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JERSEY JOURNAL

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JERSEY JOURNAL

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JERSEY JOURNAL

In this issue:

Official Publication of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068–2362. Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Eastern) weekdays. Phone: 614/861-3636. Fax: 614/861-8040. Email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com. Website: www.USJerseyJournal.com.

Volume 73 • Issue 2, 2026 • ISSN: 0021-5953

Editor: Kimberly A. Billman National Jersey Youth Achievement-2025

Managing Editor: Tracie Hoying

Feature Writer: Michele Ackerman Contributing Writer: Kaila Tauchen

www.USJerseyJournal.com

FEATURES Application Deadline is December 1 for 10th Jersey Youth Academy

19 39 46 22 19

Fifteen Youth to Recieve Scholarships Totaling $38,850 Jerseys Strike Gold: Youth Success in the Pot O’Gold Program Learning from the Numbers National Jersey Youth Achievement-2025 Say Yes and Define Your Story Clancey Krahn, National Jersey Youth Achievement Winner

33 Staudinger Tops Youth Production Contest

2026 Jersey All American to be Crowned in Louisville

COVER Featured on the cover are Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore., winner of the 2025 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, and Krahn Girls Victorious Fiat, Very Good-88%. Clancey is the daughter of Ben and Amy Krahn of Royal Riverside Farm and is a senior at Oklahoma State Univeristy majoring in agricultural communications. She has helped brand her family milk bottling business. “Fiat” is beginning her career in the Royal Riverside herd. She was recently named the second place spring junior two-year-old at the 2026 Western National Jersey Show. The September issue celebrates Jersey youth, highlighting the accomplishments of nearly three dozen young people through the National Jersey Youth Development Programs. Turn to page 19 to read more about their achievements and involvement in the Jersey community.

JERSEY JOURNAL

SHORTS

REGULAR

2026 Jersey All American to be Crowned in Louisville

AJCA, NAJ Board Members

Application Deadline is December 1 for 10th Jersey Youth Academy

Advertising Index

Advertising Rates

Along the Jersey Road

Calendar

Editorial

Field Service Staff

In Memoriam

Border Smuggling Raises NWS Risk

CDCB Podcast Recaps New Genetic Evaluations

December Deadline for Stout Experience Award

Nominations Open for 2027 National Jersey Awards

Jersey Journal Subscription Rates

Search for 2026 National Jersey Queen is Underway

Journal Shopping Center

New Members

Registration Fees

Type Appraisal Schedule

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Spring Valley Farm Honored

Published monthly at 205 West Fourth St., Minster, Ohio 45865-0101, by the American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362. Periodicals postage paid at Reynoldsburg, Ohio and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Jersey Journal, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362. Copyright by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Subscription Prices: $30.00 per year in the United States; $45.00 per year outside the United States. The receipt of the Jersey Journal is notification that money on subscription has been received. Your mailing label on back cover will show date to which subscription is paid. Changing your address: Please send old as well as new address to Jersey Journal, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362; send label from your last copy and allow five weeks for first copy to reach you.

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To improve and promote the Jersey breed of cattle, and to increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and for Jersey cattle.

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

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: Kristin A. Paul, 209/402-5679 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. Seth Israelsen, above

Greg Lavan, above Cheryl Vest, 614/296-4166; cvest@usjersey.com Willow Voegtlen, above Emma Vos, 209/765-7187; evos@usjersey.com

American Jersey Cattle Association Board of Directors

Officers President: Alan Chittenden, 84 Running Creek Rd., Schodack Landing, NY 12156-9603. Phone 518/3202893; alan.dutchhollow@gmail.com. Vice President: Cornell Kasbergen, 21744 Road 152, Tulare, CA 93274. Phone 559/804-7393; ckasbergen@ aol.com.

Directors Tyler Boyd, 19784 Patricia Lane, Hilmar, CA 95324. Phone 209/585-7118; tyler.l.boyd@gmail.com. Third District. 2027. Ted DeMent, 5252 Hallsville Rd., Kenney, IL 61749. Phone 217/725-2432; dementsjerseys@gmail.com. Second District. 2030. Ralph Frerichs, 3117 St. Hwy. 159., La Grange, TX 78945-4226. Phone 979/249-3012; frerichs@cvctx. com. Second District. 2027. Ethan Haywood, 1045 Solomon Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 269/945-0239; ethanhaywood@gmail. com. Second District. 2029. Hogan-Killgore, Kristin, 12614 First St., Tillamook, OR 97141. Phone 503/812-8991; kristin.hogan@hotmail. com. Third District. 2030.

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. Lynda Lehr, 15848 Oxbow Rd., Canastota, NY 13032. Phone 315/857-7161; lyndalehr!@gmail.com. First District. 2030. 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. 2027. 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.

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, contact the Communications Department via email at jerseyjournal@usjersey. com. If you have additional questions, please call the Jersey Journal at 614/861-3636 or contact us via email. All subscribers to Jersey Journal (effective May 2026) will receive two printed copies a year. One in late winter and the other in the fall.

Jersey Journal Subscription Rates Effective July 1, 2023

(10 online issues; January and September printed)

Domestic 1 year............ $45 3 years.........$125 5 years........ $210

International 1 year............. $60 3 years.......... $170 5 years..........$285

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.

National All-Jersey Inc. Board of Directors Officers President: Corey Lutz, 4399 Ritchie Rd., Lincolnton, NC 28092. Phone 704/735-1222; piedmontjerseys@ charter.net. 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.

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Alan Chittenden, ex officio, see AJCA officers. Ralph Frerichs, ex officio, see AJCA. Cornell Kasbergen, ex officio, see AJCA. Jonathan Merriam,12136 Riverview Rd., Hickman, CA 95323. Phone 209/324-4983; jbmerriam.964@gmail. com. District 2. 2029. Donna Phillips, 8506 Center Rd., Newton, WI 53063. Phone 920.374.1292; ddstock@lakefield.net. District 4. 2030. Corey Lutz, see officers. District 8. 2030. Tom Seals, 37840 Upper Nestucca River Rd., Beaver, OR 97108. Phone 541/520-0298; legendairyfarms@ icloud.com. District 1. 2027. Bradley Taylor, see officers. District 5. 2028.

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ABS Global.........................................2 Ahlem Farms Partnership................44 Albright Jerseys LLC........................49 Allflex/Merck.....................................12 All American Jersey Sale............. 7, 11 American Jersey Cattle Association .............................................16, 50, 61 Biltmore Farms.................................24 Boks Jersey Farm............................30 California Jerseys............................44 Cedar Mountain Jerseys..................21 Cinnamon Ridge Dairy.....................25 Circle S Jerseys...............................21 Clauss Dairy Farm...........................44 Clover Patch Dairy...........................30 Clover Patch Dairy Online Retirement Sale...............................................15 Cold Run Jerseys LLC.....................30 Cooper Farm....................................24 Cornell University.............................25 Crescent Farm.................................21 D&D Jerseys....................................48 Den-Kel Jerseys...............................57 Dorado Jerseys................................55 Dreamroad Jerseys LLC..................57 Dutch Hollow Farm..........................48

Journal Shopping Center.................66 Kreeger and Associates LLC...........15 Lady-Lane Farm...............................38 Lawtons Jersey Farm.......................57 Legendairy Farms............................38 Lucky Hill Jersey Farm.....................21 Mapleline Farm................................21 Marcoot Jersey Creamery...............51 Martin Dairy LLC..............................68 Messmer Jersey Farm.....................27 Mills Jersey Farm LLC.....................27 Milk-n-More Farms and Harvest......37

U-Fashion Jerseys LLC...................30

Oat Hill Dairy....................................28 Ohio Jerseys....................................30 Ohio State University.........................9 Oregon Jerseys................................38 Owens Farms Inc.............................64

White Rock Jerseys.........................21 Wilsonview Dairy..............................38 Wisconsin Jersey Cattle Club..........64

Edn-Ru Jerseys...............................59 Fire-Lake Jerseys............................44 Forest Glen Jerseys.........................38

Revolution Genetics.........................28 Royal Riverside Farm......................13

Goff Dairy.........................................51

Select Sires......................................67

Irishtown Acres.................................59 JNB Farm.........................................59 Jersey Journal..................................42 Jersey Marketing Service............7, 32 Page 8

Tauchen Harmony Valley Inc...........64 Taylor Jersey Farm Inc.....................26

National Jersey Jug Futurity............63 New England Jerseys......................21 New York Jerseys............................57 Nobledale Farm...............................59

Pennsota Jerseys............................28 Pennsylvania Jerseys......................59 Pine Hill Jersey Farm LLC...............30 Pot O’Gold Jersey Sale....................32

Haysview Jerseys............................37 Heaven Scent Jerseys.....................57 Highland Farms, Inc.........................25 Hi-Land Farms.................................57 High Lawn Farm...............................56 Huffard Dairy Farms.........................28

Silver Spring Farms.........................57 South Dakota State University.........20 South-Mont Farm.............................59 Spahr Jersey Farm, Inc....................30 Spatz Cattle Company.....................28 Spring Valley Farm...........................28 Springdale Jerseys Inc.....................21 Spruce Row Jerseys........................59 Steinhauers Jerseys........................64 Stoney Hollow Jerseys.....................59 Summit Farm....................................28 Sunbow Jerseys...............................28

Vanderfeltz Jerseys..........................59 Viking Genetics..................................4

Z-Class Genetics.............................18 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. OCT.—California and Nevada. NOV.—Ohio and Michigan. DEC.— Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Delaware; North Carolina, South Carolina, Central and Eastern Georgia, Florida; Central and Eastern Kentucky, Tennessee and Northwest Georgia; Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida and Southern Georgia. JAN.— Wisconsin.

FEB.— Indiana and Illinois; Arkansas, Western Missouri, Eastern Kansas, Northwest Texas and Eastern New Mexico; Minnesota; Eastern Iowa; Western Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Northern Nebraska. MAR.—Vermont and New Hampshire; Maine, Massachusetts and Connecticut; Washington; Oregon.

Deadlines

OCT. 6—Entries due for The All American Jersey Shows. Visit http://www.livestockexpo.org. OCT. 15—National Jersey Queen application deadline. DEC. 1—Deadline to apply for Jersey Youth Academy. DEC. 1—Deadline to apply for the Fred Stout Experience on-farm and marketing internships. DEC. 31—National Jersey Jug Futurity payments due for 2029 entries. JAN. 15—Nominations are due in the AJCA-NAJ office for Young Jersey Breeders, Master Breeder, Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service awards. 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.

Registration Fees Effective October 1, 2024 InfoJersey.com Applications Member Non-Member

All Other Applications Member Non-Member

Females: Under six (6) months................................ $28.00 $30.00 Applications 1-50.............................. $17.00 $19.00 Applications 51-200............................ 15.00 51 and over 17.00 Applications over 200 on REGAPP.... 12.00 (All figures based on calendar year) 6-12 months........................................... 22.00 33.00 24.00 35.00 12-24 months......................................... 30.00 38.00 32.00 40.00 Over 24 months...................................... 38.00 48.00 40.00 50.00 Males: REAP Non-REAP Under six (6) months.................................................. $0.00 $100.00 6-12 months........................................................... $100.00 $100.00 12-24 months......................................................... $100.00 $100.00 Over 24 months...................................................... $100.00 $100.00 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.

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MAR. 1—Living Lifetime Production contest applications are due. Cows alive as of December 31, 2026, 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.

Sales

SEPT. 29—TOP OF THE WORLD JERSEY SALE, Sale Pavilion, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 5:00 p.m. (CDT); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com; Chris Hill, Thurmont, Md., auctioneer. OCT. 7—ERTL DAIRY FARM ONLINE FALL FEST; Marshallville, Ohio; 12:00-1:00 p.m. (EST); Kreeger and Associates, LLC, sale mgr.; view and bid at www.kreegerdairy.com. NOV. 7—POT O’GOLD SALE, Louisville, Ky.; 1:00 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com; Lynn Lee, Smyrna, Tenn., auctioneer. NOV. 7—ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SALE, Louisville, Ky.; 3:30 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com; Chris Hill, Thurmont, Md., auctioneer. NOV. 11—CLOVER PATCH JERSEYS ONLINE RETIREMENT AUCTION; owned by Alan and Sharon Kozak, Millersburg, Ohio; 12:00-1:00 p.m. (EST); Kreeger and Associates, LLC, sale mgr.; view and bid at www.kreegerdairy.com. JUNE 17—NATIONAL HEIFER SALE, Crowne Plaza Resort, Asheville, N.C.; 6:00 p.m. (EDT); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com; jms@usjersey.com.

Meetings and Expositions

OCT. 19-21—NMPF/DMI/UDIA JOINT ANNUAL MEETING, Kissamee, Fla. NOV. 7—ALL AMERICAN JERSEY YOUTH AWARD CEREMONY, West Hall Room B, Louisville, Ky.; 9:00 a.m. (EST); presentation of national Jersey Youth Awards and National Jersey Queen Contest. NOV. 10-12—DAIRY CATTLE REPRODUCTION COUNCIL ANNUAL MEETING, Columbus, Ohio. NOV. 16-17—DAIRY SUSTAINABILITY ALLIANCE FALL MEETING, Fort Worth, Texas. JAN. 13-14—DAIRY STRONG CONFERENCE, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. JAN. 24-27—DAIRY FORUM BY IDFA, JW Marriott Orlando, Orlando, Fla. FEB. 4-5—GREAT LAKES REGIONAL DAIRY CONFERENCE, Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, Mt. Pleasant, Mich. FEB. 9-11—WORLD AG EXPO, International AgriCenter, Tulare, Calif. MAR. 16-17—PROFESSIONAL DAIRY PRODUCERS CONFERENCE, Kalahari Resorts and Conventions, Wisconsin Dells, Wis. APR. 6-8—WESTERN DAIRY MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE, Reno, Nev. APR. 13-15—DAIRY CALF AND HEIFER ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, Sioux Falls, S.D. (continued to page 30)

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Daniel and Rachel Jones, Logan, Ohio, gave birth to their first child, Barrett Alan Jones, on September 6, 2026. He weighed 5 lbs. 7 oz. and was 19 inches long. Dan is an information technology support specialist for the American Jersey Cattle Association. Andrew Dowty and Jackie Mudd were united in holy matrimony on August 29, 2026, at Lakeside Occasions in Topeka, Ind. He is the son of Phil and Melissa Dowty and she is the daughter of Stephen and Judy Mudd. Jackie was crowned National Jersey Queen in 2023 and won the on-farm Fred Stout Experience in 2025. Today, she works at The Dowtys Crystal Spring Creamery, where she makes cheese. She and Andrew also dairy farm in Goshen, Ind., and recently received a grant from Dairy Business Innovation Alliance to start their own creamery next year.

A Hearty Welcome To These New AJCA Members

Hannah Brown, Pleasant Hill, Calif. Derick Determan, Vesta, Minn. Emily Drayton, Eben Junction, Mich. Sheils Coicea, Farwell, Mich. Hannah Hensel, Pittsville, Wis. Jessica Hewitt, Baton Rouge, La. Henrick Huskies, Ottawa, Ohio Flor Jordan, Crockett, Texas Lilly Keller, Kinderhook, N.Y. Ashley Knapp, Louisville, Ill. Colleen A. LaMonte, Bybee, Tenn. Ammon Martin, Mephis, Mo. Santana Vansant Mays Sparks, Upperco, Md. Holl Pompi, Pikeville, Tenn. Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore. Timothy Stalans, Wartrace, Tenn. McKenna Sellick, Hartwick, N.Y. Timothy Stalans, Wartrace, Tenn. Abby Terhue, Telford, Tenn.

awards during a ceremony held during the fair on September 3, 2026. Now owned by brothers Wayne and Allen Stiles, Spring Valley Farm was established by their grandfather, N.C. Stiles, with Holsteins. The farm’s Jersey tradition began with the brothers’ father, John. In an interview with WMAR-2 News in Baltimore, Allen said his father had friends who owned brown cows Spring Valley Farm Honored and learned about the breed’s higher Spring Valley Farm, Westminster, butterfat. Md., was recognized by the “He said, ‘Yeah, they have higher Commonwealth of Maryland and the butterfat, so we should get some of Maryland Department of Agriculture those,” Allen recalled. for 100 years of exhibiting Jerseys at the John purchased a Jersey for 4-H Maryland State Fair. Members of the and brought her to the Maryland State Stiles and Heath families accepted the Fair in 1926, beginning a centurylong family tradition of exhibiting Jerseys. Over the years, numerous members of the Stiles and Heath families have been active in the show ring and Jersey events, including Wayne and Allen’s sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Harrison Palmer, deputy secretary of the Maryland Billy Heath, and their late Department of Agriculture, far right, and Maryland State Fair son, Michael. representatives David Hill, far left, Mary Amoss, chair, second The Stiles and Heath left, and David Gordon, general manager with members of Spring Valley Farm: left to right, Wayne Stiles, Betty and Billy Heath, families were honored with the Robert “Whitey” Allen Stiles and Kay Hoffman Stiles, and Susie Heath Poole. Page 14

McKown Master Breeder Award in 2023.

Border Smuggling Raises NWS Risk

Efforts to contain New World screwworm (NWS) along the TexasMexico border face a threat beyond legal livestock movement: animal smuggling. Drovers reported that authorities stopped a trailer near Redford, Texas, carrying six horses that had allegedly been brought illegally from Mexico. Though the horses were not infested with NWS, the incident underscores how uninspected animals could create gaps in surveillance, quarantine and other disease control measures. Forty-nine NWS cases in domestic animals have been confirmed in the United States since June 3, 2026. For current updates, producer guidance and U.S. Department of Agriculture response information, visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/animals/ animal-health/livestock-and-poultrydisease/stop-screwworm/currentstatus?page=1.

CDCB Podcast Recaps New Genetic Evaluations

Dairy producers wanting a closer look at changes in the August 2026 genetic evaluations can listen to Episode 7 of the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDSB) podcast, CowCast. CDCB Outreach Specialist Katie Schmidt is joined by colleagues Dr. Ezequiel Nicolazzi and Dr. Taylor McWhorter, who discuss updates. Highlights include changes to Daughter Pregnancy Rate, Cow Conception Rate, Heifer Conception Rate and Early First Calving, along with the new traits Resistance to Diarrhea, Resistance to Respiratory Problems and First Service to Conception. Listen on YouTube at h t t p s : / / w w w.y o u t u b e . c o m / watch?v=cPfdEnhL9Vw&t=4s. JERSEY JOURNAL

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Components Tell the Story. Efficiency Makes It Stronger. There has been a lot of conversation in the dairy industry lately about milk components—and for good reason. Tremendous gains have been made in fat and protein production, and the gap between dairy breeds has narrowed. But the Jersey cow has not been standing still. Her advantage in component concentration remains, and when we combine those components with the amount of feed required to produce them, the Jersey efficiency story becomes even more compelling. The question isn’t simply, “How many pounds of milk did she make?” It’s also, “What did it take to make them?” Feed efficiency is receiving increased attention throughout the dairy industry. One commonly used measurement is energy-corrected milk (ECM) divided by dry matter intake (DMI)—ECM/DMI. Energy-corrected milk accounts for the energy contained in milk through its fat and protein, allowing us to look beyond pounds of fluid milk to what is actually in the tank. Market-average Jersey milk is approximately 5.0% fat and 3.8% true protein. During the first three quarters of 2025, that milk was valued 35% higher than formulastandard milk across Federal Order markets and up to 26% more than average milk in Federal Orders using multiple component pricing. Components tell us what is in the tank. Feed efficiency tells us what it took to put them there. USJersey has begun gathering feed-efficiency information from Jersey herds across the country. Our initial dataset is small, but the numbers are encouraging. Seven Jersey herds, from across the entire country, ranging from 213 to 3,901 cows, reported feed-efficiency ratios from 1.75 to 1.99 ECM/DMI. One herd averaged 66 pounds of milk at 5.9% fat and 3.9% protein. Once those components were accounted for, the herd produced 91.7 lbs. of energy-corrected milk while consuming 46.2 lbs. of dry matter. That’s a feed-efficiency ratio of 1.99—nearly two

pounds of ECM for every pound of dry matter consumed. It is a powerful reminder of why pounds of milk alone doesn’t tell the Jersey story. And the research gives us more reason to keep asking these questions. A 2026 study published in the Journal of Dairy Science reviewed results from 30 peer-reviewed studies comparing Jerseys with Holsteins under similar conditions from 19782023. The averages are worth a closer look. Breed

# Milk

DMI

ECM

ECM/DMI

Holstein: Jersey:

70.1 46.3

3.65 3.26 5.24 3.94

46.3 37.1

73.6 60.5

1.59 1.63

Using the milk production, component and dry matter intake averages reported in the study, the calculated feedefficiency ratios were 1.59 ECM/DMI for Holsteins and 1.63 for Jerseys. But look at the entire picture: higher component concentration, lower daily feed intake and greater ECM production relative to body size. The Jersey cow does a lot with a smaller package. Now we need to put more Jersey numbers behind that story. Seven herds aren’t enough to tell us everything. We need your assistance. If your herd tracks dry matter intake, milk production, fat and protein, USJersey would like to hear from you. We are looking for the number of milking Jersey cows, bulk tank milk production, fat percent, protein percent and dry matter intake per cow. Individual herd information can remain anonymous. Please send your information to John Metzger at jmetzger@usjersey.com. The more real-world Jersey data we gather, the better we can understand—and document—what today’s Jersey cow is capable of doing. The dairy industry is putting greater emphasis on components and efficiency. That should motivate us to keep pushing, measuring and improving. The gap may have narrowed. The Jersey advantage has not disappeared.

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JERSEY JOURNAL

Say Yes and Define Your Story Clancey Krahn, Albany, Oregon

or as long as I can remember, a Jersey has been at the center of my world. I grew up on Royal Riverside Farm, a small family dairy and farmstead creamery nestled in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Jerseys colored the backdrop of my childhood: early mornings in the barn, summer days spent in the field, standing ringside with my Jerseys at a show, calves tied on the wash rack getting halter broke and conversations around the kitchen table. Long before I understood pedigrees, production records or what made a great dairy cow, I understood that Jerseys were simply part of who we were. I was born into the Jersey breed, but somewhere along the way, I chose it for myself. As I grew, so did the world Jerseys gave me. And let me tell you, Jerseys have a way of opening doors. They carried me beyond the familiar gates of our Oregon dairy to show rings, sales, contests, conventions, internships and barns across the country. What started with learning to lead a calf became learning to speak in front of a room, compete in contests, meet people I admired and step into places where I was not always certain I belonged. Each opportunity seemed to uncover another, and every time I was brave enough to say yes, my world became a little bigger. Of course, Jerseys taught me plenty about cattle. They taught me to notice the details, to appreciate a beautiful mammary system and to understand that good cattle do not happen by accident. But the lessons that stayed with me most have very little to do with what happens in a show ring. They taught me patience when a heifer had none. Perseverance when the work was long and the outcome was disappointing. Humility when things went my way and grace when they did not. They taught me to listen to people who knew more than I did, to ask better questions and to never become too accomplished to keep learning. Most importantly, they taught me that very little worth doing is done alone. When I look back at my years as a Jersey youth, the ribbons rarely shine brightest. Instead, I remember the glow of barn lights long after dark. I remember riding passenger seat with my dad across the country with countless miles of highway and a trailer beJERSEY JOURNAL

hind us, hurried conversations ringside, early mornings fueled by too little sleep and laughter echoing down the aisle after the cattle were finally bedded for the night. I remember standing along the rail watching cows I dreamed of owning in the future and listening to people whose knowledge I hoped to someday have. I remember the people who stopped what they were doing to answer a question. The ones who handed me a fitting tool and showed me a better way. The ones who offered advice, opened a door, trusted me with an opportunity or saw something in me before I quite knew how to see it in myself. Somewhere among all those seemingly ordinary moments, an extraordinary community became home. That is what makes being named the National Jersey Youth Achievement Award winner so meaningful to me. I am incredibly proud of this recognition, but when I look at it, I do not see one person or one year. I see a collection of moments. I see the miles traveled, lessons learned, chances taken, mistakes made, Jerseys loved and people who poured pieces of themselves into the person I am still becoming. I see my family, who gave me roots in an industry generations before I was here to appreciate them. Being a sixth-generation dairy farmer is something I carry with tremendous pride, but I have learned that a legacy is about more than inheriting something. It is about deciding what you will do with what was handed to you. My family gave me a beginning in agriculture and the Jersey breed. I hope the life I build honors that beginning while adding something meaningful of my own. I also see the Jersey breeders, mentors and friends who have invested in me along the way. The older I get, the more I realize how much of who we become is made up of small pieces of people who took the time to care. If there is one thing I hope younger Jersey members take from my story, it is this: say yes. Say yes before you feel completely ready. Enter the contest. Apply for the scholarship. Take the trip. Go to the meeting. Volunteer. Walk up and introduce yourself to the person you admire. Ask the question, even if you are nervous to ask it. Be curious. Be teachable. Be brave enough to be a (continued to page 20)

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Clancey Krahn (continued from page 19)

beginner. You do not have to know exactly where an opportunity will lead before you take it. Some of the most defining chapters of my life began with an ordinary yes. Eventually, all of those yeses carried me more than 2,000 miles from the dairy that raised me to Oklahoma State University, where I am now a senior studying agricultural communications and animal science. Moving that far from home forced me to discover which pieces of home I wanted to carry with me. Agriculture was never a question. Through college, I began to understand that the part of agriculture I love most exists at the intersection of cattle, people and stories. I love the science and tradition behind producing food, but I am equally fascinated by the people who dedicate their lives to doing it. I have come to believe that agriculture needs people willing to tell those stories with the same care that Page 20

producers put into living them. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural communications and build a career telling the stories of agriculture, advocating for its people and giving back to the industry that built me. In many ways, I owe that dream to Jerseys. The Jersey breed gave a little girl from a small Oregon dairy farm a much bigger world to explore. It gave me places to go before I knew I wanted to travel, people to know before I understood the value of a network, and opportunities to grow before I realized how much growing I had to do. It gave me roots deep enough to always know where I come from and wings strong enough to wonder just how far I might go. Winning the National Jersey Youth Achievement Award does not feel like the ending of my youth story. It feels more like standing between chapters: grateful for every page already written and incredibly excited for the ones still ahead.

I do not know exactly where those pages will take me. I hope they are filled with meaningful work, good cattle, even better people and a life spent giving back to the industry that first gave so much to me. And I know one thing for certain. No matter how far the road takes me, I am confident that it will always lead me back to the Jersey industry. And that gives me comfort because I will never feel like I am arriving somewhere new. I will forever feel like I am coming home.

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fjordworks@yahoo.com

jsamuelson56@yahoo.com

toms18438@yahoo.com

sdfarm@fairpoint.net

luckyhilljerseys@yahoo.com

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jkokoski@maplelinefarm.com

whiterockfarm1192@gmail.com

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For over seven decades, Jersey youth have been vying for the coveted title of winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Content. For 2025, Clancey Krahn, Albany, Oregon, has been named the 71st winner of the prestigious competition where she was placed amongst 13 applications from 11 states.

First

Clancey Krahn

Albany, Ore. Oklahoma State University

lancey Krahn has forged her way to the front of the 2025 National Jersey Youth Achievement contest after fourth and seventh place finishes in the 2024 and 2023 contests, respectively. Krahn calls Royal Riverside Farm home. There, alongside her parents, Ben and Amy, and sister, Gracie, the family

National Jersey Youth Achievement—2025

Second

Nicole Arrowsmith

Peach Bottom, Pa. Penn State University

Third

Lee Taylor

Fourth

Booneville, Miss. Mississippi State University

icole Arrowsmith has earned second place in the 2025 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. A native of Peach Bottom, Pa., she is pursuing a degree in agribusiness management at Pennsylvania State University. Growing up on her

dvancing to third place this year is Lee Taylor of Booneville, Miss., son of Bradley and Carla Taylor of Taylor Jersey Farms Inc. On the farm, Taylor plays an active role in daily operations,

caling to a fourthplace finish in the 2025 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest is Cassie Bohnert of East Mo-

milks and bottles the milk from their herd and distributes it to local stores. She is responsible for managing the show string, a venture that has yielded several All American animals and other awardwinning cattle for the Krahn sisters. Understanding the importance of broadening her horizons, Krahn has also done internships with Red Dirt Genetics, Perkins,

family’s dairy farm, Hillacres Jerseys, Arrowsmith unveiled her love and passion for the dairy industry. Her versatility shines through in her daily responsibilities— feeding calves, milking cows, helping with matings, feeding animals and caring for the show herd. The Jersey cow has taken Arrowsmith across the United States while showing at local, state and national shows.

including milking cows, feeding calves, and handling whatever chores need to be done. Currently, the family is embarking on an exciting new venture of establishing a processing facility near their farm. Taylor recently has become more involved in reproduction and genetics on the dairy. He acknowledges that building a herd to meet his high standards takes time, careful planning, and

line, Ill. Immersed in the rhythm of farm life early on, Cassie contributes her upbringing on Bohnert’s Jersey Farm to being what shaped her into the person she is today. This 700-cow Registered Jersey farm was not just a workplace for Bohnert and her brothers, instead it was where they learned the importance of animal welfare, dedication and

2025 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest from last year’s eighth place spot is Sarah Diehl from McVeytown, Pa. Diehl, the daughter of Joe and Kristin Diehl of Musser Run Jerseys, has had a Jersey youth career spanning 13 years with a variety of experiences under her belt. What sparked her interest was her early involvement on the family’s dairy farm, where she was responsible for

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Cassie Bohnert

East Moline, Ill. Iowa State University

Fifth

Sarah Diehl McVey, Pa. University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School

umping to a fifthplace finish in the

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Each applicant was evaluated and ranked by a committee of judges to determine this year’s top 10 individuals. The contest recognizes Jersey youth for their leadership, activities, and participation in Jersey functions, as well as success in breeding and managing their own Jersey cattle.

Krahn and the other award recipients will be recognized in November in Louisville, Ky., during the All American Jersey events. These 10 youth will receive cash awards totaling $4,500 at the Youth Awards Ceremony on Saturday morning, November 7, 2026.

Sixth

Katelyn Poitras

Brimfield, Mass. Select Sires Inc.

lacing sixth in this year’s National Jersey Youth

Achievement Contest is Katelyn Poitras of Marysville, Ohio. Poitras owns a herd of 10 Registered Jersey heifers and 15 cows, in addition to 10 Holsteins. She has made trips to many local, state and national shows, including to the All American Jersey Show and World Dairy Expo. Over the years, Poitras has seen much success in those ventures. Most notably, Poitras exhibited the (continued to page 27)

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Seventh

Kiara Konyn Escondido, Calif. University of Wisconsin-Madison

n her first year entering the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, Kiara Konyn of Escondido, Calif.,

placed seventh. Growing up on Frank Konyn Dairy, the last remaining dairy farm in San Diego county, Konyn had the opportunity to get involved in many areas of the farm, but found herself focusing on caring for calves and youngstock. During this time, she learned the importance of attention to detail, commitment and hard work, as the (continued to page 27)

Eighth

Ninth

Morgan OsbornWotthlie

Tenth

Eden Cooper Owego, N.Y. Tioga Central High School

aking home the ninth-place award in this year’s contest is Morgan OsbornWotthlie, Union Bridge, Md. Osborn-Wotthlie has participated in Jersey youth programming for over 14 years, having found

den Cooper, Owego, N.Y., placed 10th her first time entering the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. Cooper grew up involved in her family’s dairy, Cooper Farm, where she owns 10 Registered Jersey cows and heifers. On the farm, she is primarily responsible for the care and management of young stock. She understands the

Heritage Jerseys. She has been active in every aspect of the dairy, from feeding to milking to cropping, as well as mating animals. Like a true farm youth, she also was responsible for managing the family’s show string with her siblings each summer. Vos also works at Liberty Land Farms in Newton, Wis., where they milk with seven Lely robots and an additional 300 Holsteins in a parlor. Vos is responsible

her passion at a young age on the family farm, Bar-None Jerseys. There, she has a personal herd of 20 cows and 20 heifers. Active in the showring with her animals, Osborn-Wotthlie could be found gracing the shavings at county and state fairs, as well as the AllAmerican Premier Junior Show and All American Junior Jersey Show. At a young age, Morgan discovered

importance of consistent daily care which sets the calves up for success as they mature. Cooper and her brother also manage a string of show animals which they exhibit at various shows throughout the year. Her herd has proven its worth over the years, boasting an average 305-day M.E. of 21,103 lbs. milk; 1,141 lbs. fat; and 848 lbs. protein. The 10 cows also have an average type appraisal score of Very Good-88.6%.

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Noelle Vos

Maribel, Wis. University of Wisconsin-River Falls

oelle Vos, Maribel, Wis., is the eighth-place award winner in the 2025 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. Vos grew up on her family’s Registered Jersey farm, Proud

Keymar, Md. Messiah University

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Krahn

(continued from page 22)

Okla., and Budjon Farms, Lomira, Wis., where she was involved in the daily herd activities and cattle preparation for sales and shows. She is also gaining experience at Oklahoma State University (OSU) on the campus dairy farm growing her knowledge in large herd management and robotic milking systems. Over the years, Krahn has participated in just about every dairy youth opportunity available which is evident in her extensive resume. She was a graduate of Jersey Youth Academy Class VIII, placed first in the National FFA Dairy Production–Entrepreneurship Proficiency competition and won the International Dairy Judging Contest in Scotland. Krahn has also been a passionate voice for the dairy industry, serving as the 2023 National Jersey Queen and a Oregon Dairy PrincessAmbassador. In 2025, she participated in the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium as well. Krahn is dual majoring in agriculture communications and animal science at OSU. She is involved in a myriad of activities, such as the Chi Omega Page 24

Sorority, Student Body Council, Dairy Science Club and others. She hopes to pursue a master’s degree in agriculture communications and aspires to study abroad to expand her knowledge of global agriculture systems and policies. Long term – Krahn has a simple goal. She would like to promote, market and advocate for American dairy farmers while improving public understanding of food systems, dairy production and environmental stewardship.

Arrowsmith

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In fact, in 2025, she exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion and Premier Performance Cow of the All American Junior Jersey Show in Louisville, Ky., Hillacres Chrome Hibiscus, Excellent-94%. This is just one example in the long list of show ring success stories that Arrowsmith has experienced in her youth career. Overall, Arrowsmith has a herd of 17 heifers and 23 Registered Jersey cows. Her Jersey cows have an impressive average type appraisal score of Very Good-89%. A recipient of the 2023

Mike Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award, she also owns an additional two Ayrshires. Arrowsmith’s passion for the Jersey breed is evident in her active participation in youth programs and dairy industry events. She has competed on several winning dairy quiz bowl teams and claimed victory in the junior dairy jeopardy contest at the 2017 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meeting. A 2021 Jersey Youth Academy graduate, Arrowsmith continues to build connections throughout the industry and challenges herself to grow. She was able to soak in information about the Jersey breed, as well as the industry, which has helped fuel her passion for continuing her career within the dairy industry. At Penn State, Arrowing is a member of the Dairy Science Club where she is currently serving as the chair for the 2026 Nittany Lion Fall Classic. Looking ahead, Arrowsmith plans to return to Hillacres Jerseys after graduation to help expand the farm’s value-added ventures. The family currently processes much of their milk into cheese, sold at local stores and farmers markets, and markets JERSEY JOURNAL

beef raised on the farm. Arrowsmith understands the importance of diversification for long-term sustainability and is committed to continuing the tradition of showcasing the beautiful Jersey cows that call Hillacres Jerseys home.

Taylor

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hard work. Taylor is committed to that journey when it comes to looking at the pedigrees of his potential service sires and using that information to hopefully create the best possible mating. Taylor’s personal herd of 25 milk cows averages a Very Good–86% appraisal score and a 305-day M.E. production of 19,432 lbs. of milk, 865 lbs. of fat, and 731 lbs. of protein. In 2025, Taylor placed second in the Commissioner’s Production Contest with his cow, TJF Decade Lindy 1568 {6}, Excellent-90%, at the Mississippi State Fair. He has competed at local, state, and national shows with his animals. In 2025, he traveled to shows in Mississippi, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Kentucky to exhibit his prized Registered Jerseys. He also has attended many AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings and All American Jersey events with his family where he has taken part in the “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds” speaking contests. Taylor credits these experiences, along with his time at Jersey Youth Academy, for allowing him to build a community of fellow enthusiasts who allow him to bounce ideas off of and brainstorm for the future of the breed. As he continues his education at Mississippi State University, Taylor is studying agribusiness with a concentration in production. With the family’s processing facility opening, he aspires to be a major contributor to the endeavor and wants to take what he learns at school back home to improve their operation. On campus, he is involved with the newly established Dairy Club and Dairy Products Judging Team.

maxwell@tourmyfarm.com

highlandfarmsdairy@gmail.com

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Bohnert

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teamwork and the dividends it pays in a dairy’s success. She contributes to various roles on the farm, helping wherever and whenever it is needed. As she has ventured into her collegiate chapter, Bohnert completed an internship with Dutch Hollow Jerseys, Schodack Landing, N.Y., to gain additional insight to management strategies in an elite commercial herd setting. While at school, her heart calls her home on weekends and breaks where she gets her dairy and fieldwork-fix depending on the season. Bohnert’s herd of 31 cows has an average 305-day M.E. of 20,632 lbs. milk; 1,131 lbs. fat; and 782 lbs. protein. She has been a frequent competitor in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest having entries the past 10 years. Bohnert has also purchased several Pot O’Gold calves and placed well in those subsequent production contests. An avid agriculturalist, Bohnert has exhibited her cattle at several local and state shows, as well as worked with DeMent Jerseys and Kilgus Jerseys during the Illinois State Fair. Growing up, she spent many summers attending the Page 26

AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings, giving her the opportunity to experience agriculture in different parts of the United States and network with its dairy farm industry enthusiasts. Bohnert is a graduate of the 2025 Jersey Youth Academy. She was also the recipient of the 2024 William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship, as well as numerous other scholarships and awards during her high school career. At Iowa State University, Bohnert is pursuing a degree in dairy science with the goal of returning to the family farm. She is also honing her Spanish-speaking abilities while at school, understanding the importance of global advocacy and inclusion. She’s using experiences like her internships with Dutch Hollow Farms and Riverview Dairy’s new 10,000-cow facility to prepare her to be the next generation of leadership at Bohnert’s Jersey Farm.

Diehl

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the care of calves and youngstock in the 230-cow herd. With a herd of 11 Registered Jersey cows and seven heifers, Diehl believes

it is important for Jersey breeders to continue focusing on things within their control. She would like to encourage breeders to continue advancing not only genetically, but also in their management strategies in order to maximize on genetic potential. A graduate of Class IX of the Jersey Youth Academy, Diehl credits her involvement with the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association and exhibiting her Registered Jerseys for teaching her the value of hard work, strong public speaking skills, and the importance of embracing new opportunities. A senior at Virginia Tech, Diehl will be graduating this coming spring with a degree in dairy science. After graduation, she will be enrolling into veterinary school with the aspirations of becoming a large animal veterinarian. She hopes to return to central Pennsylvania to give back to the farmers and community that spurred her interest in veterinary medicine, as well as to be able to remain active on the family dairy farm. Diehl is an accomplished dairy cattle evaluator. In fact, at the 2025 National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, she was the 11th place overall individual and a member of the secondJERSEY JOURNAL

place team with Virginia Tech. On campus, Diehl is actively involved in several organizations. She serves as the president for the Dairy Club, has served as a shift leader for H.E.I.F.E.R.S, and is a past Sheep Barn Chair of the Block and Bridle Club.

Poitras

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Reserve All American and Reserve Junior All American Four-Year-Old Cow, Whitdale Gentry Goldust, Excellent-93%, in 2024. “Goldust” also won her class in the junior show at Madison, as well as walked away with Honorable Mention Senior Champion laurels. In 2024, Poitras also placed second in the International Youth Showmanship Contest at World Dairy Expo. At Hi-Poits Jerseys, her home operation, Poitras manages the small herd of show heifers which entails their daily care and show preparation. Their milk cows live at a local farm where she helps as she is able. She recently moved to Ohio with a small group of her animals to Pond-Ridge Holsteins. There she assists with daily chores, show preparation, record keeping and IVF planning. Poitras has an extensive resume in dairy youth activities in the northeast. She was part of the New England Jersey Breeders Association, Massachusetts Jersey Cattle Club, and was part of the Massachusetts 4-H dairy project and advisory where she was part of their dairy bowl and dairy judging teams. She’s also an avid supporter of the Massachusetts Purebred Dairy Cattle Association where she leads many of the marketing efforts for their notable sale. A graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy, Poitras credits the experience has having an instrumental

impact on her networking abilities. It allowed her to see opportunities within the industry, as well as different examples of how dairies can function. Passionate about continuing to better the Jersey breed, Poitras believes other breeders should continue promoting their beloved cows while highlighting their natural strengths. She plans to do this by continuing to grow her own herd while focusing on what cow families are introduced into her genetic pools. Poitras just began a full-time position with Select Sires Inc., after a year of working as a communications assistant with the American Jersey Cattle Association. In addition to running her own small marketing business and working for another company, she works parttime for Cowsmopolitan magazine. Completely self-taught in her trade, Poitras wants to inspire youth that they can explore avenues to fuel their passion for Jersey cattle, even if they did not grow up on a traditional farming operation.

Konyn

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three marinade together to help set the next generation of animals up for success. Together with her sister, Kylie, they founded Aspire Jerseys and Holsteins which has grown to over 215 head of animals. The 44 Registered Jerseys in Konyn’s herd have an average type appraisal score of Very Good-83% and an average 305-day M.E. of 17,548 lbs. milk; 789 lbs. fat; and 630 lbs. protein. Konyn has showcased her animals at local, state and national dairy cattle shows throughout the nation. She has also had the opportunity to work with other Registered Jersey breeders at national shows, allowing her to expand

emmaraemessmer@gmail.com

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her network within the industry. Konyn regularly attends the California Jersey Cattle Association annual meetings, as well as the All American events in Louisville, Ky. Over the years, Konyn has consistently had animals place in the California Junior Jersey Cattle Association Production Contests, as well as had an animal place 14th in the 2022 Pot O’Gold Production Contest. She also served as the 2025 California Jersey Queen. In 2025, Konyn traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to partake in Class IX of Jersey Youth Academy. This experience allowed her to expand her understanding of the Jersey industry and strengthen her leadership skills. Konyn has an extensive resume of activities from her high school career. She was a member of two 4-H clubs, was on the water polo, golf and swim teams, and participated in several other organizations. Additionally, she helped on the family farm giving tours to over 200 people each year. A student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Konyn is pursuing a degree in dairy and food animal management, with aspirations to one day become a large animal veterinarian. On campus, she is involved in the Badger Dairy Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau. She has enjoyed helping with World Dairy Expo, attending the ADSA Conference, and participating in the YFA Conference.

cmills1324@gmail.com

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sunbow@wk.net

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pawsatwater@frontiernet.net

hdfjersey@gmail.com

srhm@alliancecom.net

judymill@hbci.com

springvalleyjerz@hotmail.com

spatzcattleco@gmail.com

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Vos

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for daily barn chores, maternity pen monitoring, feeding calves, maintenance and herd health routines. She appreciates this experience as it gave her perspective on different ways farms can operate. Vos served as the 2025 Wisconsin Jersey Queen, as well as is a past vice president and secretary of the Wisconsin Junior Jersey Breeders Association. She was active in her local 4-H club and served on the Manitowoc County 4-H board. Having an eye for cattle, Vos represented the state of Wisconsin at the 2025 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) on the dairy judging team. There, she placed ninth overall high individual while finishing fourth in reasons. Overall, the team placed third. Another Jersey Youth Academy graduate, Vos noted when AJCA-NAJ Executive Secretary Neal Smith asked the simple question of, “Where do you belong?” as a pivotal moment in her life. This question prompted her to think critically and confidently decide that her place is continuing her family’s legacy on the farm. A freshman at UW-River Falls majoring in dairy science, Vos is active in Dairy Club, Block and Bridle and Collegiate Farm Bureau. As part of the Dairy Club, she was the chair of the 2025 Falcon Premier Sale, helped with Ag Tech Days, a FFA judging contest and Cookies for Farmers. In the future, Vos wants to give back to the community by inspiring youth as an influential leader. She wants to help educate the public about all the work that goes into making a meal prior to cooking it. As a 4-H leader, she will help educate others on where their food comes from, as well as everything agriculture has to offer.

Osborn-Wotthlie (continued from page 23)

the value of sharing her story, as well as the story of agriculture and the Jersey cow. She has given countless presentations on the industry, read books to classrooms and created meaningful connections with consumers through promotional events. These efforts paid off, as she is currently the 2025 National Jersey Queen for the A JCA. Osborn-Wotthlie is another graduate of Jersey Youth Academy, having participated in 2021. JERSEY JOURNAL

Her time at Jersey Youth Academy ignited a fire and inspired her to spend time studying about in New Zealand to learn about sustainable agriculture, while still finding those Jersey connections. She was able to see the Jersey impact there, as well as in Australia, the Isle of Jersey and even in the Swiss Alps. A senior at Messiah University, Osborn-Wotthlie is majoring in business administration and dance with an international business minor. This summer she participated in the International Business Institute where she traveled to seven countries over the course of eight weeks. Given her worldly experiences, Osborn-Wotthlie believes it is important Jersey breeders continue to market the Jersey cow as a breed that not only provides a wholesome product, but also advances in industry in sustainability and environmental awareness. Osborn-Wotthlie’s future is bright with opportunity. She hopes to continue traveling the world, learning about the opportunities and ways the Jersey cow can make our planet a better place. She hopes to find an international internship for 2027, potentially in international marketing. She is also exploring potentially pursuing a master’s degree in food science and agriculture abroad.

Cooper

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Cooper’s herd has also performed well in the show ring, having exhibited the second place and best bred and owned four-year-old at the 2025 Premier National Junior Show and the Reserve Intermediate Champion of the 2025 New York State Fair 4-H Show. She credits her experiences in the showring and the network she’s developed with giving her the skills to be successful as a future educator. Cooper believes her involvement with Jerseys has not only shaped her work ethic, but aided her in growing into a confident, capable and highly motivated individual. Cooper has been an active member of her local FFA chapter, having served two terms as the president and a single term as vice president. Over the years she has participated in several speaking contests through FFA. During her high school career Cooper was also a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, Spanish Club, Video Club, basketball team, and served as an elementary aid.

In the future, Cooper envisions herself as an elementary school teacher. She aims to remain active in the family farm, using her summer breaks to continue helping on the dairy and exhibiting her animals at shows. By remaining closely connected to agriculture, Cooper believes it will allow her to bring real-life experiences into her classroom for more impactful experiences and lessons.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Jersey youth programs have been a core part of Jersey youth development since 1958. Nominations for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest are made by state Jersey organizations, which can nominate up to two individuals each year. The competition is open to members of the AJCA who are between the ages of 16 and 20 on January 1, 2026, or placed among the top 10 in the previous year’s contest. 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Winners of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest

J. Howard Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md. David W. Spahr, Findlay, Ohio Clifford H. Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md. Ray E. Ropp, Normal, Ill. Roger Mabry, Springdale, Ark. William H. Diley, Jr., Canal Winchester, Ohio Carol J. Rowzee, Newton, Miss. James Edgerly, Dinuba, Calif. Stephen P. Bachelor, Angola, Ind. David G. Bixler, Tulare, Calif. Allen Kinzie, Cushing, Okla. Robert Lyon, Traer, Iowa Loretta J. Armentrout, Jonesboro, Tenn. Kenneth Kelly, Tupelo, Miss. Kent Kinzie, Cushing, Okla. Boyd H. Parr, Newberry, S.C. Kris Kinzie, Cushing, Okla. Larry A. Schirm, Canal Winchester, Ohio Tracy E. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va. Mark G. Smith, Picayune, Miss. Calhoun B. Parr, Newberry, S.C. Charles Y. King, Newark, Ohio Alta Mae Keightley, Harrodsburg, Ky. V. David Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn. Debra L. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va. Jerry Hatfield, Newton, Iowa Karen Casale, Denair, Calif. Paula Cloud, Chandler, Okla. Glenn Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn. Timothy M. Abbott, Cabot, Vt. Denise Smith, Arab, Ala. Todd Rinkenberger, Atwater, Calif. Herbert D. Lutz, Jr., Chester, S.C. Alan O. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y. Stuart R. Schooley, Niangua, Mo. Kimberly A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio Kenneth G. Ropp, Normal, Ill. Timothy A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio Julie Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo. Karin Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y. Brian Barlass, Janesville, Wis. Denise Josi, Tillamook, Ore. Iris D. Peeler, Starr, S.C. Bryan Marcoot, Greenville, Ill. Kristin Barlass, Janesville, Wis. Julia Marie Snodgrass, Morristown, Tenn. Veronica Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn. Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y. Davis Peeler, Starr, S.C. Amanda Jo Johnson, Molalla, Ore. Brett A. Barlass, Janesville, Wis. Renée Elizabeth Norman, Liberty, Pa. Aaron M. Horst, Chambersburg, Pa. Tyler Lee Boyd, Parrottsville, Tenn. Lauren Brittany Core, Salvisa, Ky. Amber Ettinger, Kinards, S.C. Cassandra Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y. Cassandra N. Krull, Lake Mills, Wis. Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn. (continued to page 30)

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Jersey Youth Achievement

(continued from page 29) 2014 Olivia Price Pearson, Lincolnton, N.C. 2015 Emily Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y. 2016 Gerret Boer, Dalhart, Texas 2017 Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis. 2018 Catherine Savage, Dickerson, Md. 2019 Katarina Emerich, Mooers, N.Y. 2020 Colin Wussow, Cecil, Wis. 2021 Lydia Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y. 2022 Regan Jackson, Boyce, Va. 2023 Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis. 2024 Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore. 2025 Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.

Calendar

(continued from page 10)

JUNE 15-18—AJCA-NAJ ANNUAL MEETING, Crowne Plaza Mountain Resort, Asheville, N.C.

Page 30

coldrunjerseys@frontier.com

jaws@defnet.com

phjfarm@dslextreme.com

grass4jerseys@yahoo.com

toddunkefer@yahoo.com

laspahr@bright.net

JUNE 27-30—AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING, Raleigh, N.C.

Shows

SEPT. 28—INTERNATIONAL JERSEY HEIFER SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m. (CDT); Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore., judge; Ryan Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore., associate judge. SEPT. 29—INTERNATIONAL JERSEY COW SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m.; Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore., judge; Ryan Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore., associate judge. NOV. 6—ALL AMERICAN JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Keith Topp, Botkins, Ohio, judge; Cole Kruse, Dyersville, Iowa, associate judge. NOV. 8—ALL AMERICAN JERSEY HEIFER

SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Chris Lahmers, Marysville, Ohio, judge; Jeff Brown, Wapakoneta, Ohio, associate judge. NOV. 8—NATIONAL JERSEY JUG FUTURITY, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky. 2:00 p.m. (EST); Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., judge; Rick “R.T.” Thompson, Darlington, Wis., associate judge. NOV. 9—ALL AMERICAN JERSEY COW SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Chris Lahmers, Marysville, Ohio, judge; Jeff Brown, Wapakoneta, Ohio, associate judge. NOV. 14—CANADIAN NATIONAL JERSEY SHOW, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, Ont.; 7:00 a.m. (EST); Kyle Rivington, Carp, Ont., judge; Brian Rivington, Carp, Ont., associate judge.

JERSEY JOURNAL

Page 31

Page 32

JERSEY JOURNAL

YOUTH PRODUCTION CONTESTS

Staudinger Tops Youth Production Contest

more than 100 lbs. milk in March, June third takes home $50; and fourth reli Staudinger of Reedsville, Wis., has and July. She is projected to 29,418 lbs. ceives $25. The overall winner gets an won the 2025 National Jersey Youth milk, 1,769 lbs. fat and 1,098 lbs. proadditional $50, bringing their award Production Contest with his homebred tein actual at 3-0 and is due to Avonlea total to $150. entry, Blue Royal Nu Karoline-ET. Poker Chip-ET in February. This year, 102 qualified entries from 53 He and the 19 other juniors who “Karoline” is from a recognized cow juniors from eight states were received. placed in the contest will be recogfamily. Her dam, Rexlea Joel KarolineThe top 20 animals ranked in this nized at the All American Jersey Youth ET, Excellent-93%, is a full sister to year’s contest have an m.e. average of Awards Ceremony on November 6, Rexlea Joel Karausel-ET, 2026, in Louisville, Ky. Each Reserve Senior Champion will receive a plaque and cash of the 2021 International awards made possible, in Jersey Show. The next dam, part, by Jersey breeders who Scottiere Kyra Blackstone, is consign animals to the Naa former top 10 cow for Getional Heifer Sale. Each year, nomic Lifetime Production 10% of the proceeds from this Index in Canada and recipisale are designated for youth ent of a lifetime production program support, including award from Jersey Canada. the National Jersey Youth This marks Eli’s first apProduction Contest. pearance in the Jersey youth Records are ranked by the production contest. He and total dollar value of their his family milk a mixedcomponents. The values were breed herd of 2,500 cows determined by calculating the at Blue Royal Dairy LLC in 305-day mature equivalent Reedsville. Eli was active in (m.e.), then applying Federal Eil Staudinger won the 2025 National Jersey Youth Production ConOrder component values from test with Blu Royal Nu Karoline-ET. He is pictured above showing an- 4-H and FFA and has shown several breeds at local, state the previous year, along with other member of his herd, MM Swagger Petra-ET. and national shows, includa weighted-average Producing the All American Junior er Price Differential (PPD). Jersey Show and World Dairy Expo. He 26,345—1,416—986 and a dollar value Those values were $2.44 per pound has also purchased Jerseys from the Pot of $6,674.66. All entries have an m.e. fat, $2.45 per pound protein, $0.37 per O’Gold Sale, including a selection from average of 22,507—1,144—836 and a pound other solids and $0.96 per pound the event in 2022 in partnership with dollar value average of $5,527.79. PPD. his brother, Ethan. Eli is a sophomore at This contest recognizes the efforts the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Division I of junior owners to compile and utilize where he is majoring in dairy science. The previously mentioned “Karoofficial production records of their aniAnother newcomer to the top rankline” was the winner of the division for mals. Through this one activity, youth ings of the contest, Erica Neal Stock of younger cows and the overall winner. gain experience using records to manNewton, Wis., placed second in Division The high-component daughter of Stage and breed their Jersey cows and I with JX Dodan Jill Patronus Juleka Lo Nuance-ET, GJPI +34, produced a understand the value of production. {6}. The dollar value of her first lactarecord with a dollar value of $7,578.46 To qualify for the competition, cows tion is $7,416.59. She made an actual as a milking yearling. The actual 305must have completed a lacta¬tion of record of 2-0 305 25,090 4.7% 1,190 day record is 23,700 lbs. milk, 1,425 lbs. no more than 305 days during the 3.8% 948 97DCR. The m.e. stands at fat and 916 lbs. protein, with tests of calen¬dar year. The contest is divided 30,779—1,465—1,184. 6.5% fat and 3.9% protein. The m.e. is into two divi¬sions. Division I is for “Juleka {6}” is a Very Good-84% 27,148—1,674—1,087. She is appraised first-lactation cows that calve before daughter of Ahlem Miami Patronus-ET, Desirable-75%. they reach 30 months of age. Divi¬sion GJPI +97. She calved for the first time in “Karoline” jump-started her milking II is for all other cows. Participants are mid-January 2025. She peaked with 92 career freshening with her first calf eligible for an award in only one divilbs. milk in April, gave 90 lbs. milk four on New Year’s Day 2025. She gave 76 sion, and an overall contest winner is months later, and was still giving 67 lbs. lbs. milk for the tester 20 days fresh recognized. of component-rich milk (5.5% fat, 4.3% and then peaked with 103 lbs. milk in A junior is eligible to win the overall protein) for her May test at 491 days in February and then 98 and 92 lbs. milk National Jersey Youth Production Conmilk. She was due to ABS AVJ 39444 in March and April, respectively. test just once. Micco {6}-ET, GJPI +190, in August. She freshened again in early March Total cash awards are $550. Each “Juleka {6} comes by her functional type 2026 and has repeated her stellar perdivision winner receives $100. The (continued to page 34) formance in her second lactation, with second-place honoree receives $75; JERSEY JOURNAL

Page 33

2025 National Jersey Youth Production Contest 102 qualifying entries submitted by 53 juniors, 8 states All qualifying entries averaged 22,507 – 1,144 – 836 m.e., dollar value $5,527.79 Top 20 entries averaged 26,345 – 1,416 –986 m.e., dollar value $6,674.66 Animal Name Owner

Mature Equivalent Actual Lactation Record

Division I: Calving before 30 months of age Blue Royal Nu Karoline-ET

O v e r a ll W in n e r

MCP Dollar Value

27,148 – 1,674 – 1,087 ........................................................................ $7,578.46 1-9 305 3x 23,700 6.0% 1,425 3.9% 916 92DCR

Eli Staudinger, Reedsville, Wis. JX DoDan Jill Patronus Juleka {6} Erica Neal Stock, Newton, Wis. Kash-In Heritage 69287-ET Hailey Fischer, Cecil, Wis. MM Nicklaus Liberty 22243-ET Sara Jane Bok, Defiance, Ohio JX AJ Corsair 5494 {5}-Twin Lauren Albright, Willard, Ohio Dutch Hollow Jammer Delaney Zachary S. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.

30,779 – 1,465 – 1,184 .......................................................................... 7,416.59 2-0 305 25,090 4.7% 1,190 3.8% 948 97DCR 28,669 – 1,422 – 1,116 .......................................................................... 7,080.64 1-9 287 20,670 5.0% 1,037 3.9% 798 96DCR 29,305 – 1,408 – 1,027 .......................................................................... 6,847.86 1-8 305 22,080 4.8% 1,069 3.5% 768 96DCR 26,808 – 1,468 – 920 .......................................................................... 6,656.05 1-09 305 3x 21,990 5.4% 1,185 3.4% 740 84DCR 24,068 – 1,356 – 1,015 ............................................................................ 6,531.66 1-8 305 3x 20,070 5.5% 1,094 4.1% 819 104DCR

Bohnerts Nicklaus Bland Renee Lydia Bok, Defiance, Ohio JX TLJ Goals C Maid 3000 {6}-ET Kenley and Paisley Kessenich, DeForest, Wis. Bohnerts Graduate Gwen Cassie Bohnert, East Moline, Ill. JX Clemson Blizzard 903 228 {5} Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.

26,618 – 1,356 – 965 ............................................................................. 6,487.02 1-8 305 18,980 5.2% 980 3.6% 691 95DCR 27,626 – 1,364 – 942 ............................................................................ 6,483.42 1-9 296 3x 21,800 5.0% 1,086 3.4% 742 93DCR 25,264 – 1,308 – 933 .............................................................................. 6,250.11 1-8 305 3x 20,390 5.1% 1,047 3.6% 742 93DCR 26,363 – 1,217 – 982 ............................................................................... 6,181.49 1-11 305 3x 22,960 4.6% 1,064 3.7% 845 99DCR

Division II: All other lactations Stadview Colton Vintage Ava Hebgen, Arlington, Wis. Tauchen Kiawa Enovy-P Charlie Tauchen, Bonduel, Wis. Kailas Ferdinand Vesper Addison Fischer, Cecil, Wis.

24,731 – 1,748 – 983 ........................................................................... $7,430.62 3-6 295 3x 25,390 6.9% 1,750 3.9% 992 93DCR 28,188 – 1,436 – 1,073 .......................................................................... 6,994.81 4-2 305 27,220 5.1% 1,387 3.8% 1,035 98DCR 25,262 – 1,439 – 994 ............................................................................ 6,719.32 2-9 285 19,180 5.9% 1,133 4.1% 782 98DCR

Vierra Shotgun Rider-ET Ivy Hebgen, DeForest, Wis.

24,306 – 1,590 – 840 ............................................................................ 6,681.59 3-1 305 3x 23,840 6.5% 1,543 3.4% 822 93DCR

Blue Royal Colton Margarita-ET Ethan Staudinger, Reedsville, Wis. River Valley Chief Crcsact 44418-ET Mason Ziemba, Scipio Center, N.Y. Lucky Hill HoleInOne Fireworks Nicholas J. McReynolds, Danville, N.Y. Poly Pine Oceana 307 Emalee Neal Stock, Newton, Wis. JX Bohnerts Pine Maple {5} Jacob Bohnert, East Moline, Ill. JX Gold Medal Archie 2978 {6} Tyler Ahlem, Hilmar, Calif.

24,751 –1,438 – 898 ............................................................................... 6,466.13 2-9 305 3x 23,600 5.7% 1,347 3.6% 849 92DCR 28,270 – 1,305 – 984 .............................................................................6,459.46 2-8 305 24,680 4.6% 1,145 3.5% 861 96DCR 23,489 – 1,427 – 913 .............................................................................. 6,437.49 2-10 305 21,850 6.1% 1,343 3.9% 848 102DCR 25,629 – 1,338 – 957 ............................................................................ 6,393.28 4-7 305 26,310 5.2% 1,380 3.7% 980 98DCR 23,833 – 1,304 – 973............................................................................. 6,294.64 4-5 305 3x 26,590 5.3% 1,401 4.0% 1,063 95DCR 25,793 – 1,246– 928 ............................................................................... 6,102.63 2-9 294 21,610 5.0% 1,083 3.7% 800 96DCR

Youth Production Contest (continued from page 33)

and production naturally, as eight of her nine closest dams are all appraised Very Good and have m.e. averages over 20,000 lbs. milk. Erica helps to operate D & D Jerseys with her sister, Emalee, and their parents, Donna Phillips and Dan Stock. Hailey Fischer of Cecil, Wis., placed third in the division for younger cows with Kash-In Heritage 69287-ET, a purchase from the 2023 Pot O’Gold Sale. “Heritage 69287” made an actual Page 34

record of 1-9 287 20,670 5.0% 1,037 3.9% 798 96DCR. The dollar value of the record is $7,080.64 and the m.e. is 28,669—1,422—1,116. Appraised Very Good-84%, she is sired by River Valley Heritage {6}-ET, GJPI +75. She freshened with a heifer calf—Kash-In Carnival Hatti—in midApril 2024. She settled on her first service, calved with another heifer—JX Haileys Garland Hailyn {6}— and made a second lactation of 23,260 lbs. milk, 1,149 lbs. fat and 886 lbs. protein at 2-8. Hailey has also won the 2025 Pot

O’Gold Production Contest with “Heritage 69287 {6}” and will receive a cash prize of $2,249.73. She purchased “Heritage 69287 {6}” from Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif., for $2,800. “Heritage 69287 {6}” is backed by the cow family that traces to BW Avery Katie ET121-ET, Excellent-93%, with four consecutive lactations over 30,000 lbs. milk and multiple sons in A.I., including BW Award and BW Academy-ET. “Heritage 69287 {6}” is managed with the herd at Milk-n-More Farms and Harvesting LLC, operated by Hailey’s JERSEY JOURNAL

aunt and uncle, Ron and Nicolle Wussow, and their family in Cecil, Wis. Another Pot O’Gold purchase—MM Nicklaus Liberty 22243-ET—earned fourth place in Division I of the youth production contest. She is owned by Sara Jane Bok of Defiance, Ohio. “Liberty 22243” produced a record with a dollar value of $6,847.86 and an m.e. of 29,305—1,408—1,027. Actual production for the 1-8 record is 22,080 lbs. milk, 1,069 lbs. fat and 768 lbs. protein. Sired by Victory Thrasher NicklausET, GJPI +109, and appraised 82 points, she freshened in mid-October 2024. She gave 89 lbs. milk on both her January and March tests, settled on her second service, and calved in early November 2025 to start her second lactation. She is projected to 19,161 lbs. milk, 1,076 lbs. fat and 793 lbs. protein actual at 2-9. Sara placed second in this year’s Pot O’Gold Production Contest with “Liberty 22243” and will receive a cash prize of $1,437.33. She purchased the heifer from Misty Meadow Dairy, Tillamook, Ore., for $3,000. Sara has done well with other Pot O’Gold purchases as well, ranking among the top five in both the National Jersey Youth Production Contest and the Pot O’Gold Production Contest each of the past four years. She won Division I of the 2022 youth production contest with Four J Chrome 19117 {5} and earned top marks last year with MM Popcorn Shelby 17874-P-ET. A fellow Ohio junior, Lauren Albright of Willard, placed fifth in Division I of the youth production contest with JX AJ Corsair 5494 {5}-Twin. The Very Good-88% daughter of JX Primus Rowan Corsair {5}-ET, GJPI +72, made an actual record of 1-9 305 3x 21,990 5.4% 1,185 3.4% 740 84DCR. The dollar value of the record is $6,656.05 and the m.e. is 26,808—1,468—920. She started the record with the delivery of a bull calf in mid-October 2024. A consistent producer, “Corsair 5494 {5}” gave 76 lbs. milk on her first test and was still making 67 lbs. on her last test at 325 days fresh. She calved again in early October 2025, this time with a heifer by Progenesis Michigan-ET, GJPI +135, and is projected to 22,288 lbs. milk, 1,139 lbs. fat and 806 lbs. protein actual at 2-11. “Corsair 5494 {5}” is a fifth-generation Very Good cow and is backed by four dams with actual records over 22,000 lbs. milk. She is in the milking herd at Albright Jerseys, operated by

Winners of the National Youth Production Contest Year Name Owner

ME Milk

ME Fat

ME Protein

Value Basis

2025 Blue Royal Nu Karoline-ET 27,148 1,6749 1,087 $7,578.46 Eli Staudinger, Reedsville, Wis. MCP Dollar value 2024 Aspen Grove L Chrome Belle-ET 22,883 1,629 870 $7,682.24 Lacy Coffey, Morristown, Tenn. MCP Dollar value 2023 Aspen Grove L Chrome Belle-ET 24,492 1,852 930 $7,847.59 Alison Graves, Morristown, Tenn. MCP Dollar value 2022 Rog-Al Casino Pippa 27,792 1,492 1,076 $8,863.21 Chelsie Fuller, Newark Valley, N.Y. MCP Dollar Value 2021 Lucky Hill Plus Pringle {6} 28,268 1,532 1,082 $6,467.91 Andrew McReynolds, Danville, Vt. MCP Dollar Value 2020 SLJ AJ Weijah 29,751 1,737 1,297 $7,048.96 Maelee Clark, Seneca, Mo. MCP Dollar Value 2019 Courtney Farms Tuxedo Rosamund 27,927 1,506 1,074 $6,716.72 Autumn Courtney, Chouteau, Okla. MCP Dollar Value 2018 JX Clemson Lemonhead 330 604 {6} 25,350 1,605 1,033 $6,128.89 Jacob Tatko, Donahue, Iowa MCP Dollar Value 2017 Lawtons Plus Vanna {6} 29,397 1,377 1,087 $8,926.00 Ryan Lawton, Newark Valley, N.Y. MCP Dollar Value 2016 SLJ Country Majerle 28,748 1,536 1,149 $9,530.29 Treasure Clark, Seneca, Mo. MCP Dollar Value 2015 THVI Allstar Bonnie 7924 {4} 24,268 1,360 997 $8,361.17 India Tauchen, Bonduel, Wis. MCP Dollar Value 2014 Sweet Baby Mecca Sabrina 25,757 1,609 939 $8,913.90 Jessica Sentelle, Jefferson, Md. MCP Dollar Value 2013 OCS Dairy Buttercups Delia 29,976 1,611 918 $5,264.16 Daisy A. Gardner, Jefferson, Md. MCP Dollar Value 2012 Tollenaar Blaise 6360 27,279 1,164 1,020 $4,689.45 Tyler C. Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo. MCP Dollar Value 2011 Cinnamon Ridge Rasmus Lily 30,620 1,296 1,100 $5,122.21 Kara Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa MCP Dollar Value 2010 Sniders Future Fenola 30,143 1,808 1,110 $5,962.53 Tucker Hardy, Belleville, Pa. MCP Dollar Value 2009 Michael Centurion Darla 30,123 1,438 1,002 $5,149.34 Colin Wussow, Cecil, Wis. MCP Dollar Value 2008 MVF Kulp Brazo Shannon 29,733 1,531 1,117 $4,950.38 Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn. MCP Dollar Value 2007 Ahlem Jace Charm 15069-ET 36,381 1,713 1,154 $5,401.90 Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis. MCP Dollar Value 2006 Yosemite Jerrick Lemvig D14230 28,183 1,198 1,093 $4,379.28 Andrew M. Bok, Defiance, Ohio MCP Dollar Value 2005 Dupat Bill J832 29,873 1,361 1,141 $4,752.08 Mary Katherine Rawn, Charles Town, W. Va. MCP Dollar Value 2004 OCS Dairy Baby Blue 34,746 2,125 1,132 $5,783.05 Chase A. Smith, Jefferson, Md. MCP Dollar Value 2003 Lagerweys Hallmark Redrose 33,881 1,559 1,182 $5,151.87 Michael R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash. MCP Dollar Value 2002 Four Springs Counciller Crystal 26,917 1,297 940 $4,157.72 Josh Kellerman, Centre Hall, Pa. MCP Dollar Value 2001 Sunbow Bold Daniel Emerald 30,686 1,331 1,101 $4,645.06 Alex Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn. MCP Dollar Value 2000 Mainstream Berretta Joy 34,657 1,619 1,237 $4,926.58 Melissa R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash. MCP Dollar Value 1999 Lagerweys 285 Silky 31,574 1,567 1,140 $5,460.76 Melissa R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash. MCP Dollar Value 1998 Berrettas Linette 29,810 1,416 1,153 $5,593.93 Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio MCP Dollar Value 1997 Golden MBSB of Twin Haven-ET 25,459 1,399 1,078 $4,564.37 Travis Ferreira, Lemoore, Calif. MCP Dollar Value 1996 LJF2 SB Berretta Haley 29,760 1,536 1,214 $5,690.27 Samantha Jo Barmore, Smithfield, Ky. MCP Dollar Value 1995 GR MG Bossman Debra 28,082 1,291 1,082 $4,365.96 Ben Snell, Chowchilla, Calif. MCP Dollar Value 1994 Rock Maple BV Maria Timothea-ET 27,621 1,130 999 $4,143.81 Jeanesse Rodeffer, Snohomish, Wash. MCP Dollar Value 1993 Ahlarlay Be Magic Wandas Wand 26,013 941 984 984 Joey Anderson, Onalaska, Wash. ME Protein 1992 Martinas Goldie 28,204 1,588 1,035 1,035 Michael Pendleton, Hopkinsville, Ky. ME Protein 1991 Sun Valley Sooner Sunday 27,662 1,415 1,143 1,143 Martin Watson, Troy, Pa. ME Protein 1990 Farwest Samson Cynthia 24,304 1,222 916 916 Stephanie Samson, Emmett, Idaho ME Protein 1989 Duncan Brave PR Dee 24,883 1,038 849 28,319 Tom Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore. Protein Standardized 1988 Jersey Nooks Black Judy 20,920 1,174 876 30,715 Ralph Reichert Jr., Riley, Kan. Protein Standardized 1987 Renzo Magic Lee 24,063 1,101 922 30,443 Shannon Lourenzo, Ferndale, Calif. Protein Standardized 1986 Diamond S General Josie 25,466 1,195 28,111 Michael D. Skiba, North Branch, Minn. Fat Corrected Milk 1985 GR CDF Ro Leen Magic Dana 24,742 1,215 28,122 Todd Silveira, Los Banos, Calif. Fat Corrected Milk 1984 Mills Mike Dimple 21,750 1,060 24,600 Dona Casale, Denair, Calif. Fat Corrected Milk 1983 Bettydon Classic Nadia 21,564 904 22,186 Paul Thun, Tillamook, Ore. Fat Corrected Milk 1982 Sun Valley Hero Aleen 20,575 941 $3,054.66 Dave Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore. Dollar Value (continued to page 36)

(continued to page 36)

JERSEY JOURNAL

Page 35

Winners of the National Youth Production Contest (continued from page 35)

Year

Name Owner

ME Milk

ME Fat

ME Protein

Value Basis

1981 SLJ Faithful Mary Frances 19,580 1,071 $3,208.05 Judy Warren, Miller, Mo. Dollar Value 1980 Headspring Lancer Darle 19,619 1,094 $3,237.61 Russell Lynn Isley, Burlington, N.C Dollar Value 1979 Russell Surville Lucille 20,228 1,050 $2,811.89 Scott H. Russell, Turnbridge, Vt. Dollar Value 1978 The Pepsi Peanut Popcorn Delight 18,499 1,085 2,483.76 Scott Bateman, Lee, N.H. Dollar Value 1977 Generators Faustine of Ogston 22,955 1,068 $2,467.66 Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. Gross Value 1976 Zev of Ogstons Dani 24,561 1,175 2,674.70 Cynthia Ann Waltemyer, Collegeville, Pa. Gross Value 1975 Jestermaids Surville Rosey 23,594 999 2,177.73 Mitzi A. Lacobee, Shongaloo, La. Gross Value 1974 Jestermaid Jester Jean 20,610 901 21,759 Paul Lacobee, Shongaloo, La. Energy Corrected Milk 1973 Galelands Epic Little Nix 15,730 894 19,702 Energy Corrected Milk Barbie J. Gale, Yardley, Pa. 1972 Edyvean Surville Carmel 20,079 910 21,682 Susan J. Brown, Hughson, Calif. Energy Corrected Milk 1971 Russell Pompey Pauline 19,131 1,066 23,642 Mark Russell, Turnbridge, Vt. Energy Corrected Milk 1970 Liberators Eminent Regent Joy 17,830 915 20,857 Jerry D. Rodeffer, Mooreland, Ind. Energy Corrected Milk 1969 Pathfinder Joy of Sun Valley 17,084 846 2,502 Robert Oliver, Mt. Angel, Ore. Total Solids 1968 Headspring Blonde Ban 18,310 955 2,705 Boyd H. Parr, Newberry, S.C. Total Solids 1967 Favorite Whispering Willow Dawn 18,943 906 2,702 David Murray, Healdsburg, Calif. Total Solids 1966 Headspring AM Faith 17,369 822 2,456 Mary B. Parr, Newberry, S.C. Total Solids 1965 Noble Leader Maybelle 15,576 696 2,163 Billie Jean Bowden, Everton, Ark. Total Solids 1964 Regent Bond Eminent Lu 18,760 945 2,724 Jana Dee Rodeffer, Mooreland, Ind. Total Solids 1963 Beacons Bright Frances Beauty 17,451 927 2,600 John M. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio Total Solids 1962 Basil Johnnys Eva Souvenir 20,209 1,065 3,011 William H. Diley Jr., Canal Winchester, Ohio Total Solids 1961 O Johnny Os Toreador Commander 17,418 905 2,573 Neal E. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio Total Solids 1960 Williams View Star Mabel 17,504 828 2,475 Connie L. Ivy, Quitman, Miss. Total Solids 1959 Brampton Jester Blonde Ruby 16,219 989 2,580 Michael Lee Maples, Nixa, Mo. Total Solids 1958 Johnny Os Lady (Milk) 15,398 798 (actual shown) John M. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio ME Milk Victory Royal Gloria (Fat) 10,928 980 (actual shown) Nim Rodney Mote, Greenwood, Texas ME Fat 1957 O Johnny Os Toreander Design (Milk) 14,337 673 Neal E. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio ME Milk Jester Mary Bessie (Fat) 12,126 675 Lois Ann Spahr, Findley, Ohio ME Fat

Youth Production Contest (continued from page 35)

Lauren and her family. Division II The winner of Division II of the youth production contest is Ava Hebgen of Arlington, Wis. Her entry, Stadview Colton Vintage, Excellent-92%, made a record with a dollar value of $7,430.62 and an m.e. of 24,731—1,748—983. Actual production for the 3-6 record is 25,390 lbs. milk, 1,750 lbs. fat and 992 lbs. protein, with tests of 6.9% fat and 3.9% protein. Sired by Chilli Action Colton-ET, GJPI -60, “Vintage” is a seventh-generation Excellent owned by Ava and her sisters, Ivy and Liv, through Ela May Genetics, a partnership established in memory of their late sister, Ela. The sisters purchased “Vintage” in the FranPage 36

chise Kind Enhanced by Bos Dairy sale in 2022 as a fresh two-year-old from Stadview, Franchise, Kueffner and Hetts of Litchfield, Minn. “Vintage” began her winning 3-6 record in early April 2024 with the birth of a heifer calf, Ela May Sting Vintage Couture. She gave more than 100 lbs. milk for the tester in August and surpassed that milestone for the next three months as well. The component queen had tests as high as 8.4% for fat and 5.0% for protein. “Vintage” settled on her first service and gave birth to a bull calf to start her third lactation in June 2025. She has 19,950 lbs. milk, 1,227 lbs. fat and 725 lbs. protein in 259 days at 4-6 and is due in early August to Avonlea Chips Canadian Club-ET, GJPI -82. Ava has also placed well in both youth production contests over the years. Each

of the past four years, she has placed in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest with purchases she has made on her own or in partnership with her sisters. Their cattle are managed with the herd at Kessenich Farms LLC in De Forest, Wis., operated by their grandparents, Jeff and Robin Krueger Kessenich, and aunt and uncle, Natalie Kessenich and Wade Kessenich. Wisconsin juniors captured the next four placings as well. Charlie Tauchen of Bonduel ranked second in Division II with his homebred entry, Tauchen Kiawa Enovy-P. As a junior four-yearold, she made a record with a dollar value of $6,994.81 and an m.e. of 28,188—1,436—1,073. Actual production is 27,220 lbs. milk, 1,387 lbs. fat and 1,035 lbs. protein. “Enovy-P” is an Excellent-90% daughter of JX Ahlem Baltazar Kiawa {6}P-ET, GJPI +67. She calved in June 2025 to start the winning record and gave 118 lbs. of milk right off the bat for her first test in July. She had more than 100 lbs. milk for the next two tests, followed by 90-plus pounds for the next three months. “Enovy-P” is due to S-S-I Victory Clever Fielding, GJPI +175, in September. She has one daughter, Tauchen Galantis Evie, and is a superstar in the herd at Tauchen Harmony Valley Inc., with another pair of previous actual records over 22,000 lbs. milk, 1,200 lbs. fat and 840 lbs. protein, too. Last year, Charlie placed fourth in the division for older cows with another homebred entry. Addison Fischer of Cecil, Wis., a sister to Hailey, placed third in Division II again this year with Kailas Ferdinand Vesper. The Very Good-82% daughter of Isau Lightning Ridge Ferdinand, GJPI -52, made an actual record of 2-9 285 19,180 5.9% 1,133 4.1% 782 98DCR to place in the contest. The dollar value of the record is $6,719.32 and the m.e. is 25,262—1,439—994. “Vesper” freshened with her second calf—a heifer registered as Milk-n-More Girls Bigred Vesley—to begin the lactation in late July 2024. She gave 89 lbs. milk on her second test and then peaked with 91 lbs. milk on her next test. She was a consistently high-protein tester, with measures as high as 4.4% and no lower than 3.7% across her lactation. She settled on her second service and gave birth to her third daughter—Milkn-More Mist Vany—in September 2025. “Vesper” left the herd in February. “Vesper” was bred by Addison’s cousin, Kaila Wussow Tauchen, a (continued to page 38)

JERSEY JOURNAL

Page 37

Youth Production Contest (continued from page 36)

former winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest and both the National Jersey Youth Production Contest and the Pot O’Gold Production Contest. Ivy Hebgen of De Forest placed fourth in Division II with Vierra Shotgun Rider-ET. She produced a record with a dollar value of $6,681.59 and an m.e. of 24,306—1,590—840. The actual record is 3-1 305 3x 23,840 6.5% 1,543 3.4% 822 93DCR. “Rider” is an Excellent-93% daughter of Mr Kathies Kid Rock, GJPI -244. She began her 3-1 lactation when she freshened with a heifer calf—Ela May Colton Shaboozey—in July 2024. She peaked with 97 lbs. milk in both October and November and completed her lactation in late May. She calved again with another heifer named Ela May Texas Lonestar in September 2025 and completed a 4-3 record of 21,210 lbs. milk, 1,536 lbs. Page 38

info@ladylanefarm.com

jennie.seals@gmail.com

jbansen@gmail.com

desijosi@wilsonview.com

fat and 789 lbs. protein. She is due again this September to SV Reviresco Hidalgo, GJPI -130. Ivy purchased “Rider” with Ava and Liv in June 2022 as an open yearling from her breeder, Vierra Dairy Farms of Hilmar, Calif. She is a daughter of Bri-Lin Valson Spritz, Excellent-97%, two-time Grand Champion of the International Jersey Show. Rounding out the top five rankings in the division for older cows is Blue Royal Colton Margarita-ET, owned by Ethan Staudinger. The Very Good-85% “Colton” daughter made a 2-9 record with a dollar value of $6,466.13 and an m.e. of 24,751—1,438—898. Actual production is 23,600 lbs. milk, 1,347 lbs. fat and 849 lbs. protein. “Margarita” freshened in June 2024 with her second calf and gave 113 lbs. on her first test in July. She consistently hovered around 75 lbs. for the rest of her lactation and was dried off in May. She calved again in September 2025 and completed a 3-11 record of 24,000

lbs. milk, 1,410 lbs. fat and 982 lbs. protein, with tests of 5.9% fat and 4.1% protein. She was bred to an Angus bull and is due in September. “Margarita” has three daughters: Blue Royal Victory Margarita, Blue Royal Chief Marmalade and Blue Royal Vic Valley. Other Winners Other juniors to be honored for accomplishments in Division I of the contest are Zachary S. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Renee Lydia Bok, Defiance, Ohio; Kenley and Paisley Kessenich, De Forest, Wis.; Cassie Bohnert, East Moline, Ill.; and Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif. Juniors to be recognized for achievements in Division II are Mason Ziemba, Scipio Center, N.Y.; Nicholas J. McReynolds, Danville, N.Y.; Emalee Neal Stock, Newton, Wis.; Jacob Bohnert, East Moline, Ill.; and Tyler Ahlem, Hilmar, Calif.

JERSEY JOURNAL

YOUTH PRODUCTION CONTESTS Jerseys Strike Gold: Youth Success in the Pot O’Gold Program

n 1958, visionary Registered Jersey breeders in the United States launched the Pot O’Gold Sale, a groundbreaking program created exclusively for youth ages 7 to 20. The sale gave young dairy enthusiasts the opportunity to purchase genetically superior heifers from some of the nation’s leading Jersey herds. The name Pot O’Gold reflects a unique fund established to reward junior participants. Each year, 7% to 25% of the sale’s gross proceeds are set aside and held for three years before being distributed as cash awards to the youth whose heifers achieve the highest dollar-value production records. The program celebrates both outstanding Jersey genetics and the dedication of the young people who develop them. More than six decades later, the Pot O’Gold Sale and Production Contest continues to invest in the next generation of Jersey breeders while promoting quality genetics and youth involvement in the dairy industry. On November 3, 2023, the 66th program offered 24 heifers to juniors in the Pot O’Gold Sale in Louisville, Ky. From the sale of those heifers, $10,786.50, plus the proceeds from a heifer consigned by Buster Goff, Hobbs, N.M., brought the pot total to $12,498.50 to

pay out this year’s contest. It will be distributed as follows: first prize, 18%; second, 11.5%; third, 8%; fourth, 6.5%; fifth, 6%; sixth, 5.5%; seventh, 5%; eighth, 4.5%; ninth and 10th, 4%; 11th-13th, 3%; 14th-16th, 2.5% each; 17 th-19th, 2.0%; and 20th-22nd, 1.5%. To qualify for competition in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest, heifers must calve before they reach 30 months of age, be tested in a DHI herd owned by the purchaser or his or her family and have a Data Collection Rating (DCR) of 90 or higher for protein. Loss, death, or transfer of ownership of any purchase before the record is completed eliminates the heifer from competition. In 2026, 23 entries met the qualifications to compete in the contest. The records had an average m.e. of 22,193–1,171–850 and an average value of $5,611.55. The Pot O’Gold program is ultimately about more than genetics—it’s about giving young breeders an opportunity and watching what they do with it. In 2026, that opportunity paid off for Hailey Fischer, Cecil, Wis., whose purchase, Kash-In Heritage 69287-ET, topped the contest with a first lactation record with a value of $7,080.69. “Heritage” calved in early-April 2024 at 1-9 and had an impressive test of 71 lbs. at just 28 days fresh. She peaked on her second and fifth tests with 86 lbs. of milk. “Heritage” completed a 287-day record of 20,670 lbs. milk, 1,037 lbs. fat and 798 lbs. protein with an m.e. of 28,6691,422-1,116. “Heritage” was appraised Very Good-84% for Fischer at 2-00. She is managed with the milking herd at MilkHailey Fischer of Cecil, Wis., won the n-More Farms 2026 Pot O’Gold Production Contest and Harvesting, with Kash-In Heritage 69287-ET.

JERSEY JOURNAL

a dairy operation owned by Fischer’s aunt and uncle, Ron and Nicolle Wussow. “Heritage” has rewarded Fischer with two heifer calves to act as the foundation of her Registered Jersey herd. Fischer purchased “Heritage” from Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif., in the 2023 Pot O’Gold Sale for $2,800. “Heritage” is a daughter of Kash-In Dazzler Jenny-ET, Excellent-93%. “Jenny” has been a prolific donor dam for the Kasbergen family, as “Heritage” is a maternal sister to JX Kash-In Got Jiggy {6}-ET, GJPI +95, at ST Genetics, among many other standout individuals. Fischer will be receiving a cash prize of $2,249.73 for winning the contest. Taking home second place for the second year in a row in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest is Sara Jane Bok, Defiance, Ohio. Her entry, MM Nicklaus Liberty 22243-ET, produced a record valued at $6,847.86. She will receive a check for $1,437.33. “Liberty 22243” had a promising start from the time she calved in November 2025. On her first test at 46 days in milk, she gave 72 lbs. and later peaked at 109 days in milk with a test of 78 lbs. She completed an actual record of 22,080 lbs. milk, 1,069 lbs. fat and 768 lbs protein. The m.e. on the record is 29,305-1,408-1,027. Sired by Victory Thrasher NicklausET, GJPI +109, she is appraised Very Good-82%. She comes from a strong maternal line of cows bred by Misty Meadow Dairy of Tillamook, Ore. On the day of the sale, “Liberty 22243” had a sister on the top GJPI heifer list, as well as her dam, JX MM Dashiell Liberty 14162 {6}, Very Good-87%, GJPI +144, who was ranked high on her respective list. Bok purchased “Liberty 22243” for $3,000 from the David and Rita Hogan family of Misty Meadow Dairy. Placing third in the contest was Dutch Hollow Tucker Melody-ET for her owner, Jilliann Rejman of Scipio Center, N.Y. She purchased the heifer from Melanie F. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., for $2,500 and will receive a check for $999.88. “Melody” began her first lactation at (continued to page 40)

Page 39

Rankings in the 2025 Pot O’Gold Production Contest Name Animal Address Consignor

Purchase Price

MCP Dollar Value

Cash Prize

Hailey Fischer Kash-In Heritage 69287-ET Cecil, Wis. Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif.

$2,800

$7,080.69

$ 2,249.73

Sara Jane Bok MM Nicklaus Liberty 22243-ET Defiance, Ohio Misty Meadow Dairy, Tillamook, Ore.

3,000

6,847.86

1,437.33

Jilliann Rejman Dutch Hollow Tucker Melody-ET Scipio Center, N.Y. Melanie F. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.

2,500

6,737.23

999.88

Emalee Neal Stock Ky-Hi HoleInOne Honestly Newton, Wis Kylie Margaret Lehr, Canastota, N.Y.

2,750

6,515.63

812.40

Renee Lydia Bok Bohnerts Nicklaus Bland Defiance, Ohio Bohnert Jerseys, East Moline, Ill.

2,300

6,487.02

749.91

Kenley and Paisley Kessenich JX TLJ Goals C Maid 3000 {6}-ET DeForest, Wis. Travis Lehnertz, Plainview, Minn.

2,200

6,480.98

687.42

Tara Knapp CDF Thrasher Princeton 32742 Larchwood, Iowa C&S Livestock, Hilmar, Calif.

2,200

6,294.58

624.93

Erica Knapp JX Matos Altasasso 30179 {5} Larchwood, Iowa Matos Dairy, Hilmar, Calif.

1,600

6,195.67

562.43

Kamryn Kasbergen JX Clemson Blizzard 903 228 {5} Tulare, Calif. Clemson University Dairy Farm, Clemson, S.C.

2,000

6,181.49

499.94

Kate Kasbergen Gold Medal Charlton S1760 Tulare, Calif. Grant Ahlem, Hilmar, Calif.

2,300

5,771.87

499.94

Sawyer Paul JX Sandcreeks Zon Watson 15832 {5} Milton, Wis. Sand Creek Dairy LLC, Hastings, Mich.

1,700

5,667.72

374.96

Tyler Bohnert Sandcreeks Alcan 15645 East Moline, Ill. Sand Creek Dairy LLC, Hastings, Mich. Natalie Hogan JX Schoene Kuh Driving Heat {5} Tillamook, Ore. Staci Sexton, Zumbro Falls, Minn.

2,600

5,639.80

374.96

2,500

5,567.89

374.96

Hansen Parreira Goff Colgate 53163 Pixley, Calif. Buster Goff, Hobbs, N.M.

2,300

5,464.15

312.46

Ava and Ivy Hebgen JX Van Dell Sasso 1820 {5} DeForest, Wis. Vandell Farms Inc., Sharon, Wis.

2,500

5,354.79

312.46

Erica Neal Stock JX Avi-Lanche Jammer Joline 36081 {6}-ET Newton, Wis. Richard and Jennifer M. Avila, Dalhart, Texas

3,000

5,069.81

312.46

Harper VanZyverden Red Top Kestrel 63127 {6}-P Niangua, Mo. Red Top Jerseys, Hilmar, Calif.

1,900

5,021.20

249.97

Sophia Larson Redrow 2509 Dabo 3385-ET Reedsburg, Wis. Steve Rowley and Redland Genetics, Foxworth, Miss.

3,650

4,750.40

249.97

Brenden Haywood Bloss TheBoss 45673-ET Hastings, Mich. River Rock Ranch, Hilmar, Calif.

8,600

4,690.70

249.97

Colton Haywood Ahlem Tucker Penelope 65507-P Hastings, Mich. Ahlem Farms Partnership, Hilmar, Calif.

2,500

4,650.44

187.48

Noelle and Owen Vos Ohio Caliban Galvanize 661 Maribel, Wis. Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

2,000

4,538.80

187.48

Kayley Herrin Kash-In Tucker 70296 Carriere, Miss. Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif.

2,600

4,163.94

187.48

Pot O’Gold Production Contest (continued from page 39)

2-00 with an actual production record of 19,620 lbs. milk, 1,405 lbs. fat and 780 lbs. protein. The m.e. on the record was 21,396-1,598-891. She peaked on her first test with 76 lbs. of milk at 39 days fresh. Her lactation’s MCP dollar value was $3,737.23. Sired by Rowleys 1996 Daniel Tucker {6}-ET, GJPI +72, “Melody” has a GJPI of +85 and was appraised Very Page 40

Good-88% for Rejman at 3-08. She is the daughter of Dutch Hollow Chief Melba, Excellent-91%, who ranked on the top GJPI lists at the time of the sale. “Melba’s” last two lactations have each seen production levels of over 23,000 lbs. milk, 1,250 lbs. fat and 850 lbs. protein. Emalee Neal Stock, Newton, Wis., ranked fourth with Ky-Hi HoleInOne Honestly. She made a first lactation record with a value of $6,515.63. Stock

will receive prize winnings of $812.40. “Honestly” peaked at 43 days in milk with a test of 83 lbs. She completed a 2-03 record of 18,920 lbs. milk, 1,105 lbs. fat and 801 lbs. protein, with an m.e. of 23,626–1,367–1,003. “Honestly” was appraised Very Good-83% at 2-08. Stock purchased “Honestly” from Kylie Lehr of Ki-Hy Jerseys in Canastota, N.Y. She is sired by Victory S-S-I Miami HoleInOne-ET, GJPI +68, and is the daughter of Dutch Hollow Dashiell JERSEY JOURNAL

Honest, Very Good-87%. “Honest” was the winner of the 2023 Pot O’Gold Production Contest for Lehr. Stock’s animals are managed at D&D Jerseys, an operation owned and operated by her parents, Donna Phillips and Dan Stock. Placing fifth in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest is Renee Bok of Defiance, Ohio, and her entry, Bohnerts Nicklaus Bland. “Bland” produced a 1-8 record with a value of $6,487.02 which will award Bok with a check for $749.91. After calving with a heifer calf by JX CDF JLS Pilgrim Thrasher {6}ET, GJPI +161, in July 2024, “Bland” completed an actual first lactation of 18,980 lbs. milk, 980 lbs. fat and 691 lbs. protein. The m.e. of the record is 26,618–1,356–965. In her first lactation, she peaked at an impressive 92 lbs. milk at 120 days in milk. Bok purchased “Bland” from Bohnert Jerseys in East Moline, Ill., for $2,3000. Both Sara and Renee’s animals are managed at Bok’s Jersey Farm, an operation owned and operated by their grandparents, mother and uncle. Other juniors being recognized in the 2026 Pot O’Gold Production Contest are Kenley and Paisley Kessenich, DeForest, Wis.; Tara Knapp, Larchwood, Iowa; Erica Knapp, Larchwood, Iowa; Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.; Kate Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.; Sawyer Paul, Milton, Wis.; Tyler Bohnert, East Moline, Ill.; Natalie Hogan, Tillamook, Ore.; Hansen Parreira, Pixley, Calif.; Ava and Ivy Hebgen, DeForest, Wis.; Erica Neal Stock, Newton, Wis.; Harper VanZyverden, Niangua, Mo.; Sophia Larson, Reedsburg, Wis.; Brenden Haywood, Hastings, Mich.; Colton Haywood, Hastings, Mich.; Noelle and Owen Vos, Maribel, Wis.; and Kayley Herrin, Carriere, Miss. The 69th Pot O’Gold Sale is scheduled for November 7, 2026, in Louisville at 1:00 p.m. The animals purchased will compete in the 2029 Pot O’Gold Production Contest.

Winners of the Pot O’Gold Production Contest Year Name Owner

Purchase Price

Award Received

% Award of Purchase Price

2025 JX Avi Lanche Archie Diane {6} Sophia Larson, Reedsburg, Wis.

$3,500

$2,402.26

2024 JX Sun Valley Got Maid Lucinda {6} Ella Herrera, Hilmar, Calif. 2023 Dutch Hollow Dashiell Honest Kylie Margaret Lehr, Canastota, N.Y. 2022 JX Bar MB Avon Klay Brooklynn 16312 {4} Colin Wussow, Cecil, Wis. 2021 Rog-Al Casino Pippa Chelsie Fuller, Newark Valley, N.Y. 2020 Dutch Hollow Monument Cherry John Dylan Lehr, Canastota, N.Y. 2019 JX Clemson Lemonhead 330 604 {6} Jacob Tatko, Donahue, Iowa 2018 Windhavens Pumpkin Praise-ET Jennifer Oelfke, Hamburg, Minn. 2017 Avi-Lanche Dazz Buttermilk 12564 Andrew McReynolds, Danville, Vt. 2016 Lost Hill Dimension Holly Dylan Ellenburg, Blacksburg, Va. 2015 Peelers Louie Presca Anneke Boer, Dalhart, Texas 2014 Berrys Academy Lilly-ET Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn. 2013 Tollenaar Blaise 6360 Tyler C. Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 2012 Kilgus Finalist Gem-ET Michael R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash. 2011 Rocha Iatola Whistle-ET Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis. 2010 Havs Iatola Topaz Michael R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash. 2009 MVF Kulp Brazo Shannon Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn. 2008 Ahlem Jace Charm 15069-ET Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis. 2007 Al-Top Hallmark Spirit 320 Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio 2006 Lynvail Barkly Trista-ET Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio 2005 Long Distance Rogue Daisy-ET Joshua Parks, Morristown, Tenn. 2004 Yosemite Jerrick Khan A8409 Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio 2003 Schirm Berretta Lindy Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio 2002 DLM Barber Delight Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio 2001 Ahlem MBSB Lilac 7107-ET Andrew M. Bok, Defiance, Ohio 2000 Rebob Barber Hurrah D. J. Josi, Tillamook, Ore. 1999 Berrettas Linette Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio 1998 Pine Valley Glenwood B Vera Andrew Bok, Defiance, Ohio 1997 LJF2 SB Berretta Haley Samantha Jo Barmore, Smithfield, Ky. 1996 Sooner Doll of Summer Hope Wendy Bok, Defiance, Ohio 1995 Rock Maple BV Maria Timothea-ET Jeanesse Rodeffer, Snohomish, Wash. 1994 Mar Kut Sooner 920 George W. Hanford II, Marcellus, N.Y. 1993 Praldo Reliant Dun Plum Kathryn Hanford, Marcellus, N.Y. 1992 Sun Valley Sooner Sunday Martin Watson, Troy, Pa. 1991 Petersen Pal Penelope David Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore. 1990 Duncan Brave PR Dee Tom Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore. 1989 Greenwood Chief Glad Tidings Herby D. Lutz, Chester, S.C. 1988 Mills Brass Baronet Happy Lori Orisio, Woodburn, Ore. 1987 Willaval MO Leta Beka Rood, Deming, Wash. 1986 Berrys Magic Christmas David Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore. 1985 Sun Valley Midnight Sweetheart Raymond Orisio Jr., Woodburn, Ore. 1984 Magic Jody Kelly Young, Yellow Springs, Ohio 1983 Generators Chic Freddy Schlei, Hopkinsville, Ky. 1982 Midnight Comedy

$4,500

$2,975.85

66%

2,300

2,441.31

105

1,900

2,345.49

123

2,900

3,011.04

104

69%

2,600

2,897.82

111

3,400

3,892.32

114

4,000

4,531.86

113

3,900

4,510.44

116

2,800

3,491.10

125

4,300

4,894.47

114

3,100

4,612.95

149

3,600

4,550.22

127

2,600

2,408.22

3,000

3,231.36

108

4,000

4,007.07

100

2,800

2,215.01

5,750

2,933.01

3,000

3,439.44

115

3,100

3,075.30

2,150

3,665.63

170

3,150

3,278.88

104

3,700

4,946.55

134

2,900

3,514.75

121

3,200

2,853.62

2,600

2,368.10

1,800

2,415.70

134

2,600

2,427.60

2,400

2,237.20

2,300

2,344.42

102

1,750

2,113.44

121

3,000

2,501.38

2,300

2,227.68

2,600

2,784.60

107

1,900

2,058.70

108

2,250

2,320.50

103

2,400

1,556.52

1,350

1,461.32

108

1,650

1,958.74

119

1,250

1,613.64

129

650

1,713.60

265

3,800

3,468.40

4,100

3,832.13

2,200

3,203.06

146 (continued to page 42)

JERSEY JOURNAL

Page 41

Winners of the Pot O’Gold Production Contest (continued from page 41)

Year Name Owner

Purchase Price

Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. 1981 Ogston Generator Breeze 2,500 Crystal M. Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. 1980 Ogston Generator Bebe 2,500 Crystal M. Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. 1979 Surville Farmers Love $1,850 Bruce C. Rhein, Pine Grove, Pa. 1978 TK F.B. Wilma 1,500 Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. 1977 Zev of Ogstons Dani 1,200 Cynthia Waltemyer, Collegeville, Pa. 1976 Generators Valencia of Ogston 1,100 Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. 1975 Ideal Surville Princess Ann 1,000 Cathryn J. Cross, Cedar Falls, Iowa 1974 Generators Faustine of Ogston 950 Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y. 1973 Raintree Sleeping Janice 975 Gordon C. Barlass, Janesville, Wis. 1972 Don Head Linesman Gladys 1,250 Richard Bourne, Old Lyme, Conn. 1971 Sleeping Star Joyce 675 Lyle Hanschu, Ramona, Kan. 1970 Ettas Master Babe 1,050 Gordon C. Barlass, Janesville, Wis. 1969 Marlu Stylist Milestone Lady 1,075 Randall Steinhausen, Lincoln, Neb. 1968 Favorite Whispering Willow Dawn 525 David Murray, Healdsburg, Calif. 1967 Sunbeam Nora Victory 525 Donna Merrell, Alstead, N.H. 1966 Ettas Milestone Queen Grace 800 John Paul Estes, Clever, Mo. 1965 Ambassador Custom Angelina 500 Diann Spike, Owosso, Mich. 1964 Polymeadows Liberator Millie 600 Dwayne Disney, Portales, N.M. 1963 Marlu Milestone Nan 675 Merle E. Miller Jr., Carlisle, Pa. 1962 Ambassador Premier Pet 625 Tommy Spike, Owosso, Mich. 1961 Sir Sparkling Vic 625 Dwayne Disney, Portales, N.M.

Page 42

Award Received

% Award of PurchasePrice

2,940.00

118

2,568.00

103

$2,437.50

132%

1,968.75

131

1,840.62

153

1,781.25

162

1,503.13

150

1,034.38

109

1,278.75

131

1,269.75

102

1,050.00

156

1,155.00

110

1,173.75

109

915.00

174

982.50

187

720.00

603.75

121

881.25

147

1,038.75

154

810.00

130

1,437.50

230

Application Deadline is December 1 for 10th Jersey Youth Academy

Tuesday, December 1, is the deadline to submit applications for the 10th Jersey Youth Academy, scheduled for July 11-16, 2027, in Columbus, Ohio. Jersey youth who are currently juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college or university; and also those under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management are eligible to apply. Applicants must be legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only one time. Jersey Youth Academy is an intensive educational program sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association and is focused on the Jersey cow and the various elements of the Jersey dairy business. Academy challenges participants to understand the long history and recent growth of the Jersey breed and shows them the many opportunities and challenges of the dairy business in the future. The 2027 Academy class will meet leaders from the Jersey community and the support industry, and gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow. They will also tour Jersey operations and milk processing facilities, and participate in hands-on workshops ranging from linear type evaluation to marketing and promotion. A maximum of 36 youth will be selected based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in the written application and goal statement. Applications will be posted on the USJersey web site on September 1, 2026, and must be received not later Tuesday, December 1, 2026. All program, housing and transportation costs are paid by the Academy’s 501(c)(3) educational foundation. Contributors to the foundation represent a broad spectrum of Jersey breeder and dairy industry support, with the largest contribution to date coming from the all-donation National Heifer Sale in 2011. For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, or visit its web site at USJersey.com. JERSEY JOURNAL

2026 Jersey All Americans to be Crowned in Louisville

The 74th All American Jersey Show & Sale returns November 6-9 to the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. Premiums totaling more than $46,000 will be awarded in three shows. Last year’s All American assembled 710 Registered Jerseys™ representing more than 210 dairy operations, making it the largest single-site exhibition of Jerseys in the United States and the world for 2025. The All American Junior Jersey Show is scheduled for Friday, November 6. Judging in the Jersey ring are Keith Topp, Botkins, Ohio, with his associate Cole Kruse, Dyersville, Iowa. This is one of the richest youth-only shows in the world with premiums totaling $9,800. The 73rd National Jersey Jug Futurity will award estimated premiums of $11,000 on Sunday, November 8. A total of 1,381 heifers were nominated for the show in 2022, and 457 are still eligible to make the final entry fee before the show. They will be judged by Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis. His consultant will be R.T. Thompson, Darlington, Wis. The open division of The All American Jersey Show is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, November 8 and 9 and will be judged by Chris Lahmers, Marysville, Ohio. His consultant will be Jeff Brown, Wapakoneta, Ohio. The first and second place entries in each class of all shows will be named the All American and Reserve All American winners for 2026 by the American Jersey Cattle Association. The shows will be streamed live from Freedom Hall via webcast at www.livestockexpo.org.

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Two sales, both managed by Jersey Marketing Service of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, are scheduled. The 69th Pot O’Gold Sale will be on Saturday, November 7 in the West Hall of the Expo Center at 1:00 p.m. The youth-only sale will offer 30 genomicevaluated heifers that will be eligible to compete in a production contest in 2029. The 74th All American Jersey Sale is the premier showcase for Registered Jersey™ genetics in the United States. Selection is underway to offer 50 outstanding females along with high-ranking genomic young sires on Saturday, November 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Kentucky Exposition Center’s West Hall. Both sales will be broadcast live with online bidding at Cowbuyer.com (www. cowbuyer.com). Friday, November 6 7:30 a.m. The 74th All American Junior Jersey Show, Freedom Hall (starting with showmanship, followed by heifer show and cows) 6:00 p.m. Selection of the Supreme Champion heifer and cow of the North American Junior Dairy Shows Saturday, November 7 9:00 a.m. Youth Awards Ceremony; West Hall 12:00 p.m. Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds Youth Public Speaking Contest, West Hall 1:00 p.m. 69th Pot O’Gold Sale, West Hall 3:00 p.m. All American Pre-Sale social 3:30 p.m. All American Jersey Sale, West Hall B

Sunday, November 8 7:30 a.m. The 74th All American Jersey Heifer Show, Freedom Hall 2:00 p.m. 73rd National Jersey Jug Futurity, Crowning of the National Jersey Queen, Freedom Hall Monday, November 9 7:30 a.m. The 74th All American Jersey Cow Show, Freedom Hall 2:00 p.m. Selection of the Supreme Champions of the North American Dairy Shows Visit the NAILE website at livestockexpo.org or call 502/595-3166 for complete premium list with show rules and entry forms. October 6 is the deadline for open and junior show entries. The headquarters for the All American is the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport (502/637-2424). The reservation code of JERSEY must be used when making your reservations for the discounted rate. The All American Jersey Show & Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Herby Lutz, Chester, S.C., is the General Chair for the 2026 events, with Cornell Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif., serving as Associate General Chair. Committee chairs are Sale, Jerry Emerich, Mooers, N.Y.; Open Show, Corey Lutz, Lincolnton, N.C.; Jersey Jug Futurity, Julie Ziegler, Galloway, Ohio; and Junior Show & Activities, Josh Gordon, Syracuse, Ind. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March.

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ahlemfarms@aol.com

natalie.sanders@hotmail.com

claussjerz@yahoo.com

Search for 2026 National Jersey Queen Is Underway

The search for the 69th National Jersey Queen is underway. The selection process which will take place November 6-7 th, during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky. Any female member of the American Jersey Cattle Association (junior or Lifetime) between the ages of 16 and 22 as of January 1, 2026, may participate. Applications must be received in the AJCA office not later than October 15. Participants will take a written test on general dairy and Jersey breed knowledge and interview with a three-member judging panel on Friday, November 6. On Friday they will also assist with The All American Junior Jersey Show before the final competition on Saturday morning. At the Youth Awards Ceremony the contestants will showcase Page 44

their public speaking abilities before the final five are announced. The final candidates will then answer a question in front of the crowd. The final contestants will assist with the All American Jersey Sale and the All American Jersey Heifer Show before the 2026 National Jersey Queen and her court are announced at the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity on Sunday, November 8. They will then preside over the remaining weekend events. The new Queen will succeed current Queen, Morgan Osborn-Wotthlie, Keymar, Md. The Queen and court will present the sashes as the Jersey All Americans of 2026 are selected in The 74th All American Jersey Cow Show. They will also preside over the prestigous National Jersey Jug Futurity on Sunday afternoon. The complete schedule of events, contest elements and judging score-

card, are found on the USJersey website. The 69th National Jersey Queen will promote the Jersey breed and represent members of the American Jersey Cattle Association throughout the year at local, state and national events including the 2027 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Asheville, N.C. Her activities are featured @USJerseyQueen on Facebook. The Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund Scholarships provides $1,000 in scholarships for the Queen and alternates, plus financial support for the Queen’s travel after her selection. For more information about participating in or supporting the National Jersey Queen development program, contact the AJCA Communications Department at 614/861-3636, or email info@usjersey.com with “National Jersey Queen” in the subject line. JERSEY JOURNAL

The All American Jersey Show & Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March. October 8 is the deadline for open and junior show entries. Final payments for three-year-old nominations for the 2026 National Jersey Jug Futurity are due on September 20. For premium list with show rules and entry forms, visit livestockexpo.org or call 502/595-3166.

December 1 Deadline for Stout Experience Award

Persons who have a strong desire to pursue a career in managing and/or marketing Registered Jersey™ cattle are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Fred Stout Experience awards. The awards are presented annually in memory of Fred J. Stout Sr., Mt. Carmel, Ill., a lifelong Jersey breeder and member of the Jersey Marketing Service staff from 1978 to 1997 who believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world. Awards will be made for two paid JERSEY JOURNAL

internships, one with Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and the other an on-farm, customized experience on a Jersey dairy operation. The awards, provided by a permanent endowment created by friends and colleagues of Fred Stout, will pay for housing, travel and related activities required by the cooperating employer up to the maximum amount of the scholarship award. Applicants must have completed their high school education. To apply, visit https://usjersey.com/fredstout-experience-2 to download the application. Interested applicants will answer a series of questions stating your ambitions, goals and career aspirations, including plans for achieving them. A one-page résumé listing previous work experience, education, activities and awards is also needed. Two letters of support are required, one from an active breeder of Registered Jersey™ cattle, excluding immediate family members; and the other from a teacher, mentor or past employer. These must be mailed directly by the supporters to the USJersey office. Applications and letters of support must be postmarked no later than December 1, 2026, and addressed to Fred Stout Experience, American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-

2362. They can also be submitted by email to info@usjersey.com. Previous recipients of the Fred Stout Experience Award are Tara Bohnert, Illinois (2003); Allison Waggoner, South Carolina (2004); Dan Bauer, Wisconsin (2005); Aaron Horst, Pennsylvania (2006); Jacob Pieper, Maryland (2007); Katie Albaugh, Maryland (2008); Brady Core, Kentucky (2009); Kim Wilson, Missouri, and Ivy Roberts, Florida (2010); Joseph Fjarlie, Wisconsin, and Amy Maxwell, Iowa (2011); Robert McGarry, Vermont, and Lyman Rudgers, New York (2012); Meagan Bolen, Ohio, and Wyatt Smith, Minnesota (2013); Olivia Pearson, North Carolina, and Meagan Chittenden, New York (2014); Tyler French, South Carolina, and Gerret Boer, Texas (2015); Austin Woods, Wisconsin, and Laura Bell (2016); Tyler Kirchdoerfer, Missouri, and Blake Koehn, Oklahoma (2017); Amanda LoRusso, Connecticut (2018); Brennan Topp, Ohio, and Abigail Grimm, Minnesota (2019); Hannah Diehl, Pennsylvania (2020); Elizabeth Gross, Pennsylvania; Meghan Hettinga, Iowa (2021); Maria Joy Poock, Missouri; and Jayme Ozburn, Tennessee (2022); Emma Vos, Wisconsin (2023); Margaret Brady, Georgia; Jessica Hewitt, Oregon (2024); and Jackie Mudd, Berne, Ind (2025). Page 45

YOUTH PRODUCTION CONTESTS

Learning from the Numbers

ersey youth programs are designed to expose young people to new ideas, foster personal growth and build practical skills. Each program offers unique opportunities. The youth production contests highlight the value of data collection, production management and continuous improvement. The top winners of the 2025 National Jersey Youth Production Contest share their stories and insights in this roundtable discussion. For these young breeders, their award-winning cows represent far more than impressive production records. They are animals the junior carefully selected or bred, worked with and learned from along the way. Each cow has played an important role in shaping their knowledge of dairy cattle and, they hope, the future direction of their herds.

Juniors participating include: • Eli Staudinger, Reedsville, Wis., with Blue Royal Nu Karoline-ET (Division I, first and overall winner); • Erica Neal Stock, Newton, Wis., with JX DoDan Jill Patronus Juleka {6} (Division 1, second); • Hailey Fischer, Cecil, Wis., with Kash-In Heritage 69287-ET (Division I, third; 2026 Pot O’Gold Production Contest, winner); • Lauren Albright, Willard, Ohio, with JX AJ Corsair 5494 {5}-Twin (Division I, fifth); • Charlie Tauchen, Bonduel, Wis., with Tauchen Kiawa Enovy-P (Division II, second); • Addison Fischer, Cecil, Wis., with Kailas Ferdinand Vesper (Division II, third).

Eli Staudinger shows another member of his herd, MM Swagger Petra-ET, at the fair.

Hailey Fischer spends some time with “Heritage” at Milkn-More Farms, where she is managed with the rest of the herd. “Heritage” also won the 2026 Pot O’Gold Production Contest.

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Describe your cow that placed in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest. Eli: My Jersey cow, Karoline, is a daughter of an Excellent-93% full sister to the Reserve Grand Champion of the International Jersey Show held at World Dairy Expo: Rexlea Joel Karausel- ET. Erica: I named my cow, Juleka, after a character from a show I loved when she was born. Her dam, Jojo, and granddam, Jenny, are both cows from my herd; Juleka’s sire is Patronus. Juleka has a single small white spot on her right flank, and that white spot makes her easy for me to spot in the barn. Juleka is a little independent, but also still very friendly! She just freshened and has a heifer on the farm that is bred. Hailey: Heritage 69287 is a Jersey that we bought at the Pot of Gold Sale. When we first saw her, we thought she had a lot of potential to be a really good milk cow. Since we got her, she has really shown us what she can do. She milks really well and has become a cow that I’m

really proud of. I’ve gotten to watch her produce and see how much she actually contributes to our herd. Lauren: JX AJ Corsair 5494 is scored Very Good-88%. She is working a second lactation with an m.e. of 28,504 lbs. milk and has a herdmate deviation of 5,051 lbs. milk. Charlie: Enovy-P is appraised Excellent-90% and her 4-2 record has a dollar value of $6,994.81, which places second in Division II of the 2025 contest. She represents several generations of Tauchen breeding of the “E” cow family. Addison: Vesper was exhibited as a fall calf at multiple shows, ranging from local to national. When it came to showmanship, she was a first choice; she led herself in the ring. She was easy to work with, laid back, and never ran away when she saw a halter in hand. What makes her special to you? Eli: Karoline is special to me, and I chose her because her dam is from a cow family that has great genetics, which I have always been excited about. Karoline’s dam was purchased when the Rexlea herd was sold off in 2021. Erica: What makes Juleka special to me is that she is one of the few animals I have left from her cow family. Her cow family has also consistently made really good production records in the past. Hailey: She was my first calf from the Pot Of Gold Sale, and seeing her excel was something I really enjoyed. She has shown me how much a good cow can provide and how much work actually goes into getting those results. She is definitely one of the cows that I’ll always remember. Lauren: She is the daughter of my first 4-H project, Ginger. Charlie: Knowing she has a great pedigree of production, and her family keeps breeding cows that last and milk well. Addison: As stated earlier, she was shown throughout the summer and fall. She was exhibited at Northeast Wisconsin High Protein Show, the Shawano County Fair and the open and junior shows at the All American Jersey Show. She placed fifth at the protein show and was Junior Champion of my county fair. She was also a very easy heifer to work JERSEY JOURNAL

Erica Neal Stock earns a blue ribbon at a show with one of her show cows.

Lauren Albright checks on the cows at Albright Jerseys, operated by her family in Willard, Ohio.

Charlie Tauchen purchased the grandam of his production winner with his sisters at the 2014 All American Jersey Sale.

with. A lot of time was spent with her to make her lead the best she could, which also made her look her best.

dam, Milk-n-More Amazing Eneshia, with my sisters, Abby and India, in the 2014 All American Jersey Sale. Eneshia was bred by my good friends Ron and Nicolle Wussow, also of Cecil. Though she sold in Louisville, she came right back to Cecil. Milk-n-More has housed this cow family for me and I am very thankful for the Wussow family and their years of friendship! Eneshia started the great-producing “E” family for me, which led to her granddaughter Enovy-P placing in the 2025 contest. Her sister, Tauchens Chinook Emery, placed fourth in Division II in the 2024 national production contest. Addison: The “V” family is special to my family because they come from a long line of bred and owned animals. My cousins exhibited Vesper’s ancestors at local, state and national shows, where they placed well. Her family transmits very well and it is an easy place to look for future show heifers.

the contest, I learned that, much like any contest, perseverance is key. If your animal doesn’t do well in the contest one year, then you can view that as a learning curve. That experience can help you select a bull to breed to the cow to get a calf that will be a better producer than her dam. Hailey: I’ve learned that records are really important because you can’t always tell how good a cow is just by looking at her. Having her production numbers lets me actually see what she is doing and gives me something to look back on. It has also helped me understand more about the production side of dairy cattle and how the numbers can

If you bought your cow at a sale or from someone else, why did you choose her? If you bred her or if she is from your family farm, what makes the cow family special? Eli: See above response. Erica: Juleka was bred on my family’s farm, and what makes her family special is their consistent high production records over the years. As well, she traces back to my great-grandfather’s herd. Hailey: We bought her at the Pot of Gold Sale because we thought she would make a really good milk cow. We liked what we saw in her and thought she had a lot of potential. Seeing how much she milks has proven we definitely made a good choice. She has been a really good cow for our herd, and we’re excited to see what she can do in the future, along with her offspring. Lauren: Her dam, Ginger, was scored 87 points and her best lactation was 28,740 lbs. milk. She was very special to me because she was the first heifer I showed at the county fair. Ginger and I won showmanship. Now that Ginger is gone, I keep track of her offspring within the herd. Charlie: Enovy-P is backed by a special cow family that has placed well in youth production contests. The story is quite funny as I purchased her grandJERSEY JOURNAL

What have you learned from keeping records and participating in the contest? Eli: From participating in the contest, I have learned about many different cow families. From keeping records, I have been able to see different numbers and changes among different cows. Erica: From participating in

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Addison Fischer poses with one of her favorite cows, “No More,” who was in the show string the same year as her production winner, “Vesper.” Photo by MK Photography.

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JERSEY JOURNAL

Production Roundtable (continued from page 47)

help with decisions for the herd. Lauren: We use data from our robots to record production information from our cows. I can look up many different records and reports on PCDart, infoJersey and Horizon. Charlie: It is important to keep records of my herd to look back on and improve for the future. Participating in the contest has been fun! It is rewarding to see how breeding practices change over time and how my herd has expanded over the past 12-plus years. Addison: I have learned organization is key to having accurate records. By being organized, I can quickly see and find each animal’s information. The contest has given me an idea of where the highest-producing animals can compete JERSEY JOURNAL

at the national level. It makes me strive to have more high-producing animals in the herd. Why is it important to collect data like production records? Eli: I believe that it is important to collect data and keep records because it helps with picking sires and making matings, which can help increase your herd’s average numbers and get higher production. The data and information can help you make your herd successful and improve as your future in the industry continues. Erica: Keeping records shows you what each animal in a cow family produces, and you can use those records to choose a service sire that will produce offspring with high milk production. Hailey: Production records are impor-

tant because they show you what your cows are actually doing. They can help you figure out which cows are producing well and help you make better breeding and herd decisions. It’s a lot easier to make a good decision when you have the actual numbers instead of just guessing. It also gives you something to look back on and compare from year to year. Lauren: Data like production records can influence breeding decisions within our herd. We use production information to decide which cows to mate to Jersey bulls and which cows are mated to beef bulls. Charlie: To improve future generations and see the progress made in my herd and the industry. Addison: I can use the data collected to make sure each generation is improv(continued to page 51)

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JERSEY JOURNAL

ing and better than the previous. By having many generations of bred and owned animals, I can see quite easily the improvements being made from generation to generation. What are your goals for your cow? Eli: My goal for Karoline is to get multiple offspring from her with outstanding milk production numbers that will increase my herd’s average numbers. Erica: My goals for Juleka are to breed her to help grow my herd and to keep that high production record, not just in the cow family, but in my herd as a whole. Hailey: Our biggest goal for her is to breed her and hopefully have offspring that can milk like she does. We’re hoping her offspring will get some of the same production and qualities that she has. I would love to see her daughters become really good milk cows and continue her family in our herd. It would be really cool to see how much of an impact she can have on our herd in the future from just one purchase. Lauren: I hope that my cow can continue to be a functioning member of the herd and produce more offspring with superior genetics. Charlie: Continue to grow my herd and keep producing great-pedigreed and high producing Jersey cattle like the “E” family. Addison: My goal for Vesper is to keep her genetics and offspring in the herd. It helps me grow my herd. Her family’s genetics are elite compared to more average animals in my herd, so continuing the family is key to having an overall more successful herd.

beth@marcootjerseycreamery.com

JERSEY JOURNAL

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JERSEY YOUTH PROGRAMS

Fifteen Youth to Receive Scholarships Totaling $38,850

ifteen Jersey youth continuing their education will receive scholarships from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) totaling $38,850. They will receive their awards on November 6, 2026, at the Youth Awards Ceremony held during All American festivities in Louisville, Ky. The 15 recipients are pursuing higher education at universities and colleges in 10 states—Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. They are pursuing degrees in agribusiness, agribusiness management, agricultural business management, agricultural communications, agricultural engineering, agricultural science, animal science/dairy production, dairy and food animal management, dairy science, marketing, nursing and veterinary medicine. Twenty-seven students applied for scholarships from the AJCA this year. Youth can apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible to compete for. Support for the AJCA scholarship program comes

Alaina Johnson

Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies

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from eight different funds managed in perpetuity by the AJCA. In order to make larger scholarship amounts available, Jersey breeders can contribute to the funds at any time by contacting the AJCA at 614/322-4451. Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student seeking a degree in dairy science, animal science, large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing or dairy product marketing. Alaina Johnson, Dakota, Minn., is this year’s recipient of the $5,000 scholarship. The daughter of Ryan and Tracy Johnson earned her undergraduate degree in animal science from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-River Falls before enrolling in the veterinary program at South Dakota State University (SDSU), where she earned a master’s degree in biological scienceveterinary medicine. She is now a junior in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Minnesota.

Lee Taylor

Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship

Johnson’s involvement with Jerseys began on her grandparents’ farm, Pine Creek Farms, in La Crescent, Minn., where she was surrounded by brown cows from an early age. At age 6, she raised and showed her first calf, “Princess,” an experience that sparked a passion that has continued to shape her life. She was active in 4-H, serving as secretary of the Houston County 4-H Federation and competing in dairy judging and dairy quiz bowl. One of the most impactful experiences in her youth was attending Jersey Youth Academy in 2019, which broadened her perspective of the industry, reinforced the importance of progressive herd management and inspired her to advocate for Jersey cattle. The following year, she was crowned Minnesota Jersey Queen and was a finalist in the Princess Kay of the Milky Way program. Throughout high school and college, Johnson intentionally sought leadership roles that challenged her to grow while allowing her to make an impact at school,

Cassandra Bohnert

The Lineweaver Scholarship

in her community and in agriculture. In high school, she was in the National Honor Society and involved with student council, Link Crew, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America. She also played softball, basketball and volleyball. At the college level, Johnson was also involved in the pre-veterinary club, dairy club and intramural sports. She was a founding member of SDSU’s chapter of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and served as secretary of the Christian Veterinary Fellowship. Johnson has gained extensive hands-on experience with dairy cattle through positions at Nova Holsteins and Vineyard Jerseys in New Richmond, Wis., Bergseng Family Farms in River Falls, Wis., and Palmyra Farm in Hagerstown, Md. Among her responsibilities were milking, managing the parlor and equipment, feeding youngstock, administering medications and performing A.I. work. She also gained research experience

Nicole Arrowsmith

Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship

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Clancey Krahn

Tatum Lancaster

Sara Reed

Sarah Diehl

The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship

William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship

V.L. Peterson Scholarship

Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship

at the UW-River Falls laboratory farm and Pipestone Animal Research and assisted with surgery and animal care at Hudson Road Animal Hospital. Johnson’s long-term goal is to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in dairy cattle, with emphasis on reproduction and animal health. She also plans to continue breeding and showing Registered Jerseys while mentoring young people.

in a dairy-related major. It is based on financial need, leadership skills, and academic performance. This year’s recipient of the $5,000 Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship is Lee Taylor of Booneville, Miss. The son of Bradley and Carla Taylor, he is a sophomore at Mississippi State University (MSU), majoring in agribusiness with a concentration in production and minoring in animal and dairy science and economics. Taylor owns 30 Registered Jerseys that are managed with the 100cow herd at Taylor Jersey Farm Inc., owned and operated by his family. His responsibilities include milking, vaccinations,

moving cattle, building and mending fences, servicing equipment, cutting and raking hay, and tending the show cattle. He has shown since he could walk and has exhibited cattle in six states. Since April, he has also taken on breeding responsibilities, focusing on components, A2A2 genetics, structural correctness and longevity. He plans to incorporate genotyping into future breeding decisions. Taylor also helped establish Taylor Creamery and Market, an on-site processing facility that will process A2 milk. The family plans to initially bottle whole milk before expanding into flavored milk, ice cream, butter and cheese. The market

also offers beef, pork, baked goods and produce grown by the Taylors or other local producers. The processing room is nearing completion, with a grand opening scheduled for the end of summer. In 2025, Taylor attended Jersey Youth Academy and received the Bob Toole Youth Award. A strong advocate for agriculture, Taylor served as Prentiss County 4-H ambassador for two years and as a Mississippi 4-H ambassador his senior year of high school. He was vice president of the New Site FFA chapter, participated in dairy judging and helped coach an FFA dairy products judging team.

The Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship This award is available to incoming or current students enrolled at an accredited two- or fouryear college or university

Jessica Hewitt

The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship

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Alexis Schultz

Paul Jackson Scholarship

Kalli Barber

Bob Toole Youth Award

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Chase Dahler

AJCA Director’s Scholarship

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dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing are eligible for this scholarship. Receiving the $3,250 scholarship is Nicole Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa. She is a senior at Pennsylvania State University, majoring in agribusiness management. She grew up on Hillacres Jersey Farm, a fully registered herd owned and operated by her parents, Tom and Amanda Micah Chapman Ava Kolodzienski Regan Jackson Arrowmith, and their family. Reuben R. Cowles Youth Anne E. Perchard Challenge Reuben R. Cowles Youth Since 2003, the family has Award Award Award been processing milk from the 60-cow herd into cheese and marketing under the Hillacres Jerseys and Kilgus Jerseys with their Jersey Youth Scholarships Pride label. Cheese is sold primarily at (continued from page 53) show strings at the Illinois State Fair farmers’ markets. and completed a mini-internship While in school, Taylor was also a Arrowsmith was active with 4-H with Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack member of the archery team and and youth breed associations. She Landing, N.Y. mentored younger team members. At was social chair for the Lancaster Bohnert received the William A. MSU, he was elected as a pledge marMilkduds 4-H Club and secretary Russell Memorial Scholarship in 2024 shal for the Block and Bridle Club and of the Lancaster Junior Holstein and the Walter and Joyce Owens and is active with collegiate 4-H, the reesAssociation. She attended numerous Family Scholarship in 2025. She also tablished dairy club and the Baptist state and national Jersey conventions attended Jersey Youth Academy in Student Union. and Jersey Youth Academy in 2021. 2025. Taylor has also received scholarships A favorite pastime is showing At United Township High School, from the Dixie National Sale of Chamcattle, something she has done since she was a member of the varsity pions for supreme champion and acashe was small, trailing along the basketball team, receiving the demics. He will receive an academic end of a halter. In her final year as a Panther Pride Award for leadership scholarship from MSU and was named junior, she realized a lifelong dream: and integrity. She was a member a Premier Future Ag Leaders Scholar breeding and exhibiting a National of the National Honor Society and by Select Sires Inc. Junior Reserve Grand Champion. the National Spanish Honor Society Her entry, Hillacres Chrome Hibiscus, and graduated magna cum laude in The Lineweaver Scholarship was Junior All American Five-Year2023. She received the John Deere This award is available to students Old and Reserve All American in the Student Award and volunteered with who have completed at least one year at open show. “Hibiscus” was also tapped her church, the Rock Island County an accredited four-year college or uniGrand Champion of the Mid-Atlantic Fair and the Fellowship of Christian versity in a dairy, animal science or Regional Jersey Show in 2025. More Athletes, among others. dairy products department. It is based recently, Arrowsmith exhibited At ISU, Bohnert is a member of the on financial need, leadership skills, both the Grand and Reserve Grand dairy club and has been named to the and academic performance. Champion of the New York Spring dean’s list. She works at local dairy Cassandra Bohnert, East Moline, Carousel. farms to help fund her education. Last Ill., is this year’s recipient of the $5,000 In high school, Arrowsmith fall, she traveled to Santiago, Chile, scholarship. The daughter of Scott and participated in high school musicals, to attend the World Dairy Summit, Karen Bohnert is a junior at Iowa State was a member of the National Honor gaining international perspective on University (ISU), pursuing a degree in Society and served as class secretary. the dairy industry while strengthening dairy science. At Penn State, Arrowsmith was her Spanish-speaking skills. Bohnert grew up on Bohnert assistant chair of the Nittany Lion She has also received scholarships Jerseys, a 750-cow Registered Jersey Fall Classic in 2025 and is chair of this from Midwest Dairy and the ISU dairy. farm operated by her family. Among year’s event. After graduation, Bohnert plans her most memorable dairy milestones She plans to return to Hillacres to work in production agriculture was saving for and then purchasing Jersey Farm and further develop the on a Midwest Jersey dairy farm as a her first Jersey at the Pot O’Gold Sale. herd and the Hillacres Pride product herdsperson. Her long-term goal is She has been active in 4-H and other line. to return to Bohnert Jerseys and help youth programs, exhibiting cattle at local shows, the state fair and the All American Jersey Show and attending national Jersey conventions. An integral part of the crew that operates Bohnert Jerseys, she has also gained hands-on experience at other Jersey operations. She helped DeMent Page 54

manage the herd upon retirement of the current herdsman. Morris B. Ewing ABS Global Genetic Performance Scholarship Junior or senior undergraduate students seeking a career in genetics,

William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is available to high school graduates accepted into a college or university for the fall program of the school year (entering freshmen). (continued to page 56)

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Tatum Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore., has been named the recipient of the $3,000 William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship. The daughter of Ryan and Freynie Lancaster, she is a 2026 graduate of Tillamook High School and will attend Oregon State University (OSU) as a freshman, majoring in marketing, with a minor in agricultural and food business management. Lancaster grew up on her family’s Registered Jersey farm, Royalty Ridge Dairy. She enjoys every aspect of showing, from fitting and preparing animals to stepping into the show ring and representing the farm. She has competed at the All American Jersey Show, World Dairy Expo and the Western National Jersey Show. She has also been active in 4-H and FFA, competing at the district, state and national levels. Through 4-H, she also raises and sells a market hog each year at the county fair. She was also a junior leader for Caring Clover Buddies 4-H Club. Lancaster has served as the Tillamook County Dairy Princess and attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2025, an experience she said has a lasting impact. Lancaster’s extracurricular activities have centered on agriculture, athletics, community service and entrepreneurship. She served as overall chair of the Tillamook High School charity drive, which raised more than $285,000 in 10 days, with half of the proceeds donated to Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. In athletics, Lancaster was chosen as team captain for varsity volleyball, basketball and golf. She owns a floral business specializing in weddings and events, where she has gained experience in marketing, customer relations, budgeting, business and time management. Beginning in September 2022, she took dual-enrollment classes at Tillamook Bay Community College to earn college credit. She has received numerous merit scholarships from OSU, Tillamook community service organizations including the Elks and Kiwanis, the Jessie May Riggs Scholarship Foundation and the Russ Rarey Memorial Foundation. This summer, Lancaster worked as a calf feeder at Martin Dairy LLC in Tillamook while continuing her work at Western Grace Floral Co. Lancaster plans to pursue a career Page 56

in agricultural marketing to bridge the gap between consumers and producers by telling agriculture’s story in an accurate and engaging way. She is especially passionate about combining creativity with business strategies to help agricultural industries adapt to changing markets and consumer expectations. The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is for students who have attended Jersey Youth Academy and are enrolled in an accredited fouryear college or university, majoring in an agriculture-based degree. The award is based on financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills. For the second time, Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore., will receive this $3,000 award. She is the daughter of Ben and Amy Krahn. A senior at Oklahoma State University (OSU), she is dual majoring in animal sciences/dairy production and agricultural communications and minoring in marketing. She and her family own and operate Royal Riverside Farm, a vertically integrated Registered Jersey farm. In 2018, they built a creamery on the farm and began bottling milk. Today, milk is distributed to 60 stores and coffee shops across Oregon. From “grass to glass,” Krahn’s experiences with Jerseys have shaped her and laid a strong foundation for her future in the dairy industry. She has been involved in all aspects of the farm’s operation, from daily chores to the show string to farm tours and managing the on-site farm stand, The Classy Cow. Krahn was active in both 4-H and FFA, serving the former as club president and the latter as both chapter and district president. She was the youth representative on the Linn County Livestock Auction Committee. She was the fifth high individual in the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest and a national gold medalist in the FFA milk quality and product evaluation contest. In 2023, she was awarded the Oregon FFA Star Farmer and won the national dairy production entrepreneurship proficiency award. An active exhibitor, she showed cattle at county and state fairs and the All American Junior Jersey Show, where she showed the Junior Champion in 2023. She also received laurels as grand champion showman at the Western National Jersey Show. She was crowned National Jersey

Queen and Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador in 2023. She attended Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy and completed the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium in Clovis, N.M. At OSU, she is an officer in the Dairy Science Club, a mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a member of Ag Communicators of Tomorrow. She is active with Chi Omega sorority and was selected as the Panhellenic senator for the student senate. She also competes on the university’s Dairy Challenge and dairy judging teams. Upon graduation, Krahn plans to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural communications and leadership from OSU. She will pursue a career as a trusted voice for farmers at the local, state and national levels through public relations, legislative outreach or marketing. V. L. Peterson Scholarship Students who have completed at least one year of college work are eligible for this scholarship. Sara Reed, Columbia Cross Roads, Pa., will receive this year’s scholarship of $2,500. She is the daughter of Leonard and Erin Reed and a senior at Pennsylvania State University, majoring in animal science with minors in agribusiness management and livestock production. Reed and her family operate Ravineside Farm, where they maintain a small herd of Registered Jerseys with an emphasis on type and show cattle. When not in school, she cares for the animals, customizes the nutrition program and researches genetics. She and her mother have shown at the local, state and national levels. Active in 4-H and FFA, Reed served as president of the LeRoy Community 4-H Club and helped organize educational events on fitting and judging for clubs in Bradford and Susquehanna counties. She also served as president and vice president of the Troy FFA Chapter and treasurer of the Bradford County FFA. Reed is active with her state Jersey association and is vice president of the state junior Holstein club’s executive committee. She was crowned Pennsylvania Jersey Queen in 2021 and placed among the top five in the national contest the following year. She attended Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy and is pursuing a career in genetics marketing after hearing a panelist speak. (continued to page 58)

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Her previous honors include the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship in 2023, the Lineweaver Scholarship in 2024 and the Paul Jackson Scholarship in 2025. She also received the William Lawrence Palmer Scholarship from the Centre Foundation to help fund her studies. At Penn State, she is a member of the Dairy Science Club. She co-chaired the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale in 2024 and chaired the event in 2025. She also helped organize the Penn State Spring Dairy Exposition earlier this year. Reed is a member of the quiz bowl team that won first place at the American Dairy Science Association contest and competed in dairy judging. She also took part in the academy held in conjunction with the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge in Sioux Falls, S.D., in April. This summer, Reed completed a sales and consulting internship with STgenetics. Her long-term goal is to become a dairy genetics consultant while continuing to breed and show Registered Jerseys and volunteer with youth education and industry organizations. Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship This scholarship is presented to an eligible candidate in the 2024 National Youth Achievement Contest. Sarah Diehl, McVeytown, Pa., will receive the scholarship award of $2,500. She is the daughter of Joe and Kristin Diehl. She graduated from Virginia Polytechnic State University with a degree in dairy science in 2026 and is now enrolled in the veterinary science program at the University of Pennsylvania. Diehl grew up on Musser Run Jerseys, operated by her family. Her life has revolved around Jersey activities, from showing her first calf, Belle, at the age of six to giving a history of Elsie the cow to members attending the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association when she was 12. She attended Jersey Youth Academy and received the Lineweaver Scholarship last year. Diehl was an active 12-year member of 4-H, serving as president of both the county’s dairy and beef clubs. At Virginia Tech, she was president and intramural sports chair of the Dairy Club. She was a member of the dairy judging team and the quiz bowl Page 58

team and participated in both regional and national Academy events held with the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge. She also traveled to the Isle of Jersey with the Virginia Tech Dairy Club. For the past two summers, Diehl has worked for Huntingdon Vet Service, helping with herd checks and farm calls and administering vaccinations. Long-term, she plans to become a large animal veterinarian. Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship This award is for an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing or dairy product marketing. Through completed coursework and a goal statement, the student must demonstrate significant progress towards the degree and clear intent for a career in agriculture. Jessica Hewitt, Baton Rouge, La., will receive the $2,000 award. She is enrolled in the College of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University. The daughter of Jill Thomas of Acampo, Calif., Hewitt graduated from Molalla High School in 2022 and earned an associate degree in agricultural science from South Dakota State University in the spring of 2025. While she did not grow up on a dairy, Hewitt maintained a herd of Registered Jerseys at Lady-Lane Farm in Mulino, Ore., and was responsible for their care and work in the processing room at that dairy. She was active in 4-H and FFA, serving the latter as chapter secretary and reporter. She exhibited cattle and participated in speaking competitions. She was crowned Western National Jersey Queen in 2022 and participated in the Oregon dairy princess program. She attended Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. She was the 2024 on-farm experience recipient of the Fred Stout Experience award. She interned with Misty Meadow Dairy in Tillamook, Ore., where she gained hands-on experience working with the hospital team at the main dairy every day and helping the dairy put on the Legacy of Legends Volume II Sale. In high school, Hewitt was varsity softball captain for three years and played competitively on a club softball team. At SDSU, she was a member of the dairy club, pre-veterinary club and swing dance club. She also has experi-

ence working in the equine teaching facility at SDSU, giving riding lessons to youth and trail rides to veterans and supporting university and outreach efforts. Down the road, Hewitt’s goal is to become a large animal veterinarian focused on bovine care. Bob Toole Youth Award The Bob Toole Youth Award is designated for a high school graduate to fund either college expenses or a clearly defined practical educational experience related to breeding, developing, and showing Registered Jerseys. The $2,000 Bob Toole Award will be presented this year to Kalli Barber, Dewitt, Iowa. The daughter of Curtis and Heidi Barber, she will be a freshman at ISU, majoring in dairy science. Barber earned an associate of arts degree from Eastern Iowa Community College in May 2026 while completing high school. Her earliest memories with Jersey include picking up bottle calves from Bohnert Jerseys as a preschooler with her dad and later helping with chores. Since then, her responsibilities have grown. She has shown cattle locally and at the Iowa State Fair, where she is responsible for feeding, walking, washing and watering the animals. Barber is vice president of her 4-H club and has also held the offices of secretary and treasurer. Through FFA, she participated in milk quality and products judging, dairy cattle evaluation, conduct of meeting contests and other activities. She also helped operate concession stands, led groups in farm safety and worked at “Give Back, Kick Back” events for local businesses. At school, Barber served as class treasurer and was the media chair for National Honor Society. Her other activities included cross country, wrestling, track and Future Business Leaders of America. Over the past five years, she has gained extensive experience preparing and caring for sale cattle. As a member of the Jersey Marketing Service sales crew, she helped with sales held in conjunction with the All American and World Dairy Expo. She has also assisted the Brown Swiss Association with preparing cattle for its sales held during Expo. These experiences have allowed her to work alongside dairy breeders while learning about cattle evaluation, genetics and marketing. Barber has also done work for Eastern Iowa Farmer magazine for the past (continued to page 60)

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jrp280@gmail.com

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three years, writing seasonal articles on agricultural topics while conducting interviews and research. She has received scholarships from Midwest Dairy, Farm Bureau and Lely as well as the Arthur Memorial Agricultural Scholarship. Barber’s career goal is to work in the dairy industry, with a focus on cattle genetics and embryology. She is motivated by the opportunity to help dairy producers improve efficiency, health and productivity while supporting the long-term sustainability of the industry. AJCA Director’s Scholarship This scholarship is awarded to a student (undergraduate or graduate) based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. Chase Dahler, Foley, Minn., is this year’s recipient of the $1,500 AJCA Director’s Scholarship. He is the son of Nick and Sarah Dahler and will be a junior at ISU majoring in agricultural engineering and animal production Page 60

systems and minoring in animal science. Dahler has been showing Jerseys for five years at county and state levels in 4-H and FFA. While his siblings chose Holsteins, he chose Jerseys. He initially leased cattle before beginning to purchase his own animals, starting with Specific View V Cupid, a winter calf purchased from the Falcon Premier Sale hosted by UW-River Falls. He hopes to use his Jerseys as the foundation of a herd on his uncle’s farm. He has held numerous leadership roles in 4-H and FFA. He served as president and vice president of the Cornerstone Clovers 4-H Club of Benton County and as president of the Benton County Leaders Council. He has also been a counselor at the Benton County 4-H camp for four years, including two as head counselor. As president of the Foley FFA chapter, he helped lead efforts that raised $12,000 for Camp Courage and $42,000 through the chapter’s holiday fruit sale. In high school, Dahler was a member of the National Honor Society and a three-sport athlete, participating in football, basketball and baseball.

At ISU, he joined the FarmHouse Fraternity, where he has served as director of alumni relations, chaplain and director of tournaments for homecoming. He is also a member of the Dairy Science Club, dairy judging team and Student Alumni Leadership Council. Dahler is an initiated member of the third degree of the Knights of Columbus. This summer, Dahler worked as a mechanical engineer intern with BouMatic. Last year, he worked as a drone pilot and aerial applicator for SweetWater Technologies. For the past 18 months, he has also been a milker at the ISU dairy research farm. After graduation, he hopes to work for an agricultural company or start his own business, contracting his services to agricultural operations. He is especially interested in the potential for technology to shape the future of agriculture, including autonomous tractors, geographic information system-integrated 3D mapping systems for drones, robotic feeding and milk systems and artificial intelligence. He sees these technologies as having the potential to revolutionize the next generation of agriculture. JERSEY JOURNAL

Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award There are two recipients of the Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award—Micah Chapman, Taylorsville, N.C., and Regan Jackson, Boyce, Va. Chapman will use his $1,750 award to help pay for school expenses as a sophomore at North Carolina State University (NCSU), where he is majoring in agricultural science. A fifth-generation dairy farmer, Chapman grew up on his family’s farm. In high school, his primary responsibility was feeding bottle calves and monitoring calf health, while also helping with other aspects of the operation, including milking, planting and harvesting crops, and scraping lots. He is also trained to A.I. cattle and administer Lutalyse. Chapman has been active in 4-H and FFA, showing cattle and participating in dairy judging and dairy handling. He has also purchased calves from the North Carolina Pot O’Gold Sale to build his own herd. In high school, he played baseball and football and was a member of the National Beta Club, Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy and National Technical Honor Society. He also volunteered in numerous church activities, serving JERSEY JOURNAL

as a Sunday school teacher and participating in youth council and youth choir. At NCSU, Chapman is involved in several agricultural organizations. He serves as sergeant at arms for the Agronomy Club, treasurer for the Young Farmers and Ranchers at NC State and is a member of the county Cattlemen’s Association. For the past year, Chapman has worked at Pace Family Farms to help fund his education, with responsibilities ranging from cashiering to fieldwork, raising pumpkins and strawberries. He also works at the NCSU Beef Education Unit, where he cleans barns, feeds cattle and monitors animal health. Chapman’s goal is to return to his family dairy farm, bringing home new ideas while expanding the beef herd and improving the Jersey herd. Jackson will also use her $1,000 scholarship to fund her nursing studies at East Coast Polytechnic Institute in Manassa, Va. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and food science from Louisiana State University in 2026. She is the daughter of Kevin and Laura Jackson. Her family operated Waverly Farm

in Clear Brook, Va., until the herd was dispersed and the family exited the dairy business in 2022. Though she downsized her herd, she preserved some of her best genetics and houses cows at her aunt and uncle’s farm in Pennsylvania. Jackson’s passion shines in the show ring. She has shown at the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show 12 times and at the North American International Livestock Exposition 11 times. A highlight was showing WF Valentino Lokie to Grand Champion laurels of the open and junior shows at Harrisburg. She was also named Supreme Best Bred and Owned. She attended Jersey Youth Academy and won the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest in 2023. She has also earned the Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award and the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award and served on the National Jersey Jug Committee. Her most impactful involvement was through two agriculture organizations: the Clarke County FFA Chapter and the Clarke-Frederick 4-H Dairy Club. She has been elected to nearly every position with each organization, including president, secretary and (continued to page 62)

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reporter. She earned her American FFA Degree in 2023 and was a member of teams that topped the state for dairy cattle evaluation and milk quality evaluation. She was also a member of the team that competed at the National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest in 2021 and 4-H dairy judging teams that competed at NAILE and World Dairy Expo. At the university, she was president of the LSU Dairy Science Club and has also served as vice president. She was also president of the American Dairy Science Association-Undergraduate Division and active with the LSU Student Nutritional and Dietetics Association, the LSU Food and Nutrition Science Club and Block and Bridle. She has also served as the junior district director for the Virginia Junior Holstein Association since 2018. Long-term, Jackson hopes to pursue a career with a dairy-focused company or government organization to promote evidence-based nutrition, increase consumer confidence in dairy products and advocate for the families who produce them. Paul Jackson Scholarship This scholarship is available to students who have completed at least one year of college work. It has been awarded since 1965 to honor Paul Jackson’s service to the Jersey breed. The $1,000 Paul Jackson Scholarship will be presented this year to Alexis Schultz, Marion, N.Y. The daughter of Shane and Shannon Schultz will be a sophomore at UWMadison, double majoring in dairy and food animal management and agricultural business management, along with pursuing a certificate in life science communications. Schultz grew up on her family’s 100cow Holstein farm, where she has been involved in the daily management of the herd as well as breeding, raising and exhibiting dairy cattle on a state and national level. In 2020, the family began incorporating high-type Jerseys into the herd and today milks about 25 Jersey cows alongside the Holsteins. Her competitive accomplishments span showing, dairy judging and quiz bowl. She exhibited the bred-andowned summer yearling at the 2022 Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show and the Junior Champion of the junior show and the Honorable Mention Grand Champion of the open show at the 2024 New York State Fair. Page 62

Schultz showed at World Dairy Expo for the first time in 2025, where she placed among the top 10 in senior showmanship. Schultz was high individual in oral reasons at the 4-H dairy judging contest at the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show in 2023. She was a member of the winning team at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest in 2024 and was high individual overall and in reasons. In 2025, she was high individual overall at the Royal Highland International Dairy Judging Contest in Edinburgh, Scotland. A frequent captain of the dairy quiz bowl team, Schultz helped lead the team to national runner-up honors at the 2024 contest in Louisville, Ky. Schultz was named a Young Distinguished Junior Member by Holstein Association USA in 2023 and attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2025. Since 2022, she has operated a summer 4-H dairy lease program since 2022, mentoring about 10 youth annually. Her other leadership roles have included serving as co-dairy ambassador for Wayne County, a member of the executive committee of the New York Junior Holstein Association and junior state representative for the Wayne-Ontario Holstein Club. In high school, she was president of the National Honor Society and class vice president in 2025. At UW-Madison, Schultz was elected public outreach chair for the Badger Dairy Club and also serves on the club’s sale committee. She is a member of Collegiate Farm Bureau, the Association of Women in Agriculture and Saddle and Sirloin, where she was elected to the executive team as secretary. In addition to her responsibilities on her family’s Ranway Farms LLC, Schultz has gained extensive experience working with show and sale cattle. Since 2022, she has helped Hosking Sales LLC in New Berlin, N.Y., care for cattle at the All American Jersey Show, World Dairy Expo and the New York Spring Carousel. For two years, she also worked for Blackfire Cattle Care preparing cattle for shows in New York. Her long-term goal is to work in the dairy industry in a role that bridges production, business management and consumer education. Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award This scholarship recognizes accomplishments, abilities, and leadership

potential and challenges the recipient to achieve full potential through continued Jersey activities. Ava Kolodzienski, Beldenville, Wis., is the recipient of the $350 award. A sophomore at UW-River Falls, she is the daughter of Jacob and Kristen Kolodzienski. She is majoring in agricultural business and minoring in dairy science. Kolodzienski grew up on a small dairy farm and, since purchasing her first Jersey cow, has been actively involved in raising, caring for and breeding the herd. She enjoys studying pedigrees and genetics and has exhibited cattle at the state and national levels. Although her family sold its herd in 2024, Kolodzienski continues her involvement with dairy cattle by boarding her animals and working at Discovery Genetics in Ellsworth, Wis. Her daily responsibilities include milking, feeding and bedding cattle. She also helps prepare for the farms annual sale and shows by breaking animals to lead, washing and completing other show preparations. She has also gained hands-on experience at Silverstone Jerseys, where her responsibilities also included milking, feeding and caring for calves, bedding and maintaining alleyways and stalls. Kolodzienski has been active in 4-H and FFA, serving as president, vice president and treasurer of the Country Partners 4-H Club and as president, treasurer and sentinel of the Ellsworth FFA Chapter. She has also participated in dairy judging and public speaking and was a member of the Ellsworth Claybreakers trap team. At UW-River Falls, Kolodzinski serves as yearbook editor for the Dairy Club and is a member of the committee for the Falcon Premier sale. She is also on the committee planning the club’s trip to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career related to finance or embryology. Awards for 2027-2028 Applications for Jersey youth scholarships will be accepted from April 1 through July 1, 2027. Forms will be available closer to the deadline and can be found at www.USJersey.com/ YouthProgram/scholarshipinfo.html. For more information, contact Kim Billman, AJCA Director of Communications, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362, or call 614/322-4451. JERSEY JOURNAL

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Nominations Open for 2027 National Jersey Awards

Nominations are sought for four awards to be presented at the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. in Asheville, N.C., June 15-18, 2027. Any lifetime member of the AJCA can nominate qualified persons for these awards. Master Breeder Award. The Master Breeder Award is bestowed annually upon a living AJCA member, family, partnership, or corporation, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has bred outstanding animals for many years and thereby has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States. Dist inguished Ser vice Award. The Distinguished Service Award is bestowed upon as many living AJCA members and/or members’ families, Page 64

who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, have rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years and thereby have made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States. Award for Meritorious Service. The AJCA-NAJ Award for Meritorious Service is bestowed annually upon a living individual, who, in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry. Young Jersey Breeder Award. These awards are bestowed annually upon as many living AJCA members and/ or members’ families, who, in the

opinion of the Board of Directors, merit recognition. Nominees must be active members of the American Jersey Cattle Association and must be at least 28 years of age but not more than 40 years of age as of January 1 of the recognition year. Selection is based upon expertise in dairy farming and Jersey cattle breeding; participation in AJCA and NAJ programs; and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agricultural organizations. All nomination materials must be postmarked or received electronically on or before Monday, January 15, 2027. Forms are available on the USJersey website. Contact Executive Assistant Blake Fox at bfox@usjersey.com or by phone at 614.322.4472.

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In Memoriam Libby Hubbert

Libby Hubbert, Fayette, Ark., 79, passed away August 4, 2026, at Fayette Long Term Care. She was born on August 29, 1946, to the late Robert Ralph Sr. and Mary Ellen Hinton Renfroe in Fayette. She was affectionately known to her family as Sweet Nan, Nanny, Hoobie and Lib. Libby spent many years beside her beloved husband, Larry, in the operation of Hubbert Dairy, a Registered Jersey farm, in Fayette. She loved her family fiercely and loved being with them at all times. She especially enjoyed the time she shared with her kids, grandkids and nieces working at dairy shows across the South. Libby also enjoyed watching her great-grandson, Kane, play sports. Libby will be missed by family, friends, nieces, nephews and cousins. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Fayette County High School class of 1965. In addition to her husband, Libby, and grandson, Libby is survived by a son, Allen (Kim) Hubbert of Fayette; a daughter, Gena Hubbert Rushing of Jasper; another grandson; and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Ralph Renfroe Jr.

Ronnie G. Rider

Ronnie G. Rider, Upton, Ky., 72, passed away on August 8, 2025, at Norton’s Pavilion in Louisville. Born to the late Ernest and Wilma Rider on July 28, 1954, Ronnie was raised on his family’s dairy farm, where faith, family, hard work, honesty, humility and a willingness to help others became the foundation of the life he would lead. His life was defined by a deep passion for the dairy industry, an unwavering commitment to the Jersey breed and an extraordinary dedication to the people around him. With his brother, Mike, he owned Rider Jersey Farm in Upton. From humble beginnings with just three Registered Jersey cows, Ronnie and Mike built the farm into one of the nation’s most respected Jersey operations. Over the years, they earned countless honors in the show ring, including numerous All Americans and Reserve All Americans, Premier Breeder banners at major state and national JERSEY JOURNAL

shows, and a nomination for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) Master Breeder award. Riderbred cattle achieved success on some of the most respected stages. Among the standouts are Extreme Electra (2006 Reserve National Grand Champion) and a pair of Reserve Grand Champions at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair: Showdown Justine (2018) and Premonition Grace (2004). Ronnie was also highly respected for his other roles in the show ring. He judged numerous county, state, regional and national events over the years, including the All American Junior Jersey Show in 2004 and the Central National Jersey Show in 2008. He was the consultant for the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2000. Rider received the Max Gordon Recognition Award in 2006. He was a member of the dairy show committee for the North American International Livestock Exposition and served as president of the Kentucky Jersey Cattle Club. Ronnie was a mentor, teacher and friend. He generously shared his knowledge with young breeders, encouraged the next generation of dairy enthusiasts and took pride in the success of others. Fellow exhibitors admired his tireless work ethic, attention to detail and unwavering commitment to the care of his animals. He had an extraordinary work ethic and a lifelong passion for dairy farming. He often said that he “lived to work,” and anyone who knew him knew how true that was. He was happiest when he was busy working on the farm, helping a dairy producer, sharing his knowledge or simply lending a hand where one was needed. Ronnie launched his professional career at Hart County Creamery and then moved on to the Carolina Virginia Milk Producers Association, Purity Dairy and Dean Foods. Most recently, he was with Dairy Farmers of America. Rider was a member of the AJCA and Lucas Grove Baptist Church in Upton. He lived his life with a quiet and genuine humility and treasured family, friendships and relationships he built throughout his lifetime. He will be deeply missed; as a friend said, “The world could use more Ronnie Riders.” He is survived by his son, Michael Hardy Rider; his special friend and companion of many years, Judy Body; his brothers, Al (Susan) Rider and Michael “Mike” Rider; his sisters, Bonnie Jolly and Carol (Don) Green;

an aunt, Martha Lenardon; special extended family, Scott and Erica Boyd; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins, extended family members and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Jerry Jolly. Memorials in Rider’s name may be made to the Ernest and Wilma Rider Fund for the Lucas Grove Baptist Church through the Central Kentucky Community Foundation (an endowment fund), 200 Jim Owen Drive, Elizabethtown, KY 42701.

Lowell W. Stevens

Lowell W. Stevens, Springfield, Ohio, 87, passed away on August 8, 2026, at Mercy Health-Springfield Regional Medical Center in Springfield. He was born on April 7, 1939, to the late Russell and Marie Stevens in Casstown. He graduated from Urbana Local in 1957 and served in the Air National Guard from 1962 to 1968. Lowell was raised on a Registered Jersey dairy farm where he and his family earned a reputation for breeding deep-pedigreed cattle that won blue ribbons, purple banners, genetic awards, and Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor banners at county, district, state and national shows. After he graduated from high school, Lowell became a tester for the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) in Champaign County. During his nine years with DHIA, he met his future wife, Julia L. Yoder, a Holstein girl he married on September 15, 1963. In 1964, he began working for the Northern Ohio Breeders Association (now Genex) of Tiffin, breeding cows in Champaign and Logan counties. He was later promoted to area sales representative and retired as an area program consultant in 2009 after 45 years of employment. In 1980, he and Julia purchased his family’s share of Club Hill Jerseys, a partnership with Mrs. F.E. Lowry. They exhibited cattle at the Ohio State Fair for 37 years and the All American Jersey Show for a dozen years. Among the standouts were Club Hill Imperial Taffy, who was exported and tapped Reserve Grand Champion of the national show in South America, and Club Hill M.P. Renee, the 1989 Reserve National Grand Champion. Club Hill Jerseys was dispersed in August 1992. Lowell was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association and recipient (continued to page 66)

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of the national Jersey organizations’ Award for Meritorious Service in 2021. He served the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association (OJBA) as director for 30 years and board president for two terms. He chaired the organization’s Ohio Spring Classic Sale for 14 years, logging countless hours and miles to secure consignments. He and Julia did much of the behind-the-scenes work for annual meetings and banquets and faithfully traveled to district shows and the Ohio State Fair for years to calculate points for the All-Ohio awards program. Lowell judged dairy cattle shows in 60 counties across Ohio and was the official for state fairs in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan and Ohio. He judged showmanship at the All American Junior Jersey Show four times and was associate judge in 1995. He was a 4-H advisor for 24 years and a member of both the county and

state 4-H advisory boards. He also sat on the board of the Ohio Purebred Cattle Association and was a member of National Dairy Shrine. For three decades, he served as director of the Champaign County Dairy Service Unit. Among his laurels are the OJBA Pioneer Award, a DHIA Superior Achievement Award, the Genex Mission Award and a Kentucky Colonel from the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He has been inducted into the Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame and the Dairy Science Hall of Service at the Ohio State University. He was a member and trustee of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana and served several terms as president of the Urbana North township election board. Lowell loved playing cards, going out with friends and reminiscing about his beloved brown cow. His faith was an important and personal part of his life. At the age of 85, he chose to be re-baptized as a meaningful reflection of the beliefs he carried throughout

his life. His grandchildren held an especially treasured place in his heart. He took immense pride in each of them and their achievements, but his love for them reached beyond anything they could ever achieve. He is sur vived by daughters, Molly (Brian) Frey of Wapakoneta and Margaret (Lance) Sennett of Waynetown, Ind.; six grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; a greatgrandson; sister, Peggy (Randy) Damewood; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Stevens and Janet Brown; and a niece and three nephews. Lowell was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Julia, who passed away in June 2020, and brothers John and Gary Stevens, along with his fatherin-law and mother-in-law, Albert and Alyce Yoder. Memorial contributions may be made to Affinity Care of Ohio, 9349 Waterstone Blvd., Suite 340, Cincinnati, OH 45249, and the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana.

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