March is the annual production issue of the Jersey Journal. New production benchmarks were set in 2024 for all components of production—Milk, Fat, Protein and Cheese Yield per cow.
Gracing the cover are some promising young ladies from Piedmont Jerseys, Lincolnton, N.C. The 220-cow REAP herd is owned by Corey and Bridgette Lutz and their children, Mandy, James and Olivia and their families.
In 2019, the family broke ground on the farm to bring one of their dreams to life—an on-farm processing center and store. Riverbend Creamery operates year round offering fresh milk and ice cream to customers.
The grazing herd has a 2024 AJCA lactation average of 21,491 lbs. milk, 1,014 lbs. fat, 765 lbs. protein and 2,612 lbs. cheese yield on an m.e. basis.
SHORTS
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.: Neal Smith, 209/988-0601
AJCA-NAJ Area Representatives
Director of Field Services: Kristin A. Paul, 209/4025679; 614/322-4495 (fax); kpaul@usjersey.com. Illinois and Wisconsin.
District 1 Manager: Scott Holcomb, 614/563-3227; sholcomb@usjersey.com. Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia.
District 3 Manager: Seth Israelsen, 614/216-9727; sisraelsen@usjersey.com. Arizona, California, Hawaii,
Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming, and Washington Greg Lavan, 614/216-8838; glavan@usjersey.com. Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio. Benny Rector, 614/313-5818; brector@usjersey.com. Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Jason Robinson, 614/216-5862; jrobinson@usjersey. com. Louisiana and Texas. Willow Voegtlen, 614/266-2419; wvoegtlen@usjersey. com. Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota.
Type Traits Appraisal Team
Senior Appraiser: Ron Mosser, 614/264-0142, rmosser@ usjersey.com
Kelly Epperly, 614/530-6918; kepperly@usjersey.com Mark Fisher, 209/765-7187; mfisher@usjersey.com Lee Harris, 614/284-1478; lharris@usjersey.com
Dyon Helmuth, 614/264-0140; dhelmuth@usjersey.com
Seth Israelsen, above
Greg Lavan, above
Andy Paulson, 614/296-4166; apaulson@usjersey.com. Willow Voegtlen, above
American Jersey Cattle Association Board of Directors
Officers
President: Alan Chittenden, 84 Running Creek Rd., Schodack Landing, NY 12156-9603. Phone 518/3202893; alan.dutchhollow@gmail.com.
Joe Vanderfeltz, 898 SR 706, Lawton, PA 18828; Phone 570/934-2406; jvanfel2@gmail.com. Third District. 2027.
National All-Jersey Inc. Board of Directors
Officers
President: John Kokoski, 57 Comins Rd., Hadley, MA 01035. Phone 413/531-2116; john@maplelinefarm.com. Vice President: Jason Cast, 4011 A Street Rd., Beaver Crossing, NE 68313-9417. Phone 402/641-2255; jjcjerseys@gmail.com.
Directors
Sam Bok, 11310 Krouse Rd., Defiance, OH 43512. Phone 419/782-0012; jawscows@defnet.com. District 7. 2025
Jason Cast, see officers. District 1. 2027. Alan Chittenden, ex officio, see AJCA officers. Garry Hansen, ex officio, see AJCA. Rogelio “Roger” Herrera, 7114 Youngstown Rd., Hilmar, CA 95324. Phone 209/485-0003; rogeliohs@yahoo.com. District 2. 2025.
Cornell Kasbergen, ex officio, see AJCA. John Kokoski, see officers. District 3. 2025. John Marcoot, 526 Dudleyville Rd. Greenville, IL. 62246. Phone 618/322-7239; johnemarcoot@gmail. com. District 4. 2026. Corey Lutz, 4399 Ritchie Rd., Lincolnton, NC 28092. Phone 704/735-1222; piedmontjerseys@charter.net. District 8. 2026.
Tom Seals, 37840 Upper Nestucca River Rd., Beaver, OR 97108. Phone 541/520-0298; jennie.seals@gmail. com. District 6. 2027. Bradley Taylor, 106 County Road 5300, Booneville, MS 38829-9131. Phone 662/720-3598; taylorjerseyfarm@ gmail.com. District 5. 2028.
Official Publication of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc.
6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH, 43068–2362 614.861.3636 phone 614.861.8040 fax
Email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com
Website: www.USJerseyJournal.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/USJerseyJournal
Editor: Kimberly A. Billman
Managing Editor: Tracie Hoying
Feature Writer: Michele Ackerman
Communications Specialist: Lindsay L’Amoreaux
Digital Media: Jolena Gioiello
Contributing Writer: Kaila Tauchen
Subscriber Services
To subscribe, log on to http://jerseyjournal. usjersey.com/Subscriptions.aspx and click on the “Subscriptions” link and enter your mailing and credit card information on the secure website. When completed, click “Submit” to process your subscription.
If you have questions, please call the Jersey Journal at 614/861-3636, or send email to jerseyjournal@usjersey.com.
Jersey Journal Subscription Rates Effective July 1, 2023 (10 online issues; January and September printed) Domestic International 1 year ........... $45 1 year............. $60 3 years $125 3 years $170 5 years $210
All subscribers to the online Jersey Journal (effective February 1, 2022) will receive a downloadable PDF version of the magazine to the email on file. They will also receive a link to the publication published online.
To make changes to your subscription, call the American Jersey Cattle Association at 614/861-3636. Or email jerseyjournal@usjersey. com. Please email or call with an updated email address if your address changes. Subscribers will receive periodical emails throughout the month. Have your customer number ready for a staff member.
If you do not receive an email with the pdf or link to the published magazine, call 614/8613636 or email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com. We will verify your information and correct what is needed.
How You Will Receive Your Jersey Journal?
First week of each month, you will receive an email that includes:
• link to flip version of the Jersey Journal
• downloadable PDF of the magazine
• links to advertising
• links to updated stories on the website
• access to the archive editions of Jersey Journal back to 2009
Make sure we have your email on file and then sit back and let us deliver the news to you!
Email: JerseyJournal@USJersey.com
Web: www.USJerseyJournal.com
catheo2@nep.net
nobledalefarm@gmail.com
jnbschuc@yahoo.com
mshedden12@gmail.com
as an additional service. The Jersey Journal assumes no liability for errors or omissions. The Jersey Journal does not guarantee quality, delivery time, or availability of items ordered from commercial advertisers.
The American Jersey Cattle Association promotes the use of authentic and unaltered photographic images of Jersey animals, and disapproves of the use of any photographic images that alter the body of the Jersey animal. The American Jersey Cattle Association therefore requests that all photographic images of Jersey animals submitted for publication in the Jersey Journal contain no alterations to the body of the animal.
Despite its best efforts to ensure that only unaltered photographs of Jersey animals are used in this publication, the American Jersey Cattle Association cannot guarantee that every photographic image of a Jersey animal is authentic and unaltered.
Every effort is made to keep the calendar listings as accurate as possible. However, dates are sometimes changed or events cancelled without notice. When your association schedules an event, notify the Journal staff at least 60 days in advance by sending email to JerseyJournal@usjersey.com or phoning 614/861-3636.
Type Appraisal Schedule
POLICY: Areas will be appraised in the order listed. If you wish to appraise and do not receive an application 30 days prior to the appraisal, please request one from Appraisal Office Coordinator Lori King by telephone, 614/322-4457, or email lking@usjersey. com. Apply online at http://www.usjersey.com/forms/ appraisalapp.com. Applications can also be printed from the USJersey website at http://www.usjersey. com/forms/ttaapplication.pdf.
MARCH—Arkansas and Missouri; Indiana and Illinois; Minnesota; and Washington and Oregon.
APRIL—California and Nevada.
MAY— Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska; Southern California, Arizona, Idaho and Utah; Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Western Colorado; and New Mexico and Texas.
JUNE—Vermont and New Hampshire; Maine, Massachusetts and Connecticut; and New York.
Deadlines
APR. 1—Ownership and transfer date for junior eligibility in spring national shows (California Spring Show and Northeast All-Breeds Jersey Show)
APR. 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the May evaluation release.
APR. 24—Deadline for AJCA director petitions to be in the AJCA office.
APR. 28—Deadline for NAJ director petitions to be in the AJCA office.
MAY 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the June evaluation release.
JUNE 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the July evaluation release.
JULY 1—Applications for National Jersey Youth Scholarships due.
JULY 1—Genomic samples must be to lab prior to this date for the August evaluation release.
AUG. 1—Ownership and transfer date for junior eligibility for fall shows (All American, World Dairy Expo, Western National Jersey Show, and Harrisburg)
Sales
APR. 4—NORSE HAVEN GENETICS COMPLETE DISPERSAL, Jason Fremstad and family, Westby, Wis.; Courtney Sales, sale mgr.
APR. 9— CANTENDO ACRES-GRAZELAND JERSEYS COMPLETE HERD DISPERSAL, Tom
Registration Fees Effective October 1, 2024
Generation Count Entries: Generation Count 1 - $12.00 Generation Count 2, 3 - $20 Identified, UR - $5 Dead Animals May Be Registered For A Fee of $10.00 Duplicate or Corrected Certificates Will Be Issued For A Fee of $10.00 Rush Service Fee (per piece) $20 — Email or Fax delivery (per piece) $10
Transfer Fees Effective July 1, 2014
Standard processing fee is $14.00 when transfer is received within 60 days of the date of sale of the animal to the new owner, and $17.00 when received after 60 days.
$2.00 discounts from the standard fee will be applied to individual animal transfers processed via infoJersey.com and to group transfers submitted in batch electronic files: Excel spreadsheet, report downloaded from herd management software, or a field-delimited text file. Additional discounts may apply for herds enrolled in REAP, and for intraherd and intra-farm transfers. Refer to “Fees for Programs and Services” (www.usjersey.com/fees.pdf) and call Herd Services for more information.
The Association’s Bylaws require the seller to pay the transfer fee. Save by becoming a lifetime member of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
and Rosalie Noyes and Russ and Cheryl King, Creston, Ohio, Kreeger and Associates, LLC sale mgr. APR. 26—2nd DILEY AND PARTNERS SPRING EXTRAVAGANZA, hosted by Neal and Bill Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio and held at Woodruff Farms, Urbana, Ohio; broadcast live on www. CowBuyer.com.
MAY 3 BEST OF TRIPLE-T & FRIENDS SALE, Circleville, Ohio; Triple-T Holsteins and Jerseys, sale mgr.
MAY 4 LOUISVILLE PARISH ALL-BREEDS SALE, Frankfort, Ky.; 2:00 p.m. (EDT); Luke McCoy 270.646.6550, sale co-mgr.
MAY 10—POST TIME AT RATLIFF’S SALE, at the farm, Garnett, Kan.; 11:00 a.m. (CDT); Ron and Christy Ratliff, sale mgrs.; Chris Hill, Thurmont, Md., auctioneer.
MAY 13-15—WISCONSIN STATE JERSEY SALE, online via CowBuyer.com. Closeout at 1:30 p.m. (EDT). Jersey Marketing Services, sale mgr.; jms@ usjersey.com.
JUNE 12-14—FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND TAG
SALE , Hosted by Interstate Heifer Care, Clear Spring, Md.; South Mountain Jerseys & Interstate Heifer Care, sale mgr. packardterri@gmail.com.
JUNE 26 NATIONAL HEIFER SALE, the Embassy Suites UK/Coldstream; 6:30 p.m. (EDT); Jersey Marketing Services, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
JUNE 28—DREAMING OF TRIPLE CROWNS AT KEIGHTLEY & CORE SALE, at the farm, Salvisa, Ky.; 6:30 p.m. (EDT).
SEPT. 30 TOP OF THE WORLD JERSEY SALE, Madison, Wis.; Jersey Marketing Services, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
NOV. 8 POT O’GOLD SALE , Louisville, Ky.; Jersey Marketing Services, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
NOV. 8 ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SALE, Louisville, Ky.; Jersey Marketing Services, sale mgr.; jms@usjersey.com.
Meetings and Expositions
MARCH 29 MARYLAND JERSEY CATTLE CLUB MEETING , Mountain Gate Restaurant, Thurmont, Md.
APR. 5—MASSACHUESETTS JERSEY CLUB MEETING , Pisanos Pizza Restaurant and Pub, Southampton, Mass.
APR. 14-16—TRI-STATE DAIRY NUTRITION CONFERENCE, Grand Wayne Center, Fort Wayne, Ind. JUNE 22-25—AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING , Kentucky International Convention Center, Louisville, Ky. JUNE 25-28—AJCA-NAJ ANNUAL MEETINGS, Lexington, Ky.
MAR. 29—NEW YORK SPRING CAROUSEL JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg, N.Y.; 1:00 p.m. (EDT); Cassie Menedez, Edmeston, N.Y., judge.
MAR. 31—NEW YORK SPRING CAROUSEL JERSEY SHOW, Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg, N.Y.; 10:00 a.m. (EDT); Kelly Barbee, Concord, (continued to
The 2025 Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. will be held in Lexington, Kentucky, June 25-28
Schedule
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
6:00 p.m. Cheese Social-People’s Choice Jersey Cheese Contest
6:00 p.m. Youth Game Night with The Dairy Alliance
7:00 p.m. Young Jersey Breeder Banquet (Child care available for 5 years and under)
THURSDAY, JUNE 26
6:30-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:30 a.m. Tour of Keeneland Racetrack
11:30 a.m. Lunch
12:00 p.m. Group A to Spendthrift Stud Farm (Youth friendly) Group B to Castle & Key Distillery (Must be 21+ to attend)
3:00 p.m. Breeder & Industry Roundtables
5:00 p.m. Pre-sale social
5:30 p.m. Kentucky Favorites Dinner & Old-fashioned ice cream social with Chaney’s Dairy
6:30 p.m. National Heifer Sale @ the Embassy Suites UK/Coldstream
9:00 p.m. Bluegrass entertainment by Cane Run Bluegrass Band (cash bar available)
Hotel rate includes: parking, breakfasts and nightly happy hour. Registration fee includes: three (3) lunches, four (4) receptions, two (2) banquets and two (2) dinners as listed in the event schedule; tickets to Keeneland Racetrack, Sprendthrift Stud Farm, Castle & Key Distillery, and Shaker Village Tour; and transportation to all events on schedule. Youth registration fee includes: t-shirt; three (3) lunches and four (4) dinners; tickets to Keeneland Racetrack, Spendthrift Stud Farm and Shaker Village Tour; Youth Events Wednesday and Friday; transportation to all events on schedule.
FRIDAY, JUNE 27
6:30-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. Recognition of sponsors
8:30 a.m. National All-Jersey Inc. Annual Meeting
11:00 a.m. Give Your Best 60 Seconds Public Speaking Contest & lunch
12:00 p.m. Youth depart for Keightley & Core Jerseys for a judging clinic, showmanship clinic and pedigree workshop
12:30 p.m. Group A to Castle & Key Distillery (Must be 21+ to attend)
Group B to Spendthrift Stud Farm
3:00 p.m. Value-Added Producer Roundtable
5:00 p.m. Youth night in Lexington at Malibu Jack's
6:00 p.m. Cheese Social
7:00 p.m. Breeders’ Banquet (Child care available for 5 years and under)
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
6:30-8:00 a.m. Breakfast
8:00 a.m. American Jersey Cattle Association Annual Meeting
11:30 p.m. Shaker Village tour and lunch
2:00 p.m. Depart for Keightley & Core Jerseys
3:00 p.m. Jersey Youth Academy Benefit Auction
4:30 p.m. Farm tour & evening social
5:30 p.m. Dinner
6:30 p.m. Dreaming of Triple Crowns Sale @ Keightley & Core Jerseys
9:00 p.m. Live entertainment
Celebrate Kentucky Heritage-Jerseys, Bluegrass, Thoroughbreds and Bourbon!
Registration
Online registration is preferred at usjerseyannualmeeting.com (Registration opens on April 15)
Or mail form with payment to:
Attn: Annual Meeting Registration, American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362
FLY. The nearest airport is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) (8 miles). Other nearby airports include Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) (74 miles)
Hotel:
Embassy Suites UK Coldstream 1801 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511
Make hotel reservations directly by calling (859) 455-5000 or online:
Request to be in the “Jersey” block Room rate: $149/ night includes parking, breakfast and nightly happy hour.
Requests
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25
Youth Event
(First, Middle Initial,
REGISTRATION FEES
Official registration badge is required for entrance at all included events.
Early Bird Registration, received with payment by June 6
Enter number of registrations
Late Registration, received with payment after June 6
No charge Enter number of registrations
PAYMENT q Debit Card q Discover q Visa q MasterCard q American Express q Check payable to AJCA. Mail with registration form to address at top left.
Young Jersey Breeders Banquet Child care for children five and under ___
Breeders' Banquet Child care for children five and under ___
SATURDAY, JUNE 28
Shaker Village tour
Jersey Youth Academy Benefit Auction ___ ___
Dinner at Keightley & Core Jerseys
Joe Rocha, Tillamook, Ore., has been officially nominated for Director of the Third District of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).
Julian Arthur Horst was born on February 16, 2025, to Aaron and Meagan Horst, Chambersburg, Pa. He weighed 7 lbs. 10 oz. and was 20 inches long. His big sisters, Scarlet, 6, and Hazel, 4, welcomed him home.
Aaron won the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest in 2007. He worked at ABS Global for 14 years, the last six as a Jersey sire analyst. He is now a senior business analyst at Kearney. Meagan is an anesthesiologist at Wellspan Health.
Randall Lowe and Elissa Monrad, Maxwell, Texas, were married on December 31, 2024, in Conroe, Texas. He is the son of Everett and Sharyl Lowe. She is the daughter of Carl and Elaine Monrad.
Randall is a former assistant to the general manager of National AllJersey Inc. Elissa was a parentage qualification coordinator and herd services assistant for the AJCA. Today, they both are third-party administrator insurance adjustors for commercial vehicles and cargo.
Holcomb and
Israelsen
Assume New Field Service Territories
Scott Holcomb and Seth Israelsen have been named district managers for the AJCA field staff. In addition, two of the six territories served by area representatives of the AJCA and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) have been redefined, effective immediately. According to Executive Secretary and
CEO Neal Smith, these adjustments will help align the move closer to the new geographical areas redefined in the constitution for members of the AJCA. It will also allow the field staff to provide more efficient, cost-effective service to producers of Jersey genetics and milk on a broader scale.
The USJersey association welcomed Scott Holcomb, Greene, N.Y., back to the team as district 1 manager on March 3. He will cover all states defined in the newly adopted AJCA District 1, except for Ohio. Those states are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Scott began his career with USJersey in 2015 as a part-time type traits appraiser. In January of 2019, he became a full-time type traits appraiser and area representative for the Northeast, a position he held through June of 2024. He served briefly as a territory area sales manager for SomaDetect before returning to USJersey.
Greg Lavan will continue to cover Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan as his field territory, in addition to his new role as parentage qualification coordinator.
Seth Israelsen, Garland, Utah, has accepted the District 3 Manager position for the US Jersey organizations. His territory includes Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
Israelsen joined the USJersey staff in 2015 as advanced services consultant, marketing and providing customer support nationwide for JerseyMate, Jersey Link and JerseyTags, and worked as an AJCA-NAJ area representative in New Mexico, Nevada and California, in addition to being a type traits appraiser.
Seth has a master of business administration from Utah State University and earned an undergraduate degree in marketing
with Latin American studies and a Spanish minor at the same institution. The territories served by Kristin Paul, Milton, Wis., Willow Voegtlen, Hartland, Wis., and Benny Rector, Rogersville, Mo., will remain the same.
Parentage Conflicts to be Autocorrected
In early February 2025, the AJCA began automatically correcting parentage qualification conflicts where the sire and/or dam is incorrect and a suggested sire or dam has been provided.
Customers will continue to receive emails when a conflict is discovered. If you have questions, contact the herd services department at 614/322-3636.
Way-Har Farms Goes All Out for Super Bowl LIX
Super Bowl LIX was a special event for the Lesher family of Way-Har Farms in Bernville, Pa. That is because their beloved home team, the Philadelphia Eagles, took on the Kansas City Chiefs. In anticipation, the Leshers displayed Eagles spirit in various ways across the farm and creamery they operate in Bernville.
This year, the calves wore custom jackets in team colors and sporting the team logo. Taking center stage in the calf pen was a calf that wore a special jacket with number 26 for running back Saquon Barkley, a Penn State alum and local hero. The creamery was bedecked with a “Swoop’s Scoops” banner, which was a tribute to the team’s mascot, and offered patrons special flavors like Tush Pushstachio, Cookies & DeJean, Mint Blanken-Chip, Butter Pe-Quinyon, and Nakobe Dean Vanilla Bean.
The Leshers and a local fan base enjoyed the game with double cheese pizza and ice cream and celebrated victory as their team defeated the Chiefs 40-22 to secure the title as National Football League champions.
The Leshers milk 280 Holsteins and Jerseys at Way-Har Farms.
The Lowes
Jersey Genetic Updates Coming in April
Changes are coming in April for the dairy genetic summaries for males and females. As dairy producers know, every five years in the United States, the genetic base change occurs. In just over a week, new evaluations will be released and you will likely notice the value of Predicted Transmitting Abilities (PTAs) for some traits may have changed significantly for all animals. In preparation for the release date, this article will outline the most significant changes being implemented.
A genetic base is set when the average PTAs of cows born in a specific year are set to zero. In April 2025, the genetic base population will change from cows born in 2015 to cows born in 2020. As previously mentioned the genetic base or reference point is updated every five years to reflect the genetic change that has occurred in that time period. The amount of adjustment shows us how much the breed has moved in the last five years. The table below shows the pounds of 305-day milk, fat, and protein that will be deducted from each animal’s PTAs in April.
in 2015. A bull with a current PTA DPR of 0.0 will be changed to a PTA of 0.4 in April.
The final table shows what will be deducted from each animal’s PTA in April for type traits.
The Average PTA Udder Depth of cows born in 2020 is 0.7 points higher than the average PTA Udder Depth of cows born in 2015 so 0.7 points will be deducted from the PTA Udder Depth for all animals. A bull with a PTA of 1.0 will have a PTA of 0.3 in April.
When selecting bulls or cows to use in your breeding program, you may need to update the selection criteria that you set for certain traits. For example, if you previously only used bulls that were +100 or more pounds of Combined Fat and Protein (CFP), those same bulls in April will be +65 or more pounds of CFP.
This table at the top of the next column shows the amount that will be deducted from each animal’s PTAs for other traits that are in Jersey Performance Index (JPI).
Daughter Pregnancy Rate (DPR) and Mastitis Resistance are two traits which will have a value added to each animal’s PTA because the average PTA of cows born in 2020 for those two traits is lower than the average PTA of cows born
The most change you will see is in the individual PTA trait values for animals. You will not see much of a change in JPI and Jersey Udder Index (JUI) values in April because the base change will be adjusted out for those values. JPI and JUI should remain close to current values. Genetic summaries will be released the week of April 1.
Genetic Gain Founded on Registered Cattle
AtSand Creek Dairy LLC, production has long been a priority. High production comes from marrying highquality genetics with a high-quality environment.
“We attack production from both ends,” said Ethan Haywood, a sixthgeneration dairy farmer who operates the dairy in Hastings, Mich., with his family. “We try to invest in the best genetics possible and then provide the optimal environment for them to express themselves.”
The effort has paid off as the Jersey herd at Sand Creek Dairy has ranked among the top 10 herds in the nation for at least one measure of production each of the past five years and regularly ranks among the breed’s best for genetic merit. The Haywoods have developed a strong market for excess dairy replacements and elite genetics and have been recognized in the World Forage Analysis Superbowl conducted during World Dairy Expo.
The Haywood family has proudly farmed for six generations. Larry and Ellen Haywood, the fourth generation, work alongside their son, Luke, and his wife, Renee, the fifth generation. They are joined as owners and managers by
the sixth generation, Ethan and his wife, Elena, and Austin and his wife, Madison. Ethan and Austin’s brother, Devin, serves as a primary mechanic on the farm and younger siblings, Colton and Brenden look to continue the family’s dairy legacy. The Haywoods credit their success to their skilled team of 20-22 additional full-time employees.
Sand Creek Dairy milks 800 Holsteins and 400 Jerseys and farms 2,000 acres. The Jersey herd is enrolled on REAP and has a 2024 actual herd average of 22,794 lbs. milk, 1,156 lbs. fat and 853 lbs. protein on 252 cows. Nationally, the measures rank sixth for milk and protein and 10th for fat this year. The herd ranks #8 for genetic merit with a herd average JPI of +74 on 365 cows (December 2024).
Becoming More Brown
The Haywoods have been milking cows for about 100 years on land located between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo. Sand Creek Dairy takes its name from the sandy soil that is characteristic of Barry County and the creek that runs through the property, where milk was cooled in cans in the early days. While there have always been a few Jerseys on the farm, Holsteins and Brown Swiss were the primary breeds for many years. In the early 2000s, the Haywoods introduced 200 additional Jerseys to the milking string to increase components.
(continued to page 20)
Colton and Brenden Haywood pose with JX Sandcreeks Chief 14633 {5} before she heads to the Pot O’Gold Sale in Louisville, Ky., in 2022. She was purchased by Ivy Jo Hebgen of de Forest, Wis., Sand Creek Dairy or a member of the Haywood family has consigned a heifer six of the past seven years.
The Haywood family—(back) Devin, Ethan, Austin, Luke, Larry, (front) Brenden and Colton—focuses on growing and harvesting high quality forage for the herd at Sand Creek Dairy. Their forages have been recognized in the World Forage Analysis Superbowl and have contributed to a Jersey herd average ranked among the top 10 in the nation each of the past five years for at least one measure of production.
“Under Prairie Farms, we have a quota that is based on pounds of milk,” noted Ethan. “But we are also in the Mideast Federal Milk Marketing Order, so our pay price is reflected on pounds of fat and protein. Jerseys help us maximize the amount of fat and protein that is shipped within that quota.”
“For about 10 years, Jerseys ran in the pens with the Holsteins and were just expected to keep up with the Holsteins in production,” Ethan remarked. “We believe that allowed us to develop a very elite, high producing herd because they were under the same constraints. We were never concerned because they stuck up for themselves very well.
“We utilized a lot of sexed semen early on to expand that population,” he continued. “When we went through another expansion in 2017-2018, we bought a few loads of really good cattle from Pine-Tree Dairy (Marshallville, Ohio) and a pot load of nice springers from Avi-Lanche Jerseys because I was interning for the operation in Dalhart, Texas.”
Cattle were also sourced from consignment sales.
“My senior year of college, I spent a lot of time in class buying individual animals online through sales like the Northeast Jersey Classic, the Ohio Fall Production Sale, and other Jersey sales. At that point I wasn’t looking for IVF (in vitro fertilization) candidates, but rather solid, good-pedigreed, genomic-tested springers and heifers.”
More recently, elite individuals have been purchased through the All American Sale, the National Heifer Sale and the Pot O’Gold Sale. These animals have been flushed to increase their impact genetically.
A maternal line that has risen to the top is Sandcreeks Critic Chipster-P-ET,
Brenden
a
Sale. He and his brothers have purchased a combined 21 head from the Pot O’Gold Sale over the years.
Excellent-93%. She has six lactations and a top record of 27,930 lbs. milk, 1,466 lbs. fat and 1,049 lbs. protein. She traces five generations back to a heifer the Haywoods purchased from a Canadian Jersey breeder in 2003.
“We identified ‘Chipster’ as special when we started genomic testing and did a lot of flushing on her,” noted Ethan. “We have done a lot of work with her daughters, granddaughters and now her great granddaughters. Her influence is present in over 100 females that have been born into our program and 20 bulls that have been sent to stud.”
The Value of a Certificate
For the Haywoods, the “why” for breeding registered cattle is founded on a desire to improve genetics.
“Genetics have always been important to use,” explained Ethan. “My dad and grandpa were early to adopt A.I. technology and are never afraid to invest in high quality semen so we can use the best bulls on the market. They began registering the cows for better record keeping and to be able to market high quality animals that had documented ancestry.”
“Data has begun to play a bigger role in this process,” he continued. “We aggressively use genomic young sires, so want to contribute that data back into the pipeline by registering their daughters. In that way, their lactation records and scores are recorded so we can continue to improve the breed and ensure the Jersey cow is competitive in today’s dairy market.”
The Breeding Program
Sand Creek Dairy uses sexed semen
and beef semen for matings to create female replacements for the dairy, plus a little extra. Beef calves are picked up twice a week as day olds by a local buyer.
“We are creating 125-130% of our needs so we have some extra fresh cows to sell as replacements and can be really selective on the female side, which propels the speed of genetic gain,” Ethan explained.
“Between Holsteins and Jerseys, we are implanting about 700 embryos a year, and most of these are created using sexed semen.”
About 80% of heifers are implanted with an embryo on the first service. Sexed semen is used for the balance of heifer matings and subsequent heifer matings if they don’t settle with the embryo. Cows are implanted with embryos or bred with sexed or beef semen depending on genetic merit.
“Every cow and heifer is individually mated,” noted Ethan. “We keep five to eight bulls of each breed in the tank at a time and spread risk amongst different genomic young sires. We are not afraid to double back on a proven sire we really like, but probably 90% of our semen is from genomic young sires.”
The Haywoods sell fresh cows to dairy producers across Michigan and the Midwest and occasionally consign high genomic heifers to the All American Jersey Sale, the National Heifer Sale and the Pot O’Gold Sale and special breeder events like the Decades of Dupat or Fun in the Sun series. Bulls have been placed in nearly every A.I. stud, exported to Nepal and Brazil and sold locally as herd sires.
“We look for opportunities to consign, but often that is determined by what sales are happening, when they are happening and what we have available,” said Ethan. “We try to sell heifers that are OPU (ovum pickup) ready and flush age so people can make use of them right away.”
Feed Quality Matters
The Haywoods have focused on feed quality to boost production. The operation is vertically integrated, which gives them control over the entire process, from seed to feed.
“Our in-house team and some parttime help handle everything, from planting to covering in the bunk,” Ethan noted.
The total mixed ration includes homegrown haylage and corn silage along with purchased soybean meal, wheat middlings, fats, canola, salts and minerals. Either ground corn or high moisture
(continued to page 22)
Haywood with Bloss TheBoss 45673-ET,
heifer he purchased from River Rock Ranch-Hilmar at the 2023 Pot O’Gold
Sandcreeks Critic Chipster-P-ET, Excellent-93%, is one of the matriarchs at Sand Creek Dairy. She was among the first cows the Haywoods genotyped. Her influence is present in more than 100 females descendants and 20 bulls that have been placed in A.I. service.
whollycowbella@hotmail.com
dreamroadjersey@yahoo.com
bgc33@cornell.edu
timlawton581@gmail.com
denkeljerseys@aol.com
heavenscentjerseys@gmail.com
kevetta.farms@gmail.com
silverspf@aol.com
Sand Creek Dairy
(continued
corn is included as well. Grinding is done on the farm by the Haywoods.
“We irrigate a lot of acres and plant all BMR (brown midrib) corn silage along with low lignin alfalfa,” remarked Ethan. “We focus on making digestible, high-quality feed. We can normally get five cuttings of hay a year when the weather cooperates. We chop all our own corn silage and haylage at pretty tight intervals to maximize quality and digestibility.”
“On the seed side, we are a distributor for Brevant seeds,” he continued. “Like the dairy side, we are not afraid to invest in the very best genetics and try to care for the crop and provide an optimal environment. Starting out with superior genetics and making that investment on the front side is important to us.”
The proof is in the pudding as Sand Creek Dairy has stood out among its peers in the World Forage Analysis Superbowl across a decade of competition.
“The forage superbowl is an opportunity for us to compare our feed quality on a year-to-year basis,” Ethan said. “This is the best feed around and we have been successful winning the haylage category multiple times, the BMR division a few times and the conventional corn silage category last year.
“It keeps us motivated to make sure we are trying new things and pushing the envelope as far as maximizing the quality of the feed that we are raising for our cattle.”
Facilities
Cows are housed in freestall barns bedded with recycled sand and fitted with rubber mats in most alleys and headlocks in every pen. Cows are milked in a double-20 parallel parlor that runs ‘round the clock. Hospital cows are milked in a double-six parallel parlor. Fresh cows are milked four times daily until about 50 days fresh and then dropped to three-times-a-day milking. A maternity and hospital barn is the newest structure on the place, built several years ago.
Heifers are raised on the farm until five months of age and then sent to a heifer grower on the other side of Hastings. Here they are bred or flushed using the same embryo transfer tech as the home farm. They come home four months confirmed pregnant.
Sand Creek Dairy harvests at least 90% of sand used to bed the cattle. Alley scrapers push manure to a flume and sand lane, where sand is scooped with
Brenden Haywood spends some time with Sandcreeks Alcan 15775-Twin before she is trucked to Hilmar, California. She was purchased by the Wicked-Kash Syndicate in the Decade of Dupat sale for $14,000 in March 2023. Her grandam was purchased from Matthew Steiner as a heifer calf in 2015 to expand the Jersey herd at Sand Creek Dairy.
a loader, piled and run through a sand washing machine, which is like a vertical auger with a sprayer, and a shaker once a week. Because washing cannot be done effectively in the winter, the Haywoods strive to wash in the summer, spring and fall and build enough inventory to supply their needs in the winter.
Fiber is then separated from the liquid and hauled with a spreader to fields where the terrain is not friendly for liquid applications. Liquids are stored in four lagoons and pumped directly from the pit to the fields using drag lines primarily. Liquids are also hauled to fields further away using a tractor and frac tank. All liquid is applied as direct injection.
Jersey Genes and Jersey People
The Pot O’Gold Sale has played a significant role in building the foundation of the Jersey herd at Sand Creek Dairy.
Every year since 2015, when Ethan and Austin each made their first purchase, the Haywoods have acquired at least two lots from the Pot O’Gold Sale. Collectively, the five brothers have made 21 purchases and six of the past seven years, one of them or Sand Creek Dairy has also consigned.
“The Pot O’Gold program is one of the coolest things we get to be a part of every year,” commented Ethan, who now serves on the sale committee. “That first sale in 2015 was the first time I sat down and looked at a sale catalog, dug into genetics to compare animals, and started going down to Louisville to look at them physically. That ignited my love for genetics.”
“We have had great success with the program, raised a ton of good animals, and even sent bulls to stud out of Pot O’Gold dams,” he continued. “We continue to grow those genetics and love to consign so we can contribute back to the program. Taking calves down to Louisville is one of my favorite things to do.”
“Today it is Colton and Brenden’s turn to invest in Pot O’Gold and 4-H animals with money they earn picking sweet corn during the summer,” Ethan said. “They are housed here and become part of our IVF program. My brothers get proceeds from bull and heifer sales to support them in future endeavors.”
One of Colton’s investments that has paid off is his purchase from the 2021 sale, JX Forest Glen Gislev Becky {5}ET. Her granddaughter, Sand Creeks Stroud 17172-ET, ranked #1 for JPI after the April 2024 genetic evaluations. Her full sister, Sand Creeks Stroud 17164-ET, ranked #25.
“Having the #1 female in the breed was a first for us,” remarked Ethan. “She was high on our list because she had a unique pedigree and a different sire. Colton decided that was the one we would go with because he liked her.”
The Haywood family’s continued involvement with the Jersey breed is also driven by its people.
“When I got started, my dad and grandpa taught me a lot about farming and some about genetics,” Ethan noted. “But I have really learned very deeply about genetics through people in the Jersey industry. They helped us sort through a lot of those early Pot O’Gold lists, teaching me what I should be looking for. It was cool to have sire analysts from multiple companies on the phone telling me what to look for and teaching me in the process.”
Ethan also attributes the business’s success to a strong team of advisors, including a nutritionist, a group of veterinarians, the OPU vet, and financial consultants.
“We keep a pulse on everything on the farm, but their outside insight helps us make continuous improvements,” noted Ethan.
As Sand Creek Dairy, the foundation of the Jersey herd is built on rock-solid genetics. By fostering an exceptional environment, which includes firstclass forages, the Haywood family has successfully leveraged these genetics to achieve high production and a strong market for dairy replacements and elite females and males.
JERSEY PRODUCTION
Jersey Reaches New Levels of Production in 2024
Levels for all measures of Registered Jersey production reached new levels in 2024. Statistics released by the American Jersey Cattle Association show Registered Jerseys are now producing more milk, fat, protein and cheese than ever. The nutrient density of that milk is greater too, with recordhigh tests for fat and protein in 2024.
The official lactation average is now 20,719 lbs. milk, 1,053 lbs. fat and 781 lbs. protein on a standardized mature equivalent (m.e.) basis. Component tests are 5.08% fat and 3.77% protein. On a Cheddar cheese yield basis (38% moisture), the average production is 2,671 lbs. and cheese yield per hundredweight stands at 12.89 lbs. The 2024 average is based on 77,622 lactations. The average number of lactations per cow in the breed average stands at 2.44, up from 2.36 in 2023.
As compared to 2023, the new breed
Owner
average equates to an extra 9 lbs. milk, 15 lbs. fat, 3 lbs. protein and 14 lbs. cheese. Component tests are up 0.07% for fat and 0.01% for protein versus 2023.
Actual production is at record levels too, at 18,572 lbs. milk, 944 lbs. fat and 697 lbs. protein. Cheese yield is 2,386 lbs. and cheese yield per hundredweight is 12.85 lbs. The marks surpass those of 2023 by 170 lbs. milk, 21 lbs. fat, 8 lbs. protein and 32 lbs. cheese yield.
Expressed as energy-corrected milk (ECM), production is 26,386 lbs. on an m.e. basis and 23,630 lbs. on an actual basis. Versus 2023, respective yields for ECM are up 220 lbs. and 389 lbs.
Based on statistics from the previous 10 years, the breed lactation average is projected to reach 21,328 lbs. milk, 1,093 lbs. fat (5.12%) and 817 lbs. protein (3.83%) by 2030. Cheese yield is projected to be 2,792 lbs. On an actual basis, production is projected
to reach 19,280 lbs. milk, 989 lbs. fat (5.13%) and 733 lbs. protein (3.8%), with a cheese yield of 2,511 lbs. ECM is projected to be 27,375 lbs. m.e. and 24,724 lbs. actual. Cheese yield per hundredweight is projected to rise to 13.09 lbs. of product on an m.e. basis and 13.02 lbs. on an actual basis. Lactation numbers are projected to drop to 66,202.
In the annual breed production summary released by the American Jersey Cattle Association, production is included from cows enrolled on AJCA performance programs (REAP, TPE and Performance Records) with a registry minimum of Generation Count 4. Records included in the average are between 180-305 days in length and have data collection ratings of 85 or higher. Herds identified in the Jersey Journal rankings have a minimum of 10 cows.
9. Ohio State University, Wooster, Ohio 29 1,238 20,637 763 10. Knapp, Kevin G., Larchwood, Iowa 109 1,232 22,754 865
5.
9.
10.
Policy for Maximizing Profit with Jerseys
The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) Board of Directors encourages its members to employ the following management practices to improve herd profitability:
Maximize the genetic potential of the herd by
• Making a minimum of 80% of all matings to a group of genotyped young bulls enrolled in progeny test programs.
• Breeding heifers A.I. to proven or selected young bulls that are enrolled in progeny test programs; if natural service for heifers is a management necessity, using bulls that qualify for those programs.
• Maintaining accurate identification and breeding records.
• Participating in AJCA performance and functional type appraisal programs that provide the basis for genetic evaluations.
• Making mating assignments that maximize profit and minimize inbreeding.
Challenge the genetic capacity of the herd by
• Feeding ample quantities of properly balanced rations to milking cows.
• Minimizing involuntary culling so that voluntary culling can be maximized.
• Providing for the special nutritional and management needs of dry cows.
• Having cows in proper body condition.
• Providing special attention to calf raising practices to minimize losses and optimize growth.
• Using new technologies that provide economical advantages in your situation.
Exploit Jersey advantages by
• Using tamper-evident ID and registering calves before they are six (6) month of age.
• Freshening heifers under 24 months of age.
• Becoming involved in milk marketing efforts that gain equitable payment for milk components.
• Becoming involved in cattle marketing efforts that supplement herd income.
• Using your herd and farm to project a positive image for the Jersey breed and the dairy industry.
Top Herd Rankings Nationally by Herd Size (M.E. basis)
750 or More Records By Protein (M.E.)
1. Red Top Jerseys, Hilmar, Calif. 5,688 934 25,013 1,216
2. SBS Ag Dairy, Tulare, Calif. 808 880 23,950 1,209
July 1 is Deadline to Apply for National Scholarships and Educational Awards
Tuesday, July 1 is the deadline to apply for scholarship and educational awards administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
This year $41,600 will be awarded to Jersey youth. The funds provide financial support for young Jersey owners pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining handson experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle. Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded for the fourth year. Students that are incoming or current undergraduates in any post education institution studying dairy related majors are eligible. Applicants must be working towards a 2-year or 4-year degree and demonstrating satisfactory academic performance. Recipients are eligible to receive scholarship up to two (2) times but must reapply to be considered.
The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate student in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production/ manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.
Students who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2025 may apply for the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000). Students who have completed at least one year of study toward their degree are eligible for the V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($2,250). Also, the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,250) will be awarded to an eligible nominee for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
The Lineweaver Scholarship ($3,500) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.
The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($2,750) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk
marketing.
The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($2,500). This scholarship was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, Calif., from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020.
Students who are high school graduates and have attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply if heading to, or already enrolled in an accredited four-year college/university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.
The award is based upon financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills. Financial need will be determined by comparing the Cost of Attendance (COA) at the students university offset by the amount of money the student will contribute in the form of (1) scholarships and grants, (2) income from work, (3) loans, and (4) contributions from parents and/or others. It may be automatically renewed up to three times or until completion of the undergraduate degree, as long as eligibility requirements are met.
A Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing, and who demonstrates through completed coursework and goal statement, significant progress toward this intended degree and a clear intention for a career in agriculture.
The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program
area. The AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) will be awarded based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($1,500) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.
The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/ or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.
Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of January 1, 2025. For application forms, visit the “Scholarships and Internships” page on the USJersey website or use the link, tinyurl.com/JerseyScholarships. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 8 at the Youth Awards Ceremony in Louisville, Ky.
For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.
Calendar
(continued from page 10)
N.C., judge.
APR. 6-10—SOUTHERN NATIONAL JERSEY SHOW, Payne County Expo Center, Stillwater, Okla.
APR. 25—NORTHEAST SPRING NATIONAL JERSEY SHOW, Springfield, Mass.; 8:00 a.m. (EDT); Mike Berry, Ore., judge.
MAY 28-31—SOONER STATE DAIRY SHOW, Payne County Expo Center, Stillwater, Okla.
JULY 28-31—EASTERN NEW YORK SUMMER JERSEY SHOW, Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, N.Y.; Pierre Boulet, Que., judge.
AUG. 31 NEW YORK STATE FAIR, Syracuse, N.Y.
SEPT. 13—TENNESSEE STATE JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Nashville, Tenn.
SEPT. 15—MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL JUNIOR JERSEY SHOW, Harrisburg, Pa.; 7:00 a.m. (EDT); Ron Mosser, Geneva, Ind., judge.
SEPT. 16—MID-ATLANTIC REGIONAL JERSEY SHOW, Harrisburg, Pa.; 11:30 a.m. (EDT); JeanPhilippe Charest, Saint Alexandre, Que. judge.
SEPT. 29—INTERNATIONAL JERSEY HEIFER SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m. (CDT); Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C., judge; Jon Kingdon, Warwick Township, Ont., associate judge.
SEPT. 30— INTERNATIONAL JERSEY COW SHOW, Alliant Energy Center, Madison, Wis.; 7:00 a.m.; Kelly Barbee, Concord, N.C., judge; Jon Kingdon, Warwick Township, Ont., associate judge
NOV. 7—ALL AMERICA N JUNIOR J ERSEY SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST).
NOV. 9—ALL AMERICA N J ERSEY HEIFER SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST).
NOV. 9—NATIONAL JERSEY JUG FUTURITY, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 2:00 p.m. (EST).
NOV. 10—ALL AMERICAN JERSEY COW SHOW, Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, Louisville, Ky.; 7:30 a.m. (EST).
California Jersey Cattle Association Annual Meeting
February 1, 2025 Hilmar Cheese Company, Hilmar
Officers: Brett Barlass, Hilmar, president; Grant Ahlem, Hilmar, vice president; Cathy Sanders, Hilmar, secretary; and Kate Garcia, Turlock, treasurer.
Directors: Grant Ahlem; Brett Barlass; Stacy Konyn, Escondido; Jonathan Merriam, Hickman; Regina Pozzi, Petaluma; Cathy Sanders; Natalie Sanders, Hilmar; Brock Tate, Hilmar; Mike Wickstrom, Hilmar.
Junior Officers: Hartley Silva, Modesto, president; Josie Beoshanz, West Sacramento, vice president; Avery Oliveira, Stevinson, secretary; Leah Sanders, Turlock, treasurer; Lucy Mast, Turlock, and John Labno, Hilmar, reporters.
Junior Advisors: Natalie Sanders and Karessa Mast, Denair.
Members of the California Jersey Cattle Association met for their annual meeting at the Hilmar Cheese Company in Hilmar on February 1 to elect officers, honor fellow breeders during a banquet and socialize with peers.
Jonathan Merriam, Hickman, was presented with the California Distinguished Service Award.
Merriam has been involved with Jersey cattle his entire life and served the dairy in numerous ways. He grew
up on a 400-cow Holstein and Jersey dairy owned and operated by his family and got to work right away caring for calves in elementary school. His love of the management side of the business was expressed early as he kept detailed records of his plastic farm animals in spiral notebooks or margins of coloring books.
He started showing at the state fair in high school and exhibited at the All American Jersey Show as well. He participated in Jersey youth activities and earned his FFA American degree.
The class valedictorian, Merriam earned an associate’s degree at Modesto Junior College and undergraduate degrees in dairy science and ag business at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly). Here he was president of the dairy club and editor of the yearbook. When the family dairy farm sold, he continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned a master’s degree in dairy science and genetics.
Merriam took a position with Utah State University where he oversaw and taught the dairy herd management vocational training program. As the state’s 4-H and FFA youth specialist, he coached judging and quiz bowl teams. He also operated a Jersey farm with his family and helped to expand the Jersey herdbook as an agent for the Genetic Recovery program.
He sold the herd to return to California to accept a position with the extension service as an agent for Stanislaus and Merced counties before becoming an ag instructor and FFA advisor at Denair High School. He was then offered a dream position with Ahlem Farms Partnership in Hilmar to oversee the genetic program of the farm’s combined 7,000 Jerseys. During
his tenure, Ahlem Farms Partnership saw more than 150 bulls enter A.I. Today, Merriam is the Jersey program manager at Semex.
Merriam has served the Jersey breed in many capacities at the local, state and national levels. He co-chaired the 2016 National Heifer Sale and chaired the 2017 All American Jersey Sale. He was associate chair of the 2018 All American Show and Sale and moved up to general chair of the show and sale committee in 2019. He served four terms as president of the American Jersey Cattle Association and sat on the board of Jerseyland Sires.
Landon Fernandes, Tulare, received the California Young Jersey Breeder award. A third-generation dairy producer, he grew up on the family farm, Fernjo Farms, and graduated from Cal Poly in 2013 with a degree in dairy science.
Fernandes worked for Farm Credit West for three years and then returned to farm full-time with his family in Tulare. Today the family milks a mixed herd of 4,000 Jersey and 1,500 Holstein cows in six facilities across two hubs about seven miles apart. Milk is shipped to Land O’Lakes.
At the home farm, they milk 1,000 Jerseys. Next to this farm, the family owns two other dairy facilities. Landon began leasing one of them from his family in 2019 to establish Diamond L Milk Company, where 1,000 Jerseys are milked. The third neighboring facility is leased by his brother, Preston, where he milks about 500 Jerseys. In 2021, the family expanded to three additional locations about seven miles away. At one of these facilities, 1,650 A2A2 Jerseys are milked in freestalls. At the other two neighboring facilities that Landon and Preston partnered on in 2022, about 1,500 Holsteins are milked in freestalls.
Among Landon’s goals are improving herd genetics. His family joined Jerseyland Sires in 2022 and chooses sires based on Jersey Performance Index, Cheese Merit, Productive Life and fat and protein test. He also considers type, milk, and Daughter Pregnancy Rate. Sexed semen is used on heifers for the first three services and the first two services on higherend first and second lactation cows. Conventional dairy and Charolais beef semen is used for the balance of the services. Day old beef calves are sold to (continued to page 34)
California Jersey Cattle Association
President Brett Barlass, left, and Seth Israelsen, area representative for the national Jersey organizations, right, congratulate Jonathan Merriam for receiving the California Distinguished Service Award.
Preston Fernandes, left, presents the California Young Jersey Breeder Award to his brother, Landon, center, while Brett Barlass, president of the California Jersey Cattle Association offers congratulations.
ahlemfarms@aol.com
claussjerz@yahoo.com
California Meeting
(continued from page 33)
the J.R. Simplot Company.
Landon has also been involved with ag real estate sales since 2016 and continues to offer realtor services for farmland, dairy facilities and orchards.
natalie.sanders@hotmail.com
County, where she and her sister operate Aspire Holsteins and Jerseys.
Kiara Konyn, a senior from Escondido, was crowned California Jersey Queen and won the state’s youth achievement contest. The daughter of Frank and Stacy Konyn, Kiara plans to major in dairy with a veterinary option at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian.
Konyn comes from a farming family that runs the last dairy in San Diego
She has been involved with 4-H for 14 years, actively participating in showing and dairy judging. Notably, Kiara topped the state dairy judging contest in 2020, although she was unable to compete at the national level due to the pandemic. Throughout her time in 4-H, she has held leadership roles, including serving as treasurer, secretary, corresponding secretary, and sergeant at arms for her local club. She has also contributed to the boards of both the California Jersey and Holstein junior clubs. Her dedication to the dairy industry earned her recognition as a Young Distinguished Junior Member by Holstein Association USA, and she will be attending Jersey Youth Academy this summer.
Outside of her dairy-focused activities, Kiara has been an active member of her high school water polo
and swim teams for four years and competed on the golf team this year. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and dedicates time to training service dogs through Dog Guides for the Blind Inc. To date, two of the dogs she has trained have graduated, one is in final testing, and a fourth is currently in training.
California Jersey Cattle Association Director Jonathan Merriam, left, presents a scholarship from the organization to Jacob Ahlem.
Konyn
Kiara’s diverse involvement and leadership in both agriculture and community service demonstrate her passion, work ethic, and dedication to making a meaningful impact in her chosen fields.
Konyn and Jacob Ahlem, Hilmar, also received scholarships from the California Jersey Cattle Association.
Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, won the California Youth Production Contest with Victory 484 Bancroft 62654ET. The Very Good-88% daughter of Ahlem Axis Bancroft-ET, GJPI +77, produced a first lactation with an m.e. of 22,747—1,237—904. Actual production for the 1-9 record is 18,050 lbs. milk, 995 lbs. fat (5.5%) and 713 lbs. protein (4.0%). Kamryn purchased her in the 2022 Pot O’Gold Production Contest from Victory Farms LLC, Revillo, S.D.
AJCA Office Staff
Phone Directory
The numbers are direct lines to each office staff member at the American Jersey Cattle Association. The primary office number is 614/861-3636 to reach the receptionist and have your call directed to the appropriate party. If it is after hours you may leave a message by dialing the last four digits of the numbers below as an extension. A complete list of all staff can be found on the USJersey website at https://www.usjersey.com/AJCANAJ-JMS/StaffDirectory.aspx.
Administration
Neal Smith
Blake Granzow
Accounting
Vickie White
Carol Thune
Communications
Kim Billman
Tracie Hoying
Herd Services
Lori King
Greg Lavan
614.322.4455
614.322.4472
614.322.4452
614.322.4500
614.322.4451
614.322.4471
614.322.4457
614.216.8838
Lisa Boysel 614.322.4459
Kaitlyn Mattox
614.322.4460
Information Technology
Philip Cleary
Bradley Gibson
Daniel Jones
614.322.4474
614.322.4463
614.322.4464
Jersey Marketing Service
Neal Smith
614.322.4455
Kristin Paul 209.402.5679
pawsatwater@frontiernet.net
srhm@alliancecom.net
https://jerseylearningcenter.usjerseyjournal.com/
bachelorfarms@frontier.com
judymill@hbci.com
jvanfel2@gmail.com
PERFORMANCE REPORT
Top 25 Records in History and National Class Leader List
The Top 25 Records for Milk, Protein and Fat completed in the history of AJCA production testing programs are listed below.
The National Class Leader List summarizes the 10 highest lactations for milk, protein, fat, and cheese yield in nine age categories. Lactations are 305 days (or less) in length and are official on the AJCA records. These lists include lactations added to the database through January 1, 2025. To qualify for
BARKLY JUBILEE 08 4-08
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
BARKLY JUBILEE 07 3-06
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA QA/WF HALLMARK DELIRIOUS 06 4-01
OSBORN DEBORAH C & WAVERLY FARMS, KEYMAR, MD
BRIDON JUNO BANGO 05 7-07
TIGHE JOHN & SUBJECT RUSSELL, ELMER, NJ
JACE SHELLY 11 5-04
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
K&K IMPACT OLGA 17 5-00
LUTTROPP, JASON, BERLIN, WI
QUEEN-ACRES MILLENIUM LIBBY-ET 08 4-06
OSBORN JAMES L & SHARON L, UNION BRIDGE, MD
COTTONWOOD MERRY VIOLET 03 6-04
MAACK, GINA, CLOVERDALE, OR
JACE SHELLY 10 4-03
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
LOUIE JOLLY 15 3-11
KORTUS, MICHAEL R, LYNDEN, WA BRIDON JUNO BANGO 04 6-07 352 39,790 2,084 1,536 5,317
OSBORN JAMES L & SHARON L, UNION BRIDGE, MD PAGE-CREST COUNCILLER SARA 08 4-04
PAGE, DEREK LEON, MOUNT VERNON, MO COTTONWOOD MERRY VIOLET 03 6-04
these lists, all test days included in a completed 305- or 365-day lactation record must occur in a herd or herds enrolled in the Production Records Plus, TPE-Plus, REAP Plus programs, or be a Generation Count {4} or higher for registration status.
An asterisk in the column after days milked indicates that the animal was milked more than twice daily during part or all of the lactation. A “V” following the record indicates that it has been verified.
MICHAEL R, LYNDEN, WA
ACTION YVETTE
KORTUS, MICHAEL R, LYNDEN, WA
NORMANDELL KHAN ARIEL
NORSE STAR JERSEYS, WESTBY, WI
RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
JACE SHELLY
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
NATHAN A, BEAVER, OR
RIDGE NITRO
MAXWELL, AMY, DONAHUE, IA
BERRETTA
RAYMOND, KINGSBURG, CA
JUNO BANGO
JERSEYS, KEYMAR, MD
MELISSA R, LYNDEN, WA
JAMES L & SHARON L, UNION BRIDGE, MD
JOHN & SUBJECT RUSSELL, ELMER, NJ
KHAN ARIEL 01
NORSE STAR JERSEYS, WESTBY, WI HAVS IATOLA TOPAZ
KORTUS, MICHAEL R, LYNDEN, WA HIGHVIEW VALENTINO MISTLE TOE
JAMES L & FAMILY, HAMBURG, MN
BERRETTA JOY
KORTUS, MELISSA R, LYNDEN, WA
MAINSTREAM JACE SHELLY 08
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
MAINSTREAM BOMBER JAZZY-ET 12
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
GREENRIDGE BERRETTA ACCENT 00
ORISIO, RAYMOND, KINGSBURG, CA
STAR HALLMARK BOOTIE
JEANA MARIE, WESTBY, WI
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA QUEEN-ACRES FLIRTATIOUS BARBER
JERSEYS, KEYMAR, MD
BOMBER JAZZY-ET
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
JOHN & SUBJECT RUSSELL, ELMER, NJ
MARINAS
MELISSA R, LYNDEN, WA
KORTUS, MICHAEL R, LYNDEN, WA
from page 37)
TOP 25 FAT OVERALL
LYON RENEGADE BARB
COURTNEY LOGAN & AUTUMN, CHOUTEAU, OK
NORSE STAR HALLMARK BOOTIE 07 3-00
FREMSTAD, JEANA MARIE, WESTBY, WI
MAINSTREAM BARKLY JUBILEE 08 4-08
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
JX COLD RUN TEX DICEON {4} 18 6-04
COLD RUN JERSEYS LLC, SALEM, OH
JEFF-RO COUNTRY ROLLO 14 4-01
KRUEGER ROBIN & KESSENICH JEFF, DE FOREST, WI
GOLDEN MBSB OF TWIN HAVEN-ET 00 4-01
FRANZER, DAVID, COLDWATER, OH
QA/WF HALLMARK DELIRIOUS 06 4-01
OSBORN DEBORAH C & WAVERLY FARMS, KEYMAR, MD
*
PAGE-CREST COUNCILLER SARA 08 4-04
PAGE, DEREK LEON, MOUNT VERNON, MO
MAINSTREAM TBONE STATICE 16 5-02
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
SUNSET CANYON MONTANA MISCHIEF 08
JENSEN, NATHAN A, BEAVER, OR MAINSTREAM JACE SHELLY 11 5-04
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
jennie.seals@gmail.com
PERFORMANCE REPORT
National Class Leader List
The National Class Leader List summarizes the 10 highest lactations for milk, protein, fat, and cheese yield in nine age categories. Lactations are 305 days (or less) in length and are official on the AJCA records. These lists include lactations added to the database through January 1, 2025. To qualify for these lists, all test days included in a completed 305- or 365-day lactation record must occur in a herd or herds
NAME–OWNER
NATIONAL CLASS LEADER LIST—CHEESE YIELD: YEARLING (305 CHEESE YIELD)
enrolled in the Production Records Plus, TPE-Plus, REAP Plus programs, or be a Generation Count {4} or higher for registration status.
An asterisk in the column after days milked indicates that the animal was milked more than twice daily during part or all of the lactation. A “V” following the record indicates that it has been verified.
OF NAT LLC, DE FOREST, WI
DAIRY FARMS, HILMAR, CA
RUN JERSEYS LLC, SALEM, OH
3 YEAR OLD (305 CHEESE YIELD)
HEATHER, SUSQUEHANNA, PA
RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
MAELEE, SENECA, MO
JASON, BERLIN, WI
RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
RUN TEX JONINA
JAMES L & SHARON L, UNION BRIDGE, MD
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
4 YEAR OLD (305 CHEESE YIELD)
RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
IATOLA SILHOUETTE
GRANT, MONONA, IA
RIDGE PLUS PARTRIDGE {6}
JOHN & EDWIN, DONAHUE, IA
HARBOUR JERSEYS, GLENCOE, MN
DEBORAH C & WAVERLY FARMS, KEYMAR, MD
CINNAMON RIDGE BADGER ELLE
STAR JERSEYS, WESTBY, WI
RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
ACTION YVETTE
MICHAEL R, LYNDEN, WA
WHISTLING MISCHIFF
TIGHE JOHN & SUBJECT RUSSELL, ELMER, NJ
SR 4 YEAR OLD (305 CHEESE YIELD)
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA QUEEN-ACRES MILLENIUM LIBBY-ET
OSBORN JAMES L & SHARON L, UNION BRIDGE, MD MAINSTREAM BERRETTA JOY
MELISSA R, LYNDEN, WA
GLOWFLY AXIS 1312
MOORE, BRIAN J, MOUNT ULLA, NC BW PARADE NELL S804
BRENTWOOD FARMS, ORLAND, CA
PRH JULIEMAE-ET
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA MAINSTREAM BOMBER JAZZY-ET
RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
JOHN & SUBJECT RUSSELL, ELMER, NJ
JOHN & EDWIN, DONAHUE, IA FOUR SPRINGS REMAKE RACHEL
J
TIGHE JOHN & SUBJECT RUSSELL, ELMER, NJ
PERFORMANCE REPORT
ARETHUSA HG LIBBY-ET 17
HERRON JAMES AND RENNER TED, SALEM, OH
MAINSTREAM JACE SHELLY 10 5-04
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
SLJ COUNTRY MAJERLE
CLARK, TREASURE, SENECA, MO
BRIDON JUNO BANGO
TIGHE JOHN & SUBJECT RUSSELL, ELMER, NJ
ALL LYNNS LOUIE VENETIA-ET 14
ALLEN, DAVID, REEDSBURG, WI
CINNAMON RIDGE NITRO NOBLE-ET
MAXWELL, AMY, DONAHUE, IA
10 YEARS & OVER (305 CHEESE YIELD)
OAKFIELD TBONE VIVIANNE-ET 22
HERRINGTON KEVIN & ANNETTA, DANSVILLE, NY
LANI OF STAR JERSEY 00
CREWS, RAYCENE, BOISE, ID
EXELS MEDALIST ABRIL 2595 24
VANEXEL HANK & CAROLYN, LODI, CA
LADYHOLM-N JEWELS JADE 10
PEASE, HEATHER, SUSQUEHANNA, PA
OAKFIELD TBONE VIVIANNE-ET 20 10-00
KEVIN & ANNETTA, DANSVILLE, NY
TRIPLE S FANCYS BRANDI 02
KIPP THOMAS & ABBY, HAZEL GREEN, WI
SELECT LILY OF MAINSTREAM 10 11-00
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
LAGERWEYS 285 SILKY 07 10-07
KORTUS, MELISSA R, LYNDEN, WA
DUPAT PLUS 11313 {6} 24
WICKSTROM JERSEY FARMS INC, HILMAR, CA
MAINSTREAM JACE SHELLY 16 11-07
KORTUS RANDY & JANA, LYNDEN, WA
NATIONAL CLASS LEADER LIST—MILK: YEARLING (305 MILK)
HIGHVIEW MAGNUM 4114
OELFKE JAMES L & FAMILY, HAMBURG, MN
OELFKE JAMES L & FAMILY, HAMBURG, MN CINNAMON RIDGE PEACOCK PENNE
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 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.
emmaraemessmer@gmail.com
springvalleyjerz@hotmail.com
sunbow@wk.net
cmills1324@gmail.com
spatzcattleco@gmail.com
taylorjerseyfarm@gmail.com
In Memoriam
Ralph W. Taylor
Ralph W. Taylor, Walton, N.Y., 91, passed away on January 22, 2025.
He was born on June 28, 1933, in Morris, N.Y., to the late Ralph Wardell Taylor and Helen Jeanette Pickens and married Alice Taylor of Walton on December 13, 1953.
Taylor was a lifelong resident of Walton, where he dedicated his life to the farming community. He was the proud owner of Taylor Jersey Farm on Gosper Road, where he cultivated his love for agriculture and commitment to the land. His passion for dairy farming and Jersey cattle was evident to all who knew him.
Ralph was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association, the New York Jersey Cattle Club and the Delaware County Jersey Club. As a 4-H leader, he inspired and mentored generations of young farmers with his knowledge, dedication and love for the farming lifestyle.
Ralph is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Alice; two daughters, Nancy (Richard) Burgey of Rochester, N.Y., and Janet (Edward Budine) of Walton; a son, William (Beth Roberts) Taylor of Oldwick, N.J.; six grandchildren and the mother of two of them, Gretchen Taylor; 12 great-grandchildren; two cousins; and family of close friends Karson James and Nancy Pierce.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws and a special friend, Stephen Pierce.
Memorials may be made to one’s choice or to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Suite 1, Oneonta, NY 13820 (www.helioscare.org), who is thanked for their special care of Ralph and his family during this difficult time.
Gordon C. Barlass
Gordon “Gordy” Charles Barlass, Janesville, Wis., 69, passed away unexpectedly on February 2, 2025, following a complicated heart surgery. He was born on April 2, 1955, at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, the eldest of five children born to George and Shirley (Elphick) Barlass. He attended school in the Milton School District, graduating in 1973. He completed the University of Wisconsin-Madison Farm and Industry Short Course and returned to operate Gil-Bar Jerseys, as a third-generation Jersey breeder with his family. Even after selling his milking herd, he continued to help his sons with
chores until he passed.
Gordy married his best friend, soul mate and the love of his life, Michelle Good of Janesville, on October 18, 1980, at Faith United Methodist Church in Milton. At the age of 16, Michelle knew she was going to marry Gordy because he was her soul mate as well.
Along with milking cows for 36 years, Barlass farmed 160 acres of owned and 250 acres of rented land. Among the foundation cows in Gordy’s herd was Ettas Master Babe, a purchase from the 1967 Pot O’Gold Sale that won the ensuing production contest and was named Junior National Grand Champion and National Jersey Jug Futurity Winner in 1970. He consigned “Babe” to the All American Jersey Sale that same year. She sold for $12,500 to the Uihleins, who earned National Grand Champion laurels with her in 1971.
Another cow of impact was Gil-Bar Unique Bonnie, Excellent-94%, winner of the 1984 National Jersey Jug Futurity and the first Jersey to be selected Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo (1986). Gordy was proud that both her dam and sire were Gil-Bar bred.
Barlass was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association and served on the All American Show Committee three times. He served the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association as director at large and chair and manager of the Wisconsin State Sale. The state organization named him Senior Breeder of the Year in 2017.
He sat on the board of the Rock County Dairy Herd Improvement Association and was a member of the state’s Parish 2 show committee for 13 years. He also was a committee member for World Dairy Expo, the Wisconsin Spring Spectacular Show and the Wisconsin State Jersey Show. He loved the 4-H program and was known for being a constructive influence on youth in dairy projects. He was an assistant coach for the county dairy judging team and superintendent of the dairy department at the county fair. Barlass judged county and state fairs in Wisconsin and several surrounding states.
Gordy hoped that the legacy of Gil-Bar would be carried into the fourth generation. That dream came to fruition through his sons and then his grandchildren. His sons loved showing cattle with him because he was a good teacher, coach, dad and grandfather. Though, he was a bit more patient and
lenient with the grandkids; after all, he idolized them. His winning smile lit up with stories of each of them; they were the apple of his eye. His weekends were devoted to their activities: dairy, pig, beef or sheep shows, games, sporting events, concerts, recitals, or even stayovers with Michelle.
Gordy coached youth football, basketball, baseball and wrestling and was a passionate Bears fan. He said his life was complete after seeing the Bears beat the Packers.
He had an infectious smile and sparkle in his eyes and, when combined, one never knew what he was thinking. He offered sage advice, encouragement, enthusiasm, friendship and mentorship for many youths in the dairy community.
In addition to his wife, Michelle, and mother, Shirley, he is survived by sons, Kyle (Francine) of Janesville, Ryan (Kristy) of Janesville, Aaron (Nicole) of Sheboygan Falls, and Ethan (Leanne Hoffman) of Janesville; 11 grandchildren and a granddaughter on the way; a sister, Nancy (Tom) Arndt of Janesville; and a brother, Scott (Janeen) of Evansville.
He was preceded in death by his father, George; sister, Diane; and brother, Randy.
The family is establishing the Gordy Barlass 4-H Memorial. Contributions may be made payable to Michelle Barlass and mailed to 2650 E. Utah Trail, Janesville, WI 53546.
George L. Wise
George L. Wise, Wooster, Ohio, 95, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family.
He was born on July 14, 1929, in New Philadelphia, Ohio, to the late Luther and Maggie (Kurth) Wise. He married Shirley Zellner on September 25, 1954, in Willard.
George was a lifelong Registered Jersey breeder and member of the American Jersey Cattle Association. He also worked for retired from Okey’s Alignment Inc. in Wooster and retired after many years of service.
He was a member of the Salem Lutheran Church and West Salem Lodge #398 Free and Accepted Masons.
George enjoyed coon and mushroom hunting, pitching horseshoes, reading and playing softball. He loved spending time with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Maggie, children Dennis (Susan) (continued to page 50)
maxwell@tourmyfarm.com
rockbottomdairy@yahoo.com
highlandfarmsdairy@gmail.com
waverlyfarm@comcast.net
In Memoriam
(continued from page 49)
Wise, Garald Wise, Beth Ann (Tim) Zimmerman and Sherrill Wise; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren (one on the way); a brother, Kenny (Nancy) Wise; and a sister, Hazel Willett.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Wendy Johnson Wise, and siblings Jim, Charles, Ross, Roy, Fred, Frank, John, Gertrude and Elsie.
Memorial contributions may be made to Salem Lutheran Church Roof Fund, 4873 Cleveland Rd., Wooster, OH 44691.
National Dairy Board Scholarships Available
Applications are now being accepted for college scholarships awarded through the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.
Eleven scholarships worth $2,500 each will be awarded in addition to a $3,500 James H. Loper Jr. Memorial Scholarship.
Undergraduate students in their sophomore through senior year for the 2025-2026 academic school year and enrolled in college/university programs that emphasize dairy are eligible. Relevant majors may include communications/public relations, journalism, marketing, business, economics, nutrition, food science and agriculture education.
Candidates must complete an application form, submit an official transcript of all college courses and write a short statement describing their career aspirations, dairy-related activities and work experiences.
Applications can be found at https://www.dairycheckoff.com/ about-us/scholarship. The deadline for applications is no later than May 15, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. CST.
