Hi-Poits Hot Mess, Very Good-89%, is living her best life this winter. The four-year-old cow is owned by Katelyn Poitras, Brimfield, Mass. She is sired by Hometown Get The Message and a daughter of Budjon-Vail-Borba Shwdown Sparky, Excellent-90%. The next dam is Hi-PoitsConcept Spunky Morgan {6}, Excellent-96%, the All American Junior 2-year-old in 2015.
This issue features the annual summaries of the sales reported to Jersey Journal last year and a look at what bulls sired the largest number of sons in 2025. As well the top production records of 2025 are highlighted, beginning on page 31.
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. Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, 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, Montana, 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, Oklahoma and west Texas.
Jason Robinson, 614/216-5862; jrobinson@usjersey. com. Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and east Texas. Willow Voegtlen, 614/266-2419; wvoegtlen@usjersey. com. Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Type Traits Appraisal Team
Kelly Epperly, 614/530-6918; kepperly@usjersey.com
Lee Harris, 614/284-1478; lharris@usjersey.com Dyon Helmuth, 614/264-0140; dhelmuth@usjersey.com
Tyler Boyd, 19784 Patricia Lane, Hilmar, CA 95324. Phone 209/585-7118; tyler.l.boyd@gmail.com. Third District. 2026.
Ted DeMent, 5252 Hallsville Rd., Kenney, IL 61749. Phone 217/725-2432; dementsjerseys@gmail.com. Second District. 2026.
Rebecca Ferry, 193 Lagrange Rd., Johnstown, NY 12095. Phone 518/248-9294; dreamroadjersey@yahoo. com. First District. 2026.
Ralph Frerichs, 3117 St. Hwy. 159., La Grange, TX 78945-4226. Phone 979/249-3012; frerichs@cvctx. com. Second District. 2027.
Garry Hansen, 13025 S. Mulino Rd., Mulino, OR 97042. Phone 503/805-4411; garryajca@gmail.com. Third District. 2026.
Ethan Haywood, 1045 Solomon Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 269/945-0239; ethanhaywood@gmail. com. Second District. 2029. Jason Johnson, 154 Olde Canterbury Rd., Northwood, NH 03624. Phone 802/356-0908. jasamjohnson@gmail. com. First District. 2027. Cornell Kasbergen, see officers. Third District. 2026. Kevin Lutz, 3514 Highway 182, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Phone 704/472-7448; klutz728@gmail.com. First District. 2027. John Maxwell, 10600 275th St., Donahue, IA 527469705. Phone 563/505-1652; maxwell@tourmyfarm.com. Second District. 2026.
Elaine Noble, 6430 Coryland Rd., Gillett, PA 16925. Phone 570/537-2066; emnoble13@gmail.com. First District. 2029.
Joe Rocha, 510 3rd Street, Tillamook, OR 97141. Phone 503/812-6193; joeandsarahrocha@hotmail.com. Third District. 2029. Joe Vanderfeltz, 898 SR 706, Lawton, PA 18828; Phone 570/934-2406; jvanfel2@gmail.com. First District. 2027.
Vice President: Bradley Taylor, 106 County Road 5300, Booneville, MS 38829-9131. Phone 662/720-3598; taylorjerseyfarm@gmail.com.
Directors
Joel Albright, Joel Albright, 1855 Olive Rd., Willard, OH 44890. Phone 419/512-1756; albrightjerseys@gmail. com. District 3. 2029
Sam Bok, 11310 Krouse Rd., Defiance, OH 43512. Phone 419/782-0012; jawscows@defnet.com. District 7. 2029
Alan Chittenden, ex officio, see AJCA officers. Ralph Frerichs, ex officio, see AJCA. Jonathan Merriam,12136 Riverview Rd., Hickman, CA 95323. Phone 209/324-4983; jbmerriam.964@gmail. com. District 2. 2029.
Cornell Kasbergen, ex officio, see AJCA. John Marcoot, 526 Dudleyville Rd. Greenville, IL. 62246. Phone 618/322-7239; johnemarcoot@gmail. com. District 4. 2026.
Corey Lutz, see officers. District 8. 2026. Tom Seals, 37840 Upper Nestucca River Rd., Beaver, OR 97108. Phone 541/520-0298; jennie.seals@gmail. com. District 1. 2027.
Bradley Taylor, see officers. 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: Kate Poitras
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
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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!
Give Your Best 60 Seconds Public Speaking Contest & lunch
Celebration of Equity—50 Years
Dinner
National Heifer Sale
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Breakfast Recognition of sponsors
American Jersey Cattle Association Annual Meeting
Fantastic Cavern Tour
Business Diversification Strategy Roundtable
Youth Event at StarStruck Jerseys
Lunch at StarStruck Jerseys, Dean and Stacy Dohle and family
Cheese Social Breeders’ Banquet
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.
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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.
FEB.—New York; Pennsylvania and New Jersey. MAR. —Michigan and Ohio; Washington and Oregon.
APR.—California.
MAY —Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware; North Carolina and South Carolina;Kentucky, Tennessee and Northern Georgia; Indiana and Illinois; Arkansas and Missouri. JUNE—Texas and New Mexico; Wisconsin.
Deadlines
MAR. 1—National Jersey Youth Achievement contest applications are due.
MAR. 1—National Jersey Youth Production Contest entries due. Forms available from the USJersey website.
MAR. 1 —Living Lifetime Production contest applications are due. Cows alive as of December 31, 2025, are eligible. Minimum DHIR production levels for nominating are 225,000 lbs. milk, 10,000 lbs fat, and 8,000 lbs. protein.
APR. 1—Ownership and transfer date for junior eligibility in spring national shows (California Spring Show and Northeast National Spring Jersey Show).
APR. 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the May evaluation release.
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, and Harrisburg ahows).
SEPT 1—Application window opens for Class X of Jersey Youth Academy.
Registration Fees Effective October 1, 2024
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.
Sales
FEB. 28—AMPLIFY SALE, Vierra Dairy Farms, Hilmar, Calif; Triple-T, sale mgrs.
MAR. 14-16—FINEST AT FOLTS TAG SALE, at the farm, North Collins, N.Y.
MAR. 21—MASSACHUSETTS BLUE RIBBON ALL-BREEDS CALF SALE, Mallory Complex, W. Springfield, Mass.
APR. 1—DILEY & PARTNERS EXPO EDITION ONLINE SALE, www.CowBuyer.com, held in conjunction with the Ohio Spring Dairy Expo.
MAY 12-14— WISCONSIN STATE JERSEY SALE, online via CowBuyer.com. Closeout at 1:30 p.m.(EDT). Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
JUNE 19—NATIONAL HEIFER SALE, Springfield, Mo.; 6:00 p.m. (CDT); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
Meetings and Expositions
MAR. 7— MASSACHUSETTS STATE MEETING, Powder Hollow Brewery & Hillside Pizza and Yankee Candle Village, South Deerfield, Mass., 12:00 noon (EST).
MAR. 7— WISCONSIN JERSEY BREEDERS ANNUAL MEETING, The Lodge, Mauston, Wis. 10:00 a.m. (CST).
MAR. 21—CALIFORNIA JERSEY BREEDERS ANNUAL MEETING, Cattlemen’s, Selma, Calif.; 10:00 a.m. (CST).
APR. 7-9—DAIRY CALF AND HEIFER ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, Tucson, Ariz.
APR. 11—PENNSYLVANIA JERSEY CATTLE CLUB ANNUAL MEETING , Holiday Inn, Williamsport, Pa.
JUNE 17-20—AJCA-NAJ ANNUAL MEETINGS, Springfield, Mo.
JUNE 21-24—AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING, Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wis.
Shows
MAR. 18-21—TEXAS STATE JERSEY SHOW, Taylor County Expo Center, Abilene, Texas; Mark Rueth, Oxford, Wis., judge.
MAR. 29—NEW YORK SPRING JERSEY CAROUSEL, Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg, N.Y.; 8:00 a.m. (EDT). J.P. Charest, Que., judge.
APR. 1-3—OHIO SPRING DAIRY EXPO, Ohio State Fairgrounds, Columbus, Ohio.
APR. 7-9—SOUTHERN SPRING NATIONAL , Payne Co. Expo Center, Stillwater, Okla.
APR. 23—NORTHEAST NATIONAL JERSEY SHOW , Eastern States Exposition Center, W. Springfield, Mass.; Justin Burdette, Chambersburg, Pa., judge.
APR. 18 —PACIFIC NORTHWEST JERSEY SHOW, Tillamook, Ore.
AUG. 6 OHIO STATE FAIR JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, Ohio; 9:00 a.m. (EDT).
AUG. 7-8 OHIO STATE FAIR OPEN JERSEY SHOW, Ohio Expo Center, Columbus, Ohio; 9:00 a.m. (EDT); heifers on the 1st, cows on the 2nd; Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C.; judge.
AUG. 20—ILLINOIS STATE FAIR OPEN JERSEY SHOW, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield, Ill.; 8:00 a.m. (EDT).
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 31)
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The farm store operated by Kyle and Sharla Nelson, Milford, N.Y., was a feature of the February 11, 2026, issue of Country Folks
Sharla opened the farm store in the summer of 2020 in a small shed, starting with their own home grown produce, beef and eggs and milk from another local dairy. It now includes an expanded line of dairy products and wild game from Highland Farm. The Nelsons also recently opened to the farm to recreational vehicle guests through Harvest Hosts.
Sharla is a fourth-generation dairy producer operating the farm today with her mother, Pam, and grandfather, Lester. The Nelsons also have two young daughters, Maggie and Layne.
Lester and his late wife, Margaret, moved a small herd of Brown Swiss from his father’s farm in DeLancey, N.Y., to establish the current farm in Milford in 1973.
Today the 80-cow herd includes Jerseys, Brown Swiss, and a few Holstein crosses. The Brown Swiss herd traces to four 4-H calves purchased by Lester’s father as a boy. The Jerseys were the love of Margaret.
Farm Bill Moves Ahead
The 2018 farm bill, extended through September 30, 2026, is now moving through Congress with updates. House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson introduced the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2026 in mid-February. Markup is scheduled for February 23, with potential House floor action before the Easter recess.
Key dairy provisions include:
• Long-term funding for dairy product processing cost surveys.
• Extensions of dairy forward pricing, indemnity and promotion programs.
• Continued livestock conservation funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, with a directive to prioritize methanereducing practices.
• Trade protections for common cheese
names like Parmesan and feta.
• Moving the Food for Peace program to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and maintaining $200 million annually for milk-based therapeutic foods.
• Shifting export promotion funds into existing programs like the Market Access Program, making them easier for cooperatives such as the U.S. Dairy Export Council to use.
• Expanding partnerships to supply local dairy foods to community institutions.
• Adding full-fat milk and hard cheese to the Dairy Nutrition Incentive Program.
• Reauthorizing the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network.
March 1 is Deadline for Two Production Contests
Entries for both the Leading Living Lifetime Production Contest and the National Jersey Youth Production Contest are due March 1, 2026.
To be eligible for the lifetime production contest, cows must be alive as of December 31, 2025, with minimum production credits on DHIR test of either 225,000 lbs. milk, 10,000 lbs. fat, or 8,000 lbs. protein.
To enter the contest, submit a DHI cow page with lifetime production credits for each animal nominated to Lori King, herd services manager, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 430682362. Entries can also be emailed to lking@usjersey.com.
The youth production contest is open to contestants between the ages of 9 and 19 on January 1, 2026. A cow is eligible if the youth is the recorded owner on or before her freshening date. Registered Jerseys completing DHIR or DHIA records of 305-days or fewer between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, may be entered.
Call the communications department for entry forms at 614/322-4451. The form is also available on the USJersey website.
Domestic Farms Still Feed America
According to a Farm Flavor report citing federal data, most U.S. food is still produced domestically, though imports—now around 20-25% of food spending after rising to record levels in 2025—are increasing rapidly, particularly for fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Nationwide, roughly 1.9 million farms span 39% of U.S. land, but employ just 1.2% of the workforce.
Grains and oilseeds like corn, wheat and soybeans lead in value, often generating twice the receipts of cattle in some regions of the country.
Recent U.S. Department of Agriculture data show dairy as the top commodity in Idaho, New Mexico, New York, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin while cattle and calves dominate in the Plains. Aquaculture leads in Alaska and poultry and eggs rank first across much of the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Just three states—California, Iowa and Texas—account for about one quarter of the nation’s total agricultural market value. Nine of the nation’s topearning ag counties are in California, led by Fresno County.
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 AJCAdesignated regional shows. Awards are also provided for showmanship contests exclusively for Jersey juniors.
Awards must be requested annually. Contact the AJCA Director of Communicatons 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.
Transfer the Power: Why Ownership Matters More Than Ever
Spring sale season is here. Across the country, Registered Jerseys will change hands through private treaty, public auction, online platforms and multi-breed sales. Jerseys are in demand, and that demand reflects the strength of our genetics and the confidence buyers place in our breed.
But amid the excitement of the sale, one critical step is too often overlooked: transferring the registration certificate promptly and properly to the new owner.
Recording ownership is not a formality. It is foundational to the integrity and advancement of the Jersey breed. Every recorded animal strengthens the database that supports genetic evaluation, performance tracking and informed mating decisions. Each transfer ensures that the animal’s data — and the data of her descendants — continues to contribute to the collective progress of Registered Jerseys.
We live in an era where information drives value. A registration number unlocks a vast and powerful database of pedigree, genomic and performance information. A registration certificate is more than paper — it is documented proof of identity, genetic merit and opportunity.
For buyers, that certificate is also one of the most valuable marketing tools they possess. When customers invest in Registered Jerseys, they expect complete, accurate and timely documentation. They should find their certificates in the mailbox shortly after the sale — without an invoice attached and without having to chase down paperwork.
Ensuring that happens is the seller’s responsibility.
Every week of the year, AJCA staff assist buyers who are trying to secure transfers — whether from live animal sales or from embryo transfer records that were never properly completed. Too often, buyers report being told they must submit the paperwork and pay the transfer fees themselves. In other cases, the need for a transfer is never mentioned until the buyer attempts to register calves from a purchased cow. Some have even been told, “I sold them at unregistered prices. If you want the papers, you transfer them.”
Experiences like these erode trust. And in today’s connected world, word travels
quickly.
Research consistently shows that customers share both positive and negative experiences — and negative ones often travel farther and faster. A single poor transaction can influence many potential buyers. Conversely, a seamless, professional experience builds loyalty and strengthens confidence not only in the seller, but in Registered Jerseys as a whole.
The AJCA Constitution and Bylaws are clear regarding transfer responsibilities. Article VI, Record of Change of Ownership, states that every change in ownership of a registered animal shall be promptly recorded with the Association by the seller. Required information — including buyer details, date of sale and service information on females — must be completed in full and submitted with the proper fee. Open transfers are prohibited and subject to disciplinary action. Transfer fees are the responsibility of the seller.
These rules exist for a reason: to protect the integrity of the registry and the interests of both buyers and sellers.
But beyond the rules lies an even more important principle — customer confidence.
Successful businesses understand that every transaction shapes reputation. Transfers are not an optional add-on; they are part and parcel of every sale involving Registered Jerseys. Prompt, complete transfers demonstrate professionalism, integrity and respect for the buyer.
When sellers handle transfers immediately and without conditions, they send a clear message: We stand behind our cattle. We value our customers. We believe in this breed.
That message pays dividends.
Satisfied buyers return. They recommend Registered Jerseys to others. They invest again. And they help ensure that the Jersey breed continues to grow — genetically, economically and reputationally.
This spring sale season, let’s remember that transferring ownership is not just paperwork. It is the transfer of opportunity, information and trust. Handle it promptly. Handle it properly. And strengthen the future of Registered Jerseys with every sale.
2025 SALES IN REVIEW
Schulte Bros Victorious Future was the high-seller overall for 2025, struck off for $200,000 at Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and Core in June. She was purchased by Glamourview-Iager and Walton and consigned by Keightley & Core, Schult Bros. and Diane Borba. Her new owners exhibited her at the All American Jersey Show in November, where she was named All American Junior Three-Year-Old.
TheKilgus VIP Margarita-ET, the high seller of the Kilgus Elite Sale, was the year's fourth high-seller overall at $50,000. Misty Meadow teamed with Kilgus Dairy to buy out the partnership of consignors Kilgus Dairy and Carla, Kamber and Ryker Kilgus. The sale hosted by the Kilgus family was the second-high grossing and fifth high-averaging sale, auctioning several other females for a premium as well.
Trends Continue for Jersey Public Auctions
American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has released its annual public auction summary, with results reinforcing patterns seen over the past several years. A total of 564 lots of Registered Jerseys sold for a historical high average of $5,143.97 and a gross of $2,901,200. Compared with 2024, the average price is up, the total lots have held steady, and the number of sales is down. The summary is based on sales conducted in 2025 and submitted to the Jersey Journal.
For those marketing Registered Jersey genetics, these results come as little surprise. Today’s marketplace continues to be shaped by strong demand for beefon-dairy calves, fueled by a historically small domestic beef herd and sustained consumer interest in beef. At the same time, the high cost of heifer rearing and the widespread use of sexed semen allow producers to create only the replacements they need. The result is a tighter supply of premium-priced, Registered Jersey replacements, driven by the following key trends:
• Less dairy semen: Domestic dairy semen sales have fallen sharply, dropping from more than 3.4 million
units in 2017 to roughly 2.1 million in 2024.
• More beef semen: Beef semen use has surged from 2.5 million units in 2017 to more than 9.7 million today, led by Angus and followed by heterospermic (from multiple bulls) and Simmental.
• Fewer Registered Jersey females:
for both females and males, and seek standout individuals for the show ring. Private treaty activity is also picking up as dairy producers look to move larger groups of cattle when market conditions align.
Encouraging market indicators include:
• Rising averages: Among the Registered Jerseys consigned to public auction, average prices continue to climb. Over the past four years alone, the average has increased by nearly $1,850, with this year’s figure surpassing last year’s record by $325.
Registrations declined from more than 129,000 in 2021 to just over 80,000 in 2025—less than half the nearly 185,000 registered at the 2017 peak.
Despite the shifts, demand for highquality and elite animals remains strong. Producers continue to invest in top genetics, pursue genomic opportunities
• Steady performance program numbers: At year's end, 979 herds and 133,944 cows were enrolled in REAP, remaining close to the 2022 record of 1,001 herds and 165,099 cows. Reduced culling has allowed producers to retain high-value mature females for strong production and use as dams of upper-end females and beef calves.
• Growing private treaty demand: In 2025, Jersey Marketing Service (JMS) connected buyers and sellers on nearly 2,000 lots of Registered Jerseys. Private treaty accounted for
JX Ahlem Alicecooper Cara 69545 {6}-ET was the high-selling female at the All American Jersey Sale. At $24,000, she was also the eighth high-selling lot for 2025. She was purchased by Select Sires and Jerseyland, represented by Tyler Boyd, second right. Also Clint Collins III, second left, presents the C. L. Collins Jr. Memorial Trophy to the consignor, Ahlem Farms Partnership, represented by Jonathan Merriam, left. Also pictured are Kennedy Paul, at the halter, National Jersey Queen Emma Townsend, right, and Herby Lutz, pedigrees, and Chris Hill, auctioneer, in the box.
80% of the $4.2 million in gross sales, with roughly 1,800 head averaging $1,860. Public auction lots averaged $3,901. Private treaty activity has climbed steadily since 2023, when it represented 66% of total sales.
The 13 public auctions included in the sales analysis were held in the U.S. during the calendar year 2025 and submitted to the Jersey Journal by January 15, 2026. Only sales reported with complete catalogs and marked with buyers and prices for all animals are included. Sales with fewer than 10 lots are included in the summary but not ranked among the high-averaging sales. Animals that were struck off in sales with fewer than 10 head, though, are included in the list of high-selling individuals.
High Averaging, Grossing Sale
Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and Core was the year’s high-averaging and high-grossing sale. The event held in conjunction with the annual meetings of the national Jersey organizations on June 28 was hosted by Jeff and Alta Mae Core and their family at Keightly-Core Jerseys in Salvisa, Ky. A total of 75 lots sold for an average of $8,696.67 and a gross of $652,250. The lineup included lots from the Keightley-Core Jerseys herd and guest
(continued to page 22)
High Selling Prices at Public Auction in 2025
Schulte Bros Victorious Future (cow 3 yrs.)
Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and Core, Salvisa, Ky., June 28
Spring Opportunities at Pine Tree II, Wooster, Ohio, March 18
Seller: Matthew Steiner, Marshallville, Ohio
Purchaser: ABS Global Inc., de Forest, Wis.
South Mtn & Co Rock Ruckus-ET (heifer calf 3 mos.)
Father's Day Weekend Sale, Hagerstown, Md., June 13
Seller: Ernest Kueffner, Terri Packard , Kaitlyn Corbett and Nate Oleniacz, Boonsboro, Md.
Purchaser: Glamourview-Iager and Walton, Walkersville, Md.
Budjon-Vail Video Shyanne-ET (open yearling 13 mos.)
Kilgus Elite Sale, Fairbury, Ill., March 13
Seller: Peter Vail and Budjon Farms, Lomira, Wis.
Purchaser: Kale and Henry Osinga, Hico, Texas
24,000
22,000
21,750
21,000
20,250
19,750
18,600
17,900
The Father's Day Weekend Sale was the fourth high-averaging and fifth high-grossing sale of 2025. Hosted by Ernest Kueffner, fourth from left, and Terri Packard, center, of South Mountain Jerseys and Interstate Heifer Care, the venue included many of the year's high selling individuals, including South Mountain Classic Rock-ET, purchased by Glamourview-Iager and Walton for $60,000.
Annual Sale Review
(continued from page 21)
consignors across the country. Fifty-four buyers from 21 states, stretching coast to coast and border to border, made purchases.
The high seller, Schulte Bros Victorious Future, is also the year’s high-selling individual. Purchased by Glamourview, a partnership of Iager and Walton, for $200,00, she is the breed’s second-highest selling female at public auction behind Payneside Mac N Cheese, who sold for $267,000 in 2015.
“Future” is sired by River Valley Victorious-ET, GJPI -5. She calved in April with her second calf and was appraised Excellent-91% four days before the sale. She was Grand Champion of the Iowa State Fair and All American Summer Junior Two-YearOld in 2024. For her new owners, she was named Intermediate and Reserve Grand Champion of the Maryland State Fair in August and then All American Junior Three-Year-Old in November.
Her dam is Schulte Bros Colt First Lady-ET, Excellent-94%. She has a four-lactation m.e. average of 20,676—
The Top Five Sales
of 2025
Dreaming of Triple Crowns 75 $8,696.67
Salvisa, Ky., June 28
All American Jersey Sale 56 7,779.46 Louisville, Ky., November 8
Spring Opportunities at 17 6,340.59
Pine Tree II
Wooster, Ohio, March 18
Father's Day Weekend Sale 49 5,828.27
Hagerstown, Md., June 13
Kilgus Elite Sale 111 4,831.08
Fairbury, Ill., March 15
975—763 on four lactations. Three of her maternal sisters have been named Junior or Reserve Junior Champion of the All American Jersey Show. The next dam is Pleasant Nook Guns Foxy Lady, Excellent-91%, who was Reserve All American Summer Yearling in 2015 and Reserve Intermediate Champion of the Iowa State Fair the next year.
“Future” was consigned by Keightley and Core, Schulte Bros. and Diane Borba, Salvisa, Ky.
Other Top Sales
The second high-averaging and third high-grossing sale of the year was the 73rd All American Jersey Sale, held on November 8 in Louisville, Ky. Managed by JMS, the sale perennially ranks among the year’s best, this year offering 56 lots that sold for an average of $7,779.46 and gross receipts of $435,650. The buyer’s list included 36 buyers from 21 states.
The lineup included a single young bull, JX All Lynns Chatham Martini {5}ET, who was syndicated for $100,500, the second-highest price overall for the year. He was Tommy Allen of Reedsburg, Wis., and purchased by the Martini Syndicate, a group of 34 Jersey breeders, and Select Sires Inc. of Plain City, Ohio.
The young bull sired by JX Primus Enzo Chatham {4}-ET, GJPI +161, ranked #7 for GJPI on the list of bulls under two years of age on sale day and has a current index of +188. He is plus for the fertility traits Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) at +1.9, Cow Conception Rate (CCR) at +2.4 and Heifer Conception Rate (HCR) at +2.4 and tested A2A2 for beta-casein. He has Genomic Predicted Transmitting
Abilities (GPTAs) of +438M, +48F (+0.13%) and +24P (+0.04%).
“Martini {5}” is out of JX Jer-Z-Boyz Nicklaus Mara 83719 {5}, a female Allen purchased at the National Heifer Sale in 2023. She has a first lactation of 2-2 305 18,020 6.0% 1,080 4.0% 726 97DCR and a GJPI of +141, which ranks among the top 1% for cow genetic merit. A sale hosted by the Steiner family of Marshallville, Ohio, was the third high-averaging sale of the year. The 17 Jersey lots offered in their Spring Opportunities at Pine Tree II averaged $6,340.59. Conducted at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster, Ohio, on March 18, the sale was managed by Modern Associates and cried by Chris Hill.
The high seller, JX Pine-Tree 2887 Call 1309 {6}-P, was struck off for $19,750 to ABS Global, de Forest, Wis. She has subsequently been sold to Martin Dairy LLC of Tillamook, Ore. On sale day, the July 2024 daughter of JX Primus Thrasher Callan {5}-ET, GJPI +134, was the breed’s #4 polled heifer. Today, she ranks #52 with a GJPI of +171. She has GPTAs of +924M, +33F and +30P. She is +448 for Cheese Merit Dollars (CM$), plus for CCR and HCR and tested A2A2.
South Mountain Jerseys and Interstate Heifer Care teamed up to host the fourth high-averaging and fifth high-grossing sale of the year, the Father’s Day Weekend Sale. Held on June 13 at Interstate Heifer Care in Hagerstown, Md., the sale auctioned 49 Jersey lots for an average of $5,711.70 and a gross of $285,585. Consignments came from the heart of the South Mountain Jerseys herd owned by Ernest Kueffner and Terri Packard of Boonsboro, Md., along with guest consignors.
The high seller, South Mountain Classic Rock-ET, sold for $60,000 to Glamourview-Iager and Walton. The Excellent-93% four-year-old sired by Mr Kathies Kid Rock, GJPI -215, completed a second lactation of 20,020 lbs. milk, 932 lbs. fat and 677 lbs. protein at 2-11.
Her grandam is Arethusa Veronicas Comet-ET, Excellent-95%, Grand Champion of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) and All-Canadian Four-Year-Old in 2010. The next dam is Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J, Excellent-97%. She was Reserve National Grand Champion in 2002 and National Grand Champion in 2004. She has also been the Supreme and Reserve
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Members of the crew for Post Time at the Ratliff's V pose with the high seller, Ratliff Machine Velocity-ET, right, and second high seller, South Mtn & Co Hidalgo Raelynn-ET. "Velocity" sold for $24,500 to Nora, Ella and Ethan Marcoot, right, with their father, Bryan, behind them. She was consigned by sale managers and hosts, Ron Ratliff, far left, and Christy Ratliff, behind him. "Raelynn" sold for $21,750 to Kiliana Breuer and Brayden Carpio. She was consigned by Ernest Kueffner and Terri Packard. Photo courtesy Erica Davis.
Annual Sale Review
Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo. “Veronica” was named the winner of the 2015 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest and Jersey Canada’s inaugural Cow of the Year in 2011.
“Classic Rock” was consigned by Kueffner and Packard.
The fifth high-averaging and second high-grossing sale of the year was the Kilgus Elite Sale, hosted by the Kilgus family of Fairbury, Ill., on March 15 at a facility about two miles from their farmstead. In all, 11 lots sold for an average of $4,831.08 and a gross of $536,250.
Kilgus VIP Margarita-ET was the high seller at $50,000. Misty Meadow Dairy of Tillamook, Ore., and Kilgus Dairy teamed to buy out the partnership of consignors Kilgus Dairy and Carla, Kamber and Ryker Kilgus.
Sired by River Valley Venus VIP-ET, GJPI -108, “Margarita” freshened in mid-January with her first calf and was appraised Very Good-88% at 2-2. A
maternal brother, Kilgus VIP MustangET, is currently being marketed by Kilgus Sires. Their dam, Kilgus Chrome Maci-ET, Excellent-95%, has a fivelactation m.e. average of 26,245— 1,288—941. Their third dam is Pine Haven SSM Marmie, Excellent-93%, Supreme Champion of the 2011 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE).
Rounding out the top five sales of 2025 was the fourth high-grossing sale of the year, Post Time at the Ratliff’s V, held May 10 at Ratliff Jerseys in Garnett, Kan. Hosted and managed by Ron and Christy Ratliff, the auction averaged $4,507.95 and grossed $396,700 on 88 lots. Chris Hill was the auctioneer and Norm Nabholz read pedigrees.
The sale was led by Ratliff Machine Velocity, a fancy-uddered two-yearold consigned by the Ratliffs and purchased by Ethan, Ella and Nora Marcoot of Greenville, Ill., for $24,500.
The daughter of Mr Maddies Colton Machine, GJPI -110, appraised Very Good-89% at 2-2 and has a milking yearling record with an m.e. of 17,874— 1,037—745.
mentioned sales. Several have been mentioned already.
The fifth-highest seller overall was South Mountain Dixies Dynasty-ET, who was struck off at the Father’s Day Weekend Sale for $34,000 to the All Fools Syndicate of Cornville, Maine.
(continued from page 22) (continued to page
The fall calf consigned by Kueffner and Packard and sired by River Valley Joyride-ET, GJPI -14, stood first in her class at the New York Spring Carousel in March. She hails from the “Dasher” branch of the “Veronica” cow family. Her dam, Crossbrook HG Dixie-ET, Excellent-94%, was Reserve Grand Champion of the RAWF and AllCanadian Senior Two-Year-Old in 2015. The next dam, Arethusa Veronicas Dasher-ET, Excellent-95%, is a full sister to “Comet.” She was Reserve All American Senior Two-Year-Old in 2008.
A daughter of the reigning Supreme Champion of the RAWF, Stoney Point Joel Bailey, Excellent-97%, was the sixth high seller overall. Offered at Dreaming of Triple Crowns, the partnership of Josh, Kate, Eli and Noah Arp and Delon Mortimer of Norwalk, Ohio, placed the final bid of $25,500 to bring home Vierra Baileys Brilliance.
South Mtn & Co Rock Ruckus-ET, the 14th high-selling lot for 2025, was purchased by Glamourview-Iager and Walton at the Father's Day Weekend Sale for $18,600. She captured the Junior Champion banner at the Maryland Jersey Field Day the day after the sale for her new owners.
At the Southern Spring National Jersey Show in 2025, “Velocity” topped her class for the Ratliffs. Her maternal sister, Ratliff Victorious Virtue-ET, was Intermediate Champion and their dam, Ratliff Ladd Vickie, was Reserve Grand Champion. The third dam of “Velocity” is the 2013 Junior All American Four-Year-Old, Ratliff Sultan Velvet, Excellent-93%.
Other High Selling Individuals
All 15 of the highest-selling lots of 2025—listed on page 19—crossed the block at one of the previously
The spring calf sired by St-Lo Video-ET, GJPI -41, was consigned by Vierra Dairy Farms, Hilmar, Calif. Her Excellent-97% dam was first named Supreme Champion at the RAWF in 2023 and also earned Reserve Supreme Champion laurels at World Dairy Expo the same year.
The two high-selling females of the All American Jersey Sale—both purchased by Select Sires and Jerseyland of Plain City, Ohio—were the year’s eighth and ninth high sellers overall. The pair contributed to the sale’s female average of $6,093.64 on 55 lots.
The genetics companies purchased the high seller, JX Ahlem Alicecooper Cara 69545 {5}-ET, for $24,000. The
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Kathies Kid Rock x Schulte Bros First Lady-ET
Dreaming of Triple Crowns
Vierra Eloises Epitome-ET x Hirds 5,500 Colton Dream Dreaming of Triple Crowns
SV Reviresco Hidalgo x Hirds 4,900 Colton Dream Dreaming of Triple Crowns
High Selling Rights
Rights to IVF session with Dutch $20,250 Hollow Inxs Charm-P-ET
All American Jersey Sale
Rights to IVF session with Cal-Mart 16,000
Quiz 3774 {5}-ET
All American Jersey Sale
Rights to IVF session with Kash-In 12,500 Geppetto 70115-ET
All American Jersey Sale
JX All Lynns Chatham
$100,500 Martini {5}-ET
All American Jersey Sale
Annual Sale Review
(continued from page 24)
November 2024 daughter of JX Vierra Alice Cooper {5}-ET, GJPI +126, is among the top 1% for genetic merit with a GJPI of +167. She has GPTAs of +899M, +59F and +38P.
“Cara 69545 {5}” has four maternal brothers in A.I. and numerous maternal sisters ranked on the top genetic lists along with their dam, Ahlem Becks Cara 66159-ET, who ranks #518 among cows with a GJPI of +149. She has an m.e. of 26,568—1,471—1,049 on her first lactation as a milking yearling.
“Cara 69545 {5}” was consigned by Ahlem Farms Partnership, Hilmar, Calif.
The genetics companies chose JX Avi-Lanche Steed Sally 1458 {6}-ET for $22,000. The eight-month-old daughter of JX Cal-Mart Steed {6}-ET,
GJPI +192, ranked #68 for GJPI on sale day and today is #74 with an index of +189. She has GPTAs of +483M, +57F, +25P and +522CM$.
Her dam and grandam are both Very Good and have m. e. averages over 21,000 lbs. milk, 1,000 lbs. fat and 845 lbs. protein. Her fourth dam is D&E Abe Sally 21275, with 10 lactations and a top record of 23,280 lbs. milk, 1,227 lbs. fat and 896 lbs. protein at 5-6.
“Sally 1458 {6}” was consigned by Richard and Jennifer M. Avila, Dalhart, Texas.
The Ratliff sale in May was the venue for the year’s 10th high-selling individual, South Mtn & Co Hidalgo Raelynn-ET, who sold for $21,750 to Kiliana Breuer and Brayden Carpio of Kersey, Colo. The fall calf is sired by SV Reviresco Hidalgo, GJPI -105, and from the “Rosebud” cow family developed by South Mountain Jerseys. She was first fall calf for her new owners at the
Midwest Jersey Summer Show and third at the All American Junior Jersey Show.
“Raelynn’s” grandam is South Mountain Voltage Radiant-ET, Excellent-94%, winner of the National Jersey Jug Futurity and Reserve Grand Champion of the International Jersey Show in 2018. The previous year, she was the All American Junior Two-YearOld. The next dam, Marynole Excite Rosey, Excellent-94%, was Intermediate Champion of the International Jersey Show in 2012 and Reserve Grand Champion two years later. The next dam is the family matriarch, Woodmohr Indiana Rosebud, Excellent-94%
MM Ferdinand Taboo-ET was the third high-selling bred heifer for 2025. She sold for $10,000 in Dreaming of Triple Crowns in June to Jim and Valerie Spreng and Ack-Lee Holsteins. "Taboo" was consigned by Avery Best. She is sired by ISAU Lightning Ridge Ferdinand and sold due to Avonlea Chips Canadian Club-ET. High Selling Bull
“Raelynn” was consigned by Ernest Kueffner, Terri Packard, Kaitlyn Corbett and Nate Oleniacz, Boonsboro, Md. The 11th high-selling individual was MBLuckylady Joels Flare-ET, purchased by the Flare Syndicate of Salvisa, Ky., for $21,000 at Dreaming of Triple Crowns. The spring calf is sired by Guimo Joel-ET, GJPI -107, and out of Marlau Comerica Fabienne, SUP EX94-3E (CAN).
A maternal sister to “Flare,” MB Lucky Lady Feliz Navidad-ET, Excellent-93%, was Reserve Intermediate Champion of the RAWF in 2016 and Grand Champion in 2017. The following year, she was Grand Champion of the Central National Jersey Show and Reserve All-Canadian Four-Year-Old. Several members of the cow family have earned production awards in Canada.
“Flare” was consigned by Frank and Diane Borba, Modesto, Calif.
An in-vitro fertilization (IVF) session consigned to the All American Jersey Sale garnered the 12th high price of the year. ABS Global placed the final bid of $20,250 to control the next IVF session with Dutch Hollow Inxs Charm-P-ET,
with a guarantee of a minimum of eight #1 or #2 grade embryos.
The heifer calf sired by JX Dupat Corsair Inxs {6}-ET, GJPI +135, is backed by the “Cherish” cow family developed by consignor Paul C. Chittenden of Dutch Hollow Farm LLC, Schodack Landing, N.Y. “Charm” currently ranks #5 on the list of the breed’s top polled animals with a GJPI of +187. She has GPTAs of +846M, +50F and +38P and is +1.4 for Type and +20.8 for Genomic Jersey Udder Index.
She has four maternal brothers in A.I. and several maternal sisters ranked for genetic merit. Their dam, Dutch Hollow Jammer Chant-P-ET, Very Good-84%, has a projected m.e. of 32,510—1,590— 1,102 on her first lactation. She ranks #11 among cows for GJPI with an index of +180.
A maternal sister to “Raelynn” was the 14th high-seller of the year, purchased by Glamourview-Iager and Walton for $18,600 at the Father’s Day Weekend Sale. South Mtn & Co Rock Ruckus-ET is a “Kid Rock” daughter who won the summer yearling class and was Reserve Junior Champion at the Northeast Spring National Show in March for consignors Kueffner, Packard, Corbett and Oleniacz. She was tapped Junior Champion for her new owners at the
Highest Annual Averages, Jersey Auction Sales (1919-2025)
Average Price Number Number Total Year Per Lot Sold Sales Receipts
2025 $5,143.97 564 11 $2,901,200
2024 4,316.95 562 19 2,426,125
2023 4,009.86 938 19 3,761,250
2022 3,318.35 1,571 21 5,213,120
2015 2,691.44 3,330 38 8,962,495
2014 2,686.71 3,145 47 8,449,705
2016 2,488.78 3,200 34 7,964,095
2007 2,435.42 3,462 37 8,431,435
2018 2,384.18 2,525 31 6,020,055
2008 2,303.07 4,049 48 9,325,150
Maryland Jersey Field Day after the sale.
Rounding out 15 high-selling individuals was Budjon-Vail Video Shyanne-ET, who crossed the auction block at the Kilgus Elite Sale for $17,900. She was purchased by Kaleb and Henry Osinga of Hico, Texas, and consigned by Peter Vail and Budjon Farms, Lomira, Wis.
The spring yearling sired by “Video” is a maternal sister to Budjon-Vail Jordan C Shaneese-ET, Excellent-93%, a winner of the National Jersey Jug Futurity. Another maternal sister, Shots VIP Shot of Love-ET, was All American Summer Yearling in 2022.
Their dam, Schulte Bros Tequila ShotET, Excellent-95%, was All American as a fall calf and fall yearling and AllCanadian as a senior three-year-old and four-year-old. She has three records over 20,000 lbs. milk and a top record of 22,970 lbs. milk, 1,203 lbs. fat and 793 lbs. protein at 7-7.
High Sellers by Category
This year’s high sellers by category— heifer calves, open yearlings, bred heifers, cows, choices, rights and bulls— are listed on page 24. Many have been mentioned, including the three highselling heifer calves and cows, along with the lone bull to be syndicated at public auction in 2025. The high and second high open yearlings and the top IVF session have been mentioned, too.
The third high-selling open yearling was MM Joel Valedictorian-ET. The “Joel” summer yearling sold for $9,600 at Dreaming of Triple Crowns to Peter Vail and Budjon Farms. From the “Veronica” cow family, she is out of Arethusa Vespera, an Excellent-93% daughter of Rapid Bay Redford-ET, GJPI -94, with six lactations and a best record of 5-2 305 22,320 5.2% 1,160 4.1% 904 98DCR. She is a twotime Reserve Grand Champion of the Eastern States Exposition. The next dam is a maternal sister to “Comet” and “Dasher.”
“Valedictorian” is entered in the 2027 National Jersey Jug Futurity and was consigned by Misty Meadow Dairy.
The high-selling bred heifer was JX Avi-Lanche Crispin Jubilee 39827 {6}, purchased at the All American Jersey Sale for $11,300 by Sexing Technologies, South Charleston, Ohio. Ranked as the #1 daughter of JX Primus Thrasher Crispin {5}-ET, GJPI +176, on sale day, she has GPTAs of +285M, +41F (+0.14%) and +25P (+0.07%) and is +564 for CM$. She now ranks #54 among all females with a GJPI of +191. She sold due to sexed JX Sandcreeks JFK Meloy {6}-P-ET, GJPI +164, in late December.
“Jubilee 39827 {6}” was consigned by Richard and Jennifer M. Avila.
Kiliana Breuer and Brayden Carpio partnered with Tatum and Reece Chupp on the year’s second high-selling bred heifer, Red Dirt Kid Rock Bam Bam, purchased for $10,500 at the Ratliffhosted sale. She sold carrying an ultrasounded heifer calf by “Victorious” and was a summer junior two-year-old for 2025.
A maternal sister, Red Dirt Comerica Boobers, Excellent-91%, was third in the
National Jersey Jug Futurity and first junior three-year-old at the Kentucky State Fair in 2023. Other members of the family include Billings Impression Backstage, 2017 All American Junior Three-Year-Old, and Billings Remake Bounty, Overall Premier Performance Winner of the 2008 All American Jersey Show.
“Bam Bam” was consigned by Red Dirt Genetics, Perkins, Okla.
Rounding out the category for highselling bred heifers was MM Ferdinand Taboo-ET, who was struck off at the Keightley-Core Jerseys sale for $10,000. The daughter of ISAU Lightning Ridge Ferdinand, GJPI -39, was purchased by Jim and Valerie Spreng and Ack-Lee Holsteins of East Liberty, Ohio. She sold due to Avonlea Chips Canadian Club-ET, GJPI -71, in early September and entered in the 2027 National Jersey Jug Futurity.
Her maternal sister, Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, Excellent-93%, was Supreme Champion of the World Dairy Expo Junior Show and the NAILE Junior Show in 2024.
“Taboo” was consigned by Avery Best, Lakeland, Fla.
The other high-selling IVF sessions were sold at the All American Jersey Sale. Select Sires and Jerseyland purchased one of them, cataloged as a choice to control the next IVF session of two maternal sisters: JX Cal-Mart Quiz 3774 {5}-ET or Cal-Mart 3797ET. With a final bid of $16,000, the genetics companies chose the former, a June 2024 daughter of JX ABS GA Quiz {4}-ET, GJPI +166. She ranks #28 for genetic merit with a GJPI of +195 and is +707 for CM$. She has 15 maternal brothers in A.I., including Cal-Mart Jammer-ET and Cal-Mart Joystick.
The IVF session was conducted by Martin Dairy LLC.
ABS Global purchased the other IVF lot, rights to control the next session with Kash-In Geppetto 70115-ET for $12,500. Sired by Ahlem Gifted Geppetto {6}-ET, GJPI +171, she was the #1 GJPI cow in the breed on sale day and ranked #7 overall. She has a son and two maternal brothers in A.I. and several maternal sisters ranked for genetic merit. She traces seven generations back to BW Berretta Prize G525, Excellent-90%, a foundation cow at Brentwood Farms in Orland, Calif., and dam of BW Country, the breed’s former #1 JPI sire.
The IVF session was consigned by Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif.
Two choices out of two-time National Grand Champion Hirds Colton Dream were among the high selling choices for 2025. Both were struck off at Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and Core in June.
Annual Sale Review
(continued from page 27)
The three high-selling choices were offered at Dreaming of Triple Crowns. The highest-priced lot at $6,000 was a choice of calves sired by “Victorious” or “Kid Rock” out of Schulte Bros Colt First Lady-ET. The successful bidders, Ken and Karla Deaver of Stotts City, Mo., will choose from calves sired by the former, due in July 2025, or the latter, due in October 2025. The lot was consigned by Crestbrooke, Lost Elm and Cybil Fisher, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Quietcove Holsteins, Wapakoneta, purchased one of the other choice lots, a female sired by Vierra Eloises Epitome-ET and out of Hirds Colton Dream for $5,500. The Excellent-97% two-time National Grand Champion was also Premier Performance Cow of the 2018 All American Jersey Show and took the top prize three years later. The pregnancies were due in September 2025.
Messmer Jersey Farm of Martinsville, Ind., placed the last bid of $4,900 on the other choice lot, a female sired by “Hidalgo” out of either “Dream” or Rivendale VIP Faye-ET, the 2021 All American Senior Two-Year-Old. All calves are due in March 2026. Both lots were consigned by Keightley-Core and Borba.
Notice of AJCA, NAJ Annual Meetings
To the Members of the American Jersey Cattle Association
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the constitution, the 158th annual meeting of the members of the American Jersey Cattle Association will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, Springfield, Mo., on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The annual reports of the officers will be received, the election of the President and three Directors will be announced, and all other business properly coming before the meeting will be transacted.
Voting for President and Directors is by ballot only (mail-in or online). Proxies are for use in voting on any other business that may come before the meeting, in the event members are not present at the time such votes are taken.
The notice of the annual meeting, the official ballot, and the official proxy will be mailed/emailed to all members eligible to vote not less than 30 days before the meeting date. Voting preference must be given to the office by May 11, 2026. An unique email must be provided for online voting.
All active members shown on the membership books of the Association on the date 50 days (May 1, 2026) prior to the annual meeting are those eligible to vote.
An active member is an owner of one or more Registered Jersey cows and who has registered or had transferred to his or her ownership a Jersey animal within two (2) years.
An active member who does not register or have transferred to his or her ownership a Jersey animal for a period of two (2) years shall automatically become an inactive member. An inactive member shall again become an active member automatically upon registering or having transferred to his or her ownership a Jersey animal. Inactive members have until May 1, 2026, to again become active members and eligible to vote in the 2026 elections.
Nominating Procedure
A written petition signed by 30 or more active members of the American Jersey Cattle Association will nominate a person for president, provided the petition is filed with the Executive Secretary of the Association not less than 65 days prior to the annual meeting.
Nominations for Director require the signatures of 20 active members who live in the district. These must also be filed
with the Executive Secretary 65 days prior to the meeting. All nominations must be filed by April 16, 2026.
A President will be elected for a one-year term. Three Directors with four-year terms are to be elected. The President and Directors may succeed themselves, with a Director not being elected for more than two regular, successive terms.
The Directors and their current districts whose terms expire at the 2026 Annual Meeting are: Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y., First District; Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., and John Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa, Second District; and Tyler Boyd, Hilmar, Calif., Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore., and Cornell Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif., Third District.
Directors (Ferry, Maxwell, Boyd, Hansen, and Kasbergen) have served two consecutive terms and are not eligible to succeed themselves. Director DeMent is eligible to seek reelection. Due to realignment of districts, three directors will be appointed for an extra year during the transition period (one from District 2 and two from District 3). One election will be held in Districts 1, 2 and 3.
Current President Alan Chittenden’s one-year term expires at the next Annual Meeting and he is eligible to seek re-election.
To the Members of National All-Jersey Inc.
Notice is hereby given that pursuant to the constitution, the 66th annual meeting of the voting members of National AllJersey Inc. will be held at the Doubletree Hotel, Springfield, Mo., on Thursday, June 18, 2026, when the annual reports of the officers will be received, the election of one Director will be announced and all other business properly coming before the meeting will be transacted. Voting for Director is by ballot only (mail-in or online). Proxies are for use in voting on any other business that may come before the meeting, in the event members are not present at the time such votes are taken. Voting members are producer members, those who pay fees as established by the Board of Directors.
The notice of the annual meeting, the official ballot, and the official proxy will be mailed/emailed to all members eligible to vote not less than 30 days before the meeting date. Voting preference must be given to the office by May 11, 2026. An unique email must be provided for online voting.
At the 2026 NAJ Annual Meeting, one Director with a four-year term, will be elected. The elected Director whose term expires is John Marcoot, Greeneville, Ill., District 4. He is eligible to succeed himself.
Another Director, with a fouryear term, will be appointed. The appointed Director whose term expires is Corey Lutz, Lincolnton, N.C., District 8 at large.
Nominations for District Directors can be made by written petition signed by 10 or more voting members living in the district. The petition must be filed with the Executive Secretary at least 60 days (April 19, 2026) prior to the annual meeting.
Neal Smith, Executive Secretary
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MILK MARKETING
Covington Shares 2026 Outlook from Federal Order Impact
Reprinted with the permission of author Sherry Bunting in a special piece for Farmshine.
Whenretired Southeast Milk CEO
Calvin Covington spoke at the Georgia Dairy Conference in Savannah, Ga. in January, he wanted producers to walk away with three things: a clearer understanding of how Federal Order changes are actually affecting the Southeast, what regional supply-anddemand trends look like, and what all of that means for milk prices in 2026.
The forecast drew the most attention. Covington offered a cautious view, projecting combined statistical uniform (blend) prices for the three Southeastern orders to average above $20 per cwt in 2026.
At $20.68, based on data available January 19, that would exceed the 2021 average for the region but fall short of the stronger averages seen from 2022 through 2025 (Fig. 1).
More important than the headline number, Covington said later in a Farmshine phone interview, is understanding how the new Federal Order pricing changes are flowing through producer milk checks.
On the increased Class I differentials, he noted the numbers that are quoted, including by U.S. Department of Agriculture, “are calculated at the base zone. That’s not what producers actually get paid.”
‘Effective’ Impact
One of the biggest misconceptions, Covington said, is assuming the increase in the Class I differentials at an order’s base-zones translates across that order.
“I wanted to look at the effective impact — the true number,” he said. “So, I went back and did the pool analysis.”
Using the Appalachian Order as an example, he noted that while the Charlotte base-zone Class I differential increase is $2.20, the net effective increase across the order was closer to $1.82 once location adjustments are included.
More stable price
Covington emphasized how much of the Class I price is now effectively “fixed.”
Using Atlanta as an example, he showed that when the increased Class I differentials, transportation credits, and delivery credits are combined, about 31% of the Class I price is fixed, somewhat insulating it from day-to-day swings in commodity markets.
“That’s a little bit of ‘decoupling’ of Class I from manufacturing prices,” he said. “In a market that’s 7080% Class I, that’s meaningful, and it’s positive.”
The percentage will fluctuate, so the region is still exposed to volatility, he observed, but the structure provides more downside stability when commodity prices fall.
Net Gains So Far
Looking at June through December 2025, Covington estimated average net gains of 77¢ per cwt. in the Appalachian Order, 35¢ in Florida, and 36¢ in the Southeast from federal order changes.
December stood out, he said, because the higher skim-solids composition (implemented in December) and the “higher of” formula (implemented in June) both boosted the Class I price that month. He estimated the new skim factors alone added roughly 35 to 40¢ per cwt. to the Class I price.
National Picture
One number Covington said only became clear after implementation. That was the true national impact of the Class I differential changes.
“It wasn’t nearly as bad for fluid processors as some made it sound in the hearing,” he said.
He calculated the weighted-average effective Class I differential increase at about $1.24 per cwt. across all 11 Federal Orders. Larger make allowances offset much of that by lowering regulated
manufacturing prices, reducing Class II and IV prices by about 93¢ per cwt. and Class III by roughly $1.01.
“You’ve got to remember those higher make allowances are also in the Class I base price. That $1.24 doesn’t sit there by itself,” Covington said. “Listening to testimony at the hearing, you’d think the world was ending (for fluid processors). It didn’t work out that way.”
Components and Plant Economics
Component output continues to outpace milk production. Covington’s estimates showed 2025 milk pounds up a net 2.24% year-on-year (YoY), while butterfat pounds were up 4.4% and protein pounds up 4%. (Fig. 2)
That directly affects plant efficiency. “A cheese plant producing a million pounds of cheese a day can take in 20 fewer loads of milk than it used to,” he said.
For plants taking in 10 million pounds of milk a day, which is not uncommon, Covington estimated the increase in make allowances reduce regulated milk costs by roughly $100,000 per day, which is a meaningful contribution toward expansion.
(continued to page 30)
Calvin Covington’s Southeast dairy outlook always draws interest at the annual Georgia Dairy Conference in Savannah. This year, he also explained actual impacts from federal pricing changes. GMP photo
Covington 2026 Outlook
(continued from page 29)
Still, he cautioned farmers against assuming all processing growth translates into stronger farm-level demand. “I’m all for more plants,” he said, “but will it end up in the dairy farmer’s pocket?”
Protein, Whole Milk, and White Gallons
Covington also flagged a largely overlooked trend: rising natural protein in fluid milk.
An eight-ounce serving of whole milk now averages about 8 grams of total protein, up from 7.3 grams in 2000. “This is significant, 10% more protein in a glass of milk,” he said. “Yet we don’t talk about it.”
He sees the return of whole milk in schools as another potential demand lever. Noting the average fat percentage in packaged fluid milk sales has increased from 2.03% in 2010 to 2.52% in 2025 in the Southeast Order, he said that, “Further increases absorb meaningful amounts of butterfat and can require more farm milk to hit a rising average.”
That ties into a broader frustration with promotion.
“Whether we like it or not, the vast majority of milk we sell is still gallons of white milk. We’ve never met that volume with anything else,” he said, adding that the industry keeps trying to take it apart, “even though milk is already nature’s most nearly perfect food.”
Southeast Supply and Demand
Despite strong Class I utilization percentages, Covington said the Southeast keeps losing Class I fluid volume. “In 2025 versus 2024, we dropped seven loads of Class I producer milk a day,” he reported. “Compared to 2021, we’re down 34 loads a day. It just keeps eating away.”
Because the split between milk processed inside the Southeast and packaged
milk coming from outside has remained roughly 90% to 10% over the past five years, Covington sees the decline in Class I producer milk loads being driven by falling overall sales.
One modest bright spot: Class II milk
“used to produce” has been creeping higher. “It’s only about 50 loads a day,” he said, “but that’s up three loads from the previous year,” reflecting growth in yogurt, cottage cheese and ice cream.
On the supply side, milk growth is concentrated in south Georgia and north Florida. The two states now account for 52% of the region’s milk supply, up from 39% in 2010.
“That milk’s going to be limited going south,” he said. “More often it moves west or north. What the federal order changes have done is flatten prices across the Southeast.”
This has shifted hauling incentives. “There’s more economic incentive now to leave milk in Georgia, North Carolina or South Carolina than to haul it all the way into Florida,” Covington said.
Demand on Fat/Skim Basis
Covington urged producers to think about demand on a fatand-skim basis rather than raw milk volume (Fig. 3).’
In 2025, total fat-basis demand rose 3.4%, with domestic use up 1.4% and exports surging nearly 40%, while fat-basis inventories fell 2% YoY. On a skim-solids basis, total demand rose 2.4%, mainly on stronger domestic use, with inventories essentially flat.
Beef’s Big Role
While Covington’s Southeast outlook shows a roughly $2 drop in average blend prices from $22.58 in 2025 to $20.68 in 2026, and while USDA is forecasting a $2.90 drop in the 2026 national all-milk price average from $21.15 in 2025 to $18.25 in 2026, he said beef markets are providing a meaningful offset.
“Beef value (for calves and cull cows) is adding $3-$4 per cwt. (equivalent) to the price of milk,” he said.
That’s changing herd decisions. “If a Holstein cow is below average, but she breeds back, doesn’t cause problems, and you can sell her calf for $1,000, I’m probably going to keep her,” he said. “We’ve never
(continued to page 31)
Growth in component pounds grew at double the net milk production increase for 2025. (Covington slide)
Looking at demand on a fat and skim solids basis reveals more than looking at it by product category. Net demand was up in 2025. (Covington slide)
Covington’s slide showed average uniform blend prices for the three Southeastern Orders 2016 through 2026 (projected).
info@ladylanefarm.com
jbansen@gmail.com
Covington 2026 Outlook
(continued from page 30)
had this dynamic before.”
Asked how that squares with USDA reporting continued gains in milk output per cow, Covington didn’t hesitate: “Farmers are doing a better job all around.” He cited genomics, sexed semen, better feeding and management, and professional calf growers whose numbers may not be fully captured.
Calendar
(continued from page 10)
SEPT 6—WESTERN NATIONAL JERSEY SHOW, Salem, Ore.; Mandi Bue, Freedom, Wis., judge.
jennie.seals@gmail.com
desijosi@wilsonview.com
ahlemfarms@aol.com
claussjerz@yahoo.com
natalie.sanders@hotmail.com
GENETIC IMPROVEMENT
Sires Ranked by Number of Sons Registered, 2025
In 2025, there were 80,270 animals recorded by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Those animals were sired by 2,470 different bulls (2,439 recorded sires). Which bulls are used most widely? Who are the leading sires of sons?
A total of 40 bulls sired 10 or more sons registered in 2025. In total, these bulls sired 26% of all Jerseys—male and female—and 40.4% of all males recorded (2,287) during the year. The 40 bulls siring 10 or more sons are listed below.
Each year, this study is completed to help establish two reasons. First, they are largely determining the breed’s production capability in the near future. Second, they are going to continue to exert their influence upon the breed’s genetic merit for production and functional fitness for many years through their registered sons. Since the introduction of genomics to the dairy industry, this list has trended towards GCode bulls being the most heavily used.
The relative genetic contribution of the 40 sires with 10 or more
sons to the genetic pool for 2025, is indicated by the weighted average (bottom line of the table). The average GJPI is +138 of the sires and they have a +3.6 Productive Life (PL) and are +14.3 for GJUI. This average is higher than the raw average of their PTAs. The bulls with the highest PTAs are contributing the most to the average genetic merit of sons registered in 2025.
Bulls by Group
The top 10 bulls ranked by the number of sons registered sired a total of 6,518 offspring, of which 436 were sons. The group was the highest for Jersey Udder Index at 14.7 and the highest fat component group at +39 lbs. The third and fourth groups were the highest for most production traits including Milk at ++794 and Protein lbs. at +32. The fourth group leads the way for Cheese Merit Dollars at +438.
* Bulls included are Generation Count 4 or higher with a BBR 100.
1
3
5
6
7
8
9
10
For 40 bulls siring 10 or more sons:
maxwell@tourmyfarm.com
rockbottomdairy@yahoo.com
highlandfarmsdairy@gmail.com
beth@marcootjerseycreamery.com
Ask Me What the Jersey Cow Can Do for You
The one thing February might be known for is Valentine’s Day. It’s a day and month dedicated to showing love towards others. But what about the love we have for our cattle and the breed our lives revolve around? February is the month for love letters, so I decided to write this as my love letter to my favorite little brown cow, the Jersey.
Without this breed that we care so deeply about, our lives would be completely different. I personally don’t know who I would be or where I would be today if it were not for the Jersey cow. The Jersey breed forms the backbone for all of my decisions. They are the reason I actively “agvocate” for the breed. I have been lucky enough to travel to different countries and been able to personally observe how Jerseys fit into different farm models.
If you have not experienced the love the Jersey cow brings, let me enlighten you. Jerseys might be known for the famous Jersey flop, but Jerseys have a great personality, one that will always keep you on your toes. There is never a dull moment. They are highly intelligent. It can be legitimately stated that the only time the word “dumb” is uttered in their presence is when you have been outsmarted by her. After all, the Jersey cow usually thinks quite highly of herself.
If their personality and intelligence is not enough to win you over, then let me dive in a little deeper. A well known fact is that Jerseys are known for the component rich milk they produce. Jerseys produce 25-35% higher butterfat than other breeds, while maintaining an advantage of 1520% more protein in their milk. Due to the Jersey’s smaller stature, they eat 15-25% less feed than the average Holstein cow, but will produce similar or higher milk solids per pound of feed. As a result, the breeder can expect similar production, when factored for components, as larger breeds while maintaining a more favorable feed margin. “Money talks” and with Jerseys
(continued to page 36)
Osborn-Wotthlie
Frosted Futures Caps 2025 Sale Season
Jersey Marketing Services concluded the year with its Frosted Futures Online Sale on December 18, 2025. The offering features 19 close-up springers and young cows from three Jersey breeders, marketed as five group lots. Demand pushed the average to $1,636.84 per head. Bidding opened December 16 on CowBuyer.com and wrapped up two days later with a real-time close.
Sale Management: Jersey Marketing Service
Larry Nisly of Montezuma, Ga., purchased 13 head for $1,700 each in three group lots. One of the group lots was consigned by Rebecca Ferry of Dreamroad Jerseys, Johnstown, N.Y. The five cows sold anywhere from two weeks to 75 days fresh. All were backed by multiple generations of Very Good or Excellent dams. Sires include Ahlem Bancroft Chicago 23929, GJPI +58, Black Label Thrashing Kamakazi-ET, GJPI +135, Heartland Irwin Texas-ET, GJPI +17, ISAU Cairnbrae Bontino, GJPI -26, and Rowleys 80 Caliban Overalls-ET, GJPI +140. Service sires include Avonlea Chicora-ET, GJPI -14, and sexed Dupat Uncommon ForrealET, GJPI +150.
One of the standouts, Dreamroad Kamakazi SpecialMark is a potential fifth-generation Excellent. Dreamroad Victorious Thats Mine-ET, a maternal sister to her dam, was Reserve Grand Champion of the Eastern New York Summer Show and then stood fourth at the National Jersey Jug Futurity in November.
Another highlight from the group is Dreamroad Overalls Clunk. Dreamroad TBone Clumsy, Excellent-96%, a maternal sister to her dam, has 24,590 lbs. milk, 1,230 lbs. fat and 968 lbs. protein. She was Supreme Champion of the Kentucky State Fair in 2017. “Clunk’s” Excellent-93% grandam has an m.e. average of 20,183—805—694 on eight lactations. The fourth dam is Cowbell Royal Cassidy, Excellent-94%, a three-time Grand Champion of the New York State Fair Junior Show. The other two lots purchased by Nisly
were consigned by Richfield Farms Inc. of Greenwood, Del. One lot was five springing heifers sired by JX Metcalf Ripp {5}-ET, GJPI +134, MFW Tucker ST Gallen-ET, GJPI+102, and S-S-I Victory Tucker Otis-ET, GJPI +74. They are due to JX Cal-Mart Expert {6}-ET, GJPI +166, JX Cal-Mart Julius {5}-ET, GJPI +163, or an Angus bull.
Among the heifers is JX Richfield Ripp 556 {6}, due to “Julius {5}” in early February. Her Very Good-83% dam sired by JX Faria Brothers Altazizic
{4}, GJPI +10, has a three-lactation m.e. average of 21,250—1,157—727. The third dam, JX Richfield Marcin M728 {3}, Very Good-80%, has a top record of 3-7 305 24,830 3.7% 920 3.3% 822 98DCR. The next dam is Very Good85%, with 26,900 lbs. milk, 1,126 lbs. fat and 852 lbs. protein at 8-2.
The other group was three cows, all fresh in November. They are sired by “Jinx {5},” JX Cal-Mart Bettis {5}-ET, GJPI +120, and JX Spring Creek Marlo Stoney {3}-ET, GJPI +139. (continued to page 36)
owenswlsd@yahoo.com
abby.tauchen@gmail.com
Osborn-Wotthlie
(continued from page 34)
you can get more bang for your buck. Jerseys are easy calvers, with 90-95% of calvings being unassisted. Jerseys are heat-tolerant, maintaining their milk production as the temperature rises. Research indicates that when compared to other breeds, Jerseys show about a 10-20% less drop in milk yield during heat stress.
With all this information it seems like a no-brainer why you should love Jerseys and give them a chance in your herd (and heart). I promise that if you give Jerseys a chance, you won’t regret it. Be forewarned, they multiply, and once you make the change, you won’t go back. There might be a leaning curve along the way (you better make sure to put an extra snap on that gate). If you give them a chance, I think you will love, appreciate, and see what all the talk is about. The little brown cow is so much more than just a pretty face.
hounddogkarl@yahoo.com
https://ddjerseys.usjerseyjournal.com/
Frosted Futures
(continued from page 35)
Sales $1,700 and Over (Consignors in Parentheses)
Larry Nisly, Montezuma, Ga.
Dreamroad Texas Foxtrot, cow 2 yrs.
(Dreamroad Jerseys LLC, Johnstown, N.Y.)
Dreamroad Chicago Tornado, cow 2 yrs.
(Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y.)
Dreamroad Bontino Jax, cow 3 yrs.
(Rebecca Ferry)
Dreamroad Kamakazi Specialmark, cow 2 yrs.
(Rebecca Ferry)
Dreamroad Overalls Clunk, cow 2 yrs.
(Rebecca Ferry)
JX Richfield Ripp 555 {6}, bred heifer 22 mos.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
JX Richfield Bettis 505 {5}, cow 2 yrs.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
JX Richfield Jinx 547 {6}, cow 2 yrs.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
JX Richfield Stoney 548 {4}, cow 2 yrs.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
JX Richifield Gallen 554 {5}, bred heifer 23 mos.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
JX Richfiled Ripp 556 {6}, bred heifer 22 mos.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
Richfield Otis 559, bred heifer 22 mos.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
JX Richfield Gallen 564 {6}, bred heifer 20 mos.
(Richfield Farms Inc.)
Top 305-day Production Records of 2025
The following production records are the highest 305day records completed in 2025 as reported to the American Jersey Cattle Association. The records are based on actual pounds milk, fat, protein, and cheese yield.
By Milk Production
1. JX SHENANDOAH HARRIS SEQUOIA {5}
2. JX AHLEM DASHIELL CHARM 80131 {5}
3. JX WINGERTS METAL AZELIA 8238 {6}
4. CINNAMON RIDGE
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
By Fat Production
1.
2.
3. CINNAMON RIDGE METHOD BULGARIA 83% 8-05
4. PINE-TREE DISCO BULGARIA 1864-ET 86% 5-08 305 * 29,930
5. JX EVERGREEN ALTAMONTRA 7418 {5}
The reported lactations were compiled from data submitted to The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) from CDCB and the regional processing centers. All published records appear on Official Performance Pedigrees of the AJCA.
Norman Henry “Norm” Martin, Tillamook, Ore., passed away on February 8, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
He was born on September 4, 1944, in Hanford, Calif., where he attended Stratfor Grammar School before continuing his education at Lemoore High School. He later attended Fresno State University and Graham Cattle School in Kansas City, Kan., preparing for a life dedicated to agriculture and the dairy industry. As a third-generation farmer, Norm carried forward a family legacy with pride, determination and deep respect for the land and animals in his care.
He married the love of his life, Gwen Semas Martin, in October 1963. Together they built a life centered on faith, family and hard work.
In 1975, he purchased the dairy from Martin Brothers in Stratford, Calif., and continued building the operation with his family. He often said that any success he achieved was only possible because of his wife and children working alongside him.
In October 1995, Norm moved both his family and dairy operations to Tillamook to begin a new chapter at Martin Dairy LLC and market milk through Tillamook Cooperative Creamery Association, which he eventually served as a director. Initially set up as a half Holstein, half Jersey herd, it was transitioned to Jersey several years later, after Norm discovered the breed’s economic advantages by milking the two side by side.
The Martins bred Registered Jerseys
using the Cal-Mart prefix. Norm was a heavy user of programs from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), developing a herd that ranked among the best in the nation for genetic merit and production. Cal-Mart Jerseys currently ranks #1 for cow genetic merit with a herd average JPI of +101 on 716 cows.
The Martins regularly contributed to leading Jersey sales. Their consignments topped the National Heifer Sale in 2013 and 2022 and the Pot O’Gold Sale in 2012, 2015 and 2020. Their consignment to the All American Jersey in 2017 was the highest-selling female.
Martin Dairy was a virtual tour for World Dairy Expo in 2020, and Norm and his son, Chad, were featured on the cover of the October 2004 issue of the Jersey Journal.
Martin Dairy continues to be operated by Gwen and Chad, along with Chad’s wife, Fran, and their daughter, Taryn Martin.
Throughout his career, Norm was recognized as a distinguished dairy farmer. He attended many dairy conventions and took pride in speaking about an industry he truly loved. He was a member of the AJCA and served as Director of National All-Jersey Inc. from 2003 to 2015.
Norm also sat on the board of All West/Select Sires for more than 30 years and served on boards for both the Kings County and Tillamook County Dairy Herd Improvement Associations. Norm is a former member of the California Federated Milk Producers board and the California Milk Advisory Board. He also served on the boards of the Stratford Public Utility District and the Stratford Water Board. He was involved with the Portuguese lodge and
the Kings County sheriff posse.
Though he received many honors, the recognition Norm treasured most was being named Dairy Family of the Year in California in 1986.
Beyond his work, Norm found joy in life’s simple and meaningful moments. He loved hunting, especially during the opening day of dove season, and cherished traveling with Gwen. While they visited many countries, the Azores Islands held a special place in his heart. Norm was known for his gift of storytelling. He could bring memories to life in a way that made everyone want to listen. For this reason, he became the family historian, preserving stories that will live on for generations.
Norman Henry Martin will be remembered for his steady work ethic, deep love for family, commitment to community and the stories that connected generations. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the land he cared for and the values he passed down.
In addition to his wife of 62 years, Gwen, his son and daughter in law, and granddaughter, Norm is survived by two other children, Lance (Lynell) and Rhonda (Fernando Silveira); a brother, Clifford (Arlinda); a brother in law, Steve Semas (Kathy); a sister in law, Mardell Pedersen; 16 other grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren, with twins on the way; five nieces and one nephew; and several other extended members of the family.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Doris.
Donations in his memory may be made to Alzheimer’s research or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
