Kendall Wickstrom celebrates National Ice Cream Month the Jersey way—sharing a sweet moment with her cows at Wickstrom Farms in Hilmar, Calif. Kendall is the daughter of Brent and Caitlin Wickstrom, granddaughter of Mike and Margaret Wickstrom and Cornell and Teri Kasbergen.
Inside: Highlights begin from the annual meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. Coverage begins on page 17 with AJCA President Alan Chittenden’s message to the membership. Photo by Mackenzie Yerian, courtesy of Select Sires.
To improve and promote the Jersey breed of cattle, and to increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and for Jersey cattle.
Company and Department Heads
Executive Secretary: Neal Smith, 614/322-4455
Treasurer: Vickie White, 614/322-4452
Director of Field Services: Kristin A. Paul, 209/402-5679
Director of Communications: Kimberly A. Billman, 614/322-4451
Information Technology: Philip Cleary, 614/322-4474
Jersey Marketing Service: Neal Smith, 209/988-0601
Herd Services: Lori King, 614/322-4457
Research & Genetic Program Consultant: John Metzger, jmetzger@usjersey.com
National All-Jersey Inc.: Grady Auer, 209/613-2286
AJCA-NAJ Area Representatives
Director of Field Services: Kristin A. Paul, 209/4025679; 614/322-4495 (fax); kpaul@usjersey.com. Illinois and Wisconsin.
District 1 Manager: Scott Holcomb, 614/563-3227; sholcomb@usjersey.com. Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
District 3 Manager: Seth Israelsen, 614/216-9727; sisraelsen@usjersey.com. Arizona, California, Hawaii,
Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington.
Greg Lavan, 614/216-8838; glavan@usjersey.com. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Benny Rector, 614/313-5818; brector@usjersey.com. Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and west Texas.
Jason Robinson, 614/216-5862; jrobinson@usjersey. com. Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and east Texas. Willow Voegtlen, 614/266-2419; wvoegtlen@usjersey. com. Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Type Traits Appraisal Team
Senior Appraiser: Ron Mosser, 614/264-0142, rmosser@ usjersey.com
Kelly Epperly, 614/530-6918; kepperly@usjersey.com
Mark Fisher, 209/765-7187; mfisher@usjersey.com Lee Harris, 614/284-1478; lharris@usjersey.com
Tyler Boyd, 19784 Patricia Lane, Hilmar, CA 95324. Phone 209/585-7118; tyler.l.boyd@gmail.com. Third District. 2026.
Ted DeMent, 5252 Hallsville Rd., Kenney, IL 61749. Phone 217/725-2432; dementsjerseys@gmail.com. Second District. 2026.
Rebecca Ferry, 193 Lagrange Rd., Johnstown, NY 12095. Phone 518/248-9294; dreamroadjersey@yahoo. com. First District. 2026.
Ralph Frerichs, 3117 St. Hwy. 159., La Grange, TX 78945-4226. Phone 979/249-3012; frerichs@cvctx. com. Second District. 2027.
Garry Hansen, 13025 S. Mulino Rd., Mulino, OR 97042. Phone 503/805-4411; garryajca@gmail.com. Third District. 2026.
Ethan Haywood, 1045 Solomon Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 269/945-0239; ethanhaywood@gmail. com. Second District. 2029.
Jason Johnson, 154 Olde Canterbury Rd., Northwood, NH 03624. Phone 802/356-0908. jasamjohnson@gmail. com. First District. 2027.
Cornell Kasbergen, see officers. Third District. 2026. Kevin Lutz, 3514 Highway 182, Lincolnton, NC 28092. Phone 704/472-7448; klutz728@gmail.com. First District. 2027. John Maxwell, 10600 275th St., Donahue, IA 527469705. Phone 563/505-1652; maxwell@tourmyfarm.com. Second District. 2026.
Elaine Noble, 6430 Coryland Rd., Gillett, PA 16925. Phone 570/537-2066; emnoble13@gmail.com. First District. 2029. Joe Rocha, 510 3rd Street, Tillamook, OR 97141. Phone 503/812-6193; joeandsarahrocha@hotmail.com. Third District. 2029. Joe Vanderfeltz, 898 SR 706, Lawton, PA 18828; Phone 570/934-2406; jvanfel2@gmail.com. First District. 2027.
Vice President: Bradley Taylor, 106 County Road 5300, Booneville, MS 38829-9131. Phone 662/720-3598; taylorjerseyfarm@gmail.com.
Directors
Joel Albright, Joel Albright, 1855 Olive Rd., Willard, OH 44890. Phone 419/512-1756; albrightjerseys@gmail. com. District 3. 2029
Sam Bok, 11310 Krouse Rd., Defiance, OH 43512. Phone 419/782-0012; jawscows@defnet.com. District 7. 2029
Alan Chittenden, ex officio, see AJCA officers. Ralph Frerichs, ex officio, see AJCA. Jonathan Merriam,12136 Riverview Rd., Hickman, CA 95323. Phone 209/324-4983; jbmerriam.964@gmail. com. District 2. 2029. Cornell Kasbergen, ex officio, see AJCA. John Marcoot, 526 Dudleyville Rd. Greenville, IL. 62246. Phone 618/322-7239; johnemarcoot@gmail. com. District 4. 2026.
Corey Lutz, see officers. District 8. 2026. Tom Seals, 37840 Upper Nestucca River Rd., Beaver, OR 97108. Phone 541/520-0298; jennie.seals@gmail. com. District 6. 2027.
Bradley Taylor, see officers. District 5. 2028.
Official Publication of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc.
6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068–2362
614.861.3636 phone 614.861.8040 fax
Email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com
Website: www.USJerseyJournal.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USJerseyJournal
Editor: Kimberly A. Billman
Managing Editor: Tracie Hoying
Feature Writer: Michele Ackerman
Communications Specialist: Lindsay L’Amoreaux
Digital Media: Jolena Gioiello
Contributing Writer: Kaila Tauchen
Subscriber Services
To subscribe, log on to http://jerseyjournal. usjersey.com/Subscriptions.aspx and click on the “Subscriptions” link and enter your mailing and credit card information on the secure website. When completed, click “Submit” to process your subscription.
If you have questions, please call the Jersey Journal at 614/861-3636, or send email to jerseyjournal@usjersey.com.
Jersey Journal Subscription Rates Effective July 1, 2023 (10 online issues; January and September printed) Domestic International 1 year $45 1 year $60
All subscribers to the online Jersey Journal (effective February 1, 2022) will receive a downloadable PDF version of the magazine to the email on file. They will also receive a link to the publication published online.
To make changes to your subscription, call the American Jersey Cattle Association at 614/861-3636. Or email jerseyjournal@usjersey. com. Please email or call with an updated email address if your address changes. Subscribers will receive periodical emails throughout the month. Have your customer number ready for a staff member.
If you do not receive an email with the pdf or link to the published magazine, call 614/8613636 or email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com. We will verify your information and correct what is needed.
How You Will Receive Your Jersey Journal?
First week of each month, you will receive an email that includes:
• link to flip version of the Jersey Journal
• downloadable PDF of the magazine
• links to advertising
• links to updated stories on the website
• access to the archive editions of Jersey Journal back to 2009
Make sure we have your email on file and then sit back and let us deliver the news to you!
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.
AUG. —Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and Delaware; North Carolina and South Carolina; and Kentucky and Tennessee.
SEPT.—Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Southern Georgia; Washington; Oregon; Arkansas and Missouri; and Indiana and Illinois.
OCT.—California and Nevada.
NOV.—Wisconsin.
DEC.—New Mexico and Texas; Minnesota; Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.
Females:
Deadlines
SEPT. 20— National Jersey Jug Futurity final payments due on 2025 entries.
OCT. 8—Entries due for The All American Jersey Shows. Visit http://www.livestockexpo.org.
OCT. 15— National Jersey Queen application deadline.
NOV. 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the December evaluation release.
DEC. 1— Deadline to apply for the Fred Stout Experience on-farm and marketing internships.
DEC. 31—National Jersey Jug Futurity payments due for 2028 entries.
Sales
SEPT. 1 LABOR DAY ONLINE JERSEY EVENT, Online at Cowbuyer.com.; Thomas Marketing and Consulting, North Lewisburg, Ohio.
SEPT. 30 TOP OF THE WORLD JERSEY SALE, Madison, Wis.; Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
NOV. 8 POT O’GOLD SALE , Louisville, Ky.; 1:00 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com.
NOV. 8 ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SALE , Louisville, Ky.; 3:30 p.m. (EST); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.com; Chris Hill, Thurmont, Md.,
Registration Fees Effective October 1, 2024
InfoJersey.com Applications All Other Applications Member Non-Member Member Non-Member
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.
NOV. 8— 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.
SEPT. 29—INTERNATIONAL JERSEY HEIFER SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m. (CDT); Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C., judge; Jon Kingdon, Warwick Township, Ont., associate judge.
SEPT. 30— INTERNATIONAL JERSEY COW SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m.; Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C., judge; Jon Kingdon, Warwick Township, Ont., associate judge
OCT. 11—SOUTH CAROLINA STATE JERSEY SHOWS, Columbia, S.C.; 9:30 a.m. (EDT).
OCT. 23—NORTH CAROLINA STATE JERSEY SHOW, (heifers) Raleigh, N.C.; 2:00 p.m. (EDT); Matt Hawbaker, Clear Spring, Md., judge.
OCT. 24—NORTH CAROLINA STATE JERSEY SHOW, Raleigh, N.C.; 10:00 a.m. (EDT); Matt Hawbaker, Clear Spring, Md., judge.
NOV. 7—ALL AMERICA N JUNIOR J ERSEY SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Christy Ratliff, Garnett, Kan., judge; Chad Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wis., associate judge.
NOV. 9—ALL AMERICA N J ERSEY HEIFER SHOW , Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., judge; Madison Fisher, Frostburg, Md., associate judge.
NOV. 9—NATIONAL JERSEY JUG FUTURITY, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 2:00 p.m. (EST); Trent Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill., judge; Shawn Nehls, Hustisford, Wis., associate judge.
NOV. 10—ALL AMERICAN JERSEY COW SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST); Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis., judge; Madison Fisher, Frostburg, Md., associate judge.
Throughout the year, awards for shows and production and judging contests are provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) at events specifically for Jersey juniors. For junior shows at county, district, and state levels, the AJCA will provide ribbons for the first, second, and third place animals, plus a Grand Champion rosette. In addition to the rosette, a special award is provided for the Grand Champion at state fairs and AJCAdesignated regional shows. Awards are also provided for showmanship contests exclusively for Jersey juniors. Awards must be requested annually. Contact the AJCA Director of Communicaitons at 614/322-4451, at least two weeks in advance of the event. Regretfully, requests made within two weeks of the show date cannot be filled.
maxwell@tourmyfarm.com
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highlandfarmsdairy@gmail.com
waverlyfarm@comcast.net
Deadlines Approaching for All American Festivities
Deadlines for several festivities held in conjunction with the 2025 All American are fast approaching.
The submission deadline for applications for the National Jersey Queen Contest is October 15. The application will be available online in mid-August.
Any female junior or lifetime member of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) between the ages of 16 and 22 as of January 1, 2024, may participate.
Final payments for the 2025 National Jersey Jug Futurity are due September 20. The final nomination fee of $35 must be sent attention to the National Jersey Jug Futurity, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, postmarked by the deadline.
For more information, contact the AJCA at 614/861-3636.
Ice Cream Makers to Phase Out Synthetic Food Dyes
Efforts by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to phase out synthetic, petroleum-based dyes in the nation’s food supply are gaining momentum.
Major food processors, such as Kraft Heinz and General Mills, have pledged to remove artificial dyes from their U.S. products by 2027. Now, dozens of ice cream manufacturers are following suit.
According to the International Dairy Foods Association, processors making more than 90% of the ice cream sold domestically have committed to phasing out artificial dyes from ice cream and frozen dairy treats by 2028. The move will target commonly used dyes such as FC&C Red 3, Red 40, Green 3, Blue 1, Blue 2 and Yellow 5.
To support this transition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has fast-tracked the approval of several natural alternatives. In May, it approved Galdieria extract blue (from red
A Hearty Welcome To These New AJCA Members
Andrew Aldridge, Tennille, Ga.
Casey Jayne Arlig, Houghton, N.Y.
Neeley Butler, Oak Grove, Ark.
Jason Chrisman, Greenville, Texas
Jennifer Follett, Amherst, Va.
Ryan Forrest, Metamora, Mich.
Ben Francisco, Lander, Wyo.
Jennifer Harvey, Peru, Iowa
Laine Jurgilwicz, Norfolk, Conn.
Tim Leitzinger, Shullsburg, Wis.
Jeff Leuthold, Ellsworth, Minn.
Sally Miller, Morgan Hill, Calif.
Missy Moretti, Tillamook, Ore.
Miranda Nickerson, Corry, Pa.
Heather Parks, Decatur, Texas
Kelsey Smith, Gentry, Ark.
Timothy Charles Stroud, Philadelphia, Mo.
Curt Swinehart, New Enterprise, Pa.
Ervin Troyer, Butler, Ohio
Nevin Wenger, Chambersburg, Pa.
Brian Woker, Greenville, Ill.
algae Galdieria sulphuraria), calcium phosphate (a naturally occurring white mineral) and butterfly pea flower extract (which produces a range of blue, purple and green hues). In July, gardenia (genipin) blue received approval.
The initiative is part of the broader “Make America Healthy Again” campaign launched during the Trump administration. To date, about 40% of the food industry has voluntarily committed to removing artificial dyes. The FDA is urging manufacturers to accelerate the phase-out of one particular dye—FD&C Red 3—sooner than the January 15, 2027, deadline.
Lab-grown Dairy Proteins Differ From Natural Milk
A recent study from the University of Nevada, Reno found that lab-grown milk proteins and natural milk proteins differ at the molecular level and may behave differently in the human gut.
In the study published by Microbiology Spectrum, novel yeastsynthesized whey protein ingredients were compared to whey protein isolate derived from bovine milk. While both are principally composed of
B-lactoglobulin, the lab-grown product was almost entirely B-lactoglobulin, while cow’s milk also included A-lactalbumin, albumin, casein and other proteins.
A major difference between the two lies in the sugar structures—the N-glycans—attached to the proteins. Bovine milk whey supported a more diverse glycan profile, which may support a more diverse community of gut bacteria than yeast-derived whey.
In an interview with Nevada Today, one of the primary researchers stated that the research was not about determining which protein is better than the other. It was about understanding whether the two proteins are truly interchangeable. If novel proteins are introduced into the food supply, he said, we need to understand how they behave once they are in the body.
2026 Annual Meetings: Save the Date
Mark your calendars for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. Set for June 17-20 in Springfield, Mo., this year’s gathering carries the theme “Show Me the Sticks in ’26.”
The event will feature a full slate of activities, including tours of a local brewery, chocolate factory and museum, the remarkable Fantastic Caverns, and the flagship Bass Pro Shop—the original and largest of them all. Enjoy the scenic charm of the Ozark Mountains and explore nearby Branson, known as the “Live Entertainment Capital of the World.”
Annual favorites like the AJCC Research Foundation Auction, the National Heifer Sale and youth events will be on the agenda, along with a special celebration marking 50 years of Project Equity.
Stay tuned for registration information and additional details as the event draws closer.
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Staying the Course: President Chittenden Urges Focus on Jersey Strengths Amid Industry Shifts
At the 2025 Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association, held June 28 in Lexington, Ky., President Alan Chittenden addressed the membership with a candid but forward-looking report on the state of the breed and the association.
While noting he came without a grand farewell or sweeping vision, Chittenden struck a tone of grounded realism. The top topic of conversation during the week, he acknowledged, had not been dairy policy or technology—but rather, beef prices. From beef-on-dairy calf premiums to cull cow returns, the value of beef has buoyed dairy finances across the board. For many breeders, it’s been a muchneeded lift.
But not all news was positive. Chittenden reported a significant decline in Jersey registrations in the past year—a reflection, he said, of both fewer calves being born and a shift in breeder behavior. “People have just enough for what they need,” he said, noting that leaner herd sizes and reduced cattle movement are also impacting revenues in areas such as Jersey Marketing Service sales, despite stronger sale prices.
Still, Chittenden emphasized that what is in the industry’s control is the Jersey cow itself.
Pointing to a major competing breed, he noted, “They’ve made their cow more like ours—higher components, smaller, more efficient.” These gains, he said, are largely driven by advanced genomic testing
and robust data collection, giving that breed faster and more reliable genetic progress.
To keep pace, Chittenden urged Jersey breeders to prioritize increased production, efficiency, and expanded genomic testing, not just for the sake of progress but to remain a compelling option for commercial dairies once the current beef premium recedes.
“We have to preach the efficiency of our cow,” he stated, noting that the value of reliable data will become increasingly critical. He challenged the association and its industry partners, including the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding (CDCB) and the A.I. industry, to explore ways to incentivize data contribution from producers—especially as participation in key AJCA programs faces pressure from broader economic realities.
Despite the headwinds, Chittenden closed on a note of gratitude and optimism.
“I’m proud to stand up here representing your board and the staff,” he said. “Thank you, our breeders, for your passion for the Jersey cow, your involvement, and your participation today and throughout the year.”
As the association looks ahead, the message was clear: focus on what sets Jerseys apart, invest in the data that drives progress, and hold firm to the shared commitment that has defined the breed for generations.
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AJCA PROGRAMS
BullsEye Makes Sire Sorting a Snap
With the release of the latest Jersey genetic evaluations, breeders can purchase semen from more than 600 Jersey bulls marketed by genetic companies as Active A.I. Bulls or Foreign Bulls. But with such a large pool, how does one narrow it down to a manageable group of sires “best” suited to their situation?
A gem of a tool to streamline this process is BullsEye. This free, online application allows them to sort bulls in real time using filters for a wide array of traits and include or exclude bulls based on their marketing organization.
BullsEye is available on the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) website or infoJersey.com, its online portal for registering animals, ordering JerseyTags or genotyping kits, viewing progeny reports, and accessing programs like JerseyMate and HerdView, among others.
BullsEye Basics
While the genetics of an animal come from both parents, dairy cattle breeders have more freedom in changing the influence of the sire than the dam.
“Sire selection is the first step—and the most important—because it brings in new genetics from the male side and is the biggest driver of genetic change,” said John Metzger, the research and genetic development consultant for the AJCA. “After that—how you assign the bulls to individual females—is the second step.
BullsEye is a free, online Jersey sire selection tool, accessible through infoJersey.com or the online Green Book.
But if you don’t start with quality sires, there is only so much you can do assigning them to females.”
That is where BullsEye can come into play, helping Jersey breeders make those all-important, objective early decisions.
When the program is launched, all bulls are sorted by Jersey Performance Index (JPI) in descending order, by default. The filter feature allows breeders to check boxes that include or exclude sires based on recorded status, polled status, beta casein or kappa casein test results, JH1 and JNS haplotypes, and marketing organization.
Range sliders can be used to increase or decrease the pool of sires on 13 production traits, 10 udder traits, eight
body traits, six fitness traits and seven health traits, along with values for Percent Jersey Ancestry (PJA), Breed Base Representation and Genomic Future Inbreeding.
Two traits that are unique to BullsEye and not available on progeny reports, performance pedigrees and other reports are Combined Fat and Protein and Energy Corrected Milk, accessible as sliders under the production tab.
An average for all traits for all bulls included in the pared-down list will be displayed at the bottom of the screen. BullsEye is also very versatile. The application can be viewed in either light or dark modes and columns can be added
(continued to page 20)
BullsEye includes genetic information on all Active A.I. and Foreign Bulls Marketed in the U.S. With the April 2025 genetic evaluations, this includes 605 Jersey bulls. Filters allow breeders to sort bulls based on their criteria. The program can be viewed in light or dark modes and columns can be manipulated for user preference. Results can be exported to Excel or directly to JerseyMate.
BullsEye
(continued from page 19)
or deleted or rearranged for viewing. Results can be exported as an Excel file, so the list can be saved on the computer or printed.
“Many producers download the results so they can further sort bulls on the computer by one or two specific traits,” Metzger continued. “Advanced users can even create their own custom indexes by applying standard deviations to several traits of importance.”
BullsEye is updated a minimum of three times each year with official genetic evaluations in April, August and December. It is also updated as new genetic criteria become available, including the recent addition of PJA.
BullsEye in Action
Among the Jersey breeders who heavily use BullsEye is Wade Kessenich, who operates Kessenich Farms LLC with his parents, Jeff and Robin, and sister,
Natalie, and their families in De Forest, Wisconsin.
“BullsEye helps me narrow the list of available bulls to the seven or eight we will use for our quarterly mating period,” noted Kessenich. “It allows me to build my own selection formula by cherry picking traits important to us.”
“Our goal is to breed long-lasting, problem-free cows, so type, reproductive efficiency and health traits are important,” he continued. “I am willing to sacrifice a few pounds of first-lactation peak milk to breed animals that are healthy and easy to care for. Traits like mastitis, Cow Conception Rate and foot angle carry extra weight in sire selection because I believe they will help our cattle remain productive in the herd for years to come. Milking a barn full of cows that are easy on the eyes and good for the balance sheet makes dairy farming more enjoyable.”
Kessenich starts the BullsEye sort with type and udder traits to narrow the list
of 600-plus bulls to about 15, then culls this list based on availability and cost. Bulls are then ranked by production to get a final list.
The Kessenich family milks 650 cows and raises all replacement heifers on the farm. The actual herd average for 2024 stands at 19,377 lbs. milk, 1,025 lbs. fat and 694 lbs. protein. With the last appraisal, the herd includes 57 Excellent and 416 Very Good cows.
The Kesseniches have been genotyping the herd in some capacity for the past 15 years. Though they were more selective initially, they have been genotyping all female calves for the past three years. The bottom 25% of the herd from a genetic standpoint and repeat breeders are bred to sexed (male) Angus bulls. The top 70% of the herd is bred using sexed dairy semen or conventional bulls in the young sire program at Select Sires Inc.
“Our goal is to make 12-15% more females than we need,” Kessenich re(continued to page 23)
Filter options are groups in the general categories of recorded information, production traits, udder traits, body traits, fitness and fertility traits, and CDCB health traits.
Check boxes (JH1 Haplotype, for example) and range sliders (PTA Cow Conception Rate, for example) are displayed beneath filter categories in a dropdown menu. Check boxes include or exclude bulls. Range sliders narrow or expand the list of bulls as they are moved to either increase or decrease values.
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BullsEye
(continued from page 20)
marked. “This allows us to sell about 60 head as replacements every year. As a Jersey breeder here in south-central Wisconsin, the cost balance is more optimal to make dairy replacements than JerseyAngus cross calves. We don’t have to buy replacements and can cull more heavily.”
BullsEye has also made it easier for Wade to keep up with and incorporate relatively new traits, like mastitis, in the breeding program. By fiddling with the range sliders, he can rank bulls from most desirable to least desirable in seconds.
“As recently as 2-3 years ago, we thought mastitis was largely an environmental issue,” said Kessenich. “But genetic evaluations for mastitis are opening our eyes to other findings, and we are beginning to see opportunity to impact mastitis through genetics.”
BullsEye also includes links to complete performance pedigrees on all Active A.I. and Foreign bulls, a resource that is not available elsewhere in the industry.
“I may use the pedigree feature as much as anything,” Kessenich noted. “Pedigrees give me a bigger picture of what is there. This helps me manage inbreeding and haplotypes because I can immediately eliminate bulls with conflicts.”
Joel Albright, Albright Jerseys LLC, Willard, Ohio, also uses the pedigree feature of BullsEye to delve deeper.
“I like the fact that I can see full pedigrees on BullsEye,” said Albright, who operates the 650-cow herd with his
father, Fred, and his family. “On most websites, there is not much depth, and it is not easy to see what is behind a bull.”
The pedigree lets you see whether there are final scores and production records of dams and grandams, and if popular bloodlines have been used repeatedly, so inbreeding can be managed, noted Albright.
Integrate with Other Programs for Optimal Results
Though sire selection is important for genetic progress, so are matings. The two go hand in hand.
Albright uses BullsEye in tandem with two other programs for herd owners on AJCA performance programs: JerseyMate, a free mating service designed to optimize genetic gain, and HerdView, an online herd management program.
This strategic combination has helped Albright manage a herd that has ranked nationally for both genetic merit and production. The herd ranks #9 for JPI, with a herd average of +84 (April 2025), and #1 for actual milk among herds with 300-749 cows, with a herd average of 21,520 lbs. milk, 1,071 lbs. fat and 781 lbs. protein (2024).
Albright uses HerdView to identify the top 40% of the herd from a genetic standpoint to breed using sexed dairy semen, while the remainder are designated for beef semen. He sorts bulls on BullsEye, primarily by JPI and a few other key traits, and then exports the results directly to JerseyMate with a click of a button. After running JerseyMate, he reviews the mating recommendations.
“If I don’t like the overall results, I
will fiddle with settings in BullsEye and JerseyMate,” explained Albright. “For example, if the inbreeding average for a group of 150 heifers and six bulls is too high in JerseyMate, I know I have to increase genetic diversity in the bulls.”
This adjustment can be made by modifying filters in BullsEye to expand the list of eligible bulls or in JerseyMate itself.
“By default, JerseyMate recommends the highest JPI bulls first—often a young sire,” Albright noted. “To force bulls to be used equally, I can set equal usage parameters across the board to get a more balanced use of young versus proven bulls.”
The BullsEye-JerseyMate combination has also helped the Albrights efficiently manage semen inventories.
“I usually choose one of the three JerseyMate recommendations if semen is in the tank,” explained Albright. “We try to keep our inventory clean and not store semen we are not using. This streamlined process has worked well for us.”
Kessenich also uses BullsEye in combination with JerseyMate, but with a slightly different approach.
“We use JerseyMate mostly as a backup plan,” he noted. “While every animal is mated individually, JerseyMate provides a second opinion. It sometimes catches things I miss, like inbreeding issues or haplotype overlaps.”
Give BullsEye a Try
Every dairy farm is unique, from management style and facilities to herd
(continued to page 24)
The example report above shows a final list of four bulls that have been identified as having HR (Herd Register) status, polled status and JUI (Jersey Udder Index) evaluations ranging from 23 to 26.1. Averages for a variety of traits for the bulls is displayed at the bottom of the report.
ahlemfarms@aol.com
claussjerz@yahoo.com
natalie.sanders@hotmail.com
(continued from page 23)
genetics. One of the great aspects of dairying is the ability to shape the kind of cows you want. BullsEye can help you make smarter, more targeted sire selections from a myriad of choices.
So, what is the best way to see what BullsEye can do for you? Try it out. The only way to truly understand its value is to put into action. It is free, easy to use and available through the online Jersey Genetic Summary, aka Green Book, or directly at https://infojersey.usjersey. com/publictools/BullseyeV2/.
BullsEye
New USJersey Leadership
Announced at Annual Meetings
Officers and directors for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) were elected during the organizations’ annual meetings held June 27-28, 2025, in Lexington, Ky.
American Jersey Cattle Association
Alan Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., was re-elected to a fourth one-year term as President of the AJCA on June 28. A fourth-generation Jersey breeder, Chittenden owns and operates Dutch Hollow Farms LLC with his family, milking 900 Registered Jerseys. Dutch Hollow Farms is enrolled in the REAP program, a long-time advertiser in Jersey Journal, and has contributed to Equity for nearly 50 years. The family received the AJCA Master Breeder Award in 2012. Chittenden has held multiple leadership roles within the association, including general chair of The All American Jersey Shows & Sales in 2018 and chair of the All American Sale Committee in 2016. He served as AJCA Director from the Second District from 2014 to 2020.
Cornell Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif., was elected Vice President of the AJCA Board. A director since 2020, he currently serves as Finance Committee Chair.
With redistricting of AJCA membership taking effect in 2025, the following directors will represent the three districts. Newly elected directors will serve for a four-year term.
First District:
• Elaine Noble, Gillett, Pa. – Elected first term (2029)
• Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y. (2026)
• Jason Johnson, Northwood, N.H. (2027)
• Kevin Lutz, Lincolnton, N.C. (2027)
• Joe Vanderfeltz, Lawton, Pa. (2027)
Noble and her family operate Nobledale Jerseys, a 75-cow REAP herd with an m.e. average of 18,667 lbs. milk, 919 lbs. fat, and 709 lbs. protein. She and her husband Stuart were recipients of the 2025 AJCA Master Breeder Award.
Second District:
• Ethan Haywood, Hastings, Mich.
– Elected first term (2029)
• Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill. (2026)
• Ralph Frerichs, LaGrange, Texas (2027)
• John Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa (2026)
Haywood co-operates Sand Creek Dairy LLC, managing the genetics for their 400-cow Jersey herd currently ranks 16th nationally for genomic Jersey Performance Index.
Third District:
• Joe Rocha, Tillamook, Ore. –Elected first term
• Tyler Boyd, Hilmar, Calif. (2026)
• Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore. (2026)
• Cornell Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif. (2026)
Rocha and his family operate R & R Dairy, milking 2,400 Jerseys and 600 Holsteins, with a 2024 lactation average of 18,189 lbs. milk, 936 lbs. fat, and 663 lbs. protein. The herd includes over 230 Excellent and 1,100 Very Good Jerseys.
Chairs of standing committees for 2025–2026 are Cornell, Kasbergen, Finance; Tyler Boyd, Breed Improvement; Ralph Frerichs, Development; and Jason Johnson, Information Technology and Identification.
Retiring AJCA board members Joel Albright, Willard, Ohio, and Donna Phillips, Newton, Wis., were recognized for six years of service.
National All-Jersey Inc.
Corey Lutz, Lincolnton, N.C., was elected president of NAJ on June 26. Lutz, his wife Bridgette, and their children operate Piedmont Jersey Dairy and Riverbend Creamery. The 250-cow REAP herd supplies milk directly to their on-farm creamery and store. Lutz joined the NAJ board in 2022. His election of president succeeds longtime president John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., who retired after nearly 20 years of service to the NAJ board.
Bradley Taylor, Booneville, Miss., was elected vice president. He operates Taylor Jersey Farm Inc. with his wife, sons, and parents. The family milks 120 Registered Jerseys enrolled in REAP.
Jonathan Merriam, Hickman, Calif., was elected to a four-year term as Director from District 2. A former AJCA president, Merriam is currently Jersey Program Manager for Semex and Genetics Specialist at Ahlem Farms Partnership. He succeeds Roger Herrera, Hilmar, Calif., who completed two terms on the board.
Sam Bok, Defiance, Ohio, was reappointed to a second four-year term by AJCA President Alan Chittenden. Ex officio directors for NAJ in 2025–2026 are AJCA President Alan Chittenden and AJCA board committee chairs Cornell Kasbergen (Finance) and Ralph Frerichs (Development).
Refer to page 6 for the complete list of directors serving on each board for 2025-26.
info@ladylanefarm.com
jbansen@gmail.com
File Your Professional Cow Photos with Jersey Journal
What do pictures of your Jerseys say about your herd? Nothing if the Jersey Journal doesn’t have a copy of the picture on file.
Now that show season is in full swing, the Jersey Journal reminds breeders that pictures of any class winners, as well as second place if that animal went on to place as a champion, will be published with respective show reports, provided that a photographic print is sent to the office.
Photographers do not automatically send your pictures to the Jersey Journal office. When picturing your animals, please request that a 5” x 7” color copy or a digital file be sent to the Jersey Journal office. While you will incur the cost of this picture, the benefits will outweigh the cost in the long run. For example, if you decide to advertise that animal and the photograph is not on file, we will have to order it from the
jennie.seals@gmail.com
desijosi@wilsonview.com
photographer. This is more expensive than ordering a print for the Journal files at the time the pictures are first made.
Please note, in following copyright laws, the Jersey Journal must have a photographic print from the photographer in the office to use it for publication. Or if you have received a release from the photographer to send digital copies on to publications, those will also be accepted. A scanned reprint from a third party will not be accepted. Make the most of your investment in herd promotion by getting your
animals professionally pictured. Remember to ask your photographer to send an additional copy to the Jersey Journal.
Diley and Partners Host
Second Spring Sale
Ohio breeders once again joined forces for the second edition of the Diley and Partners Spring Extravaganza Sale on April 26, 2025. The sale was again managed by the Diley, Williams and Albright families and hosted by Woodruff Jersey Farm in Urbana. The 41 lots of Registered Jerseys—mostly heifer calves—sold for an average of $1,689.02.
Sale Analysis
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Sale Management:
Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Albright Jerseys
Auctioneer: Todd Woodruff
The high seller, Macy Joel Marla-ET, sold for $5,000 to Matthew Steiner of Pine Tree Dairy in Marshallville, Ohio. The fancy daughter of Guimo Joel-ET, GJPI -106, sold due to Vierra Sting-ET, -4, in early December. She was consigned by the partnership of Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright of Canal Winchester, Ohio.
“Marla” is out of Impression MacyET, a Very Good-88% daughter of Rock Ella Impression-ET, GJPI -96, with an m.e. average of 17,161—916— 670 on two records. She has four Excellent and three Very Good maternal sisters, including Impression MistyET, Excellent-93%, the Junior All American Milking Yearling and Reserve Intermediate Champion of the MidAtlantic Regional Junior Show in 2022. Another sister, Impression Moana-ET, Excellent-90%, was Honorable Mention Grand Champion of the 2024 Ohio Spring Dairy Expo.
“Marla’s” grandam, Ma Brown Vitality Raquette, Excellent-94%, is a highcomponent daughter of Arethusa Vitality-ET, GJPI -26, in the donor dam for the partners and has 23 registered progeny. She has a pair of records over 20,000 lbs. milk and a best record of 8-7 305 30,750 6.4% 1,979 3.8% 1,176 96DCR. She was Senior Champion of the Ohio State Fair in 2019 as a fouryear-old and stood second in her class as an aged cow in 2023. She has four Very Good maternal sisters.
The next dam is a Very Good-88%
daughter of Giprat Belles Jade-ET, JPI +14, followed by an Excellent-90% daughter of Glenholme Counciller, GJPI -53. Behind her is an Excellent-91% daughter of Gil-Bar Unique Sparkler, JPI -156, with 18,470 lbs. milk, 964 lbs. fat and 658 lbs. protein at 6-5.
A member of the “Déjà Vu” branch of the “Veronica” cow family was the second high seller. Lauren Wooldridge and Elise Carpenter, Coxs Creek, Ky., placed the final bid of $3,800 to bring home Dutchess VIP Destiny-ET. The only cow sold that day, “Destiny” was fresh with her first calf in June 2024 and sold due to Vierra Fogerty-ET, GJPI -74, again in June this year. She is a Very Good-87% daughter of River Valley Venus VIP-ET, GJPI -110, with an m.e. of 21,632—875—691 on her first lactation as a milking yearling.
Her dam is an Excellent-94% daughter of All Lynns Valentino IrwinET, GJPI +29, with five records, two over 22,000 lbs. milk, 1,100 lbs. fat and 820 lbs. protein. The next dam is an Excellent-93% daughter of Rock Ella Impression-ET, GJPI -96, with a top record of 6-7 305 19,930 5.4% 1,069 3.7% 729 96DCR.
“Destiny’s” third dam is Arethusa Primetime Déjà Vu-ET, Excellent-95%. She has a six lactation m.e. average of 19,305—1,118—769. She has a dozen Excellent daughters, including Ratliff Impression Donner-ET, Excellent-93%, Reserve Winner of the 2017 National Jersey Jug Futurity. Another daughter, Ratliff Action Diamonds & Bling-ET, Excellent-95%, has 26720 lbs. milk, 1,399 lbs. fat and 1,060 lbs. protein at 5-5.
The next dam is Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J, Excellent-97%, winner of the 2015 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest. She was Reserve National Grand Champion in 2002 and earned the top title two years later. She has also been Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo and the Pennsylvania AllAmerican Dairy Show.
“Destiny” was consigned by Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright.
Wooldridge and Carpenter teamed to purchase the third high seller, Victorious Allie, as well for $3,250. The fall yearling is sired by River Valley Victorious-ET, GJPI +1. She was fourth in her class at the Ohio Spring Expo last year and sixth this year. She hails from the “Alicia” cow family developed by Ratliff Jerseys in Garnett, Kan.
“Allie’s” dam, sired by Elliotts Regency Casino-ET, GJPI +43, has two Excellent
and two Very Good maternal sisters. Included in this group is Andreas AliET, Excellent-92%, second place junior three-year-old at the 2023 Ohio State Fair.
Their dam, Ratliff Action Alanis, Excellent-92%, has 18,870 lbs. milk, 932 lbs. fat and 665 lbs. protein at 5-5. The next dam, Ratliff Impression Annabella-ET, Excellent-95%, was Reserve Grand Champion of the Wisconsin Spring Spectacular in 2015 and Grand Champion of the Southern National Jersey Show the following year. She has a top record of 5-10 305 24,160 5.3% 1,278 3.6% 876 96DCR.
“Allie’s” fourth dam is Ratliff Price Alicia, Excellent-95%, a two-time Supreme Champion of the North American International Livestock Exposition and three-time National Grand Champion. She has 20,880 lbs. milk, 1,014 lbs. fat and 760 lbs. protein at 3-5.
“Allie” was consigned by Lauren and Luke Albright of Willard, Ohio.
Sales $1,900 and Over (Consignors in Parentheses)
Matthew Steiner, Marshallville, Ohio
Macy Joel Marla, bred heifer 16 mos $5,000 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright, Canal Winchester, Ohio)
Joel Melanie-ET, heifer calf 7 mos. 3,000 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
Lauren Wooldridge and Elise Carpenter, Coxs Creek, Ky.
Dutchess VIP Destiny-ET, cow 2 yrs. 3,800 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
Victorious Allie, bred heifer calf 6 mos. 3,250 (Lauren and Luke Albright, Willard, Ohio)
Kilgus Dairy and Carla, Kamber and Ryker Kilgus Fairbury, Ill.
Choice Delight-ET, bred heifer 22 mos. 2,500 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
Williams Jerseys and Erin and Jody Williams, McConnelsville, Ohio
Dutchess Joel Dorito-ET, heifer calf 4 mos. 1,900 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
Iberico Acres, Alpha, Ky.
Schulte Bros CC First Choice, bred heifer 16 mos 2,350 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
Kamryn, Kate and Colt Kasbergen and Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif.
Victorious M&M, heifer calf 10 mos. 2,000 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
Charlie Roberts, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Dutchess Chip Disco-ET, heifer calf 4 mos. 2,000 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
Victorious Mini Moe, open yearling 13 mos. 2,000 (Lauren and Luke Albright)
Woodruff Jersey Farm, Urbana, Ohio
Miss Triple-T Vibrant Image-ET, bred heifer 16 mos 1,900 (Diley Jerseys, Williams Jerseys and Lauren and Luke Albright)
fjordworks@yahoo.com
toms18438@yahoo.com
sdfarm@fairpoint.net
luckyhilljerseys@yahoo.com
jsamuelson56@yahoo.com
jkokoski@maplelinefarm.com
whiterockfarm1192@gmail.com
owenswlsd@yahoo.com
abby.tauchen@gmail.com
Iowa Breeders Buy and Consign Top Sellers at Wisconsin State Sale
The Wisconsin State Sale offered a little bit of everything this year, from milking cows to heifer calves to bred heifers sold as a group lot. The 15 lots sold for an average of $2,086.67 through the sale that was once again conducted as an online event. The bidding opened through CowBuyer.com on May 13, 2025, and closed in real time on May 15 at 12:30 p.m.
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hounddogkarl@yahoo.com
https://ddjerseys.usjerseyjournal.com/
Iowa Jersey breeders were on the
buying and consigning ends of the two high sellers. Grand Central Jerseys LLC of Bristow purchased the high seller, Kunde Vashon Lucy, consigned by David and Dunna Kunde of Manchester for $4,000. They chose the second-high seller, Kunde Season Stealth, for $2,700.
“Lucy” is a beautiful-uddered daughter of Ratliff Matt Vashon-ET, JPI -18, that freshened with her first calf in early April. She gave 46 lbs. of milk on her first test with components of 5.1% fat and 3.7% protein and is projected to 17,028 lbs. milk, 883 lbs. fat and 632 lbs. actual at 2-5. She was appraised Very Good-85% for her new owners in late May.
She has a pair of Very Good maternal sisters as well. One of them, Kunde Victorious Luka, Very Good-88%, was second senior two-year-old at the Illinois State Fair in 2022. Their dam is a Very Good-87% daughter of All Lynns Valentino Marvel, GJPI +54, with six lactations—four over 21,000 lbs. milk—and a best record of 7-9 305
27,300 4.9% 1,330 3.6% 978 97DCR. She has an Excellent and two Very Good maternal sisters with high-test records to 19,660 lbs. milk.
“Lucy’s” grandam is an Excellent-93% daughter of Richies Jace TBone A364, GJPI -4, with seven lactations, two over 24,900 lbs. milk, 1,380 lbs. fat, and 910 lbs. protein. She has three Very Good maternal sisters with records to 21,000 lbs. milk. “Lucy’s” third dam, sired by Giprat Belles Jade-ET, JPI +14, is appraised Very Good-87%. She has seven lactations and a top record of 8-5 305 18,350 5.7% 1,038 3.7% 684 97DCR. The next dam is Very Good80%.
The second high selling “Stealth” is a senior two-year-old sired by Kunde Salvy Season, JPI -22. She calved in early December 2024 and was served to MM Bontino Rock & Roll-ET, GJPI -15, in late April. She gave 64 lbs. milk on her April test and is projected to 17,739 lbs. milk, 852 lbs. fat and 669 lbs. protein at 2-7. The appraiser made her Very Good-
83% in late May.
“Stealth” has two Very Good maternal sisters, including Kunde CitationA Smooth, Very Good-87%, with 22,340 lbs. milk, 1,097 lbs. fat and 726 lbs. protein at 3-5. Their dam is a Very Good-82% “Marvel” daughter with a seven lactation m.e. average of 23,439— 1,216—855. Her grandam is a Very Good-87% “TBone” daughter with five lactations. She has a top record of 5-5 305 26,690 5.7% 1,528 3.6% 954 97DCR. The next dam is a Very Good-88% daughter of Schultz Brook Hallmark, GJPI -47.
Barlass Jerseys LLC, Janesville, Wis., was the sale’s volume buyer, purchasing six lots for $11,850. Seven Jersey breeders from Iowa, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Ohio and Texas made purchases.
Sales $2,100 and Over (Consignors in Parentheses)
Grand Central Jerseys LLC, Bristow, Iowa
Kunde Vashon Lucy, cow 2 yrs.
(David and Donna Kunde, Manchester, Iowa)
Kunde Season Stealth, cow 3 yrs.
(David and Donna Kunde)
Covington Jerseys LLC, Leon, Iowa
Dodan LH Pretender Macie, cow 2 yrs. 2,550
(D & D Jerseys, Newton, Wis.)
JX All Lynns Dabo Visa {6}, bred heifer 2 yrs. 2,300
The Steiner family of Marshallville, Ohio, hosted the “Brown Swiss and Jersey Edition” of their Spring Opportunities at Pine Tree II sale on March 18, 2025. The sale was conducted at the Wayne County Fairgrounds in Wooster, Ohio, and managed by Modern Associates, with Chris Hill serving as the auctioneer. The 17 Jersey lots sold for an average of $6,340.59. There was a nice mix of elite genomic options, with two cows, three bred heifers, three open yearlings, four embryo packages and rights to an in vitro session struck off.
2 Cows, two years and over $6,050.00 $12,100
3 Bred heifers 4,416.67 13,250
3 Open yearlings 4,333.33 13,000
4 Heifer calves 12,875.00 51,500
1 Rights to IVF 2,900.00 2,900
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Sale Management:
Pine Tree Dairy and Modern Associates Auctioneer: Chris Hill
ABS Global, de Forest, Wis., purchased the high-selling Jersey, JX Pine-Tree 2887 Call 1309 {6}-P, for $19,750. The July 2024 daughter of JX Primus Thrasher Callan {5}-ET, GJPI +144, was the breed’s #4 polled heifer on sale day. Today, she ranks #16 with a Genomic Jersey Performance Index (GJPI) of +171. She has Genomic Predicted
Transmitting Abilities (GPTAs) of +932M, +33F and +28P. She is +20.3 for Genomic Jersey Udder Index (GJUI) and tested A2A2 for beta-casein.
Her dam is a Very Good-82% daughter of Valsigna Pine Blizzard, GJPI +147. Her grandam, JX Roc-Bot Chief 12620 {4}-P, Very Good-83%, has a two-lactation m.e. average of 30,215—1,533—1,107. A donor dam at Pine Tree Dairy as well, she has 42 registered progeny to date, many ranked for genetic merit.
Select Sires and Jerseyland Sires, Plain City, Ohio, teamed to purchase the second high seller, JX Pine-Tree 13947 Jud 1341 {6}-ET, for $15,750. The eightmonth-old daughter of JX Pine Tree Gutz Judson {5}-P-ET, GJPI +163, is out of the “Manhattan” cow family, one of the more well-known cow families developed at Pine-Tree Dairy. With a GJPI of +181, “Jud 1341 {6}” ranks #75 on the list of the Top 500 Females with Herd Register (HR) or Generation Count (GC) 5-6 status. She has GPTAs of +1,102M, +58F and +38P and tested A2A2.
Her dam, JX MM Thrasher Manhattan 13947 {5}-ET, is an Excellent-91% daughter of JX CDF JLS Pilgrim Thrasher {6}-ET, GJPI +175, with a two-lactation m.e. average of 26,711—1,292—979. She has a GJPI of +166, which ranks #28 among cows with HR or GC 5-6 status. The next dam has 17,720 lbs. milk with tests of 6.7% fat and 4.1% protein at 3-8.
The third dam of “Jud 1341 {6}, JX
MM Mackenzie Manhattan 1511 {3}, is a Very Good-83% daughter of Missiska MacKenzie-ET, GJPI +53, with six lactations and a best record of 3-6 304 21,190 5.6% 1,186 4.0% 838 97DCR. The next dam has 21,700 lbs. milk at 5-1. Sexing Technologies purchased two full sisters to the second high seller for $8,000 each, the third highest price for Jersey lots. JX Pine-Tree 13947 Jud 1320 {6}-P-ET is an August 2024 heifer calf with GPTAs of +321M, +60F (+0.22%) and +22P (+0.05%). She is +1.2 for Type and has a GJUI of +21.6. She tested A2A2 and ranks #69 among polled females with HR or GC 5-6 status with a GJPI of +161.
Her $8,000-priced full sister, JX Pine-Tree 13947 Jud 1354 {6}-P-ET, is an October 2024 heifer calf with GPTAs of +770M, +55F and +31P. She is +1.3 for Type and has a GJUI of +20.9. She also tested A2A2 and has a GJPI of +166, which ranks #34 among polled females with HR or GC 5-6 status.
Elaine Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., 76, passed away on June 29, 2025, after a brief illness.
She was born on March 10, 1949, in Ludlow, Mass., to the late Jose Teixeira and Sophie Teixeira. She shared 55 years with her loving husband, John Kokoski, and built a lifetime of love, friendships and laughter.
Elaine was a devoted farmer’s wife, supporting John through the challenges and rewards of building Mapleline Farm on land that has been in his family since 1904. Today, the registered Jersey farm and bottling plant is owned and managed by their daughters, Jennifer Zina and Jessica Dizek, who represent the fifth generation on the farm.
Elaine enjoyed the family’s involvement with dairy and agriculture activities. She and John attended many dairy and Jersey breed events across the country and meetings while John served as a director and president of National All-Jersey Inc.
She was very much an unsung hero, supporting John, their children, and then their grandchildren, keeping everyone organized and well fed. While raising her three children, Elaine worked at another of John’s businesses, a trucking business, supporting the operation administratively. Developing a keen sense of business herself, she created a trucking and logistics company with Susan Mannheim, appropriately named S & E Trans.
Elaine had a non-nonsense way about her that she never shied from. She could entertain for a party at the last minute with ease and enjoyed good food and drink with her and John’s many good friends. They shared many memories with friends in Bermuda and New
Hampshire, where they brought their kids in the summers, and more recently, Pennsylvania, where they lived parttime and found new friends and family.
In addition to her husband and daughters, Jennifer Zina and Jessica (Chad) Dizek, Elaine is survived by a son, Paul (Leann); seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three stepgrandchildren; and a brother, Tom (Carol) Teixeira.
Memorials may be made in her memory to Jersey Youth Academy, c/o American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 East Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068.
Joseph C. Kirchdoerfer
Joseph Charles Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 89, passed away on July 3, 2025, at his home on the family farm surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 15, 1935, to Joseph A. and Mary Heuring Kirchdoerfer. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary Cathedral in Cape Girardeau and married Mildred Kluesner on April 23, 1960, at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Oran.
Born and raised on the family farm west of Cape Girardeau, Joe was a thirdgeneration farmer. With his family, he owned and managed Jo-Kirch Jerseys, a registered Jersey dairy herd.
As a dairy breeder, Joe built one of the top herds in the state and nation for milk production and type. He exhibited Jersey cattle at numerous national, state and local fairs, including the Missouri State Fair in Sedalia, the Mid-South Fair in Memphis, the DuQuoin State Fair in Illinois, and the SEMO District Fair, at which he exhibited cattle for 75 years. With renowned success in both the milk barn and show ring, fellow dairy producers throughout the U.S. have purchased Jo-Kirch Jersey cattle over the years.
Joe was affiliated with several agriculture organizations, including the Campster 4-H Club, MFA-Inc., Farm Service Agency and Cape Girardeau County Farm Bureau. He was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association and Missouri Jersey Cattle Club.
As a leader in the dairy industry, Joe received numerous honors. He and Mildred received the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award from the Missouri Dairy Hall of Honors in 1988. He was also inducted into the Missouri State Fair Stockman’s Hall of Fame, received Farm Bureau’s Friend of the Farmer award and earned an honorary state FFA degree.
A man of few words, Joe was loved by many for his silent, behind-the-scenes actions to help family, friends and neighbors in need. He was respected for his profound faith, strong work ethic, unwavering integrity and sincere kindness.
Joe was a lifelong member of St. Mary Cathedral, serving on various committees. He had been president of the St. Mary Cemetery Association since 1974.
In addition to his loving wife and soulmate of 65 years, Mildred, Joe is survived by four children, Carl Kirchdoerfer of Cape Girardeau, Edward (Amy) Kirchdoerfer of Cape Girardeau, Glenda (Kendall) Hampton of Sikeston, and Julie (Keith) Eftink of Chaffee; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Adelia Frank.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Anton Kirchdoerfer; two sisters, Stella Ostendorf and Marie James; three brothers-in-law, Fred Ostendort, Alvin Frank and Robert James; and a dear friend, Rev. Raymond Kunkel.
Memorials may be given to St. Mary Cemetery Association.
