, Tenn., auctioneer. NOV. 9—72ND ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SALE, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 3:30 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; Chris Hill, Thurmont, Md., auctioneer.
JUNE 12-14, 2025—FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND TAG SALE, Hosted by Interstate Heifer Care, Clear Spring, Md.; South Mountain Jerseys & Interstate Heifer Care, sale mgr. packardterri@gmail.com
Registration Fees Effective April 1,
Transfer Fees Effective July 1, 2014
Standard processing fee is $14.00 when transfer is received within 60 days of the date of sale of the animal to the new owner, and $17.00 when received after 60 days.
$2.00 discounts from the standard fee will be applied to individual animal transfers processed via infoJersey.com and to group transfers submitted in batch electronic files: Excel spreadsheet, report downloaded from herd management software, or a field-delimited text file. Additional discounts may apply for herds enrolled in REAP, and for intraherd and intra-farm transfers. Refer to “Fees for Programs and Services” (www.usjersey.com/fees.pdf) and call Herd Services for more information.
NOV. 9— ALL AMERICAN JERSEY YOUTH AWARDS CEREMONY, West Hall Room B, Louisville, Ky.; 9:00 a.m. (EST); presentation of national Jersey Youth Awards and National Jersey Queen Contest.
JUNE 25-28—AJCA-NAJ ANNUAL MEETINGS, Lexington, Ky.
Shows
SEPT. 30— INTERNATIONAL DAIRY SHOW, heifers, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m.; Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., judge, and Jean Philippe Charest, Saint Alexandre, Que., associate judge.
OCT. 1—INTERNATIONAL DAIRY SHOW, cows, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m.; Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., judge, and Jean Philippe Charest, Saint Alexandre, Que., associate judge.
OCT. 9—ALABAMA NATIONAL FAIR JERSEY SHOW, Montgomery, Ala.; 9:00 a.m. (CDT).
OCT. 11—SOUTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR JERSEY SHOW, Columbia, S.C.; 9:00 a.m. (EDT) OCT. 11—MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR JERSEY SHOW, Jackson, Miss.; 9:00 a.m. (CDT); Craig Padgett, Waynesburg, Ky., judge.
OCT. 12-13—TEXAS STATE FAIR JERSEY SHOW, Dallas, Texas; 12:00 p.m. (heifer show), 8:00 a.m. (cow show) (CDT).
OCT. 12—MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Jackson, Miss.; 8:30 a.m. (CDT). OCT. 20—ARKANSAS STATE FAIR JERSEY SHOW, Little Rock, Ark.; 9:00 a.m. (CDT).
OCT. 24-25—NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR OPEN JERSEY SHOW, Raleigh, N.C.; hiefers 10:00 a.m. on October 24; cows 10:00 a.m. (EDT) on October 25; Brian Schnebly, Hagerstown, Md., judge. OCT. 26—NORTH CAROLINA STATE FAIR JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Raleigh, N.C.; 9:00 a.m. (EDT); Neal Smith, Smyrna, Tenn., judge.
NOV. 8—THE ALL AMERICAN JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Trent Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill., judge; Kaleb Kruse, Dyersville, Iowa, associate judge. NOV. 9—ROYAL WINTER FAIR JERSEY SHOW, Toronto, Ont.; 8:00 a.m. (EST); Jeff Sayles, Paris, Ont., judge. NOV. 10—THE ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SHOW, (heifers); Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore., judge; Brad Gavenlock, Berry, NSW, associate judge. NOV. 10—NATIONAL JERSEY JUG FUTURITY, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 2:00 p.m. (EST); Ron Mosser, Geneva, Ind., judge; Max Bollenbacher, Argos, Ind., associate judge.
The Association’s Bylaws require the seller to pay the transfer fee. Save by becoming a lifetime member of the American Jersey Cattle Association. (continued to page
emmaraemessmer@gmail.com
springvalleyjerz@hotmail.com
sunbow@wk.net
cmills1324@gmail.com
spatzcattleco@gmail.com
taylorjerseyfarm@gmail.com
Brian Chittenden of Dutch Hollow Farm LLC, Schodack Landing, N.Y., and Beth Chittenden became grandparents twice again this summer. Daughter Cassie and her husband, Brian Oster of Schodack Landing, gave birth to their first child, Cade Emerson Oster, on July 7, 2024. He weighed 7 lbs. 9 oz. and was 21 ¾ inches long. The Osters operate Retso, a mixed herd of registered cattle, and a boarding business and Cassie still lends a hand with her home farm.
Daughter Meagan and her husband, Ray Edwards of Ava, N.Y., became parents for the second time with the birth of Kase William Edwards on August 6, 2024. He weighed 8 lbs. and 5 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. His brother, Archer, will turn three years old in December.
Maternal great-grandparents are Paul and Melanie Chittenden, also of Dutch Hollow Farm.
Owen Gregory Holcomb was born on August 30, 2024, to Scott and Emily Holcomb, Greene, N.Y. He weighed 6 lbs. 3 oz. and was 19 ½ inches long. The new family of four also includes his big brother, Colton, 5.
Scott is a former AJCA-NAJ area representative and now is a regional territory sales manager for SomaDetect.
Henrich Francis Kirk joined this world on August 27, 2024. The second son of Quade and Emily (Chittenden) Kirk weighed 9 lbs. 2 oz. and was 20 ¼ inches long. Maternal grandparents are Alan and Donna Chittenden, Dutch Hollow Farm LLC, Schodack Landing, N.Y. Maternal greatgrandparents are Paul and Melanie Chittenden, also of Dutch Hollow Farm. He was welcomed home by his sibling, Jackson, who will turn two in November.
Quade and Emily are partners in Dutch Hollow Farm. He works with the cows and she works with the calves. Emily won the National 2015 Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
Brady and Shelby Core, Keightley and Core Jerseys, Salvisa, Ky., gave birth to their second child, Adelene Rose Core, on September 3, 2024. She weighed 8 lbs. 11 oz. and was 20 ¾ inches long. Paternal grandparents are Jeff and Alta Mae Core, also of Keightley and Core Jerseys. Adelene was welcomed home by her two-yearold big brother, Asa.
Brady is a member of the AJCA Type Advisory Committee and has judged the National Jersey Jug Futurity and the All American Junior Jersey Show.
USJersey Staff Updates
She and her husband, William, operate Way-Har Farms LLC in Bernville, Pa., with their children, Oliva, Joshua, Jaylene and Laura. They milk 300 cows, raise 400 acres of crops and operate Way-Har Farm Market, a brick-and-mortar store in Bernville, where they sell milk and ice cream processed on the farm.
Carol Thune has joined the USJersey team as a senior accounting clerk and receptionist, effective September 3, 2024. Working from the national Jersey organizations’ headquarters in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, she will handle all incoming mail, assist with accounts receivable and accounts payable and help with other accounting functions. She will also serve customers and assist in the day-to-day operation of the office.
Previously, she was an accounting assistant in the Interim HealthCare Regional Management Center for nearly 16 years. There she managed financial transactions and records, prepared monthly journal entries and balanced accounts.
Before her professional career, she was a dedicated stay-at-home mom for 10 years.
She received her undergraduate degree in anthropology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.
Lesher Honored
The All-American Dairy Show has named Laura “Lolly” Lesher as the 2024 recipient of the Dairy Hall of Fame Award.
Lolly was raised on a fruit farm with cows, pigs and chickens. She developed a passion for the dairy industry as a college student at Pennsylvania State University. She graduated with a degree in agricultural economics and rural sociology in 1986. She served on boards of her alma mater’s alumni board and its Dairymen’s Club, presided over its Stockmen’s Club and helped to charter the Armsby Honors Society.
It was also at Penn State that she met William. She joined him at Way-Har Farms, which has been in his family since 1952, and worked off the farm too as a credit analyst for Farm Credit, director of the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program (PDPP) and milk procurement director for Dietrich’s Milk Products LLC.
In 1991, Lolly began her 25-year trek as the fundraising coordinator for the All-American Dairy Show. She has also lobbied for fair milk pricing and regulations to the House Agriculture Committee, served on the corporate resolutions committee for Dairy Farmers of America, and was a founding pioneer of the Center for Dairy Excellence.
She is a 20-year member of the PDPP and its current chair (the first female voted to the position) and first vice president of the board for the American Dairy Association North East. She is secretary of the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board and serves on the board of Dairy Management Inc.
Lolly was named as the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Leader of the Young Dairy Leaders Institute and has also won the Pacesetter Award given by the Center for Dairy Excellence.
Thune
“Incredible Experience”
There are 3,828 junior members of the American Jersey Cattle Association. They have many talents and abilities, a variety of interests, but one very important thing in common—a passion for the Jersey breed.
When a community has young people of such promise in its midst, committed to the very thing that brought that group of people together in the first place, it’s essential to nurture them so they come back into the fold.
That, in a nutshell, is the ultimate aim of Jersey Youth Academy.
Next year, the ninth Jersey Youth Academy will run July 13 to 18 in Columbus, Ohio.
And like the 247 young people from 39 states selected for the first eight classes of Jersey Youth Academy, those picked for the 2024 class will participate in a Jersey boot camp with as much content relative to their objectives as can be packed into five days.
What are those objectives?
“ To meet other youth with the same passion as mine.” “To see what goes on across the world of Jersey.” “To see the national headquarters and meet the people that make our association one of the finest.” “To learn more about the advancements in the breed.” “To make connections with industry professionals.” “To learn about careers and where do I fit into the Jersey industry.” “To learn as much as I can to try and promote the Jersey cow and to give my peers an insight to the true greatness of Jerseys.” “To see how I can improve the Jersey breed.”
Since 1958, Jersey youth programs have encouraged young people to work with and learn about Registered JerseysTM by recognizing their accomplishments through national achievement, production and scholarship awards, The All American Junior Jersey Show, and the Pot O’Gold program. Jersey Youth Academy has enlarged the scope of that effort.
Jersey Youth Academy doesn’t just show its participants the myriad of opportunities with Jersey cattle. It also helps them to understand the long history and recent growth of the Jersey breed.
““A once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Jamie Gibbs, Rollingstone, Minn., member of Class VIII. “The Jersey association is working to open opportunities to youth and introducing
them to other companies and graduates that have been successful even coming from small farms like mine.”
“We think the next generation needs to know about the decisions that were made that led to the success the Jersey breed is enjoying today,” says AJCA-NAJ Executive Secretary Neal Smith. “Board members and leaders of the Jersey organizations for generations have made tough decisions, they’ve taken risk for the betterment of the Jersey business. Some of the decisions they made were not popular, even among a majority of the members who were active at the time.
“We owe it to them to see to it that the next generation has a clear understanding of how we got to where we are, and what we’re going to have to do—the kind of decisions we’re going to have to make—to continue the kind of progress that we’ve made.
“Through Academy, we achieve a more distinct connection with the next generation and previous generations.”
Youth who will be seniors in high school in the fall of 2025 through those with at least one year remaining in their undergraduate degree program at an accredited vocational school, college or university are eligible to apply. Applicants must be legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only one time. The application form is posted now on the USJersey web site.
A maximum of 36 youth will be selected based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program asreflected in the written application and goal statement. All program, housing and transportation costs are paid by the Academy’s 501(c)(3) educational foundation. Contributors to the foundation represent a broad spectrum spectrum of Jersey breeders and dairy industry support, with the largest contribution to date coming from the all-donation National Heifer Sale in 2011.
Sunday, December 1 is the deadline to apply for the ninth Jersey Youth Academy. As the previous eight classes have, this class will also be offered, “an incredible experience to hear from so many distinguished industry leaders and expand our perspectives of the Jersey business.”
Humbled and Honored
NOWAY” was my reaction after opening the letter from USJersey and finding my words. I could not believe my eyes when reading the results of the National Youth Achievement Contest. It is still hard for me to believe that I have the privilege of writing this, where my mentors, idols, and peers will read this. My name is Emma Vos and I am humbled and grateful to be your National Youth Achievement Winner.
I grew up on my family’s dairy farm, Proud Heritage Jerseys, with my siblings Grace, Owen, and Noelle, and my parents Ben and Amy Vos. We milk 120 registered Jerseys on a rotational grazing operation in Maribel, Wis., where we also raise all of our young stock. As you can imagine, working with family is always fun, but in all honesty, it is truly a family affair and a passion that connects us. Great cows have come and gone from Proud Heritage Jerseys, but memories continue to be made and breeding better cows will always be our goal.
I am currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in agricultural and applied economics. I enjoy being involved in various organizations on campus including Badger Dairy Club, the Association of Women in Agriculture, Collegiate Farm Bureau, and the dairy judging team. It is almost guaranteed if I am not at school or working a show, you can find me at home milking cows, feeding calves, and working on other daily chores. I enjoy working with our genetic program and keeping tabs on the production and efficiency of our herd. I have been blessed to grow and develop my own genetics at home. It started with Proud Heritage Duke Baby, the first cow my parents transferred into my name. To this day I have several great-grandaughters of “Baby”, and I continue to grow my herd through various purchases from my parents, sales, and local breeders.
Growing up, I remember showing my first calf at four-years-old, and from then on, I never missed a year of showing. Jerseys found their place in my life and ever since I thrive on my love with the Jersey cow.
Proud Heritage Die-Hard JuJu refueled my passion for breeding and working with great cows. After a lengthy conversation with my parents, convincing them at the last minute to take a her to the Wisconsin State Fair, it led to the show season of a lifetime for me. In 2022, she was Reserve Grand Champion at the Wisconsin State Fair Junior Show, second in the junior show at World Dairy Expo, third in the junior show at Louisville, and most importantly to me, won the Overall Premier Performance Award in the national junior show. Unfortunately, the good cows seem to go way too soon. We lost her to hemorrhagic bowel syndrome the following May. I owe her for keeping me grounded in what I love, and for keeping the passion burning.
Although Jerseys play a significant role in my life and goals, I could not have done it without the people and community that the dairy industry and Jersey breed has welcomed me to. It is not just people, but mentors, coaches, and leaders who have helped me get where I am today.
I have been fortunate to grow up in an area where dairy and farming is a way of life, not just an occupation. Proud Heritage Jerseys is one of over 1,100 farms in Manitowoc County. This area has built an environment for their youth to encourage and engage them in everything agriculture and dairy related. I am forever grateful to the people and community that my family is a part of. Angie Ulness and Paul Siemers, my dairy judging coaches and lifelong encouragers, shared their knowledge and passion for great cattle. They pushed me to give it my all for my team and we won the 2021 World Dairy Expo Judging Contest. Judging gave me lifelong friends who encouraged me to pursue my passion for dairy cattle and coined me as the Jersey girl of the group.
Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association gave me a home to achieve more within the Jersey breed including the opportunity to serve as Wisconsin Jersey Queen and in officer positions for the Junior organization, compete in production contests, and meet my best friends. Dan and Donna Stock have always been huge supporters of my Jersey achievements (thank you Donna for the countless letters of recommendation), as well as Walter and Joyce Owens and so many more. Many people at AJCA have done nothing but encourage and teach me. My experiences at Jersey Youth Academy and the Fred Stout Experience—JMS internship would not have been the same without those who were willing to share their knowledge of cows and life experiences. My parents, Ben and Amy Vos, and grandparents David and Linda Wagner, and Ken Vos, shared their love for dairy cows and the Jersey breed and constantly pushed me to be my best, taught me to teach others, and stayed home so that I could pursue every opportunity.
To the youth, you are the next generation in the dairy industry. Never think that you cannot accomplish great accolades. Never give up pursuing your passion. And most importantly, never stop learning, growing, and teaching. Without pushing myself outside my comfort zone, and learning from mentors and many great teachers, I would not be where I am today. Stay humble and true to yourself, and pursue every opportunity with the intent to learn and expand your knowledge.
I truly do love the Jersey cow and all of the people I have met along the way. The Jersey cow will always feel like home and I am extremely blessed to be able to say that. I am humbled to be chosen as your National Youth Achievement winner, as all of the youth in the contest are just as deserving.
To God be the glory that I have had the achievements I once only dreamed about, the most encouraging family, friends and dairy community, and memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Emma Vos
Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis., has been named the 69th National Jersey Youth Achievement Award recipient and will be recognized in November in Louisville, Ky. Each year, on March 15, the most active Jersey youth from across the country submit their applications to the office of the American Jersey
First
Emma Vos
Maribel, Wis. University of Wisconsin-Madison
Emma Vos swept the competition her first year applying to the contest. She hails from Maribel, Wis., where she resides with her parents, Ben and Amy, and her three siblings on their farm, Proud Heritage Jerseys.
Vos has been involved with Jersey activities the past seven years as part of the Wisconsin Junior Jersey Breeders
Association, most recently serving as the organization’s president. She has been involved in many local and student organizations, as well as her local and collegiate judging teams where she claimed many team and individual accolades.
Her Jersey herd consists of 13 cows and 10 heifers, which are managed as part of her family’s rotational grazing operation. Her
Second Tyler Seals
Tillamook, Ore.
Sunny Ridge Dairy
Second place of the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest goes to Tyler Seals. He jumped to this spot after placing fourth last year.
Tyler’s parents are Dave and Kim Seals of Sunny Ridge Dairy, Tillamook, Ore.
Seals has participated in a variety of Jersey activities. An AJCA
member for the past 16 years, he has participated in the National Youth Production Contest, Pot O’Gold Production Contest and 2021 Jersey Youth Academy. Seals credits Jersey Youth Academy for igniting an internal fire within himself to accelerate his involvement with the Jersey breed.
“It motivated me to keep wanting to breed the next great bull or female,” Seals wrote.
National Jersey Youth Achievement—2023
Third
Sara Reed
Columbia Cross Roads, Pa. Penn State University
Taking third place in both the 2023 and 2022 National Jersey Youth Achievement contests is Sara Reed, Columbia Cross Roads, Pa. She is the daughter of Leonard and Erin Reed of Ravineside Farm.
A freshman at Penn-
sylvania State University, Reed aspires to work in dairy cattle genetics marketing in the future. To accomplish this, she has fully immersed herself in industry involvement, starting when she asked her mother to show a calf at eightyears-old.
Reed has been a member of the A JCA for 10 years, as well as the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association. She has served as the Pennsylvania Jersey
Fourth
Coltan Seals
Tillamook, Ore.
Legendairy Farms LLC
Coltan Seals, son of Tom and Jennie Seals, placed fourth in the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. Coltan has returned to his family farm,
Legendairy Farms, LLC, in Tillamook, Ore., after completing his education at Fox Valley Technical College.
Seals has been active in Jersey organizations for the past 10 years. Throughout that time, he has competed in various production and showring competitions while striving to bridge the gap between production and typefocused cattle. 2023 was one for the books for Seals.
Fifth
Nicole Arrowsmith
Peach Bottom, Pa.
Penn State University
Nicole Arrowsmith is the fifth-place winner of the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. She was raised in Peach Bottom, Pa., and is currently a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University, where she studies agricultural and extension education.
Arrowsmith has participated in Jersey youth and dairy industry activities for past nine years. She has been a member of several winning dairy quiz bowl teams and won the junior dairy jeopardy contest at the
Cattle Association (AJCA). 2023 brought 20 applications from 12 states. A committee of judges evaluated and ranked each applicant to determine this year’s top 10 individuals. The contest recognizes Jersey youth for their leadership, activities, participation in Jersey functions, and success in breeding and managing their own Jersey cattle.
These 10 youth will receive cash awards totaling $4,500 at the Youth Awards Ceremony on Sunday morning, November 9, 2024, during the All American festivities in Louisville.
Sixth
Kylie Konyn
Escondido, Calif. University of Wisconsin
Kylie Konyn placed sixth in the 2022 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. Originally from Escon-
dido, Calif., Kylie now attends the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studies dairy science and has a certificate in agriculture business management and science communications. With an e xtensive list of involvement and activities from her 10 years of Jersey youth involvement, some highlights include serving as the 2021 National Jersey Queen and attending Jersey Youth Academy. Konyn
Seventh Clancey Krahn
Albany, Ore.
Oklahoma State University
The seventh-place winner of the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest is Clancey Krahn. She has
jumped to this spot after placing eighth last year.
The 2023 National Jersey Queen has been representing the Jersey breed through various involvement opportunities over the past 16 years. She grew up on her family’s vertically integrated Royal Riverside Farm with her parents, Ben and Amy, and sister, Gracie. Her herd consists of 45 cows and 44 heifers. The family bottles
Eighth
Jessica Hewitt
Acampo, Calif. South Dakota State University
Daughter of Jill Thomas, Jessica Hewitt is this year’s eighth place winner of the 2023 National Youth Achievement Contest. Hewitt is currently studying at South Dakota State University (SDSU) with a mission to
become a large animal veterinarian.
H ewitt’s herd is made up of five cows and 10 heifers. While her heifers are housed with her mother in California, Hewitt’s milking herd is housed at Lady Lane Farms in Oregon. Throughout her years with Lady Lane, she was active in helping care for the cattle, as well as helping with the milk bottling business.
She has e xhibited her cattle at very shows
Ninth Regan Johnson
Northwood, N.H. Lakes Region Community College
Regan Johnson is a second-time award winner in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. Through her hard work the past 14 years, she has earned a ninthplace finish.
J ohnson is a ninth-generation dairy farmer from Northwood, N.H. She
and her parents, Jason and Heather, operate Johnson Acres. Her personal herd consists of three cows and three heifers which are bred with a high-type focus. These efforts have paid off, as her herd has a Very Good-88% average appraisal.
She has been a regular exhibitor at local, state and national shows throughout her youth career. In 2022, she exhibited the Reserve Junior All American Winter
Tenth Sophia Bollenbacher
Argos, Ind.
Purdue University
Sophia Bollenbacher, daughter of Max and Carrie Jo Bollenbacher, is the 10th-place winner of the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. She has been working for 11 years on Jersey youth projects and owns a herd of 61 heifers and 306 cows. Bollenbacher is no stranger to the showring and her dedication to the show animal program is the
catalyst to her family’s success. She exhibited the 2023 Junior All American Winter Calf and the 2022 Junior All American Summer Yearling at the All American Jersey Show. Bollenbacher also claimed Supreme Champion laurels at the 2022 Indiana State Fair with one of her entries.
I n 2023, she represented Indiana as the Indiana Jersey Queen which gave her the opportunity
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Vos
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herd has an average appraisal score of Very Good-85.3%, with an average production record of 15,028 lbs. milk, 781 lbs. fat, and 558 lbs. protein. A showring highlight for Vos was exhibiting the 2022 Premier Performance Cow at the All American Junior Jersey Show.
Vos was a recipient of the 2023 Fred Stout Award where she completed her internship with Jersey Marketing Service. She has also participated in the Pot O’Gold sale and contest, and was a member of Jersey Youth Academy Class VII. Vos is a past Wisconsin Jersey Queen and has competed in the National Jersey Queen contest.
Vos will graduate from UWMadison with a degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics. After continuing her education, Vos hopes to work within the industry for several years before returning to her family’s farm.
T. Seals
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“It also helped me connect with young people from around the country that will be friends, as well as business colleagues, for many years to come.
Seals is also active in the showring. He has claimed multiple accolades at the Tillamook County Fair, Oregon State Fair and Western National Jersey Show. A 2022 recipient of the American FFA Degree, Seals has also been involved throughout his youth in both FFA and 4-H.
At Sunny Ridge Dairy, Seals is responsible for aiding in daily operations and doing all the maintenance work around the farm. His personal herd consists of 50 heifers and 58 cows. Seals aims to breed more females that will find spots on the Top 300 GJPI list. His goal is to make the most efficient and profitable cows possible.
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Queen and was a top five finalist in the 2022 National Jersey Queen contest.
With seven heifers and five cows of her own at Ravineside Farm, Reed takes pride in providing individualized care of each of her animals to accomplish her herd goals. She has reaped the rewards of these efforts, having received many high placing individuals at local, state and national shows. Her five cows have an average appraisal of Excellent-90.6%.
An accomplished speak er, Reed has given numerous presentations throughout the years to a variety of audiences. She was the Reserve Overall Winner of the “Give Us Your Best 60 Second Intro” contest at the 2022 All American.
C. Seals
(continued from page 20)
Reed also is an accomplished dairy cattle evaluator, competing in the 2021 National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. She was also a member of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy. He owned the second place individual in Division II of the National Youth Production Contest, as well as claimed many blue and purple ribbons in the show ring. His junior two-year-old, Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, won her class and was later named Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion.
Over the years, Seals has grown his herd to 71 cows and 60 heifers. This foundation herd has allowed him to market several bulls to A.I. companies, as well as consign animals in several sales.
As Seals transitions into the family farm, he has taken ownership of management of several employees, as well as overseeing their manure hauling and application plans which he does for several area farms. He is very involved with mating decisions and scheduling animals for flushing programs.
Another graduate of Jersey Youth Academy, Seals credits the Jersey breed for opening his mind, creating great relationships, and giving him opportunities he never realized were possible.
Congratulations to all of the youth winners!
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Arrrowsmith
(continued from page 20)
2017 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings.
In 2021, she attended Jersey Youth Academy, where she networked with peers who shared similar passions and interests. Arrowsmith was also selected as a 2023 recipient of the Mike Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award. Ac tive in the family operation, Hillacres Jerseys, Arrowsmith is a contributing member to all areas of the farm and takes pride in her recent contributions to making mating decisions.
Arrowsmith aims to breed high-type cattle, and she has been able to fulfil those goals in recent years. In 2023, she exhibited the Reserve Premier Performance Cow at the All American Jersey Show in Louisville. In the Junior Show, she also showed the Junior All American Senior Three-Year-Old and eighth-place junior three-year-old.
In the future, Arrowsmith would like to be a high school agriculture teacher. She aims to educate youth on the agriculture industry and give them opportunities for a successful future. Ideally, she will also offer a lease program to allow non-farm children to exhibit dairy animals.
Konyn
(continued from page 21)
has also held multiple positions over the years in her home state’s junior Jersey organization, as well as is active in numerous organizations at UWMadison.
Most recently, Konyn has had the unique opportunity to study abroad at Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands.
Kon yn’s herd of 36 cows and 25 heifers resides on the last dairy farm in California’s San Diego County. Her parents, Frank and Stacy, have allowed Konyn the opportunity to grow this herd that has a mixture of type and production-focused cattle by attending local, state and national sales, meetings and shows.
In the future, Konyn would like to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition with a focus on the Jersey breed. She would also like to collaborate with her family to develop niche marketing initiatives for dairy products aimed towards San Diego consumers while educating them on the industry and benefits of consuming dairy products.
Krahn
(continued from page 21)
premium Jersey milk and sells it in 60 stores in Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley.
Krahn has used her passion for communication to educate others about the Jersey breed and dairy industry. She has given many speeches and farm tours, with aims to shorten the gap between consumers and farms. In fact, she is pursing degrees in animal science and agriculture communications at Oklahoma State University this fall to continue this mission.
A highlight for Krahn’s showring career was when she exhibited the Junior Champion of the All American Junior Jersey Show last November with her Junior All American Spring Yearling, MM Gentry SadieET. Krahn also placed second in senior showmanship at the 2023 All American.
Krahn is also a Jersey Youth Academy graduate of 2023. In addition, she was the national winner of the FFA dairy production proficiency award.
Hewitt
(continued from page 21)
throughout Oregon. In fact, she was the 2022 master showman at the Clackamas County Fair. Hewitt has also placed towards the top of her showmanship many times at the Western National Show.
A member of the Oregon State Jersey Cattle Club and the ACJA the past 13 years, Hewitt was the 2022-2023 Western National Jersey Queen and attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2021.
Hewitt feels that it is important for the Jersey breed to continue breeding for the most efficient cow possible. While
capitalizing on the Jersey efficiency, she feels that by combining this with the niche markets like A2A2 that it will help their owners maintain their profitability.
At SDSU, she is involved in the prevet club, swing dance club, dairy club, and participated in both the artificial insemination school and equine hoof trimming and showing course. Hewitt also has an extensive list of scholarships she has received throughout the past several years, including the 2022 Jack Nisbet Scholarship presented by the AJCA.
Johnson
(continued from page 21)
Yearling and exhibited a bred and owned entry in the 2021 National Jersey Jug Futurity.
Johnson is currently serving as a director of the Vermont Jersey Breeders Association. She was also a member of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy.
In July 2023, Johnson opened a farmstand, The Olde Farmstand, in a renovated corn crib on the farm. There, they sell raw Jersey milk, yogurt, cream, butter, ice cream, eggs, beef and vegetables. Johnson also allows local 4-H members to market their own products in the farmstand.
Currently pursuing an associate’s degree in fire science, Johnson aims to be a full-time firefighter and paramedic. This career will allow her to serve her community, while still pursing her passion for the Jersey breed and dairy industry.
Bollenbacher
(continued from page 21)
to compete in the National Jersey Queen competition in Louisville that fall. Bollenbacher also competed at the
National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest in Madison where her team placed fourth.
In the future, Bollenbacher would like to see the Jersey breed to sustain a healthy, productive and genetically diverse population that produces quality milk and contributes to profitability for generations to come.
As for her own future, Bollenbacher is not certain where her future career lies. She is capitalizing on the opportunities at Purdue by getting involved with the Purdue Dairy Club and Sigma Alpha, their professional agriculture sorority.
The Jersey youth programs have been a core part of Jersey youth development since 1958. Nominations for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest are made by state Jersey organizations, which can nominate up to two individuals each year. The competition is open to members of the AJCA who are between the ages of 16 and 20 on January 1, 2023, or placed among the top 10 in the previous year’s contest.
Winners of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest
1957 J. Howard Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md.
1958 David W. Spahr, Findlay, Ohio
1959 Clifford H. Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md.
1960 Ray E. Ropp, Normal, Ill.
1961 Roger Mabry, Springdale, Ark.
1962 William H. Diley, Jr., Canal Winchester, Ohio
Carol J. Rowzee, Newton, Miss.
1963 James Edgerly, Dinuba, Calif.
1964 Stephen P. Bachelor, Angola, Ind.
1965 David G. Bixler, Tulare, Calif.
1966 Allen Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1967 Robert Lyon, Traer, Iowa
1968 Loretta J. Armentrout, Jonesboro, Tenn.
1969 Kenneth Kelly, Tupelo, Miss.
1970 Kent Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1971 Boyd H. Parr, Newberry, S.C. Kris Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1972 Larry A. Schirm, Canal Winchester, Ohio
1973 Tracy E. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va.
1974 Mark G. Smith, Picayune, Miss.
1975 Calhoun B. Parr, Newberry, S.C.
1976 Charles Y. King, Newark, Ohio
1977 Alta Mae Keightley, Harrodsburg, Ky.
1978 V. David Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn.
1979 Debra L. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va.
1980 Jerry Hatfield, Newton, Iowa
1981 Karen Casale, Denair, Calif.
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NOV. 11—THE ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SHOW, (cows), Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore., judge; Brad Gavenlock, Berry, NSW, associate judge.
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1982 Paula Cloud, Chandler, Okla. 1983 Glenn Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn. 1984 Timothy M. Abbott, Cabot, Vt.
Denise Smith, Arab, Ala.
1986 Todd Rinkenberger, Atwater, Calif.
1987 Herbert D. Lutz, Jr., Chester, S.C.
1988 Alan O. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y
1989 Stuart R. Schooley, Niangua, Mo.
1990 Kimberly A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio
1991 Kenneth G. Ropp, Normal, Ill.
1992 Timothy A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio
1993 Julie Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
1994 Karin Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y
1995 Brian Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
1996 Denise Josi, Tillamook, Ore.
1997 Iris D. Peeler, Starr, S.C.
1998 Bryan Marcoot, Greenville, Ill.
1999 Kristin Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
2000 Julia Marie Snodgrass, Morristown, Tenn.
2001 Veronica Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn.
2002 Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y.
2003 Davis Peeler, Starr, S.C.
2004 Amanda Jo Johnson, Molalla, Ore.
2005 Brett A. Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
2006 Renée Elizabeth Norman, Liberty, Pa.
2007 Aaron M. Horst, Chambersburg, Pa.
2008 Tyler Lee Boyd, Parrottsville, Tenn.
2009 Lauren Brittany Core, Salvisa, Ky
2010 Amber Ettinger, Kinards, S.C.
2011 Cassandra Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y
2012 Cassandra N. Krull, Lake Mills, Wis.
2013 Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn.
2014 Olivia Price Pearson, Lincolnton, N.C.
2015 Emily Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y
2016 Gerret Boer, Dalhart, Texas
2017 Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis.
2018 Catherine Savage, Dickerson, Md.
2019 Katarina Emerich, Mooers, N.Y
2020 Colin Wussow, Cecil, Wis.
2021 Lydia Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
2022 Regan Jackson, Boyce, Va.
2023 Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis.
Erick Metzger to Retire from USJersey
Erick Metzger has announced that he will retire from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) effective October 1, 2024.
Metzger has devoted more than four decades of service to the purebred dairy cattle industry, 32 of them with the national Jersey organizations. He initially worked in the herd services department and then with NAJ, the organization’s milk marketing arm.
Over those years, he helped the Jersey organizations develop programs and processes that expedited the registration process, streamlined the collection of identification and production data and leveraged new technology to enhance parentage verification. He helped to initiate research that validated the advantages of Jersey cows and Jersey milk and launched a workshop series that showed producers how to capitalize on both with on-farm processing. He rallied the troops in the battle to get multiplecomponent pricing more broadly adopted in Federal Milk Marketing Orders (FMMOs) and to otherwise get fair prices for Jersey milk. In this effort, he made more than 150 trips since 2009, testified at five FMMO hearings, and organized five trips to Capitol Hill that allowed producers to visit one-onone with members of Congress.
programs came early. Raintree Farm was one of the first to participate in the joint Guernsey-Jersey functional type traits appraisal program, with Al Meyer scoring the herd in 1979.
Metzger and his five older siblings were raised by parents who also taught school along with their farm responsibilities. He was active with 4-H and FFA, serving as president of both. A quiet, analytical child raised in a state that touts itself as the “home” of basketball, Metzger played the sport in his youth, but he developed a lifelong passion for another sport—baseball— listening to Cincinnati Reds games broadcast by WLW. His love of baseball was so strong that he considered a vocation in sports management. However, since it was a challenging field to break into, he chose a more secure path and earned an undergraduate degree in animal science from Purdue University in 1982. In his junior year, he was high individual in the Jersey breed at the dairy judging contest at World Dairy Expo, where he crossed paths with his future boss, Maurice E. Core, the official for the Jersey classes.
of records. Reporting to Executive Secretary Core, he was responsible for registrations, performance programs and computer operations.
One of the most impactful programs he helped to develop, market and manage was REAP—a comprehensive service package that includes registrations, contributions to Equity, appraisals and performance testing. Attesting to its value is the fact that 91% of the herds on performance programs today are enrolled on REAP.
Metzer also supervised the transition of data processing to an internetintranet system that enabled roundthe-clock registration services and on-demand pedigrees, ultimately named infoJersey.com. He also initiated programs that allowed Jersey breeders to use American ID tags and JerseyTags as permanent identification for registration rather than tattoos and introduced Data Collection Ratings to production records as a measure of testing frequency.
A decade into his Jersey career, his responsibilities shifted somewhat to accommodate a tremendous demand for computer services. In July 2003, management of computer operations was passed to Mark Chamberlain, who headed the newly created information technology department. To Metzger’s plate was added the job of field service coordinator.
In summing up his service, Neal Smith, executive secretary and CEO, said, “Erick always had high expectations of himself and those around him. He tackled every job with enthusiasm and a strong drive to succeed. His outstanding work ethic and determination inspired others for greater accomplishments. For three decades, he has been a rock on the Jersey team, and Jersey breeders have REAPED the benefits of his dedicated service.”
Metzger grew up on Raintree Farm in northern Indiana, where his family milked 40 registered Guernsey cows and sold milk marketed with the Golden Guernsey label. Though he initially worked with the other Channel Islands dairy breed, his exposure to Jersey
Af ter graduation, he moved to Columbus, Ohio, to begin a career working for the American Guernsey Association. His office in the building on South Hamilton Road was not just new to him, but to the organization as well, which moved from Peterborough, N.H., to Columbus to share office space with the American Jersey Cattle Club (AJCA predecessor) in January 1983. Metzger was hired as the records department assistant and became executive secretary in 1987.
While working at South Hamilton Road, another impactful event occurred for Metzger—meeting his future bride, Patty Callahan, who worked across the aisle in the performance department at the AJCC. They married in 1984.
The office-sharing scenario ended in 1988 when the AJCC built and moved into its current office in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and the Guernsey association found office space elsewhere. Metzger joined the team at the AJCC in November 1992 as superintendent
With nearly 20 years of br eed association experience covering nearly every service area, Metzger was a good fit for the role, which included oversight of a 12-person team that provided onsite support for the entire line of AJCA and NAJ services.
A year later, when colleague Mike Brown vacated his position as general manager of NAJ, he was asked to take on that role as well along with his duties as field service coordinator and supervisor of the department now known as herd services.
T he milk marketing responsibility was a natural progression for Metzger. At that point in his career, he was up for a challenge and learning something new, and the Jersey organizations needed him.
In a press release announcing the promotion, Smith noted, “NAJ has always depended upon leadership from a person who knows the dairy industry inside and out. Erick is uniquely qualified to head a company that promotes the idea that quality milk, equitable markets and awareness of
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Erick Metzger
Metzger Retirement
(continued from page 27)
consumer desires are basic to the future of the dairy industry. He understands what we do and why we do it.”
Just six months into his new position, Metzger called on that experience to testify at his first FMMO hearing, one aimed to amend the pooling provisions of the Central FMMO. He urged the secretary of agriculture to reject the proposal as it would unfairly impact producers of high-component milk. He shared his own story of how marketwide pooling had dramatically reduced the price his family received for their Golden Guernsey milk even though it was a superior product in high demand.
T hough the Order was amended, Metzger was not deterred. During his career, he testified at four additional FMMO hearings to even the playing field for producers of high-component milk, including the recent hearing to adjust pricing formulas, which is still in progress.
Supervision of the field service team was taken off Metzger’s plate in June 2006, with oversight eventually landing on the shoulders of the manager of Jersey Marketing Service, Herby Lutz, and his newly hired assistant, Daniel Bauer. With the move, Metzger had more bandwidth to focus on AJCA programs and NAJ.
Metzger led the herd services team during a time of tremendous growth. He was at the helm when registrations surpassed 94,000 in 2008, breaking the
record previously set in 1953, and when they reached a historical high of 184,957 in 2017. This past year, registrations numbered more than 123,000, cows enrolled on REAP surpassed 150,000 and the appraiser team scored more than 100,000 animals for the 11th consecutive year.
Among the NAJ-funded research projects initiated under his watch were the ground-breaking Capper-Cady sustainability study, first released by the authors in 2010 and updated by Dr. Frank Mitloehner with the University of California-Davis in 2022, and the A2 milk study completed by his alma mater, Purdue, in 2020.
To educate Jersey producers interested in processing their own milk and marketing it directly to consumers, Jersey Value-Added 101 Workshops were held in St. Charles, Mo., in 2017, Dayton, Ohio, in 2018, and Brattleboro, Vt., in 2019. A fourth workshop was planned in Bettendorf, Iowa, but canceled days before due to the pandemic.
Metzger also helped to organize Constituent Day on Capitol Hill to kick off the annual meetings held in Alexandria, Va., in 2014, resulting in two busloads of Jersey folks meeting with members of Congress and staff from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In the years that followed, fly-ins to Washington D.C. were organized so members could meet with Congressional representatives in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2023.
Given his childhood environment,
education and learning were important to Metzger. He cheered on Patty when she chose to switch careers and helped her study for her master’s of social work, which she received from Ohio State University in 1997. Two years later, he earned a Master of Business Administration with top honors from Franklin University, specializing in international business.
O utside the national Jersey organizations, Metzger is a former president of the National Dairy Shrine and sat on boards of the National Purebred Dairy Cattle Association and the National Pedigreed Livestock Council. He is a founding chair of U.S. Livestock Genetics Export Inc.
Metzger earned a Distinguished Alumni Award for lifetime achievements from Purdue University’s Department of Animal Sciences in 2013.
In retirement, Erick and Patty will have more time for travel. Plans include river cruises, a trip to New York City, and anywhere his siblings, nieces and nephew want to go.
For Erick, there will also be more time for another passion—classic rock and roll—along with his beloved baseball. Perhaps he will make a trip to the Great American Ball Park, home of baseball’s first professional franchise, where he purchased a brick paver in the newly constructed stadium in 2003. Located in Crosley Terrace, section 30, it is inscribed, “Thank you Mom, Dad and Patty for indulging my passion for the Cincinnati Reds.”
YOUTH PRODUCTION CONTESTS
New Faces Top Production Contests
Youth from a dozen states across the country have placed in the top rankings of the national Jersey youth production contests sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). After a three-year hiatus from this list, Alison Graves of Morristown, Tenn., topped the 2023 National Jersey Youth Production Contest with Aspen Grove L Chrome Belle-ET. Ella Herrera of Hilmar, Calif., debuted in the production contests with JX Sun Valley Got Maid Lucinda {6}, winner of the 2024 Pot O’Gold Production Contest.
T hirty-eight other juniors earned prizes in the two contests. Wisconsin led the way with 10 prizes, followed by Ohio with five, and California and New York with three each.
Alison and Ella and the other juniors who placed in either production contest this year will be recognized for their achievements on November 9, 2024, at the All American Jersey Youth Awards Ceremony in Louisville, Ky.
The 20 winners in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest will be given plaques and cash awards made possible, in part, by Jersey breeders who consign animals to the National Heifer Sale. Each year, 10% of the proceeds from this
sale are designated for youth program support, including the National Jersey Youth Production Contest. The 22 winners in the Pot O’Gold Contest will receive certificates and cash prizes from the funds set aside from the sale three years ago.
R ecords for both production contests are ranked by the multiple component dollar value of the record. The values were determined by calculating the 305-day mature equivalent (m.e.), then applying Federal Order component values for the previous year along with a weighted average Producer Price Differential (PPD). Those values were $2.51 per pound fat, $2.38 per pound protein, $0.19 per pound solids and -0.07 per pound PPD.
National Youth Production Contest
This contest recognizes the efforts of junior owners to compile and utilize official pro-duction records of their animals. Through this one activity, youth gain experience using records to manage and breed their Jersey cows and understand the value of production.
To qualify for the competition, cows must have completed a lacta¬tion of no more than 305 days during the calen¬dar year. The contest is divided into two divi¬sions. Division I is for first-lactation cows that calve before they reach 30 months of age. Divi¬sion II is for all other cows. Participants are eligible for an award in only one division and an overall contest winner is recognized.
A junior is eligible to win the overall National Jersey Youth Production Contest just once.
Total cash awards are $550. Each division winner receives $100. The secondplace honoree receives $75;
third takes home $50; and fourth receives $25. The overall winner gets an additional $50, bringing their award total to $150.
This year, 58 qualified entries from 34 juniors from 11 states were received. The top 20 animals ranked in this year’s contest have an m.e. average of 25,714–1,347–952 and a dollar value of $6,422.76. All entries have an m.e. average of 23,323–1,200–864 and a dollar value average of $5,762.03.
Division I
This year, the winner of Division I for younger cows was named the overall winner as well. The previously mentioned “Belle” produced a record with an m.e. of 24,492—1,852—930 and a value of $7,847.59 to edge her peers. The Very Good-87% daughter of River Valley Cece Chrome-ET, GJPI +62, freshened with her first calf in July 2022 and gave 54 lbs. milk on her first test. She was consistent across her lactation, peaking with 68 lbs. milk in September and gave 42 lbs. milk for the tester 359 days fresh. She completed a 1-11 record of 17,870 lbs. milk, 1,388 lbs. fat and 683 lbs. protein. Components gave her an
Ella Herrera of Hilmar, Calif., won the 2024 Pot O’Gold Production Contest with JX Sun Valley Got Maid Lucinda {6}, who left the herd before the winners of the production contest were announced.
Alison Graves of Morristown, Tenn., won the 2023 National Jersey Youth Production Contest with Aspen Grove L Chrome Bella-ET.
2023 National Jersey Youth Production Contest
58 qualifying entries submitted by 34 juniors. Top 20 entries averaged 25,714 – 1,347 – 952 m.e., MCP value $6,422.76.
Animal Name
Owner
Division I: Calving before 30 months of age
Aspen Grove L Chrome Belle-ET
Alison Graves, Morristown, Tenn.
JX Woodlawn Chavez Jolene {5}
Ellie Bollenbacher, Argos,
–
Youth Production Contests
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edge in the competition, with average tests of 7.8% fat and 3.8% protein.
“Belle” calved again in late September 2023 with a heifer calf—Aspen Grove Salsa Belle—and completed 3-1 record of 20,220 lbs. milk, 1,491 lbs. fat (7.4%) and 782 lbs. protein (3.9%). She is still working on this lactation and gave 50 lbs. of milk for the tester in mid-August.
She is out of Aspen Grove Liberty Bell, Excellent-92%, a matriarch at Aspen Grove Jerseys, operated by Alison’s
grandfather, Dr. Daniel Parks, and their family in Morristown, Tenn. She still grazes the pastures on the farm and is the dam of Keystone Duke Braveheart, marketed through Genex Cooperative. He is sired by another Aspen Grove bull, Aspen Grove Paramount Duke-ET. The cow family traces five generations back to Duncan Belle, winner of the 2000 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest and two-time Canadian National Grand Champion.
Ellie Bollenbacher, Argos, Ind., places second in Division 1 with JX Woodlawn
$7,847.59
Chavez Jolene {5}. She produced a junior two-year-old record with an m.e. of 26,073—1,511—985 and a value of $6,980.66. Actual production is 21,631 lbs. milk, 1,248 lbs. fat and 821 lbs. protein.
She is an Excellent-90% daughter of JX Co-op WC Mr Chavez {4}-P-ET, GJPI +27, purchased by Ellie and her family as a bred heifer from fellow Indiana Jersey breeder, John David Sipe of Monroe. She freshened with a heifer to start her milking career and then calved again in November 2023 to start
her second lactation. She peaked with 77 lbs. milk for the tester in April and is projected to make 20,994 lbs. milk, 1,139 lbs. fat and 786 lbs. protein actual at 3-5.
A newcomer to the top rankings, Raymond Hess, Attica, N.Y., ranks third with his homebred entry, Spot 98 Demos GI Jo. The daughter of All Lynns Demos-P-ET, GJPI +95, produced a first lactation with a value of $6,969.83 and an m.e. of 32,290-1,411-1,056.
A stellar example of Jersey reproductive efficiency and profitability, she kicked off her milking career with an actual record of 2-0 303 3x 23,945 4.5% 1,070 3.3% 801 95DCR. She settled on the first service and calved to start her second lactation in March 2023. She completed an actual record of 17,686 lbs. milk, 867 lbs. fat and 704 lbs. protein at 2-11. She is now on her third lactation and confirmed pregnant. She gave 90 lbs. milk in May, 89 lbs. milk in July and is projected to 22,739 lbs. milk, 1,070 lbs. fat and 805 lbs. protein actual, on track to have three complete records before her fifth birthday.
“GI Jo” has a yearling daughter sired by TOG Fortunate-ET, GJPI +89, and is managed with the herd operated by Lyman Rudgers and his family. The herd ranks among the top 10 in the nation for actual milk and protein production. A junior who has placed well in recent years, Sara Bok, Defiance, Ohio, ranks fourth in Division I with JX Max-Lord Kestrel Kyzie {5}-P. She made a 1-6 record with an m.e. of 30,869-1,3921,033 and a value of $6,835.44. “Kyzie {5}-P” also ranks third in the 2024 Pot O’Gold Production Contest. Last year, Sara won this division of the contest with another Pot O’Gold purchase, Four J Chrome 19117 {6}.
Sar a purchased this year’s entry, “Kyzie {5}-P,” from Jeff, Mary and Lisa Holtz, Maquoketa, Iowa, at the 2021 Pot O’Gold Sale. She was bred by Heather Lord and Amy Maxwell of Donahue, Iowa. She calved in September 2022 and kicked off her first lactation with a bang—87 lbs. of milk on her first test. She peaked with 91 lbs. of milk for the tester in April and completed a 305day record of 20,443 lbs. milk, 947 lbs. fat and 703 lbs. protein. She freshened again in late December 2023 but left the herd in March.
Alison’s sister, Lauren, also placed among the top 10 in the division for younger cows with a full sister to “Belle.” Lauren’s entry, Aspen Grove L Chrome Bella-ET, ranks fifth. She made a 1-10
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Winners of the National Youth Production Contest
2023 Aspen Grove L Chrome Belle-ET
Alison Graves, Morristown, Tenn.
2022 Rog-Al Casino Pippa
Chelsie Fuller, Newark Valley, N.Y.
Lucky Hill Plus Pringle {6}
SLJ
McReynolds, Danville, Vt.
Courtney, Chouteau, Okla.
Lawtons Plus Vanna {6}
Jessica Sentelle, Jefferson, Md.
OCS Dairy Buttercups Delia
A. Gardner, Jefferson, Md.
Tollenaar Blaise 6360
C. Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Kara Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa
Jo Barmore, Smithfield, Ky
GR MG Bossman Debra
Snell, Chowchilla, Calif.
Rock Maple BV Maria Timothea-ET
Jeanesse Rodeffer, Snohomish, Wash.
Ahlarlay Be Magic Wandas Wand
Joey Anderson, Onalaska, Wash.
Martinas Goldie
Michael Pendleton, Hopkinsville, Ky
Sun Valley Sooner Sunday
Martin Watson, Troy, Pa.
Farwest Samson Cynthia
Stephanie Samson, Emmett, Idaho
Duncan Brave PR Dee
Tom Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore.
Jersey Nooks Black Judy
Ralph Reichert Jr., Riley, Kan.
Shannon Lourenzo, Ferndale, Calif.
Diamond S General Josie
Michael D. Skiba, North Branch, Minn.
GR CDF Ro Leen Magic Dana
Todd Silveira, Los Banos, Calif.
Mills Mike Dimple
Dona Casale, Denair, Calif.
Bettydon Classic Nadia
Paul Thun, Tillamook, Ore.
Sun Valley Hero Aleen
Dave Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore.
SLJ Faithful Mary Frances
Judy Warren, Miller, Mo.
Headspring Lancer Darle
Russell Lynn Isley, Burlington, N.C.
Corrected
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Rankings in the 2023 Pot O’Gold Production Contest
Name Animal Purchase
Address Consignor
Ella Herrera JX Sun Valley Got Maid Lucinda {6}
Hilmar, Calif. Bearl and Joanne Seals, Cloverdale, Ore.
Jack Swanson JX Primus Triumph Ceylon 22809 {6}-ET
Hilmar, Calif. Jerseyland Sires, Turlock, Calif.
Sara Bok JX Max-Lord Kestrel Kyzie {5}-P
Defiance, Ohio
Jeff, Mary and Lisa Holtz, Maquoketa, Iowa
Colton Haywood JX Forest Glen Gislev Becky {5}-ET
Hastings, Mich. Forest Glen Jerseys, Dayton, Ore.
Diego Da
Hilmar, Calif.
Bohnert Jerseys, East Moline, Ill.
Brenden Haywood JX CDF Triumph 29226 {6}-ET
Hastings, Mich. C&S Livestock, Hilmar, Calif.
Rhett Junio
Tipton, Calif. Red Top Jerseys, Hilmar, Calif.
Wis..
Youth Production Contests
(continued from page 31)
record with a value of $6,534.49 and an m.e. of 24,232-1,495-799. Actual 305-day production is 17,720 lbs. milk, 1,113 lbs. fat (6.3%) and 582 lbs. protein.
Much like her herdmate and sister, “Bella” is a consistent producer with high components. She calved in June 2022 as a first-calf heifer and gave 56 lbs. milk two weeks fresh. She peaked with 72 lbs. milk at 102 days in milk.
“Bella” started her second lactation in July 2023 and recently completed a record of 2-11 305 19,060 5.8% 1,109 3.6% 695 97DCR.
Division II
T he winner of Division II of the 2022 National Jersey Youth Production Contest is Coltan Own Seals, Beaver, Ore. His homebred entry, Legendairy Transformer Olympia, made a record with a value of $6,842.27 and an m.e. of
24,1003—1,490—970. Actual production for the 6-9 record is 23,360 lbs. milk, 1,261 lbs. fat (6.2%) and 947 lbs. protein (4.1%).
“Olympia” has six comple te lactations, with an m.e. average of 21,4401,191-849. She kicked off her best record—her most recent—in September 2022. She peaked at 269 days fresh with 92 lbs. milk in June 2023. Though she has not calved since she is still contrib-
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Youth Production Contests
(continued from page 32)
uting to the bulk tank at Legendairy Farms with 48 lbs. milk for her May test. She has four daughters, the most recent was born in August 2021.
“Olympia” is sired by SC/RV Transformer-ET, GJPI -15, and from one of Coltan’s foundation cow families. Her grandam, Sun Valley Impuls Ambition, Very Good-88% was bred by his grandparents, Bearl and Joanne Seals, Sun Valley Jerseys, Cloverdale, Ore., and made her way to Coltan’s herd in October 2009 as a heifer calf. “Ambition” completed nine lactations and had an average m.e. of 19,456-944-756.
Colton has consistently placed in the youth production contest across his junior career—three other times with a homebred entry (2016, 2017 and 2021) and four times with a Pot O’Gold purchase (2015, 2018, 2020 and 2022). Two of his other homebred entries over the years, Legendairy MacKenzie Odessa-ET and her dam, Sun Valley TBone Oatmeal, hail from the “Ambition” cow family as well.
Rebekah Hess, a sister to Raymond, places second in Division II with Spot 98 Ivory Sunfire. She made a 3-11 record with a value of $6,552.12. The Excellent-90% daughter of CDF Layne Ivory-ET, GJPI +50, produced an actual record of 21,106 lbs. milk, 1,050 lbs. fat and 831 lbs. protein, with an m.e. of 26,037-1,337-1,031.
As with her herdmate, “Sunfire” is a model of productivity, settling with the first or second service each lactation. She calved at 1-10, 2-11 and 3-11, with complete records no less than 19,000 lbs. milk and is now nearing completion of her fourth lactation before her sixth birthday. She last freshened in late September 2023 and gave 90 lbs. a month fresh. She was still giving 89 lbs. at 283 days in milk and is projected to 22,961 lbs. milk, 1,212 lbs. fat and 921 lbs. protein actual. Three of her four closest dams are Excellent.
Massachusetts junior Sofia Zina of Hadley ranks third with Maplelines Lemonhead Exie. In her second lactation, the Very Good-87% daughter of Steinhauers Samson Lemonhead, GJPI +62, made a record with a value of $6,458.20 and an m.e. of 27,6781,317-992. The actual record is 2-11 305 23,780 4.8% 1,149 3.6% 867 97DCR. She calved again in November 2023 with a heifer—Mapleline Overalls Everly—and is nearing completion of her third lactation. She has a projected
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Winners of the Pot O’Gold Production Contest
Year Name
2024 JX Sun Valley Got Maid Lucinda {6}
Ella Herrera, Hilmar, Calif.
2023 Dutch Hollow Dashiell Honest
Kylie Margaret Lehr, Canastota, N.Y.
2022 JX Bar MB Avon Klay Brooklynn 16312 {4}
Colin Wussow, Cecil, Wis.
2021 Rog-Al Casino Pippa
Chelsie Fuller, Newark Valley, N.Y. 2020 Dutch Hollow Monument Cherry
John Dylan Lehr, Canastota, N.Y.
2019 JX Clemson Lemonhead 330 604 {6}
Jacob Tatko, Donahue, Iowa
Windhavens Pumpkin Praise-ET
Jennifer Oelfke, Hamburg, Minn.
Avi-Lanche Dazz Buttermilk 12564
Andrew McReynolds, Danville, Vt.
2016 Lost Hill Dimension Holly
Dylan Ellenburg, Blacksburg, Va.
2015 Peelers Louie Presca
Anneke Boer, Dalhart, Texas
Berrys Academy Lilly-ET
Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn.
Tollenaar Blaise 6360
Tyler C. Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Kilgus Finalist Gem-ET
Michael R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash.
Rocha Iatola Whistle-ET
Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis.
Havs Iatola Topaz
Michael R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash.
MVF Kulp Brazo
Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn.
Ahlem Jace
J. Josi, Tillamook, Ore.
Jo Barmore, Smithfield,
Rodeffer, Snohomish,
N.Y.
Hanford, Marcellus, N.Y
Herby D. Lutz, Chester, S.C.
Woodburn, Ore.
Beka Rood, Deming, Wash.
David Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore.
Raymond Orisio Jr., Woodburn, Ore.
Yellow Springs, Ohio
Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y.
Ogston Generator Breeze
Crystal M. Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. (continued to page
Winners of the National Youth Production Contest
(continued from page 31)
1979 Russell Surville Lucille
Scott H. Russell, Turnbridge, Vt.
1978 The Pepsi Peanut Popcorn Delight
Scott Bateman, Lee, N.H.
Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y.
Cynthia Ann Waltemyer, Collegeville, Pa.
Mitzi A. Lacobee, Shongaloo, La.
Jestermaid Jester Jean
Paul Lacobee, Shongaloo, La.
Galelands Epic Little Nix
Barbie J. Gale, Yardley, Pa.
Edyvean Surville Carmel
Susan J. Brown, Hughson, Calif.
Russell Pompey Pauline
Mark Russell, Turnbridge, Vt.
Liberators Eminent Regent Joy
Jerry D. Rodeffer, Mooreland, Ind.
1969 Pathfinder Joy of Sun Valley
Robert Oliver, Mt. Angel, Ore.
Headspring Blonde Ban
Boyd H. Parr, Newberry, S.C.
1967 Favorite Whispering Willow Dawn
David Murray, Healdsburg, Calif.
1966 Headspring AM Faith
Mary B. Parr, Newberry, S.C.
1965 Noble Leader Maybelle
Billie Jean Bowden, Everton, Ark.
Jana Dee Rodeffer, Mooreland, Ind.
Beacons Bright Frances Beauty
John M. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio
1962 Basil Johnnys Eva Souvenir
William H. Diley Jr., Canal Winchester, Ohio
1961 O Johnny Os Toreador Commander
Neal E. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio
1960 Williams View Star Mabel
Connie L. Ivy, Quitman, Miss.
1959 Brampton Jester Blonde Ruby
Michael Lee Maples, Nixa, Mo.
Corrected
1958 Johnny Os Lady (Milk) 15,398 798 (actual shown)
John M. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Milk Victory Royal Gloria (Fat)
Nim Rodney Mote, Greenwood, Texas ME Fat
1957 O Johnny Os Toreander Design (Milk) 14,337 673
Neal E. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Jester Mary Bessie (Fat) 12,126 675
Lois Ann Spahr, Findley, Ohio
Youth Production Contests
(continued from page 35)
305-day record of 23,276 lbs. milk, 1,179 lbs. fat and 855 lbs. protein.
Sofia purchased her dam, Dutch Hollow Varick Exception, Very Good-86%, in the 2015 Pot O’Gold Sale. She has six registered daughters and an eight lactation m.e. average of 18,848-899-664.
Another fresh face to the top rankings is Dani Mosser of Geneva, Ind. He places fourth in the division for older cows with Pleasant Ridge Matt RMandy, who made a 3-6 record with a value of $6,273.92 and an m.e. of 23,648-1,323-937.
To begin her second lactation, the Very Good-88% daughter of Wilsonview IF Matt-ET, GJPI +44, calved in February 2023. She started with a bang giving 113 lbs. milk 40 days fresh, then followed that test with 94 lbs. in April and 118 lbs. milk in May. She completed a 305-day record of 26,710 lbs. milk, 1,449 lbs. fat and 1,031 lbs. protein.
“RMandy” freshened with her third calf in late February, gave 94 lbs. milk on her first test and is projected to 23,100 lbs. milk, 998 lbs. fat and 863 lbs. protein actual at 4-6. She is managed with the herd at Pleasant Ridge Jerseys, operated by the Mosser family, and has one registered daughter.
Jack Zina, a brother to Sofia, rounds out the top five rankings in Division II with Mapleline Andreas Caramel Corn. Sired by Sunset Canyon Andreas, GJPI -180, she completed 4-8 a record with a value of $6,262.00 and an m.e. of 22,921-1,368-870. Actual production is 23,370 lbs. milk, 1,330 lbs. fat and 845 lbs. protein.
“Caramel Corn” left the herd shortly before Christmas 2023 but has two registered daughters, one by “Lil Rum” born in March 2020 and another by “Closer” born with her most recent calving in June 2022. Jack has been breeding on the cow family across multiple generations. She traces to
one of his first purchases, High Lawn Rocket Cherry Pop, in March 2006. The purchase proved to be a worthy one as she has numerous descendants, all creatively named after food. Jack has also done well in previous youth production contests with purchases from the Pot O’Gold program.
Other juniors to be honored for accomplishments in Division I of the contest are Zachary Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Nicholas McReynolds, Danville, Vt.; Renee Bok, Defiance, Ohio; Anna Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; and Luke McReynolds, Danville, Vt.
Juniors to be recognized for achievements in Division II of the contest are Bryson Josi, Tillamook, Ore.; Erica Neal Stock, Newton, Wis.; Cassie Bohnert, East Moline, Ill.; Henry Dizek, Hadley, Mass.; and Sophia Bollenbacher, Argos, Ind.
Pot O’Gold Production Contest
Since its inception in 1958, the Pot O’Gold Sale has offered youth between the ages of seven and 20 the opportunity to purchase genetically superior heifers from top herds across the country. A percentage of the sale gross (varying from 7-25% over the years) is set aside in a fund and held for three years to provide cash awards for the juniors whose heifers complete the highest records for dollar value.
On November 6, 2021, the 64th program offered 26 heifers to juniors in the Pot O’Gold Sale in Louisville. From the sale of those heifers, $16,532.50 was set aside in the fund to pay out this year. It will be distributed as follows: first prize, 18%; sec¬ond, 11.5%; third, 8%; fourth, 6.5%; fifth, 6%; sixth, 5.5%; seventh, 5%; eighth, 4.5%; ninth and 10th, 4%; 11th-13th, 3%; 14th-16th, 2.5% each; 17th-19th, 2.0%; and 20th-22nd, 1.5%.
To qualify for competition in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest, heifers must calve before they reach 30 months of age, be tested in a DHI herd owned by the purchaser or his or her parents and have a Data Collection Rating (DCR) of 90 or higher for protein. Loss, death, or transfer of ownership of any purchase before the record is complete eliminates the heifer from competition.
This year, 22 of the entries met the qualifications to compete in the 2024 edition of the contest. The records had an average m.e. of 23,351–1,162–849 and an average value of $5,623.11.
As mentioned previously, Ella Herrera won the contest with JX Sun Valley Got Maid Lucinda {6}. In her first lacta-
tion, the daughter of JX Sunset Canyon Got Maid {5}-ET, GJPI +125, produced a record with a value of $6,910.87 to win the contest. Ella will receive a cash prize of $2,975.85.
“ Lucinda {6}” calved in mid-July 2022 at 1-8 and gave 81 lbs. milk on her first test in August. She peaked with 92 lbs. in December and was still giving 83 lbs. milk at 333 days fresh. She completed a 305-day record of 23,360 lbs. milk, 1,001 lbs. fat and 858 lbs. protein with an m.e. of 31,989-1,326-1,161. Though she left the herd in mid-August 2023, Ella will be able to develop her maternal line through her daughter, Sun Valley AltaAllister 25652, who is managed with the herd at Ahlem Farms Partnership in Hilmar.
Ella purchased “Lucinda {6}” from Bearl and Joanne Seals in the 2021 Pot O’Gold Sale for $4,500.
Another junior from Hilmar, Jack Swanson, placed second in the 2024 Pot O’Gold Production with JX Primus Triumph Ceylon 22809 {6}-ET. She produced a record with a value of $6,862.93. Jack will receive a check for $1,901.24.
“Ceylon 22809 {6}” showed promise as a profit maker from the onset. Managed with the milking string at Vierra Dairy in Hilmar, she calved in June 2022 at 1-11 and gave 97 lbs. milk for the tester 24 days in milk. She gave 90 lbs. in January at 209 days in milk and followed this up with 96 lbs. in February. She completed an actual record of 23,100 lbs. milk, 1,141 lbs. fat and 900 lbs. protein. The m.e. on the record is 28,288-1,376-1,105.
She freshened again on May Day 2023 and continued the same pattern, with 96 lbs. milk just five days fresh. She gave 120 lbs. for the tester in August and had two additional tests of at least 100 lbs. milk in October and November. The actual 305-day record for this lactation is 27,810 lbs. milk, 1,187 lbs. fat and 1,056 lbs. protein at 2-10.
“Ceylon 22809 {6}” has been a donor dam and has 10 registered progeny to date. She has an extended second lactation but gave 44 lbs. milk on her last test in August 2024 and is confirmed pregnant.
Sired by JX River Valley Triumph {5}ET, she is appraised Very Good-83% and has 10 registered progeny to date. Her seventh dam is two-time National Grand Champion, Pleasant Nook F Prize Circus, Excellent-97%. Another member of the family is River Valley Lemonhead Carnival-ET, the breed’s former high-selling female, purchased
Winners of the Pot O’Gold Production Contest
(continued from page 35)
Bruce
by Jerseyland Sires, Turlock, Calif., the consignor of “Ceylon 22809 {6}.” Jack purchased her at the 2021 Pot O’Gold Sale as the second high seller for $6,000.
As mentioned, Sara Bok ranked third with JX Max-Lord Kestrel Kyzie {5}-P. She purchased the heifer from the Holtz family for $2,100 and will receive a check for $1,322.
Michigan junior Colton Haywood of Hastings ranked fourth with JX Forest Glen Gislev Becky {5}-ET. She made a first lactation with a value of $6,724.19. Colton will receive prize winnings of $1,074.61.
Consistency is the name of the game for “Becky {5}.” She calved in October 2022, gave 58 lbs. milk to start her milking career 11 days fresh, peaked in December with 83 lbs. and never dropped below 67 lbs. She completed a 1-9 record of 22,300 lbs. milk, 1,191 lbs. fat and 840 lbs. protein, with an m.e. of 25,972-1,413-1,004. The heifer born to start the lactation, JX Sandcreeks Dabo 15684 (6}, currently ranks among the top 500 for GJPI with an index of +177.
“Becky {5}” settled on her second service and calved again in October 2023 and is nearing completion of this record.
She gave 109 lbs. milk in November, 118 lbs. in December and two additional tests over 90 lbs. milk. She is projected to make 27,924 lbs. milk, 1,527 lbs. fat and 1,049 lbs. protein actual at 2-10.
“Becky {5}” is managed with Sand Creek Dairy LLC, owned and operated by Colton and his family. The dairy ranks #6 in the nation for actual milk, fat and protein production and ranks #11 for genetic merit with a herd average JPI of +74 on 377 cows, nearly all genotyped.
Colton placed third in the 2022 Pot O’Gold Production Contest with JX Cal-Mart Craze Briza 565 {6}-ET. He purchased “Becky {5}” from Forest Glen Jerseys, Dayton, Ore., in the 2021 sale for $3,800.
Making his debut in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest is another Hilmar junior with an animal managed with the herd at Vierra Dairy. Diego Da Rocha ranks fifth with his entry, Bohnerts Jaywalk Britny, who produced a 1-11 record with a value of $6,616.86. He will earn a check for $991.95.
“Britny” has been an equity maker for Diego. She calved in December 2022 and gave 96 lbs. milk on her very
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Youth Production Contests
(continued from page 37) first test. She completed an actual first lactation of 23,030 lbs. milk, 1,235 lbs. fat and 862 lbs. protein. The m.e. of the record is 25,847-1,390-985.
She bred back on her first service and freshened with her second calf in December 2023. She gave 88 lbs. milk for her first test, peaked with 92 lbs. in February and is projected to make 22,369 lbs. milk, 1,143 lbs. fat and 877 lbs. protein at 3-0.
“Britn y” has two daughters. The
oldest is sired by JX River Valley Chief {6}-ET, GJPI +126, and the youngest by Progenesis Sue-P-ET, GJPI +103.
Dieg o purchased “Britny” from Bohnert Jerseys, East Moline, Ill., as the high seller for $6,500.
Other juniors being recognized in the 2024 Pot O’Gold Production Contest are Brenden Hastings, Mich.; Renee Bok, Defiance, Ohio; Clayton Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Rhett Junio, Tipton, Calif.; Ivy Hebgen, DeForest, Wis.; Paisley Kessenich, DeForest, Wis.; Eva Jaskolski, Hatley, Wis.; Erica Neal-
Stock, Newton, Wis.; Kenley Kessenich, DeForest, Wis.; Sophia Larson, Reedsburg, Wis.; Ava Hebgen, DeForest, Wis.; Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis.; Elaina Hodge, Norwich, Ohio; Robert Graves, Dundas, Ill.; Owen and Noelle Vos, Maribel, Wis.; Tyler Seals, Tillamook, Ore.; and Jason King, Fremont, Ohio. The 67 th Pot O’Gold Sale is scheduled for November 9, 2024, in Louisville. The animals purchased from this sale will compete in the 2027 Pot O’Gold Production Contest. The sale will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Application Deadline is De-
cember 1 for Ninth Jersey Youth Academy
Sunday, December 1, 2024, is the deadline to submit applications for the ninth Jersey Youth Academy, scheduled for July 13-18, 2025, in Columbus, Ohio.
Jersey youth who are currently juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college or university; and also those under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management are eligible to apply. Applicants must be legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only one time.
Jersey Youth Academy is an intensive educational program sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association and is focused on the Jersey cow and the various elements of the Jersey dairy business. Academy challenges participants to understand the long history and recent growth of the Jersey breed and shows them the many opportunities and challenges of the dairy business in the future.
The 2025 Academy class will meet leaders from the Jersey community and the support industry, and gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow. They will also tour Jersey operations and milk processing facilities, and participate in hands-on workshops ranging from linear type evaluation to marketing and promotion.
A maximum of 36 youth will be selected based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in the written application and goal statement. Applications will be posted on the USJersey web site on September 1, 2024, and must be received not later Sunday, December 1, 2024.
All program, housing and transportation costs are paid by the Academy’s 501(c)(3) educational foundation. Contributors to the foundation represent a broad spectrum of Jersey breeder and dairy industry support, with the largest contribution to date coming from the all-donation National Heifer Sale in 2011.
For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, or visit its website at USJersey.com.
JERSEY YOUTH PROGRAMS
Fifteen Students to Receive $31,600 in Scholarships
Fifteen Jersey youth continuing their education will receive scholarships from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) totaling $31,600. They will receive their awards on November 9, 2024, at the Youth Awards Ceremony in Louisville, Ky., during the All American Jersey events.
The 15 recipients are pursuing higher education at universities and colleges in 11 states—Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. They are pursuing degrees in agricultural business, agricultural communications, agriculture science, animal science, crop and soil science, dairy production and veterinary medicine.
Thirty-two students applied for scholarships from the AJCA this year. Youth can apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible to compete for.
Support for the AJCA scholarship program comes from eight different funds managed in perpetuity by the AJCA. In order to make available larger scholarship amounts, Jersey breeders
can contribute to the funds at any time by contacting the AJCA at 614/322-4451.
Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies
This scholarship is available to graduate students seeking degrees in dairy science, animal science, large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product processing.
Matthew Holton, Athens, Ga., will receive the $5,000 scholarship for his thirdyear studies at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation he will pursue a career as a food animal veterinarian.
Holton and his twin brother, James, own and operate H2 Jerseys with their parents Ed and Patty Holton in Dawsonville, Ga. The herd consists of 22 Registered Jerseys which the brothers continue to select high-end Jersey sires to better their herd base.
While Matthew aims to pursue opportunities in bovine reproduction as a veterinarian, he also plans to expand his herd
of Jerseys and establish a milk processing facility in the long-term. He writes in his application, “Once I’ve achieved a sustainable herd size and secured adequate capital, the facility will specialize in vat-pasteurized, nonhomogenized milk production, aligning with my commitment to quality and innovation in dairy farming.”
Holton attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2015 and has received scholarships from the association previously including the Reuben Cowles Youth Award.
He is currently serving as president of Omega Tau Sigma veterinary fraternity, president of the Theriogenology Club, treasurer of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and captain of the Bovine Palpation Team. He is also a student ambassador for the College of Veterinary Medicine Food Animal Emphasis.
Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship
The Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship
is available to incoming or current students enrolled at an accredited two- or fouryear college or university in a dairy related major. It is based on financial need, leadership skills, and academic performance.
Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis., will be presented with the $5,000 scholarship in Louisville. She will also be recognized as the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement winner at the ceremony.
Vos is the daughter of Ben and Amy Vos of Proud Heritage Jerseys. This farm is where her first experience in the Jersey Industry started and where her love for the breed formed. The farm has 120 registered Jerseys with 15 of her own. She and her family work together when it comes to daily responsibilities and genetic decision making.
Emma is a senior at the University of WisconsinMadison and majoring in agricultural and applied economics. After receiving her bachelor’s degree she plans to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural business management or find work in the agriculture in-
Matthew Holton Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies
Sara Reed
The Lineweaver Scholarship
Emma Vos Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship
Jacqueline Mudd
Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship
dustry for a time before returning home to the family farm.
Throughout her youth, Emma has taken many opportunities to show her leadership and passion for the dairy industry. She served as the 2022 Wisconsin Jersey Queen, was active in the Wisconsin Junior Jersey Breeders Association where she currently serves as president, and participated in programs offered through the American Jersey Cattle Association including being honored with the Fred Stout Experience Award with Jersey Marketing Service and a graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. In 2023, she was named second alternate National Jersey Queen.
In addition, she has also spent time in leadership positions through high school, college and community. She served as treasurer, secretary, and received the 2021 James W. Crowley 4-H Leadership Award through her 4-H group. She was secretary of her high school’s National Honor Society. During her time as the 2020-2021 Manitowoc County Dairy Princess, she was able to represent dairy producers at a variety of events, some of which had an audience of approximately 5,000. She has continued her involvement at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by holding multiple positions in multiple organizations including the Association of Women
in Agriculture where she served as Sunshine Coordinator, Treasurer and Breakfast on the Farm Set-Up chair. She is also active in the Badger Dairy Club
The Lineweaver Scholarship
This award is available to students who have completed at least one year at an accredited four-year college or university in a dairy, animal science, or dairy products department. It is based on financial need, leadership skills, and academic performance.
Sara Reed, Columbia Cross Roads, Pa., will receive the scholarship award of $2,750.
Reed is a sophomore at Pennsylvania State Univer-
sity studying animal science with a minor in agricultural business management. Her mission for the future is “to mesh consumer education with the distribution of agricultural produces with an on farm agritourism center” she writes in her application.
Sara grew up on her family farm, Ravineside Farm, owned by her parents Leonard and Erin Reed. Her responsibilities range from daily care, to customizing nutrition programs, and researching genetics. She and her sister have participated at the local, state and national levels with their showstring.
In addition to her involvement on her family
(continued to page 42)
Jessica Hewitt
The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship
Kylie Konyn V.L. Peterson Scholarship
Cassie Bohnert
William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship
Nicole Arrowsmith Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship
Logan Lancaster The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship
Hartley Silva Bob Toole Youth Award
Emory Bewley Paul Jackson Scholarship
Grace Dunham AJCA Director’s Scholarship
Jersey Youth Scholarships
(continued from page 41)
farm, she has been active in Pennsylvania State Jersey Association and served as the Pennsylvania Jersey Queen in 2021.
Her leadership does not stop after serving as queen, she has held positions in the Troy FFA Chapter, Bradford County FFA and LeRoy Community 4-H Club. She was also an advocate for dairy farmers as the Bradford County Dairy Ambassador from 2018 to 2022. Her titles range from president to reporter with each position holding a wide range of responsibilities.
Reed is an alumni of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy and received the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship in 2023. She is an avid dairy judge, and has set personal goals for herself in the ring.
At Penn State, Sara has embraced the activities on campus. She is active in the Nittany Lion Dairy Club, serving as the 2024 co-chair of the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale. Through the club she also assisted with junior activities at the 2024 Pennsylvania State Holstein Convention.
Reed placed third in this year’s Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship
Junior or senior undergraduate students seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing are eligible for this scholarship.
Jacqueline Mudd, West Lafayette, Ind., is the recipient of the $2,500 Ewing Scholarship. Mudd is a senior at Purdue University studying animal sciences, with a concentration in production and industry. After gradua-
tion Jackie has plans to start her own creamery with 30-40 head of Registered Jerseys. This will allow her to connect consumers with the benefits of nutrient-rich Jersey milk. In addition to the creamery she hopes to create an on-farm agritourism sector focusing on a fall festival.
The 2022 National Jersey Queen and graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy has accepted many leadership roles during her time at Purdue University. She has served as the president of the Purdue Dairy Club and showmanship chair as well. She is on the Standards Board of Purdue’s chapter of Sigma Alpha.
She has also shown her dedication to agriculture by taking office in organizations she has participated in such as FFA, 4-H and the Indiana Holstein Association. Office positions range from president to reporter and from 2023 to 2017. She has also been a member of the Christian-based Sunshine Society and National Honor Society in high school.
Jackie received the Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship in 2023 and also served on the Junior Activities Committee of the All American Jersey events.
The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who have attended Jersey Youth Academy and are enrolled in an accredited fouryear college or university majoring in an agriculture-based degree. The award is based on financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills.
Jessica Hewitt, Brookings, S.D., will be presented with this scholarship of $2,000. She is a junior at South Dako-
ta State University (SDSU) majoring in animal science with a specialization in pre-veterinary medicine. Her goal is to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in bovine medicine and work with large scale production farms and ranches after graduation.
Jessica is the daughter of Jill Thomas and grew up in Oregon and housed her Jerseys at LadyLane Farm in Mulino. She was the 2022 Western National Jersey Queen and a member of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. This past summer she was awarded the Fred Stout OnFarm Experience and worked at Misty Meadow Farm in Tillamook, Ore., with their veterinary
She was ac tive in showing at the local and regional shows in the west. She was also involved heavily with her FFA chapter serving as secretary and reporter and received the Star Chapter Farmer award.
W hile at SDSU, Hewitt has participated in study abroad program in Cambodia and Vietnam as well as received numerous scholarships. She is a member of the SDSU dairy club, pre-veterinary club and swing dance club.
On e of her favorite leadership positions has been working with the State-A-Thon club at SDSU. Members of the club volunteer their time throughout the year to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network, assisting families with ill children.
Previous work experience for Hewitt includes a farm hand at the SDSU Equine Research and Teaching Unit; intern with R.S. Milk Transport; and Lady-Lane Farms where she worked with the Registered Jersey herd, milkprocessing plant and worked farm markets for the dairy selling their products.
William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to high school graduates accepted into a college or university for the fall program of the school year (entering freshmen)
Cassie Bohnert, East Moline, Ill., will receive the scholarship award of $2,750.
Bohnert is the daughter of Scott and Karen Bohnert of Bohnert Jerseys. She is a freshman at Iowa State University, where she is majoring in dairy (continued to page 44)
Isabella Wilbur Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award
Lauren Graves
Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award
Regan L. Jackson
Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award
Jersey Youth Scholarships
(continued from page 42)
science. Bohnert plans to return home to her family farm upon graduation. Growing up on Bohnert Jerseys, a 650-cow Registered Jersey herd, has helped to shape Bohnert into the young lady she is today. From an early age, she could be found in the barn tagging along with her dad and uncle. Today she works alongside them in vital tasks such as vaccinations, genomic testing, registrations and nutrition of the herd.
She has participated for many years in the youth programs of the AJCA, such as the production contest and Pot O’Gold program. She has also shown her Jerseys on the local, state, and national levels. Through the showring connections, she has worked for herds such as Kilgus and DeMent Jerseys. In addition she did a mini-internship at Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack Landing, N.Y.
In high school, Cassie was active in basketball, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the Fellowship of Student Athletes Club. She was awarded leadership awards in basketball and also was named the John Deere Student Award Winner for her high school in 2024.
Cassie recognizes the many challenges facing the dairy industry and the challenges she could encounter. However, she is determined to persevere, work hard, and bring her best to every situation.
V. L. Peterson Scholarship
Awarded to students who have completed at least one year of college work are eligible for this scholarship.
Kylie Konyn, Madison, Wis., will receive the $2,000 Peterson scholarship. Konyn is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is studying dairy science with certificates in ag business management and life science communications. Her goal upon graduation is to secure a position in the dairy nutrition sector of the industry as a nutritionist, consultant or member of a technical support team, assisting other nutritionists in identifying opportunities, formulating new research, and working with available resources to benefit Jersey producers.
Konyn has extensive leadership qualities through countless committees, clubs and programs she has participated in. She was president of the California Junior Jersey Cattle Club for three terms, the 2021 National Jersey
Queen, and a graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. In addition she has participated in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest, Pot O’Gold Production Contest and received numerous scholarships from the AJCA.
Her involvement in agriculture continued to bloom once she reached the college level. She is a member of the college’s dairy judging team, a member of the Badger Dairy Club, elected as the 2022-2023 Outreach Officer and chair member of the 21st Badger Invitational Sale. She also took part in the Association of Women in Agriculture and a member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau.
To prepare for these organizations and develop her original interest in the agriculture industry, Konyn was gifted a Jersey heifer of her own in 2013. Her herd has now grown to more than 100 animals and is still increasing. Her cattle have been recognized at the local, state and national levels for both show and production. Even away at college, Kylie still has control over all decisions related to her herd from finances to marketing and everything in between.
Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is presented to an eligible candidate in the 2023 National Youth Achievement Contest.
Receiving the $2,000 scholarship is Nicole Arrowsmith of Peach Bottom, Pa. She is a junior at Pennsylvania State University majoring in agricultural and extension education. She is looking forward to getting into the classroom and helping interested students access the many opportunities available in the agricultural community and FFA. She plans to share her love of the showring with her students through a lease program to teach them more about the dairy industry.
Arrowsmith was born and raised on a 100% Registered Jersey herd by her parents Tom and Mandy Arrowsmith. Her family has participated for many years at the local, state, regional and national level with their Jersey herd. In 2023, Nicole fulfilled a long-time dream. Her bred and owned cow Hillacres Chrome Hibiscus was named Junior All American Senior ThreeYear-Old and Reserve All American Senior Three-Year-Old at the national show in Louisville, Ky.
Nicole is a graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. She has been active with the Pennsylvania Junior
Jersey Association and attended national AJCA meetings. In high school, she was a member of her high school’s musicals, National Honor Society and also her local 4-H club.
Arrowsmith gives many thanks to the Jersey cow for the opportunities she has received with travel, friends and memories.
Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship
This award is for an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing. Through completed coursework and a goal statement, the student must demonstrate significant progress towards the degree and clear intent for a career in agriculture.
Logan Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore., has been chosen winner of the $1,250 Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship.
Lancaster is the son of Ryan and Freynie Lancaster of Royalty Ridge Jerseys. He is a freshman at Oregon State University and pursuing a degree in crop and soil sciences with a minor in animal science.
Logan has worked on the family farm for nearly his entire life. For the past year, he has worked on a local farm that utilizes a full robotic feeding and milking system. In the summer of 2025, he will be interning with Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, Ore., in the fields where they grow grain and vegetables and have an innovative irrigation system in place. Upon graduation he aspires to be a Farm Zone Manager, supervising employees, inspecting fields, machinery, training employees and working with agronomists and management teams.
In high school, Logan was active on the basketball and cross country teams. He also coached fourth and fifth grade students in the Ultimook Track Club for two summers.
In 2024, Logan traveled to Europe to participate with the Oregon 4-H dairy judging team in an international competition. He has exhibited his Registered Jerseys at the Western National and Tillamook County Fair for the past 10 years. He is an alumni of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy.
Paul Jackson Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students who have completed at least one year of college work. It has been award
Jersey Youth Scholarships
(continued from page 44)
ed since 1965 to honor Paul Jackson’s service to the Jersey breed.
Emory Bewley, Susquehanna, Pa., will receive this year’s scholarship of $1,000.
Bewley is the daughter of Owen and Cathy Bewley. She is a senior at Pennsylvania State University majoring in animal science with a business option and focus in dairy science. She is looking at attending graduate school after receiving her Bachelor’s degree and focusing on transition cow management and nutrition and how the two areas work together.
This past summer Emory interned with Cargill Animal Nutrition as a nutrition and sales intern. She was able to travel with a consulting team and learn how to provide dairies with nutrition and management practices to better cow comfort and productivity. The experience has helped to propel her desire to continue on in the dairy nutrition field.
Bewley has seen much success in the show ring. While showing her animals at the local, state and national levels, she was honored to win Junior Champion of the All American Junior Jersey Show in 2022. She has won countless showmanship contests and she is now finding her way as an accomplished dairy judge. She is a member of the Penn State Dairy Judging team this year.
While at Penn State, Emory has also been active with the Nittany Lion Dairy Science Club. She was a co-chair of the Spring Dairy Expo and helped teach non-dairy students how to prepare and exhibit a dairy heifer. She also has been heavily involved with the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale serving as Wash and Cattle Prep chair.
Bewley was also active in the Susquehanna County Junior Holstein Club where she held the offices of president, vice-president and treasurer.
Bob Toole Youth Award
The Bob Toole Youth Award is designated for a high school graduate to fund either college expenses or a clearly defined practical educational experience related to breeding, developing, and showing Registered Jerseys.
Hartley Silva, Modesto, Calif., has been named winner of the $1,500 scholarship.
She is a senior at Oklahoma State University majoring in agriculture communications and minoring in ag-
ricultural economics and agribusiness. After graduation she plans to focus on her family’s Registered Jersey herd and create a line of flavored coffee creamers with the rich cream from their dairy.
Silva did not start in the Jersey industry, but knew she was destined to from the age of five. She has been able to grow her herd to 175 Jerseys while also holding leadership positions at the California Junior Jersey Association, was California Jersey Queen, and participated in Jersey Youth Academy. Her other involvement and leadership positions date back to 2008 when she became a member of the Shiloh 4-H. Most of her activities are Jersey and agriculture based, but she was also involved in groups she connected with a personal interest. In high school, she was a member of the varsity golf team and yearbook staff.
At Oklahoma State University, she is a member of the dairy science club, President’s Honor Roll, a member of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow’s club, and a member of Sigma Alpha.
Silva has had an interest in judging and has even been an inspiration to others. Her father had been a dairy judging coach, so she has been a part of this activity since the sixth grade. Her favorite part of judging comes from watching the success of others and the joy that washes over them when they reach their goals.
AJCA Director’s Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student (undergraduate or graduate) based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business.
Grace Dunham, Richmondville, N.Y., is the recipient of the $1,000 AJCA Director’s Scholarship.
She is a senior at Cornell University, majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences with a minor in agriculture business. Upon graduation Grace hopes to incorporate her passion for agriculture to educate the general population about their food sources and how to make informed dietary decisions.
She is the daughter of Jason and Deanna Dunham and grew up exhibiting Jersey cattle at the Delaware County (N.Y.) fair through 4-H. It taught her many life lessons and brought opportunities for leadership into her life.
reer she had the intent of being a doctor. However, she quickly learned how deeply rooted she was in the agriculture industry. It wasn’t long until she learned that supporting the people that grow the food for the population and how that food is distributed was her true calling.
“Being at college has helped me realize that it is essential that we educate consumers about the positive nutritional benefits of milk in an age when all sorts of milk replacements are being sold,” said Dunham in her application.
Dunham is the social chair for Christian Union Vita at Cornell. She serves as the secretary for the Cornell Farm Bureau Chapter and is a Meinig Leadership Scholar and completes 150 hours of community service a year and participates in leadership development.
Grace has held several internships including work at the Tata Cornell Institute for Nutrition and Agriculture, a business management intern at Lincoln Dairy LLC, and the digital marketing director and day camp coordinator at Fairmont Farms LLC.
Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award
This scholarship recognizes accomplishments, abilities, and leadership potential and challenges the recipient to achieve full potential through continued Jersey activities.
Isabella Wilbur, Orwell, Vt., will receive the $350 Perchard Challenge award.
She is a freshman at Cornell University majoring in animal science with a concentration in dairy management. She grew up on a mixed herd of Jerseys, Ayrshires, Brown Swiss and Lineback cattle. While at home, Isabella’s tasks centered around the care of calves and young stock. She monitored daily growth and responds to changes by adjusting grain rations, changing hay types, or a larger pen to move around in if they are gaining weight too quickly.
She also cares for the show string at her home farm and has been successful at many of the local fairs including Addison County Fair, Vermont State 4-H show and the Champlain Valley Exposition 4-H Show.
In high school, Isabella was active in soccer, softball and figure skating. She attended National 4-H Dairy Conference and credits it with an event that shaped her life and directed her to major in agriculture in college.
When Grace began her college ca- (continued to page 48)
Jersey
Youth
Scholarships
(continued from page 46)
Reuben R. Cowles Youth Educational Award
There are two recipients of the Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award—Lauren Graves and Regan L. Jackson. Both young ladies will receive $1,250 towards their schooling.
L auren Graves, Talbott, Tenn., graduated from Berean Christian School and now attends Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn., where she is a freshman. She will transfer to a four-year college to obtain her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a minor in equine health and nutrition.
Her journey with Jerseys began as a fourth grader with youth projects. Her herd today numbers 23 head. As a member of 4-H and FFA, she has held offices in the organizations. She also is active with June is Dairy Month in her local community. At the event she has worked to promote dairy products, recorded Public Service Announcements for radio citing dairy facts and information for the dairy industry.
L auren also donates time for community service through her youth
group at Lebanon Baptist Church providing yard clean up for the elderly and sick in the community. She has also assisted with Vacation Bible School.
L auren has exhibited at the All American Jersey Show for many years. In addition, she and her sister Alison have placed in the top 10 of the Pot O’Gold Production Contests and the National Jersey Youth Production Contest.
Regan L. Jackson, Clear Brook, Va., is a junior at Louisiana State University where she is on a pre-med path studying Nutrition and Food Science in the College of Agriculture and minoring in Biology. Jackson believes there is a need for agriculture spokespeople and the best ones would be those who have an agriculture background along with a medical degree.
Jackson’s connection to dairy starts at home, Waverly Farm. She started by assisting her grandmother with feedings then her responsibilities slowly increased. She now helps with calf care management, vaccinations and entering information into her family’s DHIA program. In addition to farm work, she was also active in shows such as the Pennsylvania All American for 10 years.
After being extremely active in high school, she has taken the same drive to college where she is serving as president of the LSU Dairy Science Club.
Regan was the 2022 National Jersey Youth Achievement Winner for the AJCA and is a graduate of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy. In addition she serves on the Futurity committee for the All American events. She is currently serving as a student director for National Dairy Shrine and is the national president of the American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliate.
The Cowles Youth Educational Award
The Cowles Youth Educational Award differs from many of the traditional scholarships managed by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). While it can be used to fund education, it can also be used for a broad range of other educational purposes. As well, it is available only to young Jersey breeders who reside in one of six southeastern states―Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.
T he fund was established to help young people get a start in the dairy business, be that through advanced
studies, or another avenue altogether. Youth may use the award to defray travel expenses to The All American, annual meetings of the national Jersey organizations, World Dairy Expo, or another dairy industry venue. Jersey enthusiasts up to 36 years-of-age are eligible to apply, so the award can help entrepreneurs broaden their network, discover opportunities, and develop their own niche in the dairy industry.
The Cowles Youth Educational Award was initially given as a regional award in 1986. It was added to the pool of scholarships managed by the AJCA in 1998. In the past 36 years, more than $43,500 has been awarded to 39 individuals. Many have established themselves in the dairy industry today, with careers in A.I., cattle marketing and dairy herd management. Two are serving as directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association. One is a former chair of the All American Junior Activities Committee. All have benefitted from the efforts of a group of Jersey breeders to honor a man affectionately known as “Mr. Jersey” in the Southeast.
Awards for 2025-2026
Applications for 2025-2026 Reuben
R. Cowles Youth Educational Fund and other Jersey Youth Scholarships will be accepted from April 1 through July 1, 2025, and forms will be available closer to deadline at www.USJersey.com/YouthProgram/scholarshipinfo.html.
For more information, contact Kim Billman, Director of Communications for the American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362, or call 614/3224451.
info@ladylanefarm.com
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desijosi@wilsonview.com
Nominations Open for 2025
National Jersey Awards
Nominations are sought for four awards to be presented at the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. in Lexington, Ky., June 25-28, 2025.
Any lifetime member of the AJCA can nominate qualified persons for these awards.
Master Breeder Award. The Master Breeder Award is bestowed annually upon a living AJCA member, family, partnership, or corporation, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has bred outstanding animals for many years and thereby has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Dist inguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is bestowed upon as many living AJCA members and/or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, have rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years and thereby have made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Award for Meritorious Service. The AJCA-NAJ Award for Meritorious Service is bestowed annually upon a living individual, who, in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry.
Young Jersey Breeder Award. These awards are bestowed annually upon as many living AJCA members and/ or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, merit recognition. Nominees must be active members of the American Jersey Cattle Association and must be at least 28 years of age but not more than 40 years of age as of January 1 of the recognition year. Selection is based upon expertise in dairy farming and Jersey cattle breeding; participation in AJCA and NAJ programs; and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agricultural organizations.
All nomination materials must be
postmarked or received electronically on or before Monday, January 15, 2025. Forms are available on the USJersey website. Contact Executive Assistant Blake Granzow at bgranzow@usjersey. com or by phone at 614.322.4472.
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BREED IMPROVEMENT
The Key to Breed Improvement
The purpose of all dairy cows, including Jerseys, is to produce food. If the Jersey cow is to remain relevant as an essential part of the dairy cow herd, she must produce large amounts of milk, fat, and protein.
In the 1952 High Lawn Farm Herd Book, Master Breeders Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Wilde stated, “It is our belief and practice that to know a bull’s transmitting ability, one must milk at least a
fat, and protein yield are the best estimate of the producing ability of a bull’s daughters. The use of PTAs for sire selection is essential for continued breed improvement.
A bull’s PTAs for milk, fat, and protein yield are an estimate of how many pounds of extra milk, fat, and protein the average daughter of a bull is expected to produce in a 305-day lactation compared to a bull with PTAs of 0 for
should be the primary criteria for sire selection, but additional consideration should be given to his daughters’ fertility and confirmation as well as the number of daughters contributing to the bull’s evaluation. For example, compared to the daughters of “CHIEF {6}”, the daughters of “THRASHER {6}” would be expected to produce 357 less pounds of ECM milk (1,663 minus 2,020) in a lactation, have a 7.4% higher conception rate (2.9 minus -4.5), and have Udder Depth scores that are 0.8 points higher (0.1 minus -0.7).
Impact of Genetics through Breeding
The first estimate of a heifer or bull calf’s producing ability is its Parent Average, abbreviated as PA, which is calculated as the average of its sire’s and dam’s PTAs. In looking at the mating of the bull, Pine-Tree Faro-PP-ET, to the cow, Elm-J Listowel Carolee 16492-P-ET, the Parent Average (PA) for the mating would be as follows:
lactation of his first 10-20 unselected daughters.”
Over 70 years later, this statement is still true. It is good practice to not use a bull heavily unless he has proven himself worthy of heavy use. The most effective tool to improve the Jersey cow’s ability to produce milk is still progeny testing bulls and then heavily using the bulls that sired high-producing daughters.
Let’s go back to the basics. What is Progeny Testing? Progeny testing refers to evaluation of bulls based on their daughters’ performance. This long-term program is the foundation of achieving genetic improvement in dairy cattle breeds.
What is the easiest and most effective way to evaluate a bull’s ability to sire high producing daughters? Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for milk,
milk, fat, and protein yield.
A bull’s PTAs are calculated from the difference in production between his daughters and their herdmates.
The table above shows the highest ranked progeny tested Active A.I. Jersey bulls for 305-day Energy Corrected Milk (ECM) yield.
ECM is a calculation that estimates the amount of energy in milk based on the amount of milk, fat, and protein it contains. The calculation adjusts the milk to a standard of 3.5% fat and 3.2% protein. PTA ECM is calculated as 0.327 x PTA Milk + 12.95 x PTA Fat + 7.2 x PTA Protein.
In 2009, genomic testing became available for young animals. Genomic PTAs use the DNA of an animal to adjust its PA based on which portions of DNA were inherited from its parents. So, an animal’s genomic PTA, abbreviated as GPTA, is that animal’s DNA adjusted Parent Average.
The table on the next page shows the genomic PTAs and the DNA adjustment from the PA of a group of 15 genomic tested full brothers from the mating of the above parents, “Faro-PP” and “Carolee-P.” Before genomic testing was available, all 15 of these full brothers had the same PA and would have needed milk records from at least 10 milking daughters before they re-
In addition to ECM yield, the table includes each bull’s PTA for Cow Conception Rate and Udder Depth as well as the bull’s number of daughters with performance records for production, conception rate, and type. ECM yield (continued to page 56
PINE-TREE
16492
16492 FENWAY
Breed Improvement
(continued from page 55)
ceived a PTA. You can see in the table how much the DNA estimates of each calf has adjusted their genomic PTAs away from their PAs. The first brother in the table, FENDT, received a favorable sample of genes from his parents while the last brother in the table received an unfavorable sample of genes from his parents. The average genomic PTAs for this group of full brothers are close to their PAs as expected (661 PA ECM and 626 GPTA ECM).
It’s important to remember that when these bulls have been progeny tested and have milking daughters, their PTAs will be further adjusted based on the production difference from herdmates of their daughters.
Value of Genetics Chart for Albright Jerseys LLC
in 305 days and 9.1 more pounds per day. The extra nine pounds of actual ECM milk per cow per day is the result of this group of cows being sired by higher PTA ECM bulls and their dams being sired by higher PTA ECM bulls.
New Report Available on infoJersey
Do P TAs and PAs accurately predict differences between animals for producing ability?
You are now able to use infoJersey. com to compare the first lactation production difference between your top and bottom 25% PA ECM cows that are currently two to four-years-old and have completed a first lactation production record. Below is a report for the herd of Albright Jerseys LLC, Willard, Ohio.
Based on their PAs for ECM yield, we would expect the top 25% PA group of cows in this herd to produce 1,068 more pounds of ECM in 305 days and 3.5 more pounds of ECM per day than the bottom 25% PA group. The actual difference was 2,765 more pounds
You can access the “Value of Genetics” report for your herd on infojersey. com under the “Services/Reports/Value of Genetics” menu to determine the value of using higher PTA ECM bulls in your herd. Another useful tool for making genetic improvement in your herd through sire selection is the program BullsEye. The program now includes PTA ECM as a selection trait.
In conclusion, breed improvement and the profitability of your operation will be accomplished through the heavy use of proven bulls whose daughters have been found to be high-producing cows. High production proven sires will only continue to be available if young sires are progeny tested in herds whose DHI milk records are submitted to the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding for genetic evaluation. Sire selection and particularly the use of high ECM proven sires is the most cost-effective tool available to improve the profitability of your operation.
North Carolina Jersey Breeders Association - Annual Field Day
July 13, 2024
Moore Jersey Farm, Mount Ulla
Officers: Corey Lutz, Lincolnton, president; Major Bond, Hickory, vice president; Coy Reese, Taylorsville, treasurer; and Shirley LeForge, Union Grove, secretary.
The annual field day and North Carolina Pot O’Gold Sale was hosted by Brian and Jessica Moore, Karen Moore and Scott Lee at Moore Farm. The Moores and Lee milk a mixed herd of Jerseys and Holsteins and raise forages and grains for the herd and a cash crop business that includes direct-to-consumer sales of grain and deer corn. Jersey breeders were treated to a meal sponsored by local agriculture businesses and ice cream supplied by Riverbend Creamery in Lincolnton.
The guest speaker was Aaron Goss, who owns and operates Carolina Malt House, the largest malting operation in the Southeast, in Cleveland, N.C. Goss started the business in his home with the purchase of 100 lbs. of barley from Moore Farm. He was so satisfied with the product that he expanded and began purchasing from other Rowan County farmers as well. Carolina Malt House is the only maltster in the state that receives grain, malts it, stores it and cleans it in-house. The award-winning malt is used by several local breweries, including Cabarrus Brewing Company, Free Range Brewing and Vaulted Oak Brewery. Moore Farm was established by
Brian’s parents, Johnny and Karen. When Johnny passed away in 2019, Scott Lee purchased his share of the farm. The herd was initially Holstein but today includes Jerseys as well. The herd is enrolled on REAP and has a 2024 lactation average (m.e.) of 20,942 lbs. milk, 1,030 lbs. fat and 783 lbs. protein on 27 lactations.
Calves are raised in individual pens in an open-air calf barn. After weaning Holsteins and Jerseys are grouped together by age. Cows are milked three times a day and fed a total mixed ration that includes corn silage, wheat silage, haylage, ground corn, barley, cottonseed and a purchased concentrate. In the loafing barn, cows are cooled with sprinklers and fans.
North Carolina Pot O’Gold Sale
In the North Carolina Pot O’Gold Sale for juniors alone, five young people purchased five heifer calves for an average of $1,680 and a gross of $8,400. They are eligible to compete in the production contest in 2027, which is based on the first lactation of these heifers.
A member of the field day host family, Amber Moore, purchased the high seller, Piedmont Spiral Lacey, for $1,800. The August 2023 daughter of Progenesis Spiral-ET, GJPI +115, is a P-Level 7 and has Parent Averages of +748M, +45F and +39P. She is +1.7 for Type.
Her dam is a Very Good-83% daughter of River Valley Cece ChromeET, GJPI +62, with a two-lactation m.e. average of 23,623 1,000 914. The next dam is appraised Very Good-86% and has an m.e. average of 19,154 748 696 on four records. “Lacey’s” grandam, Piedmont Lasting Lacey, Very Good-87%, has a pair of records over 23,000 lbs. milk, 1,.050 lbs. fat and 820 lbs. protein. Her
Very Good-85% third dam has a five lactation m.e. average of 22,665 1,125 844. Her Excellent-90% fourth dam has a best record of 6-4 305 20,260 5.3% 1,077 3.7% 746 102DCR. The next five dams are Very Good.
“Lacey” was consigned by Corey Alan Lutz, Lincolnton.
Dr. Steve Washburn was the auctioneer and Bryant Chapman read pedigrees. Other juniors who made purchases were Micah and Lane Chapman, Taylorsville; Callie Gibson, Peachland; Claira Hatcox, Taylorsville; and Finley B. Moore, Mount Ulla.
Search for 2024 National Jersey Queen Is Underway
The search for the 67 th National Jersey Queen is underway.
The selection process which will take place November 7-10 during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky.
Any female member of the American Jersey Cattle Association (junior or Lifetime) between the ages of 16 and 22 as of January 1, 2024, may participate. Applications must be received in the AJCA office not later than October 15.
Participants will take a written test on general dairy and Jersey breed knowledge on Thursday evening, November 7. On Friday, November 8, they will interview with a threemember judging panel.
On Friday they will assist with The All American Junior Jersey Show before the final competition on Saturday morning. At the Youth Awards Ceremony the contestants will showcase their public speaking abilities before the final five are announced. The final candidates will then answer a question in front of the crowd.
The final five contestants will assist with the All American Jersey Sale and the All American Jersey Heifer Show before the 2024 National Jersey Queen and her court are announced at the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity on Sunday, November 10. They will then preside over the remaining weekend events.
The new Queen will succeed current Queen, Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.
The Queen and court will present the sashes as the Jersey All Americans of 2024 are selected in The 72nd All American Jersey Cow Show. They will also preside over the prestigous National Jersey Jug Futurity on Sunday afternoon.
The complete schedule of events, contest elements and judging scorecard, are found on the USJersey website.
The 67 th National Jersey Queen will promote the Jersey breed and represent members of the American Jersey Cattle Association throughout the year at local, state and national events including the 2025 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Lexington, Ky. Her activities are featured @USJersey-
Queen on Facebook.
The Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund Scholarships provides $1,000 in scholarships for the Queen and alternates, plus financial support for the Queen’s travel after her selection.
For more information about participating in or supporting the National Jersey Queen development program, contact the AJCA Communications Department at 614/861-3636, or email info@usjersey.com with “National Jersey Queen” in the subject line.
The All American Jersey Show & Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March.
October 8 is the deadline for open and junior show entries. Final payments for three-year-old nominations for the 2024 National Jersey Jug Futurity are due on September 20. For premium list with show rules and entry forms, visit livestockexpo.org or call 502/595-3166.
2024 Jersey All Americans to be Crowned in Louisville
The 72nd All American Jersey Show & Sale returns November 8-11 to the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.
P remiums totaling more than $46,000 will be awarded in three shows. Last year’s All American assembled 624 Registered Jerseys™ representing more than 170 dairy operations, making it the largest single-site exhibition of Jerseys in the United States and the world for 2023.
The All American Junior Jersey Show is scheduled for Friday, November 8. Judging in the Jersey ring is Trent Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill. His consultant will be Kaleb Kruse, Dyersville, Iowa. This is one of the richest youth-only shows in the world with premiums totaling $9,625, plus an additional $5,000 in direct financial support for exhibitors provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The 71st National Jersey Jug Futurity will award estimated premiums of $10,000 on Sunday, November 10. A total of 1,020 heifers were nominated for the show in 2021, and 551 are still eligible to make the final entry fee due September 20. They will be judged by Ronnie Mosser, Geneva, Ind. His consultant will be Max Bollenbacher, Argos, Ind.
The open division of The All American Jersey Show is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, November 10 and 11, and will be judged by Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore. His consultant will be Brad Gavenlock of Victoria, Australia.
The first and second place entries in each class of all shows will be named the All American and Reserve All American winners for 2024 by the American Jersey Cattle Association. The shows will
be streamed live from Freedom Hall via webcast at www.livestockexpo.org.
Two sales, both managed by Jersey Marketing Service are scheduled.
The 67 th Pot O’Gold Sale will move to Saturday, November 9, in the West Hall of the Expo Center at 1:00 p.m. The youth-only sale will offer 30 genomicevaluated heifers that will be eligible to compete in a production contest in 2027.
The 72nd All American Jersey Sale is the premier showcase for Registered Jersey™ genetics in the United States. Selection is underway to offer 50 outstanding females along with high-ranking genomic young sires on Saturday, November 9 in the Kentucky Exposition Center’s West Hall.
Both sales will be broadcast live with online bidding at Cowbuyer.com (www. cowbuyer.com).
Friday, November 8
7:30 a.m. The 72nd All American Junior Jersey Show, Freedom Hall (starting with showmanship, followed by heifer show and cows)
6:00 p.m. Selection of the Supreme Champion heifer and cow of the North American Junior Dairy Shows
Saturday, November 9
9:00 a.m. Youth Awards Ceremony; West Hall
11:30 a.m. Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds Youth Public Speaking Contest, West Hall
1:00 p.m. 67 th Pot O’Gold Sale, West Hall
3:00 p.m. All American Pre-Sale social
3:30 p.m. All American Jersey Sale, West Hall B
Sunday, November 10
7:30 a.m. The 72nd All American Jer-
sey Heifer Show, Freedom Hall
2:00 p.m. 7 1st National Jersey Jug Futurity, Crowning of the National Jersey Queen, Freedom Hall
Monday, November 11
7:30 a.m. The 72nd All American Jersey Cow Show, Freedom Hall
2:00 p.m. Selection of the Supreme Champions of the North American Dairy Shows
Visit the NAILE website at livestockexpo.org or call 502/595-3166 for complete premium list with show rules and entry forms. October 8 is the deadline for open and junior show entries. Final nominations for the National Jersey Jug Futurity are due September 20 to the AJCA office.
The headquarters for the All American is the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport (502/637-2424). A reservation code must be used and are posted with room rates on the USJersey.com News page.
T he All American Jersey Show & Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., is the General Chair for the 2024 events, with Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore., serving as Associate General Chair. Committee chairs are Sale, Herby Lutz, Chester, S.C.; Open Show, Lisa Demmer, Ellsworth, Wis.; Jersey Jug Futurity, Donna Phillips, Newton, Wis.; and Junior Show & Activities, Regina Pozzi, Petaluma, Calif. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March.
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In
Memoriam
Eugene “Gene” R. Zirk
Eugene “Gene” R. Zirk, Kendall, Wis., 78, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on August 9, 2024.
He was born at home on November 23, 1945, to the late Milladore (Jones) and Edward Zirk Sr. He married Louise Knoll on February 4, 1967, in Kendall.
G ene was a family man, proud Registered Jersey dairy farmer and friend to the Jersey breed. He was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association and bred registered Jerseys using the Royall prefix from the early 1970s through the mid-1990s. He also was a regular contributor to Project Equity.
H e will be remembered for his one-liners, such as “Dedication, determination and drive,” “Don’t tell me; show me,” and “If you’re not willing to do it right, don’t do it at all.”
In addition to his wife of 57 years, Louise, he is survived by two children, Allen (Amy) Zirk and Angie (Dave) Rosga; four grandchildren; sister Deb Coldren; sister-in-law Pat Knoll; brother-in-law Mike (Chris) Knoll; and
many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by brothers Eddie (Betty) Zirk Jr. and Wally (Shirley) Zirk, sister Beata Franke, brother-in-law Butch Coldren, and a nephew.
T he family would like to thank their farm neighbors, friends and past farmhands for their friendships over the years. They also extend a thank you to the farm’s past and present cooperatives and employees of Preston and Hillsboro Equipment companies for their years of service and friendship. A special thank you is extended to St. Croix Hospice for their support to Gene and the family.
Charles “CJ” Jay Sachs III
C harles “CJ” Jay Sachs III, Eyota, Minn., 25, passed away unexpectedly on September 5, 2024, from the results of a traffic accident.
He was born on September 16, 1998, in Red Wing, Minn., to Charles and Carolyn (Angel) Sachs Jr. He graduated from Dover Eyota High School in 2017 and then earned an associate degree in dairy science from Northeast Iowa Community College.
A f ifth-generation dairy farmer, his family moved from Farmington,
Minn., to Eyota in 2002 when his parents purchased the current farm. CJ operated Orange Creek Dairy within the family’s Towerview Dairy, a 100cow herd of primarily Brown Swiss and several Jerseys and Holsteins. Some of the Jerseys were purchased from the Suess Pleasant Valley herd dispersal in 2019.
CJ was an Allis C halmer tractor aficionado and loved his cattle. He also enjoyed talking about agriculture with anyone and was a proud patron of Plainview Milk Products Cooperative.
He was a big supporter of the FFA chapter in Langford, S.D., and a member of the Minnesota Brown Swiss Association. He was also a member of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Eyota.
I n addition to his parents, he is survived by two sisters, Allison Sachs of Bloomington and AnnaMarie Sachs of Groton, S.D.; maternal grandparents, Robert and Rita Angell of Hampton, Minn.; paternal grandparents, Charles J. Sachs Sr. and Berniece Sachs of Eyota; his significant other, Emily Siemer of Eyota; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends who felt like family.
