The Chaney family is featured on the cover of this month’s Jersey Journal. They operate Chaney’s Dairy Barn in Bowling Green, Ky., selling milk and ice cream produced by the Registered Jersey cows at Chaney Farms. Last year, nearly 16,000 visitors toured the farm through organized and self-guided tours and a million came through the store.
The Chaneys are sponsoring an ice cream social featuring their popular frozen dessert for those attending the National Heifer Sale on Thursday evening, June 26.
Read more about Chaney Dairy Farm on page 18 and register for the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings on pages 12-13.
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: Neal Smith, 209/988-0601
Herd Services: Lori King, 614/322-4457
Research & Genetic Program Consultant: John Metzger, jmetzger@usjersey.com
National All-Jersey Inc.: Grady Auer, 209/613-2286
AJCA-NAJ Area Representatives
Director of Field Services: Kristin A. Paul, 209/4025679; 614/322-4495 (fax); kpaul@usjersey.com. Illinois and Wisconsin.
District 1 Manager: Scott Holcomb, 614/563-3227; sholcomb@usjersey.com. Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
District 3 Manager: Seth Israelsen, 614/216-9727; sisraelsen@usjersey.com. Arizona, California, Hawaii,
Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington.
Greg Lavan, 614/216-8838; glavan@usjersey.com. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio.
Benny Rector, 614/313-5818; brector@usjersey.com. Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Jason Robinson, 614/216-5862; jrobinson@usjersey. com. Louisiana and Texas.
Willow Voegtlen, 614/266-2419; wvoegtlen@usjersey. com. Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
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. Willow Voegtlen, above
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; john@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. Corey Lutz, 4399 Ritchie Rd., Lincolnton, NC 28092. Phone 704/735-1222; piedmontjerseys@charter.net. District 8. 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
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USJerseyJournal
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 years ........$125 3 years ......... $170 5 years
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.
MAY— Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska; Southern California, Arizona, Idaho and Utah; Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Western Colorado; and New Mexico and Texas.
JUNE—Vermont and New Hampshire; Maine, Massachusetts and Connecticut; and New York.
Deadlines
MAY 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the June evaluation release.
JUNE 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the July evaluation release.
JULY 1—Applications for National Jersey Youth Scholarships due.
JULY 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the August evaluation release.
AUG. 1—Ownership and transfer date for junior eligibility for fall shows (All American, World Dairy Expo, Western National Jersey Show, and Harrisburg)
Sales
MAY 3 BEST OF TRIPLE-T & FRIENDS SALE, Circleville, Ohio; Triple-T Holsteins and Jerseys, sale mgr.
MAY 4 LOUISVILLE PARISH ALL-BREEDS SALE, Frankfort, Ky.; 2:00 p.m. (EDT); Luke McCoy 270.646.6550, sale co-mgr.
MAY 10—POST TIME AT RATLIFF’S SALE, at the farm, Garnett, Kan.; 11:00 a.m. (CDT); Ron and Christy Ratliff, sale mgrs.; Chris Hill, Thurmont, Md., auctioneer.
MAY 13-15—WISCONSIN STATE JERSEY SALE, online via CowBuyer.com. Closeout at 1:30 p.m. (EDT). Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@ usjersey.com.
JUNE 12-14—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 October 1, 2024
Males:
Generation Count Entries:
Generation Count 1 - $12.00
Generation Count 2, 3 - $20 Identified, UR - $5
Dead Animals May Be Registered For A Fee of $10.00 Duplicate or Corrected Certificates Will Be Issued For A Fee of $10.00
Rush Service Fee (per piece) $20 — Email or Fax delivery (per piece) $10
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.
The Association’s Bylaws require the seller to pay the transfer fee. Save by becoming a lifetime member of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
JUNE 26 NATIONAL HEIFER SALE, the Embassy Suites UK/Coldstream; 6:30 p.m. (EDT); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey. com.
JUNE 28 JERSEY YOUTH ACADEMY BENEFIT AUCTION, Salvisa, Ky..; 2:30 p.m. (EDT); American Jersey Cattle Association, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer. com.
JUNE 28—DREAMING OF TRIPLE CROWNS AT KEIGHTLEY & CORE SALE, at the farm, Salvisa, Ky.; 6:30 p.m. (EDT).
SEPT. 30 TOP OF THE WORLD JERSEY SALE, Madison, Wis.; Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
NOV. 8 POT O’GOLD SALE , Louisville, Ky.; 1:00 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com.
NOV. 8 ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SALE , Louisville, Ky.; 3:30 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com.
Meetings and Expositions
JUNE 22-25—AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING, Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Ky.
JUNE 25-28—AJCA-NAJ ANNUAL MEETINGS, Lexington, Ky.
JULY 13-18 JERSEY YOUTH ACADEMY CLASS IX, Columbus, Ohio.
NOV. 11-13—DAIRY CATTLE REPRODUCTION COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING, Middleton, Wis.
NOV. 15—OKLAHOMA JERSEY ANNUAL MEETING, Steer Inn, Cushing, Okla.; 10:00 a.m. (CST). JUNE 17-20, 2026—AJCA-NAJ ANNUAL MEETINGS, Springfield, Mo.
Shows
MAY 28-31—SOONER STATE DAIRY SHOW, Payne County Expo Center, Stillwater, Okla.
JUNE 14—MARYLAND FIELD DAY, Frederick, Md.
JULY 28-31—EASTERN NEW YORK SUMMER JERSEY SHOW, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, N.Y.; Pierre Boulet, Que., judge.
AUG 1-2—WISCONSIN STATE FAIR JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wis.
AUG 9-10—WISCONSIN STATE FAIR JERSEY SHOW, Wisconsin State Fair Park, West Allis, Wis.
AUG 12—INDIANA STATE FAIR OPEN JERSEY SHOW, Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, Ind..
AUG. 31 NEW YORK STATE FAIR, Syracuse, N.Y.
SEPT. 13—TENNESSEE STATE JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Nashville, Tenn.
SEPT. 15—MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Harrisburg, Pa.; 7:00 a.m. (EDT); Ron Mosser, Geneva, Ind., judge.
SEPT. 16—MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL JERSEY SHOW, Harrisburg, Pa.; 11:30 a.m. (EDT); JeanPhilippe Charest, Saint Alexandre, Que. judge. SEPT. 29—INTERNATIONAL JERSEY HEIFER SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m. (CDT); Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C., judge; Jon Kingdon, Warwick Township, Ont., associate judge. SEPT. 30— INTERNATIONAL JERSEY COW SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m.; Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C., judge; Jon King(continued to page 46)
albrightjerseys@gmail.com
cgrazeland@sssnet.com
coldrunjerseys@frontier.com
phjfarm@dslextreme.com
jaws@defnet.com
grass4jerseys@yahoo.com
laspahr@bright.net
wounkefer@yahoo.com
The 2025 Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, June 25-28
Schedule
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
6:00 p.m. Cheese Social-People’s Choice Jersey Cheese Contest
6:00 p.m. Youth Game Night with The Dairy Alliance
7:00 p.m. Young Jersey Breeder Banquet (Child care available for 5 years and under)
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
6:30-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Tour of Keeneland Racetrack
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:00 p.m.
Group A to Spendthrift Stud Farm (Youth friendly)
Group B to Castle & Key Distillery (Must be 21+ to attend)
3:00 p.m. Breeder & Industry Roundtables
5:00 p.m. Pre-sale social
5:30 p.m. Kentucky Favorites Dinner & Old-fashioned ice cream social with Chaney’s Dairy
6:30 p.m. National Heifer Sale @ the Embassy Suites UK/Coldstream
9:00 p.m. Bluegrass entertainment by Cane Run Bluegrass Band (cash bar available)
Hotel rate includes: parking, breakfasts and nightly happy hour. Registration fee includes: three (3) lunches, four (4) receptions, two (2) banquets and two (2) dinners as listed in the event schedule; tickets to Keeneland Racetrack, Sprendthrift Stud Farm, Castle & Key Distillery, and Shaker Village Tour; and transportation to all events on schedule. Youth registration fee includes: t-shirt; three (3) lunches and four (4) dinners; tickets to Keeneland Racetrack, Spendthrift Stud Farm and Shaker Village Tour; Youth Events Wednesday and Friday; transportation to all events on schedule.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
6:30-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Recognition of sponsors
8:30 a.m. National All-Jersey Inc. Annual Meeting
11:00 a.m. Give Your Best 60 Seconds Public Speaking Contest & lunch (youth)
12:00 p.m. TransOva Youth Day: Youth depart for Keightley & Core Jerseys for a judging clinic, showmanship clinic and pedigree workshop
12:30 p.m. Group A to Castle & Key Distillery (Must be 21+ to attend)
Group B to Spendthrift Stud Farm
3:00 p.m. Value-Added Producer Roundtable
5:00 p.m. Youth night in Lexington at Malibu Jack's
6:00 p.m. Cheese Social
7:00 p.m. Breeders’ Banquet (Child care available for 5 years and under)
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
6:30-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. American Jersey Cattle Association Annual Meeting
11:30 p.m. Shaker Village tour and lunch
2:00 p.m. Depart for Keightley & Core Jerseys
3:00 p.m. Jersey Youth Academy Benefit Auction
4:30 p.m. Farm tour & evening social
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Dreaming of Triple Crowns Sale @ Keightley & Core Jerseys
9:00 p.m. Live entertainment
Celebrate Kentucky Heritage-Jerseys, Bluegrass, Thoroughbreds and Bourbon!
Registration
Online registration is preferred at usjerseyannualmeeting.com (Registration opens on April 15)
Or mail form with payment to:
Attn: Annual Meeting Registration, American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362
FLY. The nearest airport is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) (8 miles). Other nearby airports include Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) (74 miles)
Hotel:
Embassy Suites UK Coldstream 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Make hotel reservations directly by calling (859) 455-5000 or online: REGISTRANT (First, Middle Initial,
Request to be in the “Jersey” block Room rate: $149/ night includes parking, breakfast and nightly happy hour.
Last)
OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT (First, Middle Initial, Last)
REGISTRATION FEES
Official registration badge is required for entrance at all included events.
Early Bird Registration, received with payment by June 6
Enter number of registrations
Late Registration, received with payment after June 6
No charge Enter number of registrations
PAYMENT q Debit Card q Discover q Visa q MasterCard q American Express q Check payable to AJCA. Mail with registration form to address at top left.
Alan Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., has been officially nominated for president of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).
John Lemmermen, Galloway, Ohio, has been officially nominated for Director of the First District of the (AJCA).
Elaine Noble, Gillett, Pa., has been officially nominated for Director of the First District of the AJCA.
Ethan Haywood, Hastings, Mich., has been officially nominated for Director of the Second District of the AJCA.
Jason James, Mineral Point, Wis., has been officially nominated for Director of the Second District of the AJCA.
Rob Klinkner, Viroqua, Wis., has been officially nominated for Director of the Second District of the AJCA.
Joel Albright, Willard, Ohio, has been officially nominated for District 3 of National All-Jersey Inc.
Tommy and Amanda Allen, Reedsburg, Wis., gave birth to their second child, Gwen Dorothy Allen, on March 21, 2025. She weighed 6 lbs. 12 oz. and was 19 ½ inches long. Her two-year-old big sister, Cora Lynn, welcomed her home.
Tommy operates All-Lynn Jerseys in Reedsburg with his grandparents, David and Karen Allen. He attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2011. Amanda is a high school English teacher at Richland Center.
Lawton Jep Pearson was born on April 4, 2025, to James and Danielle Pearson, Lincolnton, N.C. She weighed 6 lbs. 8 oz. and was 21 ½ inches long. Paternal grandparents are Corey
and Bridgette Lutz, also of Lincolnton. She joins a family that also includes siblings, Larkin, 4, and Lakelyn, 2.
The family operates Piedmont Jerseys and Riverbend Creamery.
Cooper Robert Flick, the first child of Eddie and Sydney (Endres) Flick, Lodi, Wis., was born on April 12, 2025. He weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long. Cooper’s paternal grandfather is Dave Endres, also of Lodi.
The Endres family operates Endres Jazzy Jerseys. Sydney, a former AJCANAJ area representative, manages the cows, people and accounting for the farm. Eddie owns an animal control company and is a reservist with the U.S. Marines.
Jersey breeder Wiebren Jonkman of Merced, Calif., was recently featured by Dairy Herd Management for his success in improving the 1,100-cow herd at Diamond J Dairy. Much of this progress is attributed to genotyping, sound breeding principles and infrastructure investments to enhance cow comfort.
Jonkman, who grew up on a 70-cow dairy in the Netherlands, immigrated to California in 2004, where he landed a pivotal internship and met his wife, Luciana. They founded Diamond J Dairy in 2016.
The herd at Diamond J Dairy is enrolled on REAP. Jonkman has used sexed semen and whole-herd genomic testing to phase out the bottom end of the herd. His management goals include freshening heifers by 21 months of age and discontinuing breeding for cows beyond 250 days in milk. The dairy received a platinum award from the Dairy Cattle Reproductive Council.
The Jonkmans built new maternity and fresh cow facilities and a new freestall barn with advanced cooling systems. They made significant updates to the parlor and integrated CowManager in 2024 to better monitor the herd.
Maxwells Named Iowa Master Farmers
John and Joan Maxwell of Donahue, Iowa, have been honored with the Iowa Master Farmer award presented by Wallaces Farmer magazine. Together with John’s daughter, Amy, and his brother, Edwin, they operate Cinnamon Ridge Farms.
From modest beginnings, the Maxwells have built a diversified agriculture enterprise that includes a 200-cow Registered Jersey herd, a cow-calf beef operation, a wean-tofinish hog facility, and a flock of freerange laying hens. Their Jersey herd consistently ranks among the nation’s best for both production and genetic merit.
John was an early adopter of no-till planting in the late 1980s. In 1993, he won the state soybean yield contest, and by 2003, he was custom planting 14,000 acres using the no-till method. Today, the family farms 4,000 acres, implementing techniques such as cover crops, filter strips, waterways and tree plantings.
In 1989, the Maxwells built their own tiestall barn and milked there for 14 years before relocating the cows to be managed with another dairy herd. When Amy returned from college in 2012, the family constructed a robotic facility and moved the cows home. A year later, they expanded into cheesemaking and launched an agritourism venture.
John and Joan Maxwell were one of four recipients of the 2025 Iowa Master Farmer award in March.
jsamuelson56@yahoo.com
jkokoski@maplelinefarm.com
whiterockfarm1192@gmail.com
Kentucky Heritage: A Story of Jerseys, Tradition and Tomorrow
For the first time in half a century, the rolling green hills of Kentucky will once again echo with the conversations, celebrations, and connections of Jersey enthusiasts from across the country. In 2025, the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) are bringing their annual meetings back to the Bluegrass State—a place as steeped in Jersey history as it is in agricultural heritage.
The theme, “Kentucky Heritage: Jerseys, Bluegrass, Thoroughbreds and Bourbon,” sets the stage for a weeklong celebration that honors the past, embraces the present, and shapes the future.
Guests will journey into the heart of Kentucky’s traditions with stops that speak to the soul of the state. At Keightley & Core Jerseys, visitors will witness the dedication behind a Master Breeder herd known nationwide for excellence. A tour of Keeneland Racetrack and Spendthrift Farm will pull back the curtain on the high-stakes world of thoroughbred racing and breeding—where Kentucky’s influence stretches far beyond its borders.
History and hospitality will continue to unfold at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, once the third-largest Shaker community in the country, and at Castle & Key Distillery, where the story of Kentucky bourbon comes to life through restored architecture and rich storytelling.
On Thursday evening, attendees will enjoy an oldfashioned social with Chaney’s Dairy Farm and their renowned fresh Jersey ice cream, following a dinner of Kentucky Favorites. As the sun dips low, the National Heifer Sale will begin showcasing 50 of the finest heifers from the breed’s top cow families. The evening closes with live bluegrass music by Cane Run Bluegrass Band, providing the perfect soundtrack for laughter, c onnection, and reflection.
Throughout the week, honors will be given to those shaping the Jersey legacy. On Wednesday, June 25, seven outstanding young breeders will be recognized: Brady Core, William and Meagan Grammer, Ryan Haines, Matt Hogan and Kristin Hogan-Kilgore, Andrew and Valerie Mason, and Jessica Stiles-Hess. These individuals represent the next generation of leadership—full of drive, innovation, and pride in the breed.
On Friday, June 27, the spotlight turns
to some of the breed’s most respected contributors. Stuart and Elaine Noble will receive the Master Breeder Award. Chuck Luchsinger will be honored with the Distinguished Service Award, and Dan Grigson will be recognized with the AJCA-NAJ Award for Meritorious Service.
But beyond the accolades, the week will also be about the future of the industry. Two engaging producer roundtables will explore how to maximize profit through Jersey genetics and another on how farms can diversify through value-added services and products.
The youth experience will shine just as brightly. Opening night brings games and a pizza party hosted by The Dairy Alliance, followed by the first TransOva Youth Day on Friday. Hands-on workshops, pedigree reading, and dairy judging activities will fill the day at Keightley & Core Jerseys, ending with an evening of go-karts, laser tag, and arcade fun. Because shaping the next generation means fueling their curiosity—and joy.
On Saturday, June 28, the first-ever Jersey Youth Academy Benefit Auction will raise funds to support one of the most impactful youth programs in the dairy industry. In July, 35 students, with trips fully funded, will convene in Columbus, Ohio, to make this year’s ninth class. Over the course of a week, they’ll explore career paths, deepen their understanding of the dairy industry, gain confidence in their place within it, and make lifelong friends to share their experiences with.
At the center of it all are the Annual Membership Meetings, where both reflection and progress take the stage. The AJCA will debut a new election structure, transitioning from 12 to three regional districts, each electing one director and a president to four-year terms. NAJ members will be introduced to three directors through appointments or elections at their annual meeting.
Candidate biographies will be shared in the May issue of the Jersey Journal and on USJerseyJournal.com. Ballots will be mailed the week of May 19, and voting can be completed electronically, in person, or by proxy.
This isn’t just a meeting.
It’s a homecoming.
It’s heritage.
It’s a celebration of Jerseys, of people, of progress. Attend. Be inspired. Help shape the future. Register today: https://usjerseyannualmeeting.com/
Turning a Sour Situation into Sweet Success
When Registered Jersey breeders think of Chaney Farms, a pair of matriarchs likely comes to mind— Greenridge FW Chief Althea-ET and Generators Topsy. The two are of such significance that the Chaney family used the first letters of their common names for their prefix, Al-Top.
Truth be told, another cow developed by the Chaneys may be as famous—AlTop Century 629-317, known as “Miss Glimmer” to thousands of dairy-loving connoisseurs. Although she crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2020, her granddaughter, Al Top Lemonheads Genevieve, this month’s cover girl, is now carrying the torch as brand ambassador for Chaney Farms.
These icons are recognized outside the dairy community as the queens of the herd that produces milk for Chaney’s bottled milk and ice cream, sold wholesale and at Chaney’s Dairy Farm in Bowling Green, Ky.
Last year, the on-site processing plant bottled over a quarter of a million gallons of milk and churned more than 30,000 gallons of ice cream. Nearly 16,000 visitors toured the farm through organized
and self-guided tours, and a million came through the store. Thanks to its growing popularity, Chaney’s Dairy Barn now ranks #3 on Tripadvisor’s list of top attractions in Bowling Green.
Business is booming again this year, with year-over-year revenue up 34% for March. The plant is now processing
The Chaney family—Jessica Chaney Steele, Reed Steele, Matt Steele, Addison Steele, Jet Harper, Jacob Hunt with Rebecca Hunt, Dore Hunt, with “Miss Genevieve” and Stanley Hunt, Carl Neale and Debra Chaney, Haeden Chaney, Ilah Chaney, Randi Chaney, James Neale Chaney, Emmersen Chaney, Elizabeth Chaney Lunsford and Chase Lunsford with River Lunsford—operates Chaney Dairy Farm in Bowling Green, Ky. Photo courtesy Carrie Byrd.
26,000 lbs. of milk from the Chaney herd every week, along with 20-25,000 lbs. of milk from another producer.
Milk is turned into ice cream or bottled as whole milk, 2% milk, chocolate milk, half and half, and eggnog and strawberry milk in season. Wholesale products are sold primarily to Houchens, the restaurant food distributor What Chefs Want!, and Kroger, along with several local grocers, markets and eateries in the Bowling Green, Lexington and Louisville areas.
Born from Necessity, Grown from Urban Sprawl
The business is crrently owned by the fourth generation, Carl Chaney, and his wife, Debra, and is operated with the help of several other family members and 45-50 employees. Carl’s niece, Doré (Baker) Hunt manages the dairy herd.
The farm, processing plant and store are situated on 54 acres of land that has been farmed by the Chaney family since 1888. Initially, they raised chickens, pigs, mules and tobacco. In 1940, the family ventured into the dairy business when Carl’s father, Jim Chaney, purchased two
(continued
Carl and Debra Chaney built Chaney’s Dairy Barn in 2003 and initially sold ice cream and cold dishes. The Chaneys began bottling milk on the farm in 2017.
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Jersey cows. The Chaney’s shifted their focus to the cows and were milking about a hundred in the 1980s.
Another turning point for the farm came in the early 2000s, when milk prices slumped, and production costs soared. In 2003, Carl and Debra took a leap of faith and opened Chaney’s Dairy Barn, serving ice cream and cold dishes like chicken salad and soup.
About five years in, they saw an opportunity to expand the business when visitors to the recreation park across the street began requesting other options, like burgers and fries. This sparked the first expansion: an enlargement of the dining area and kitchen and the installation of a hood system for fried foods in 2008.
The latest expansion has been driven by rapid development in the area. About 10 years ago, the largest middle and high school in the state was built half a mile north of the Chaney farm. Across the road, a 100-acre field once used for corn and soybeans is now being transformed into a subdivision with 315 homes. The population of Bowling Green itself has grown more than 16% in the past decade.
“With all this going on around us, we knew it was time to grow again,” noted Carl. “We held off until after COVID-19 to make sure everything would settle down, then began construction in December 2023.”
The renovation at Chaney’s Dairy Barn wrapped up in October 2024. The 10,000-square-foot expansion has additional space for dining and storage and enhances the “cow to cone” experience. Visitors can watch ice cream being made in a new viewing area inside the store, then head to the barn to see where it all begins. The robotic milker is enclosed in glass on one side and lined with bleachers, giving guests a front-row
seat to the milking process. Upstairs, a large window offers a bird’s eye view of the cows as they eat, drink and lounge on the bedded pack.
From a business standpoint, the dairy barn purchases milk from the farm and pays a fee to the plant for processing. In turn, the dairy barn receives all income from sales and agritourism.
“We will pay the farm $28 per hundredweight this year,” Carl explained. “That’s the same price we paid last year and what we plan to pay next year. Everyone knows the price, so they can plan ahead and answer the question: are we where we need to be?”
But even at this premium, it is hard to make ends meet on a small dairy farm, said Carl.
Agritourism has been the saving grace. Guided tours run $8 per person while self-guided visits are $4. And let’s be honest—who leaves without a cone, a glass of chocolate milk, or the Grand Champion, the restaurant’s best-selling sandwich? Between tour guests and their add-ons, it all adds up.
“If it weren’t for tourism, I’m not sure the cows would still be here,” Carl summed. “The tours have essentially paid for the robot.”
Founded on Registered Jerseys
At the heart of the business, of course, are the cows. Jim Chaney, a recipient of the American Jersey Cattle Association’s (AJCA’s) most prestigious honor—Master Breeder—built an exceptional herd that subsequent generations have continued to develop.
Jim purchased the first famous matriarch, “Topsy,” as a 10-year-old at the HVF Dispersal in 1977. Despite her age, the 1973 National Grand Champion was still going strong. She went on to become
the breed’s first Excellent-97% cow at 13 years of age, completed 17 lactations in all, and won the 1985 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest.
“Althea” was purchased in 1990 as a six-year-old from Comfort Hill Jersey Farm. This brood cow extraordinaire impacted Jersey genetics across the globe through her 60 progeny, which included 15 sons in A.I. sired by 11 different bulls. In 2003, when Jim was named Master Breeder, she had more than 20,000 direct maternal line descendants. She placed second in the 2000 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest.
“There is a deep sense of pride and joy associated with the legacy of Jim Chaney,” said Doré. “It has been a huge motivator for us, not just to take full advantage of what the breed has to offer, but to continue to improve each generation born on the farm.”
The Chaneys have relied on AJCA programs for years, including REAP. The 60-cow herd has a 2024 herd average of 19,237 lbs. milk, 866 lbs. fat and 679 lbs. protein and includes 10 Excellent and 44 Very Good cows. In late 2019, they started using JerseyTags and quickly discovered some unexpected advantages.
“The legible information on each tag not only helps us manage the herd,” noted Doré. “It also helps the general public learn more about each animal.”
The Chaneys installed their first robot, an A4 Lely, in 2016 and upgraded to an A5 in 2022. They also use a Juno automatic feed pusher and a Discovery Collector for manure, both by Lely. Cows are housed on a compost-bedded pack.
“We embraced automation because we were doing lots of farm tours, and knew this technology would be very attractive to teachers,” said Carl.
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The playground at Chaney’s Dairy Barn is popular with parents who can bring the kiddos to play and then enjoy dairy treats like ice cream or a meal in the restaurant. More than a million people came through the store last year.
Greenridge FW Chief Althea-ET, purchased by Jim Chaney in 1990, is among the most wellknown matriarchs developed by the Chaneys. She placed second in the 2000 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest, a testament to her impact on the breed.
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Grady Auer Named General Manager of National All-Jersey Inc.
The USJersey organizations are pleased to announce the appointment of Grady Auer, London, Wis., as General Manager of National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ), effective April 1, 2025.
Auer
In this role, Auer will lead milk marketing efforts for the Jersey breed, representing NAJ at national hearings, overseeing value-added initiatives such as the Queen of Quality® program, and managing key communications including the Weekly Market Update and Monthly Equity Newsletter. He will also spearhead research and anal-
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ysis to highlight the economic and nutritional advantages of Jersey milk.
“Grady brings a practical approach to the NAJ General Manager position from his years of experience operating a dairy farm in Wisconsin,” said Kristin Paul, Assistant Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). “His energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to lifelong learning will be tremendous assets to our management team and, most importantly, to our NAJ members.”
Auer is a lifelong dairy farmer and business owner. His home operation, Bakake Acres, is home to over 700 Holsteins and Jerseys, with the Jersey herd—now 220 head on the REAP program. Founded with registered Holsteins, the farm has since evolved into a model of mixed-breed performance and management.
His on-farm experience has given him extensive knowledge in budgeting, financial planning, and risk
management, particularly through forward contracting of milk sales and commodity purchasing. Auer has also worked closely with the Dairy Revenue Protection program to safeguard his farm’s profitability.
In recognition of his leadership and commitment to the Jersey breed, Auer received the Young Jersey Breeder Award from AJCA in 2024.
The USJersey organizations look forward to the perspective and leadership Grady will bring as he helps guide the continued growth and success of NAJ and the Jersey breed.
The Chaneys raise feed for the herd on 50 acres, double-cropping corn used for silage with wheat and rye grass. They rent another 15 acres to grow wheat and rye and purchase local alfalfa hay.
The Goodness of Jersey Milk
“I think one of the reasons our sales have been so great is because they start with Jersey milk,” remarked Carl. “When we decided to sell milk, we knew we wanted to include all the extra cream. So instead of bottling the standard 3.25% milk, which most people purchase at the store as whole milk, we sell whatever the cows are producing. Right now, that is about 4.8% butterfat; that is what goes into the bottle.”
“Once we get a customer, they are hooked,” Carl continued. “They don’t want to switch back because there is nothing that tastes like full-fat Jersey milk.”
Jersey milk also makes a tremendous difference in ice cream. Instead of the 12-14% fat that is used to create most premium ice cream mixes, the content in the Chaney mix is 16%, which is termed as super-premium.
Chaney Dairy Barn’s products have earned awards in high-level competitions and the business has been recognized by media personalities as well.
“We submitted ice cream to the Los Angeles International Dairy Competition the past two years and will again this year,” remarked Carl. “We have received multiple gold medals and a perfect score of 100 for our chocolate milk. I think this is due to the extra fat and because we put a lot of work into our ice cream and dairy products.
“Most people don’t send their ice cream off to be judged,” he continued. “But it helps us find potential issues, like maybe it needs to be creamier or maybe the solids aren’t where they need to be. This is the kind of feedback we use to improve our ice cream.”
Being featured on Guy Fieri’s AllAmerican Road Trip (Season 2, Episode 1) has also done wonders for business.
“After that aired in June 2023, we had all kinds of people coming in and saying, ‘I saw Guy’s show and wanted my kids to come see the cows,’” noted Carl.
Chaney’s Dairy Barn was named the state’s #1 ice cream parlor by USA Today and was highlighted in an episode of Global Child: Travel with Purpose featuring Bowling Green, which has aired in 65 airports across the country. In addition, Abby Hornacek visited the farm
in November 2022 to milk a cow for the Fox Nation series Park’d.
From the Horse’s Mouth
This kind of interest shows consumers are genuinely eager to learn more about where and how their food is produced and the farmers who do it.
“A lot of what we do is education,” said Carl. “We’ve got to do this because nobody else can tell our story. Everyone else has a reason for doing it. We do not. We are out there with the cows, working with them and milking them every day.”
He continued, “People often ask why I don’t just hire someone to handle the tours. I am not sure I could pay someone to do this well. I try to be there almost every day because I believe visitors appreciate the person giving the tour and being able to ask questions, knowing they will get knowledgeable answers.”
As with any business that welcomes the public, there is always potential for misunderstandings or misconceptions. “When we opened the farm to visitors, we knew there was a chance someone might see something they didn’t like,” Carl admitted. “But we are very comfortable hosting guests. We take pride in keeping the grounds mowed and fences repaired, and post plenty of signs to guide visitors on where they can and cannot go.”
In recent years, people have come in droves, largely through word of mouth. The farm now offers 2-4 school or group tours daily from April through October and self-guided tours on demand until 5:30 p.m.
Beyond farm tours, a variety of activities and events draw guests to Chaney’s Dairy Barn, including Ice Cream and a Moovie during the summer, a corn maze in the fall, and Breakfast with Santa in the weeks leading up to Christmas.
“For the movie event, we project the show on one side of the dairy barn and people watch it sitting in lounge chairs or on blankets on the lawn, with the cows in the pasture as a backdrop,” Carl explained.
The event draws a crowd thanks to its free movie screenings and playground access. Add ice cream or dinner from the restaurant, and you have an affordable and fun way to spend a weekend evening.
“We typically see around 200 people on Friday and Saturday nights, but there have been times we’ve had as many as
500 or 600,” Carl noted.
For the Chaneys, the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship has been the relationships they have built over the years, with customers, employees, and often, people who are both.
“I remember a young boy, probably around 5 or 6 at the time, who used to come for ice cream every day when we first opened in 2003,” Carl recalled. “It was cool to see him return at 17, this time looking for a job.”
“Kids who met here have also gotten married and now have kids of their own. It has been fantastic to be a part of that, to be a part of employees’ lives, providing them a living as we provide one for ourselves.”
The “G” Family
For those in dairy, a love for cows comes naturally. The real surprise is how much interest they spark beyond the farm. Then again, maybe it is not so surprising. Elsie, the iconic face of Borden, was once recognized by 98% of Americans, her fame rivaling Mickey Mouse.
For the Chaneys, “Miss Glimmer” was a natural choice as their ambassador. Born in July 2003, she was sired by Altheas Century-ET, a “Centurion” son out of “Althea,” and a granddaughter of Sweet Grass Duncan Glimmer {6}, a foundation cow the Chaneys bought at the Sweet Grass Dispersal in 1995.
“Miss Glimmer” completed 10 lactations and was appraised Excellent-92%. She was backed by three Excellent dams, and her daughter (the dam of “Miss Genevieve”) was Excellent as well. With “Miss Genevieve” appraised Excellent-91%, this branch of the “G” family includes six generations of Excellents.
For many years, they celebrated June Dairy Month with Miss Glimmer Ap-
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Ice Cream and a Moovie is among the most popular events at Chaney’s Dairy Barn in the summer. The free event typically draws a couple hundred guests, but has brought in upwards of 500-600 people.
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preciation Day. When she passed away in 2020 at 17, the local TV station covered the story.
“People know ‘Miss Glimmer’ because she was on every single tour for probably eight years,” Carl noted. “Even today, people stop me and ask, ‘How is Miss Glimmer?’”
When her daughter calved in 2016, the Chaneys shared a photo of the calf on Facebook and announced: We need a name. She is from the G family. Her mother’s name starts with a G, so we need a name that starts with a G as well. “We had almost 600 recommendations,”
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Carl said. “That’s how ‘Miss Genevieve’ got her name.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of breeding Registered Jerseys for me personally is seeing the interest in our cows, said Doré. “It has been awesome to see how much the community loves our cows, that they remember ‘Glimmer,’ and are interested in hearing about her descendants in the herd today.”
As for “Miss Genevieve,” the descendants of “Topsy” and “Althea,” and the rest of the herd, the future looks bright. Now it’s just a matter of seeing what the Chaney family dreams up next and where the journey will take the herd and their dairy-loving customers.
Junior Awards Available
Throughout the year, awards for shows and production and judging contests are provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) at events specifically for Jersey juniors.
For junior shows at county, district, and state levels, the AJCA will provide ribbons for the first, second, and third place animals, plus a Grand Champion rosette. In addition to the rosette, a special award is provided for the Grand Champion at state fairs and AJCA-designated regional shows. Awards are also provided for showmanship contests exclusively for Jersey juniors.
Awards must be requested annually. Contact the AJCA Director of Communicaitons at 614/322-4451, at least two weeks in advance of the event. Regretfully, requests made within two weeks of the show date cannot be filled.
July 1 is Deadline to Apply for National Scholarships and Educational Awards
Tuesday, July 1 is the deadline to apply for scholarship and educational awards administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
This year $41,600 will be awarded to Jersey youth. The funds provide financial support for young Jersey owners pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle. Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded for the fourth year. Students that are incoming or current undergraduates in any post education institution studying dairy related majors are eligible. Applicants must be working towards a 2-year or 4-year degree and demonstrating satisfactory academic performance. Recipients are eligible to receive scholarship up to two (2) times but must reapply to be considered.
The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate student in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production/manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.
Students who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2025 may apply for the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000). Students who have completed at least one year of study toward their degree are eligible for the V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($2,250). Also, the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,250) will be awarded to an eligible nominee for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
The Lineweaver Scholarship ($3,500) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.
The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($2,750) will be awarded to a junior or senior
undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing.
The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($2,500). This scholarship was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, Calif., from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020.
Students who are high school graduates and have attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply if heading to, or already enrolled in an accredited four-year college/university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.
The award is based upon financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills. Financial need will be determined by comparing the Cost of Attendance (COA) at the students university offset by the amount of money the student will contribute in the form of (1) scholarships and grants, (2) income from work, (3) loans, and (4) contributions from parents and/or others. It may be automatically renewed up to three times or until completion of the undergraduate degree, as long as eligibility requirements are met.
A Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to 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, and who demonstrates through completed coursework and goal statement, significant progress toward this intended degree and a clear intention for a career in agriculture.
The Paul Jackson Memorial Schol-
arship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($1,500) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.
The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/ or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.
Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of January 1, 2025.
For application forms and instructions, visit the “Scholarships and Internships” page on the USJersey website or use the link, tinyurl.com/ JerseyScholarships. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 8 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held in Louisville, Ky.
For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.
THE ALL AMERICAN SHOW & SALE
Plans Underway for 2025 All American Events
Enhancingthe shows and sales at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) was the topic of all committees for the 2025 planning meeting for the All American Jersey events.
Jersey breeders from across the country, North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) and USJersey staff met via Zoom conference calls from March 5-6, 2025, to plan the 72nd edition of The All American Jersey Shows and Sales. This year it will be four days of All Jerseys, All the Time in Louisville, Ky., on November 7-10, 2025.
More than 70 committee members engaged in discussion during the General Session and four committees through Zoom meetings. The meetings were called to order by General Chair Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore. Attending members also heard from NAILE officials Corinne Fetter, Dan Grigson, Paige Dupin and Bobby Bell as well as Executive Secretary Neal Smith.
Recap of the 2024 Event
The 2024 All American was the largest event in more than 30 years for participants. Total animals through the ring were 459 in the open show and National Jersey Jug Futurity, plus 280 head exhibited by 169 youth in the junior show. The Pot O’Gold Sale again offered a strong group of 28 productionbred, all genotyped heifers with an average of $3,385.71 followed by the highly successful All American Sale of 47 lots averaging $6,694.68.
More than $50,000 was presented in award money and scholarships to three dozen youth at the Youth Awards Ceremony and the Give Us Your Best
The 2025 schedule will be as follows: Friday, November 7
7:30 a.m.—The All American Junior Jersey Show, beginning with junior showmanship;
9:00 a.m.—The All American Junior Jersey Heifer Show
1:30 p.m. —The All American Junior Jersey Cow Show
6:00 p.m.—Supreme Champions for All American Junior Dairy Show Saturday, November 8
9:00 a.m.—Youth Awards Ceremony; 12:00 p.m.—Give Your Best 60 Seconds public speaking contest;
1:00 p.m.—Pot O’Gold Sale
3:00 p.m.—Pre-sale Social
3:30 p.m.—All American Jersey Sale Sunday, November 9
7:30 a.m.—The All American Jersey Heifer Show;
2:00 p.m.—The National Jersey Jug Futurity
Monday, November 10
7:30 a.m.—The All American Jersey Cow Show, beginning with the Milking Winter Yearling class; 2:30 p.m.—Supreme Champion Ceremony
Executive Committee
Unaudited financial statements for 2024 showed a net loss from operations of $10,784. Total revenues were $104,156 and expenditures of $114,940 with realized and unrealized gain on securities of $5,046.
The 2025 budget was approved, based on revenues of $123,650 and expenses of $123,300.
Sponsorship fees approved for 2025 were reviewed: show class sponsorships, $300; banner-trophy sponsorships, $325; and other trophy sponsorships, $200.
Recognition levels for the event are:
• Underwriters, $10,000 and over;
• Primary Sponsors, $5,000 to $9,999;
• Chairman’s Circle, $1,000 to $4,999;
• Sustainers, $500 to $999;
• Patrons, $250 to $499; and
• Friends of the All American, contributions to $249.
Sale Committee
The All American Jersey Sale committee met and set the schedule fo the 2025 event. Both sales will be held on Saturday, November 8.
The Pot O’Gold Jersey Sale for juniors will be moved to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, following the Youth Award Ceremony and the “Give Your Best 60-second Intro” public speaking
Participating in the Sale Committee were Cornell Kasbergen, chair; Jerry Emerich, associate chair; Alan Chittenden, AJCA president; Joel Albright, Brad Barham, Tyler Boyd, Ethan Haywood, Michael Hurst, Herby Lutz, Kevin Lutz and Bradley Taylor.
Joining the Open Show committee were members: Joe Rocha, chair; Corey Lutz, associate chair; John Boer, Alta Mae Core, Ted DeMent, Lisa Demmer, Becky Ferry, Pat Gourley, Garry Hansen, Lisa Leach, John Lemmerman, Ann Marie Magnochi, Christy Ratliff, Christine Sheesley Rozler, Mike Stiles and Kaila Wussow Tauchen.
The Junior Activities Committee included Laura Jackson, chair; Josh Gordon, associate chair; Skylar Buell, Brittany Chase, Wanda Emerich, Clancey Krahn, Lynda Lehr, John Marcoot, Renee McCauley, Jackie Mudd, Walter Owens, Katelyn Poitras, Regina Pozzi, Emma Townsend, Emma Vos, Colin Wussow and Mason Ziemba.
60 Second public speaking contest on Saturday.
Members of the Jersey Jug Futurity Committee on the Zoom call were Amy Krahn, chair; Corrina Aldrich, Meganne Chapman, Cheryl DeMent, Garry Hansen, Regan Jackson, Donna Phillips, Dennis Post, Brooke Powers, Sally Pozzi, Sarah Rocha, and Patricia Stiles.
contest. Pizza will be served for all youth in attendance.
The All American Jersey Sale will be held at 3:30 p.m., with the pre-sale social beginning at 3:00 p.m. Presale ceremonies will start at 3:15 p.m. Both the All American Jersey Sale and Pot O’Gold Sale will be streamed live through CowBuyer.com.
Females. Females must be recorded with a minimum Generation Count 4 and also have a Breed Base Representation (BBR) of 100. Animals should be parentage qualified. Heifers under six months of age will have the option of being sold by virtual video format.
All females must be parentage verified or have a sample submitted by sale day.
Males. If available, high-ranking genomic-tested young bulls will be offered for syndication, based on marketability. They must have a minimum Generation Count 6 with a BBR of 100 to be sold. If available, a bull that meets the same requirements as females will be offered in the live sale as a non-syndicated bull.
No animal may have a declared carrier of Limber Legs (LL) or Rectovaginal Constriction (RVC) in its three-generation pedigree. Declared carriers of BLAD, DUMPS, SMA, SDM or Holstein haplotype 1, 3, 4 or 5 by genotype test will not be accepted. Bulls selling must also be designated free of Jersey Haplotype 1 and JNS (Jersey Neuropathy and Splayed Forelimbs).
genotyped and having official genomic evaluations by sale date.
Open Show
The All American Jersey Show will continue as a two-day show. It is scheduled for Sunday, November 10 at 7:30 a.m. for the heifers and Monday, November 11, at 7:30 a.m. for the cows, with the Supreme Champion ceremony being held immediately following the show.
Animals are eligible to be shown when recorded by the American Jersey Cattle Association in the Herd Register or with Generation Count 4 or greater, or by Jersey Canada with registry status of 93.75% and greater.
• The Winner and Reserve Winner of the National Jersey Jug Futurity will move to the Grand Champion class;
• Intermediate Champion will include first and second place winners from the milking winter yearling class through the junior three-year-old class (six classes represented); and
• Senior Champion class will consist of the first and second place winners from the senior three-year-old class through the lifetime cheese yield class (five classes represented).
Executive Committee
one-time payment at nomination time. A breeder can pay a one-time fee of $55 per entry.
The Winner and Reserve Winner of the National Jersey Jug Futurity will compete in the Grand Champion class during the cow show on Monday.
The winner will earn first-place points for Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor. The Reserve Winner will be credited with second-place points for Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor. However, the Reserve Winner is eligible to be shown in her class in the open show. If shown, points for Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor will be determined by her placing in the open show and she will not be eligible for a championship class unless she places first or second in the class. Cows placing third through sixth in the Futurity that do not show in the open show will be credited with the appropriate points for Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor. In all cases, Premier Exhibitor points are awarded to the Recorded Owner for the Futurity, even if ownership changes before the open show.
There are 398 two-year-olds eligible to make the final payment for the 2025 Futurity. Payment is due in the AJCA office no later than September 20. A total of 981 animals were nominated for the 2027 Futurity.
Members of the 2025 Executive Committee are Garry Hansen, general chair; Herby Lutz, associate general chair; Cornell Kasbergen, sale chair; Jerry Emerich, associate sale chair; Joe Rocha, open show chair; Corey Lutz, open show associate chair; Amy Krahn, futurity chair; Julie Ziegler, associate futurity chair; Laura Jackson, junior activities chair; Josh Gordon, associate junior activities chair; Ted DeMent, past general chair and Alan Chittenden, AJCA President.
Sale commissions will be at the following rates: females and nonsyndicated males, 20% for the first $10,000, then 15% on the amount from $10,001 to $30,000 and 10% on amounts over 30,001; and syndicated males at 33-1/3% for the first $50,000 and 15% at $50,001 and over.
It was recommended to sell 30-33 heifers in the Pot O’Gold Sale. The sale will be Saturday afternoon, November 9 at 1:00 p.m. following the Youth Awards Ceremony and public speaking contest. Commission will remain at 25%, with 17% set aside for the production contest awards. Females must be a minimum Generation Count 4 with a BBR of 100 to be eligible for the sale, with all heifers
The Premier Performance Class will continue as a leadout class. All qualified cows will be required to return to the ring for recognition or performance class premiums will be forfeited.
National Jersey Jug Futurity
“Putting on the Ritz” will be the theme for the 2025 show on Sunday, November 9, beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The committee endorsed the decision to allow owners that miss the December 31 deadline to submit nominations from January 1 to March 1 at $15 per entry. All other payments not received by the published deadlines will be refused and the animal(s) will be disqualified.
The committee continued to endorse a discount for participants making a
Junior Show & Activities
The All American Junior Jersey Show will be held on Friday, November 7, beginning with showmanship classes at 7:30 a.m.
Showmanship will continue to be a staggered start for the three divisions, beginning with the juniors, followed by the intermediate class midway through, and then the seniors will begin partway through the intermediate division.
The committee recommended heifer classes follow showmanship and begin at 9:00 a.m. The milking classes will follow the selection of Junior Champion at 1:30 p.m.
The eligibility and ownership rules were discussed and approved for the junior show:
Rule 1, Exhibitors. Exhibitors must be no younger than nine (9) and no older than 20 years of age as of January 1, 2025. U.S. residents must be members
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All
American
Planning
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(junior or lifetime) of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
Rule 2, Entries. Animals are eligible when recorded by the American Jersey Cattle Association in the Herd Register or with Generation Count 4 or greater, or by Jersey Canada with registry status of 93.75% and greater.
The exhibitor must be listed as Recorded Owner on the registration certificate, either (1) as the sole owner or (2) by his/her name in joint ownership. If the joint ownership includes more than one person meeting the eligibility requirements of Rule 1 (above), one of them must be declared as the exhibitor during check-in.
Animals must be registered and/or transferred to meet one of the above ownership requirements on or before August 1, 2025. The date of registration and/or transfer is the Date Recorded printed on the registration certificate. Rule 3, Participation. Entries must be shown by the exhibitor, except by prior written approval from NAILE. Alternate leadspersons must (1) be associated with the Herd Unit and also eligible to show by age (Rule 1), or (2) if not, be the same age or younger than
the exhibitor of the animal being shown. Requests for alternate leadsperson must be submitted for approval by the NAILE dairy show superintendent on forms provided by the AJCA not later than 12:00 noon the day before the show.
No more than two (2) animals may be shown by one exhibitor in any one class. The exhibitor must lead the first entry and the second entry must be led by an NAILE approved alternate leadsperson.
Adults can not show in any case.
Rule 4, Breeder Status. In order to qualify for Premier Breeder points and Best Bred and Owned awards, the exhibitor declared at check-in must have his/her name recorded as a Breeder on the animal’s registration certificate. These awards will be made only to the individual exhibitor in the case of partnership animals.
Entry forms for Premier Junior Breeder and Premier Junior Exhibitor will be distributed at check-in. Submit forms not later than 6:00 p.m. on the day prior to the show to the Jersey show superintendent.
The Youth Awards Ceremony will be Saturday morning, November 9, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a pizza party for the juniors and the “60-second introduction” youth public speaking
contest at noon.
The National Jersey Queen contest will be structured as follows:
Quiz and Interview during the All American Junior Show on Friday, November 7;
Final phase and selection of the finalists on Saturday, November 8 at the Youth Awards Ceremony.
Crowning of the National Jersey Queen on Sunday, November 9 before the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity.
A fundraising subcommittee was established to develop a long-term financial plan for the National Jersey Queen program.
Judges Named for 2025 All American Jersey Shows
The judges have been selected for The 73rd All American Jersey Shows, sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).
The largest exhibition of Registered Jersey™ cattle in the world, The All American’s three shows, will be held November 7-10, 2025, in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky.
Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., will judge The All American Jersey Show on Sunday and Monday, November 9-10. This will be his first time to officiate the open Jersey show in Louisville. Ryan is an accomplished judge having officiated the World Dairy Expo Jersey Show in 2024 and the Mid-Atlantic Jersey Show in 2023 in Harrisburg, Pa. In addition, he has judged the Midwest Spring and Fall National Holstein Shows, the AllAmerican Holstein Show and numerous state shows across the country.
Selected to place the oldest and richest class for dairy cattle in the world is Trent Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill. He will judge the 72nd National Jersey Jug Futurity on November 9. This will be his second appearance as a judge in The All American rings. In 2024, he served as the official for The All American Junior Jersey Show and in 2021, he was the associate for the All American Open Show. Last year, he placed the Western National Jersey Show and Kentucky State Fair. In addition, he has judged multiple breeds at the Illinois State Fair and many county fairs throughout the state.
There are 398 three-year-olds currently eligible for the 2025 National Jersey Jug Futurity. Last year, the show offered $13,615 in premiums, with the winner receiving a check for $3,312.
The judge for The All American Junior Jersey Show on Friday, November 7, will be Christy Ratliff, Garnett, Kan. While Christy is a familiar face on the green shavings, this will be her first time
to officiate one of the national Jersey shows. She is slated to judge several shows in 2025 across the country and officiated the Royal Sydney Show in Australia, the South Dakota State Fair, and the Kansas All Breeds Dairy Show in 2024. Christy was named Young Jersey Breeder of the AJCA in 2008 and received the Master Breeder Award in 2018 with her husband Ron.
The first and second place winners in each class of these shows will become the 2025 All American and Reserve All American honorees of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
2025 Schedule for the All American Jersey Shows & Sales
The Jersey weekend will begin on Friday November 7, 2025, with the All American Junior Jersey Show. The show will begin with junior showmanship at 7:30 a.m. The Jersey heifers will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the cow show starting at approximately 1:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the show, the Supreme Champions of the NAILE Junior Dairy Shows will be selected.
On Saturday, November 8, the Jersey Youth Awards Ceremony will be held at 9:00 a.m., and recognize approximately four dozen youth award winners. At noon the “Give Your Best 60 Second Intro” public speaking contest for youth will take place. At 1:00 p.m. the Pot O’Gold Sale will be held, followed by the All American pre-sale social at 3:00 p.m. The All American Jersey Sale will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the West Wing.
The All American Jersey Show will be split over Sunday and Monday. The heifers will show at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, November 9. The National Jersey Jug Futurity will follow the show at 2:00 p.m.
On Monday morning, November 10, the Jersey cows will take to the green shavings at 7:30 a.m. At the conclusion of the cow show, Supreme Champion of the NAILE Dairy shows will be crowned.
To view more information on The All American events, visit the official website of the All American Jersey Shows and Sales at https:// theallamerican.usjerseyjournal.com.
For information on show entry fees and deadline, visit www.livestockexpo. org.
Krohlow
Kilgus
Ratliff
Senior Two-Year-Old Tops
Kilgus Sale for $50,000
Buyers showed their appreciation for show-ring genetics at the Kilgus Elite Sale, paying an average of $4,831.08 for the 111 lots and $50,000 for the high seller, Kilgus VIP Margarita-ET.
Texas, for $17,900. Backed by another show-winning cow family, the spring yearling is sired by ST-Lo Video-ET, GJPI -37. She has six Excellent maternal sisters, including Budjon-Vail Jordan C Shaneese-ET, Excellent-93%, Winner of the National Jersey Jug Futurity. Another maternal sister, Shots VIP Shot of Love-ET, was All American Summer Yearling in 2022, while a third maternal sister, Budjon-Vail KK Take a Shot-ET, was named Reserve Junior All American Winter Calf last fall.
Sale Management: HammerTime
Auctioneer: Ryan Krohlow
The Kilgus family of Fairbury, Ill., hosted the sale on March 15, 2025, at a facility about two miles from the farmstead where they manage the Registered Jersey herd and bottle milk produced by the cows. The sale lineup featured selections from the Kilgus herd along with guest consignments from across the country.
The previously mentioned high seller, an added lot, garnered attention for her beautiful udder, style and fancy pedigree. The partnership of Misty Meadow Dairy of Tillamook, Ore., and Kilgus Dairy was victorious in bidding on the young cow sired by River Valley Venus VIP-ET, GJPI -110. “Margarita” calved in late January and was appraised Very Good88% at 2-2. She is a maternal sister to a bull currently being marketed by Kilgus Sires, Kilgus VIP Mustang-ET.
Their dam, Kilgus Chrome MaciET, Excellent-94%, has three records over 20,000 lbs. milk and a top record of 5-2 305 29,930 5.0% 1,490 3.5% 1,049 97DCR. The next dam is an Excellent-91% daughter of Arethusa Verbatim Response-ET, GJPI -71. The next dam is Pine Haven SSM Marmie, Excellent-95%, Supreme Champion of the 2011 North American International Livestock Exposition. She was All American Lifetime Cheese Production Cow two years later and Reserve Junior All American Aged Cow in 2014. She has 18,840 lbs. milk, 902 lbs. fat and 692 lbs. protein at 4-9.
She was consigned by Kilgus Dairy and Carla, Kamber and Ryker Kilgus.
The second high seller, Budjon-Vail Video Shyanne-ET, was purchased by Kaleb and Henry Osinga of Hico,
“Shyanne’s” dam, Schulte Bros Tequila Shot-ET, Excellent-95%, was All American fall calf in 2013 and earned the laurels in Louisville, Ky., the following year as well. She was All-Canadian as a senior three-yearold in 2016 and as a four-year-old the next year. “Shot” has three records over 20,000 lbs. milk and made her best record of 22,970 lbs. milk, 1,203 lbs. fat and 793 lbs. protein at 7-7.
The next dam, Mi Wil Deluxe Gorgeous, Excellent-92%, was Reserve Grand Champion of the Iowa State Fair Junior Show in 2008. The fourth dam of “Shyanne” is Excellent-93% and has a best record of 8-3 305 20,116 5.2% 1,054 3.4% 688 97DCR.
“Shyanne” was consigned by Peter Vail and Budjon Farms, Lomira, Wis. Maker Farms Inc., Quality Holsteins and Eric Dupusquier of Rockwood, Ont., partnered in the purchase of the third high seller, South Mtn & Co Chocochip Chloe-ET, who crossed the auction block for $12,500. The fall calf sired by Avonlea Chocochip-ET, GJPI -33, hails from the “Comet” branch of the “Veronica” cow family. She has at least five Excellent maternal sisters, including South Mountain Fizz ChablisET, who was Reserve All American FourYear-Old in 2023.
Their dam, Elliotts Cosmo Action-ET, Excellent-93%, has a three-lactation m.e. average of 24,084—1,242—853. She topped the senior three-year-old class at the International Jersey Show in 2014. The next dam, Arethusa Veronicas Comet-ET, Excellent-95%, was AllCanadian as a senior three-year-old in 2009 and All-Canadian and Grand Champion of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair the following year. She has an m.e. average of 20,394—1,152—718 on five records.
The next dam is Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J, Excellent-97%. The wellknown breed matriarch was National Grand Champion in 2002 and has twice been Grand Champion of the
International Jersey Show, earning laurels as Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo in 2006. She was voted winner of the Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest in 2015. “Veronica” has four records over 21,000 lbs. milk and a best record of 6-8 365 24,442 5.6% 1,380 3.9% 732 96DCR. The next six dams are Very Good or Excellent in Canada.
“Chloe” was consigned by Ernest Kueffner, Terri Packard, Kaitlyn Corbett and Nate Oleniacz, Boonsboro, Md. Wendy Midtling of Bloomer, Wis., purchased the fourth high seller, Kilgus VIP Charm-ET, for $12,250. The Excellent-91% four-year-old freshened with her second calf in mid-September and is due to calve again in early August with an ultrasound-confirmed female by KCJF Joyride Dreaming, GJPI -34. The “VIP” daughter has a projected 305-day record of 17,846 lbs. milk, 947 lbs. fat and 618 lbs. protein at 3-3.
“Charm” has two Excellent maternal sisters, including Oliver Chick of Kilgus-P, Excellent-93%, with 21,270 lbs. milk, 1,003 lbs. fat and 753 lbs. protein at 4-11. Their dam, Maker Chavez Chirp, Excellent-94%, was Reserve Intermediate Champion of the 2018 Illinois State Fair and placed third in the four-year-old class at the All American Junior Jersey Show two years later. She has 21,470 lbs. milk, 904 lbs. fat and 799 lbs. protein at 4-1.
Five of the next six dams are Excellent in Canada.
“Charm” was consigned by Kilgus Dairy and Carla, Kamber and Ryker Kilgus.
The sale was managed by HammerTime, with Ryan Krohlow serving as the auctioneer and Norm Nabholz reading pedigrees. Jersey enthusiasts were treated to an ice cream bar and dinner featuring Kilgus beef brisket the day before at Kilgus Farmstead and donuts and Kilgus chocolate milk the day of the sale.
A special drawing for junior buyers was also held, with names added to the hat and winners drawn after the sale. Five prizes were awarded, including embryo packages from leading cow families at Kilgus Farmstead and the buyer’s choice of five units of sexed semen from Kilgus Sires.
Sales $5,000 and Over
(Consignors in Parentheses)
Misty Meadow Dairy and Kilgus Dairy, Fairbury, Ill. Kilgus VIP Margarita-ET, cow 2 yrs $50,000 (Kilgus Dairy and Carla, Kamber and Ryker Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill.)
Kaleb and Henry Osinga, Hico, Texas
Budjon-Vail Video Shyanne-ET, open yearling 13 mos. 17,900 (Peter Vail and Budjon Farms, Lomira, Wis.)
rockbottomdairy@yahoo.com
highlandfarmsdairy@gmail.com
waverlyfarm@comcast.net
maxwell@tourmyfarm.com
Kilgus Elite Sale
(continued from page 31)
Maker Farms Inc., Quality Holsteins and Eric Dupusquier, Rockwood, Ont.
South Mtn & Co Chocochip Chloe-ET, heifer calf 5 mos. 12,500 (Ernest Kueffner, Terri Packard, Kaitlyn Corbett and Nate Oleniacz, Boonsboro, Md.)
Wendy Midtling, Bloomer, Wis.
Kilgus VIP Charm-ET, cow 3 yrs. 12,250 (Kilgus Dairy and Carla, Kamber and Ryker Kilgus) Makayla, Kaleb, Kylie, Katie and Jaclyn Osinga, Hico, Texas
Lost-Brooke CF Kid Rock Faith-ET, heifer calf 9 mos. 11,250
(Crestbrooke, Lost Elm and Fisher, Fond du Lac, Wis.)
Active A.I. and Foreign Bulls Ranked By GJPI, April 2025
The 70 highest-ranking bulls with NAAB marketing codes A and F from the official single breed “S” genetic evaluations released by the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) for December 2024 are listed below. Code A indicates active A.I. progeny proven bulls, while code F designates foreign-proven bulls marketed in the United States. Bulls must be genotyped and have a BBR (breed base representation) to be included. A total of 142 Jersey bulls with the A and F codes and 100
BBR qualified for the April evaluation release. The group average is -113M, +11F, +3P, CM$ +91, NM$ +82, DPR +0.11, GJUI +12.65 and +68 GJPI.
For the complete list of Active A.I. and Foreign Bulls Marketed in the U.S., refer to the Jersey Genetic Summary (Vol. 30, No. 1, online at http://greenbook.usjersey.com). Three-generation AJCA Official Performance Pedigrees are included on the Green Book website.
Appraisal Traits for Active A.I. and Foreign Bulls Ranked By GJPI
Jersey Performance IndexTM and Appraisal Trait PTAs
JPI2023 (first column below) predicts the efficiency of production by expressing lifetime production of fat and protein per unit of feed consumed.
Traits and their weights in JPI2025, are 30% PTA protein; 25% PTA fat; 15% Fertility (includes 7% Daughter Pregnancy Rate, and 8% Cow Conception Rate); 10% Productive Life; 10% Udder traits (includes 4% Fore Udder, 4% Udder Depth, and 2% Rear Udder Height); and 5% Somatic Cell Score
The weight of each trait in the JPI formula was published in the October 2023 issue on page 18.
Jersey Haplotype Status
Official status for Jersey Haplotype 1 and Jersey Neuropathy with Splayed Forelimbs (JNS), based on a genotype of 6K or higher density, is listed: F designating status Free, C designating status Carrier. For more information, contact AJCA Herd Services.
PERFORMANCE REPORT
Top 10 Bulls Ranked Within Categories
The top 10 Active A.I. and Foreign Bulls Marketed in the U.S. (Herd Register Or Generation Count 4-6 And BBR 100 with NAAB status codes A and F) are listed for each evaluated trait.
The top 10 Genomic Young Sires (G-Code) Marketed in the U.S. (Herd Register Or Generation Count 4-6 And BBR 100 with NAAB status code of G) are listed for each evaluated trait.
JX Progenesis Wichita {5}-ET 45 Fb World Classic-ET 45
JX River Valley Mac Tailor {6}-ET 45 Peak Cartwright-ET 45
JX Progenesis Feedback {5}-ET 44
JX Peak Groovy {6}-ET 44
JX Vierra Fender {6}-ET 44
PTA Percent Protein
ISNZ Maharee Karl Guardsman-ET 0.28
VJ Vejen Garant Goldman-ET 0.17
Annettes J Aldean-ET 0.16
Dulet Mr Brown-ET 0.16
Lencrest Skyblast-ET 0.16
TOG CCI Drosselmeyer 5052-P
Peak Altamalachi-ET 601
JX Primus Geppetto Clooney {6}-ET 600
JX Cal-Mart Julius {5}-ET 600
Victory Nicklaus Scheffler-ET 599
JX Peak Altafarva {6}-ET 599
JX SBS Yellowstone {6}-ET 586
JX Avi-Lanche Grandeur {6}-ET 584
S-S-I Victory Clever Purify-ET 582
JX Peak Armo {6}-ET 582
Fluid Merit Dollars (FM$)
JX Victory Chatham Wyndham {5}-ET 662
JX Peak Deposit {5}-ET 639
JX Peak Altadrayce {6}-ET 609
JX Primus Geppetto Clooney {6}-ET 596
Peak Altamalachi-ET 590
JX Cal-Mart Julius {5}-ET 568
Cal-Mart Jeep-P-ET 564
JX Peak Altanero {6}-P-ET 558
JX Sandcreeks Jfk Meloy {6}-P-ET 557
JX Peak Armo {6}-ET 546
JX Peak Zipline {6}-ET 546
Grazing Merit Dollars (GM$)
JX Victory Chatham Wyndham {5}-ET 629
JX Peak Deposit {5}-ET 593
S-S-I Victory Clever Purify-ET 574
JX Cal-Mart Julius {5}-ET 574
JX Peak Altafarva {6}-ET 558
JX Peak Armo {6}-ET 555
JX Primus Geppetto Clooney {6}-ET 552
JX Avi-Lanche Grandeur {6}-ET 548
Peak Altamalachi-ET 547
Cal-Mart Economy-ET 547
JX Cal-Mart Tiktok {6}-ET 547
Top 10 G-Bulls By Categories
(continued from page 39)
whollycowbella@hotmail.com
dreamroadjersey@yahoo.com
bgc33@cornell.edu
timlawton581@gmail.com
denkeljerseys@aol.com
heavenscentjerseys@gmail.com
kevetta.farms@gmail.com
silverspf@aol.com
info@ladylanefarm.com
jbansen@gmail.com
jennie.seals@gmail.com
desijosi@wilsonview.com
North Carolina Jersey Breeders Association - Annual Meeting February 15, 2025 Agriculture Center, Statesville
Officers for 2025: Corey Alan Lutz, Lincolnton, president; Major Bond, Wendell, vice president; Shirley LeForge, Union Grove, secretary; Coy Reese, Taylorsville, treasurer.
New Directors: Amanda Baldwin, Statesville; Major Bond; Lonnie Hoffner, Mooresville; Lane Karriker, Mocksville; and Kevin Lutz, Lincolnton.
Nancy Keith, extension director for Iredell County, talked about the North Carolina junior dairy program. At the state dairy judging contest this past April, Iredell County placed first in the 4-H senior division. The FFA contest included 38 senior teams. She encouraged juniors to attend the Southeast Dairy Youth Retreat July 6-10 in Bowling Green, Ky.
Jesse Ledbetter, the FFA advisor at Davie County High School, and Reid Ledbetter unveiled a plaque honoring the late Wayne Lutz for his contributions to the agriculture program at the school. Lutz mentored many young people and often held practice dairy judging sessions at his family farm, Deerview Jerseys, in Mocksville.
Dennis Leamon of Statesville gave a “show and tell” presentation in which he described how he got a start in the dairy business and displayed several antique items, including a horn crank for shaping horns on show cattle, a decorative chain for the horns, a bull
lead and brass neck chains.
Growing up in Tennessee, Leamon helped a local dairy farmer with chores, and, in return, was given his choice of some Jersey show heifers. He began showing and then earned a degree in dairy production from the University of Tennessee. He landed a job with Mayfield Dairy and then managed heifers on a dairy in Okeechobee, Fla. He returned to Iredell County to milk cows on a leased farm for five years before purchasing the Reuben Cowles farm in Statesville in 1979. He operated Lucky L Jerseys, an intensively grazed herd of 325 cows, with his family for many years and then leased the farm to the Price brothers.
The board approved the elimination of the annual meeting in January. Instead, it will be held in conjunction with the North Carolina Field Day and North Carolina Pot O’Gold Sale. This year, the events will be held at Lutheridge Farm in Mount Ulla on July 26.
Members enjoyed fellowship and lunch and recognized junior and senior members for achievements with Registered Jerseys.
Ray Mayne Trophy
High milk production cows under three (305-day, 2x, ME)
Piedmont Craze Supreme, VG-80%
Corey and Mandy Lutz and James and Olivia Pearson, Lincolnton
Biltmore Farms Cup
High milk production cows three years and older (305-day, 2x, ME)
Piedmont Chrome Delilah, E-92%
Olivia Price Pearson, Lincolnton
Myatt-Lutz Trophy
High protein production, all ages (305-day, 2x, ME)
Simply Natural Valentino Jenny {2}, VG-86%
Neil Moye, Ayden
Sunbeam Farms Trophy
High lifetime milk production
209,220 lbs. milk
Piedmont Eclipes Mist, E-92%
Corey Alan Lutz
Howard Odum Trophy
High lifetime fat production
NC White Rock 949 344, VG-81%
White Rock Farms LLC, Marshland
Top Herd Milk
15 or more cows
Simply Natural Jersey Farm, Ayden
20,603 lbs. milk, 985 lbs. fat, 786 lbs.
protein
233 cows
Top Herd Somatic Cell Count
Corey Alan Lutz
SCC: 102,000
19,516 lbs. milk, 932 lbs. fat, 696 lbs. protein
269 cows
Top Herd Calving Interval (tie)
Moore Farm Inc. Jerseys, Mount Ulla
Calving Interval: 12.7 months
19,750 lbs. milk, 929 lbs. fat, 712 lbs. protein
112 cows
White Rock Farms LLC
Calving Interval: 12.7 months
20,124 lbs. milk, 1,088 lbs. fat, 714 lbs. protein
759 cows
2024 North Carolina Pot O’Gold Contest
First:
JX TC 2881 Chrome Bess {5}, VG-87%
24,833 lbs. milk, 1,162 lbs. fat, 877 lbs. protein (m.e.) at 2-1
Total dollar value: $8,878.26
Larkin Pearson, Lincolnton
Consignor: Krista and Cameron Lutz, Lincolnton
Milked at Piedmont Jerseys, Lincolnton
Coy Reese and Nancy Keith recognize Larkin Pearson for winning the 2024 North Carolina Pot O’Gold Contest with JX TC 2881 Chrome Bess {5}.
Wren Chapman receives a check for placing second in the 2024 North Carolina Pot O’Gold Production Contest with Piedmont Candyman Blizzard.
Coy Reese and Nancy Keith congratulate Bryson Baldwin for earning the Kenneth E. Myatt Sr. Memorial award as exhibitor of the Grand Champion of the North Carolina State Junior Dairy Show in 2024.
paxtonll.llp@gmail.com
mshedden12@gmail.com
stoneyhollowjerseys@gmail.com
nobledalefarm@gmail.com
jnbschuc@yahoo.com
jrp280@gmail.com
In Memoriam
Erica Alise Russell
Erica Alise Russell, Clarksville, Ga., passed away on April 9, 2025.
She was born on April 7, 1996, in Stockton, Calif., the beloved adopted daughter of Pat and Connie Bivens. She grew up in the farming community of Hilmar, Calif., and was an active member of FFA. She graduated from high school and then earned a degree in business and marketing from Cal State University, Stanislaus. She showed her creativity and talent as a make-up artist and owner of Artistry by Alise.
In 2021, Erica married the love of her life, Colin Russell, and joined the family in their move from Hilmar to the Blue Ridge Mountains to establish Providence Farmstead in Clayton, Ga. The Russells have been managing a herd of Jerseys on a robotic facility in Otto, N.C., since the winter of 2024 and also raise American Wagyu cattle in Demorest, Ga.
Erica managed the marketing, website and social media for Providence Farmstead and was integral in the launch of The Farmstead Market in Clayton this past year.
In 2023, Erica and Colin gave birth to Oliver Clifton Russell. Erica flourished as a mother, joyfully bringing Oliver with her to every family business meeting or event. She radiated warmth and kindness to everyone she met and
was a devoted wife and loving mother. Erica was a parishioner of St. Mark Catholic Church in Clarkesville.
In addition to her parents, Pat and Connie, husband, Colin, and son, Oliver, she is survived by two brothers, Michael Bivens (Jessika) of Patterson and Austin Bivens of Hilmar; paternal grandparents, Jim and Shanon Bivens of Fruitland, Idaho; in-laws, C.A. and Kirsten Russell of Lakemont, Ga.; brother-in-law Lars Russell of Otto, N.C.; sister-in-law McCalister Russell of Clayton; and a nephew.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Joe and Maria Laurenco.
Memorials may be made to Place of Hope, a Clayton, Ga., non-profit supporting children in and out of foster care at www.placeofhopenga. com/general-5. Letters to Oliver may be mailed to letters.to.oliver.russell@ gmail.com
Calendar
(continued from page 10)
don, Warwick Township, Ont., associate judge NOV. 7—ALL AMERICA N JUNIOR J ERSEY SHOW, Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Christy Ratliff, Garnett, Kan., judge. NOV. 9—ALL AMERICA N J ERSEY HEIFER SHOW, Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., judge. NOV. 9—NATIONAL JERSEY JUG FUTURITY, Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, Ky.; 2:00 p.m. (EST); Trent Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill., judge. NOV. 10—ALL AMERICAN JERSEY COW SHOW, Kentucky Expo Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., judge.
Dennis Leamon displays an old brass neck chain mounted on a wooden plaque.
Meetings
(continued from page 43)
Second:
Piedmont Candyman Blizzard, VG-84% 22,461 lbs. milk, 967 lbs. fat, 727 lbs. protein (m.e.) at 2-9
Total dollar value: $7,359.77
Wren Chapman, Taylorsville
Consignor: Corey Alan Lutz
Milked at Chapman Farms, Taylorsville
Kenneth E. Myatt Sr. Memorial Grand Champion Jersey, North Carolina State Junior Dairy Show
