Pictured on the cover is the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest Winner, Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore., and Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, Supreme Champion of the North American and World Dairy Expo Junior Shows in 2024. Coltan is the son of Tom and Jennie Seals of Legendairy Jerseys. He is the grandson of Master Breeders—Smokey and Joanne Seals of Sun Valley Jerseys.
The September issue is our youth issue featuring the accomplishments of nearly three dozen young adults through the activities of the National Jersey Youth Development Programs. To read more about the accomplishments of Jersey youth, turn to page 18.
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
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.
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.
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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
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• links to advertising
• links to updated stories on the website
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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.
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.
Deadlines
OCT. 8—Entries due for The All American Jersey Shows. Visit http://www.livestockexpo.org.
OCT. 15—National Jersey Queen application due. 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.
JAN. 15—Nominations are due in the AJCA-NAJ office for Young Jersey Breeders, Master Breeder, Distinguished Service and Meritorious Service awards.
Sales
SEPT. 30 TOP OF THE WORLD JERSEY
SALE , Sale Pavilion, Madison, Wis.; 6:00 p.m. (CDT); Jersey Marketing Service, sale mgr.; jms@ usjersey.com; broadcast live on CowBuyer.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., auctioneer.
Registration Fees Effective October 1, 2024
Females: Under six (6) months
Males: REAP Non-REAP
Under six (6) months
6-12 months
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.
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.
APR. 7-9—DAIRY CALF AND HEIFER ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE, Tucson, Ariz.
JUNE 17-20—AJCA-NAJ ANNUAL MEETINGS, Springfield, Mo.
JUNE 21-24—AMERICAN DAIRY SCIENCE ASSOCIATION ANNUAL MEETING, Baird Center, Milwaukee, Wis.
Shows
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. (continued to page 60)
Kameron Hanson and Ellie Wantland, Conway, Mo., gave birth to a baby girl, Kailey Sue Hanson, on July 19, 2025. She weighed 8 lbs. 13 oz. and was 21 ¼ inches long.
Ellie is a former type traits appraiser for the American Jersey Cattle Association. She is now working on her family’s dairy heifer and beef cowcalf operation and he is employed at Letterman Feed Inc.
Brett and Taylor (Leach) Hildebrandt, Hustisford, Wis., gave birth to their first child, Nova Gene Hildebrandt, on August 20, 2025. She weighed 7 lbs. 11 oz. and was 21 inches long. She was named after Taylor’s great-grandmother, Nova, and Brett’s grandfather, Gene. Maternal grandparents are Rob and Lisa Leach, Lin-Crest Jerseys, Linwood, Kan.
Brett’s family operates a Registered Holstein farm in Hustisford. Taylor attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2013 and was the National Jersey Queen the following year. She is now the digital content producer for Farm Journal.
Rose Alisse Cowan was born on August 21, 2025. The daughter of Julian and Nicole Cowan, Tillamook, Ore., weighed 7 lbs. 4 oz. and was 20 inches long. A sixth-generation dairy farmer, Rose is the couple’s fifth child, joining a family that includes three brothers, Kywin, 8, Kingston, 6, and Anson, 3, and a sister, Aster, 5.
Julian, a fourth-generation dairy farmer, operates GreenGold Dairy LLC, a 550-cow Registered Jersey herd in the fertile Nehalem Valley in Northern Tillamook County, with his family. Julian and Nicole received the Young Jersey Breeder award in 2020.
Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Bowling Green, Ky., has once again impressed the judges at the Los Angeles International Dairy Competition with its premium ice cream made from rich Jersey milk.
At the recent 2025 contest, the dairy won a pair of gold medals with its
Cookie Butter and Mint Chocolate Chip varieties. Cookie Butter, which was described as “smooth and creamy with excellent flavor,” also received a best-inclass award.
This is the third consecutive year Chaney’s Dairy Barn has earned gold medals at the prestigious contest. In 2023, two flavors of ice cream, Vanilla and Wow Now Brownie Cow, and their whole and chocolate milks received gold medals. Their chocolate milk earned a perfect score of 100. Last year, the ice creams Butter Pecan and Cookies and Cream won gold medals.
Chaney’s Dairy Barn was established in 2003 and now bottles more than a quarter of a million gallons of milk and churns more than 30,000 gallons of ice cream annually.
Jersey junior Lauren Albright, Willard, Ohio, was recently recognized in Columbus, Ohio, as a recipient of the 2025 Ohio 4-H Achievement Award. She and the other winners will travel to Atlanta, Ga., in November to represent the state at the National 4-H Congress. As the dairy achievement winner, Lauren will serve as the state’s delegate to the 2025 National 4-H Dairy Conference in Madison, Wis., in September.
Lauren is the daughter of Joel and Mary Beth Albright. She and her family operate Albright Jerseys LLC. Lauren is a 10-year member of 4-H. She has shown cattle at the county, state and national levels. She is a camp counselor and sits on the junior fair board.
Five Jersey juniors are among the 12 to earn academic scholarships awarded from the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board through Dairy Management Inc.
Cassie Bohnert (Iowa State University), East Moline, Ill., Shelby Butler (University of Kentucky), Taylorsville, Ky., Katie Ketchum (University of Wisconsin-River Falls), Altura, Minn., Clancey Krahn (Oklahoma State University), Albany,
Ore., and Emma Parrigon (Ozarks Technical Community College), Stotts City, Mo., will each receive a scholarship of $2,500 for the 2025 school year.
Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing degrees with a focus on dairy and demonstrating strong potential as future industry leaders.
Poitras Joins USJersey Staff
USJersey is pleased to announce that Katelyn “Kate” Poitras has joined the team as a part-time communications assistant, effective September 8, 2025. In this role, she will support the communications department in various areas, including website updates, print and digital media development, youth program coordination and company promotion.
Kate has worked with Cowsmopolitan Inc. and operates Katelyn Poitras Photography and Design, where she has gained recognition for her photography at major U.S. dairy shows and for her work in advertising design, social media management and website development.
In addition, Kate has been instrumental in the success of the Massachusetts Blue Ribbon Calf Sale, managing sale photography, social media outreach and catalog production.
Kate and her family own Hi-Poits Jerseys and Holsteins in Brimfield, Mass. She is a graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy and is a Distinguished Junior Member semifinalist from Holstein Association USA. Last year she exhibited four-year-old Whitdale Gentry Goldust to Reserve All American honors in both the open and junior Jersey shows in Louisville, Ky.
She will work from the USJersey office in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, 2–3 days per week beginning in October. Poitras
Celebrating Jersey Youth: A Tradition of Leadership and Learning
In 1958, the Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) expanded its programs for youth. Since then, the AJCA has never looked back— continuing to strengthen and grow opportunities for the next generation each year.
Jersey youth programs have a long and proud history. They date back to 1917, when Jersey calf clubs were established across the country, making this perhaps the oldest breed youth program in the United States. The modern framework—achievement and production recognitions, scholarships, awards for youth shows and judging contests, the All American Junior Jersey Show, and the Pot O’Gold program—took shape in 1958 and remains the foundation of today’s offerings.
Now, AJCA counts 3,697 junior members—more than twice the number of active adult members. This month’s Jersey Journal highlights the latest group of young leaders inspired by the Jersey cow. Their accomplishments, numbering more than three dozen stories in these pages, are nothing short of remarkable. Each year, juniors set the bar higher with the encouragement of their families, youth leaders, and the incentives of AJCA’s programs. Whether they go on to own and operate Jersey dairies or pursue careers across agriculture and beyond, these young people hold immense promise as the future leaders of AJCA, National All-Jersey Inc., and the wider industry.
The beauty of the AJCA youth program is its steady development. Over time, it instills a business sense and practical skills that serve juniors for a lifetime. This aim comes into focus through national achievement and production contests and is vividly on display each November at the Pot O’Gold Sale. There, parents and grandparents talk with their children about how to finance a calf, and juniors can be seen studying pedigrees, evaluating heifers, and placing bids—each trying to secure the best value for their investment. The learning continues long after the sale, as heifers grow into cows, complete their first lactations, and are ranked alongside their peers from the same sale year.
Jersey breeders have always
demonstrated unmatched generosity, offering some of their best heifers for youth to develop into the foundations of their herds. The results are evident: in the performance levels of this year’s Pot O’Gold winners, in the National Youth Production Contest standings printed in this issue, and in every September youth-focused Jersey Journal for decades.
Then, there’s the commitment that has been made to continuing financial support. The original stake of $11,000 for the national Jersey youth program came from the 1956 (all donation) All-American Sale of Jersey Starlets, and basic program funding has been secured on an annual basis since through the National Heifer Sale. Tax-exempt permanent funds were established for scholarships starting in 1965, growing in both number and fund value to provide over $50,000 for educational awards this year. The activities touching hundreds of youth at the All American are possible because of annual contributions from breeders, state organizations and allied industry, plus the Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund, and the Pot O’Gold program is self-funding.
Jersey Youth Academy is funded through a 501(c) (3) educational foundation established from proceeds of BW Academy-ET sold at the 2008 All American, the all-donation National Heifer Sale of 2011 and bolstered by continuing contributions and the Cow Pie Bingo fundraiser.
“It behooves all of us to lend every support and encouragement to the youth of our business.”
There are, however, other forms of “support and encouragement” that linger beyond any ribbon or trophy, certificate of achievement, cash award or scholarship check.
As you see Jersey youth going about their activities, do pass on words of congratulations with a big smile as they demonstrate good sportsmanship, keep up their records, or do any other good job that is part of their development as young Jersey breeders. Such actions on your part will surely inspire, and after all,
“The inspired youth of today are tomorrow’s leaders.” Congratulations Jersey youth!
Living My Best Life—With Jerseys
Whatan honor to be named the 2024 Jersey Youth Achievement Contest winner. Jerseys have always been a part of my life story. My sixth birthday gift from my grandfather was for me to pick any heifer I wanted. Naturally, I chose a dark brown, spotted calf and named her “Oreo.” Today, many of my 60 registered milk cows and 40 heifers trace their lineage back to “Oreo.”
Together with my family, I help manage our 500 registered Jerseys at Legendairy Farms in Beaver, Ore., where we focus on production, profitability, and the future of the Jersey breed. We are proud members of the Tillamook County Creamery Association.
Some of my earliest and fondest memories are tied to the Jersey annual meetings. My first was in 2013 in Amarillo, Texas, where my grandparents, Bearl and Joanne Seals, were honored as Master Breeders. That experience sparked my interest in registered genetics and gave me a sense of direction—breeding high-producing, sound, profitable cows. Meetings in Washington, D.C., and Illinois followed, where I made lifelong friends, toured incredible farms, and even had the chance to speak with senators about the importance of agriculture. What stood out through all of these experiences was not only the Jersey cow but also the passionate community behind her.
After high school, I attended Fox Valley Technical College in Wisconsin, where I earned a diploma in agri-business with a dairy option. During that time, I interned on a large commercial dairy, learning invaluable skills from seasoned farmers. In 2023, I was selected for Jersey Youth Academy—a week of hands-on learning, eye-opening discussions, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Coming back home to Oregon, I eagerly stepped into a larger role on our farm—Legendairy Farms. I now oversee manure applicaton and nutrient management as well as crop planting and harvest. I also work in a management role over several of our farm employees. I assist my parents in making the breeding decisions for the herd. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed investing in genetics through youth auctions and private treaty sales.
In 2020, I bought some embryos from Brent Rocha—one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From those embryos came
Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, born in March 2021. At the time, life was busy with high school sports, graduation, and my year in college, so “Tessah” grew well in the hutches and blended in as just another nice heifer in the pen. But in the spring of 2023, when she calved, she looked like a promising young cow. Brent offered to take her into his show pen, and that’s when everything changed. With each passing day, she improved, maturing into a standout individual. By the end of the year, “Tessah” was undefeated in the junior shows at the Western National, Madison, and the All American, ultimately being named Reserve All American in the AllBreeds Access Contest. In 2024, she calved again as a junior three-year-old and exceeded all expectations earning Grand Champion honors at the Western National, the International Jersey Show in Madison, and the All American in Louisville, as well as being tapped Supreme Champion at both Madison and Louisville. She was later named unanimous All-American Junior Three-Year-Old in the AllBreeds Access contest, making this journey with her one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
2024 was a landmark year for me in another way: I also won the Jersey Youth Production Contest with Legendairy Transformer Olympia, a direct descendant of my original heifer “Oreo.” She topped Division II with an impressive record of 23,360 lbs. milk, 1,451 lbs. fat, and 947 lbs. protein in 305 days.
None of this would have been possible without the people who have shaped my journey. I want to thank my parents, Tom and Jennie Seals, for their unwavering support and mentorship. My grandparents, Bearl and Joanne, instilled in me the value of true dedication. And I am especially grateful to Brent, Sarah, and Joe Rocha, whose guidance in the show ring has been invaluable.
Looking ahead, I am more excited than ever about the future of dairy farming. The Jersey cow continues to prove her efficiency and adaptability in meeting today’s and tomorrow’s demands. With new technology and innovation shaping our industry, I believe the future is bright—and I look forward to being a part of it.
Coltan Seals
First
Coltan Seals
Tillamook, Ore.
Legendairy Farms LLC
The 2024 winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest is Coltan Seals of Tillamook, Ore.
Unlike many of this year’s applicants, Seals has already returned to his family’s Registered Jersey farm, Legendairy Farms, LLC, operated by his parents, Tom and Jennie Seals.
Before returning to the dairy, Seals attended Fox Valley Technical College
in Appleton, Wis., where he completed an internship with Wiese Brothers Farm, a progressive dairy operation in America’s Dairyland.
His herd of 58 heifers and 72 cows boasts an average type appraisal score of Very Good–85% and a 305-day M.E. production average of 21,514 lbs. of milk, 1,202 lbs. of fat, and 831 lbs. of protein. His breeding philosophy centers on developing “a functional cow that
Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore., has been named the 70th recipient of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Award and will be recognized in November in Louisville, Ky. Each year, on March 15, the most active Jersey youth from across the country submit their applications to the office of the
Second Nicole Arrowsmith
Peach Bottom, Pa. Penn State University
Forging her way from a fifth-place finish in 2023 to second in 2024 is Nicole Arrowsmith. A junior at Pennsylvania State University, she is studying agribusiness management. From Peach Bottom, Pa., Arrowsmith has been a dedicated contributor to her
family’s dairy farm, Hillacres Jerseys. Her versatility shines through in her daily responsibilities— feeding calves, milking cows, and caring for the show herd. Recently, she began helping make mating decisions which has been an exciting new challenge. Arrowsmith’s passion for the Jersey breed is evident in her active participation in youth programs and dairy industry events.
National Jersey Youth Achievement—2024
Third
Sara Reed
Columbia Cross Roads, Pa. Penn State University
In what some might call a three-peat, Sara Reed has once again secured third place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
The daughter of Leonard and Erin Reed, Reed
established her farm, Ravineside Farm, in Columbia Cross Roads, Pa., after falling in love with the Jersey breed through showing cattle. Her herd of seven heifers and six cows boasts an impressive average appraisal score of Very Good–89.7%, with a 305-day M.E. production average of 17,720 lbs. of milk, 856 lbs. of fat, and 681 lbs. of protein.
Throughout her youth career, Reed has exhibited at
Fourth Clancey Krahn
Albany, Ore.
Oklahoma State University
Clancey Krahn has climbed from a seventh-place finish in 2023 to fourth place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth
Achievement Contest. She grew up on her family’s vertically integrated Royal Riverside Farm in Oregon’s midWillamette Valley, alongside her parents, Ben and Amy, and sister, Gracie. The family bottles premium Jersey milk and distributes it to local stores. Krahn diligently manages her show animals and has developed multiple All Americans over the years.
Fifth
Jessica Hewitt
Acampo, Calif.
South Dakota State University
Jessica Hewitt of Acampo, Calif., has advanced to fifth
place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, improving from her eighth-place finish in 2023. A graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU), she aspires to become a large animal veterinarian and has just began veterinary school at Louisiana State University. Hewitt’s herd consists of six cows and six heifers. Her milking cows reside at Lady Lane Farm in Oregon, where
American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). 2024 brought 12 applications from nine states. A committee of judges evaluated and ranked each applicant to determine this year’s top 10 individuals. The contest recognizes Jersey youth for their leadership, activities, participation in Jersey functions, and success in breeding and managing their own Jersey cattle.
These 10 youth will receive cash awards totaling $4,500 at the Youth Awards Ceremony on Sunday morning, November 9, 2025, during the All American festivities in Louisville.
Ninth Regan Johnson
Sixth
Cassie
Bohnert
East Moline, Ill.
Iowa State University
Cassie Bohnert of East Moline, Ill., made an impressive debut in the National
Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, earning a sixth-place finish.
Raised on her family’s 700-head Registered Jersey farm, Bohnert’s Jerseys, Bohnert learned the value of hard work and balance early on. She played an active role in cattle care and equipment operation, contributing to both feeding and harvesting efforts.
Her herd of 25 Registered Jerseys cows has an average
Tenth
Jamie Gibbs
Rollingstone, Minn. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Seventh
Lee Taylor
Booneville, Miss. Mississippi State University
Placing seventh
in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest is Lee Taylor of Booneville, Miss., son of Bradley and Carla
Taylor of Taylor Jersey Farms Inc.
On the farm, Taylor plays an active role in daily operations, including milking cows, feeding calves, and handling whatever chores need to be done. Currently, the family is embarking on an exciting new venture—establishing a processing facility near their farm.
Taylor’s personal herd of 22 milk cows averages a Very
Sarah Diehl
Eighth
McVeytown, Pa. Virginia Tech University
Sarah Diehl, daughter of Joe and Kristin Diehl of Musser Run Jerseys, earned eighth place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. With over 12 years of involvement in Jersey
youth projects, she currently owns a herd of seven heifers and 11 cows.
On her family’s farm, Diehl plays a pivotal role in calf care, overseeing their health and development from birth. Her responsibilities also extend to other essential farm operations, including milking, herd checks, and cattle movement.
A junior at Virginia Tech University majoring in dairy
Northwood, N.H. Lakes Region Community College
For the second year in a row, Regan Johnson has earned ninth place in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
A ninth-generation dairy farmer, she and her parents, Jason and Heather, own and operate Johnson Acres in Northwood, N.H.
The Johnsons’ herd includes two cows and two heifers, bred with a focus on high type show quality cattle.
In July 2023, Johnson launched an on-farm business, The Olde Farmstand, where they sell raw milk, butter, yogurt, beef, and homemade ice cream under the brand Big G, named in honor of their herd matriarch, “Gonzo.”
A dedicated showman, Johnson has exhibited cattle
Rounding out the contest is Jamie Gibbs of Rollingstone, Minn., a sophomore at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where she is double majoring in animal science and kinesiology.
Gibbs credits her Jersey herd with shaping her leadership skills and providing lifechanging experiences. She manages a herd of 10 heifers and
45 cows within her family’s 200-cow dairy operation. Her responsibilities include animal care, breeding decisions, and the buying and selling of cattle, along with daily tasks such as milking and feeding calves.
An avid show enthusiast, Gibbs has exhibited her cattle at local, state, and national levels. In 2024, she earned second place in the senior division of the World Dairy Expo
Seals
(continued from page 20)
is pretty to look at.”
Seals has been involved in Jersey breed activities for 11 years. He has attended multiple AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings, participated in the National Youth Production and Pot O’Gold Production Contests, exhibited his animals at numerous shows, and graduated from Jersey Youth Academy in 2023.
That same year, Seals joined the CRV Experience tour, traveling through the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The trip broadened his perspective on future agricultural regulations in the U.S., including those related to animal welfare, nutrient management, and agricultural policy. He also participated in the European Jersey Forum annual meetings, touring Jersey farms and connecting with breeders from across Europe.
In both 2023 and 2024, Seals standout cow, Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, remained undefeated in the showring as a junior two-year-old and junior three-year-old. In 2024, she earned Supreme Champion honors at both the World Dairy Expo and the North American International Livestock Exposition Junior Shows.
Arrowsmith
(continued from page 20)
She has competed on several winning dairy quiz bowl teams and claimed victory in the junior dairy jeopardy contest at the 2017 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meeting.
With a herd that boasts an average appraisal score of Excellent-90% on 14 cows, Arrowsmith takes pride in exhibiting her cattle at local, state and national shows.
A 2021 Jersey Youth Academy graduate, Arrowsmith continues to build connections throughout the industry and challenges herself to grow. In fact, she was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Mike Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award.
Looking ahead, Arrowsmith plans to return to Hillacres Jerseys after graduation to help expand the farm’s valueadded ventures. The family currently processes much of their milk into cheese, sold at local stores and farmers markets, and markets beef raised on the farm. Arrowsmith understands the importance of diversification for longterm sustainability and is committed to continuing the tradition of showcasing the beautiful Jersey cows that call Hillacres home.
Reed
(continued from page 20)
numerous local, state, and national shows. In 2024, she showed the Reserve Intermediate Champion at the Premier National Jersey Show in Harrisburg, Pa.
Reed credits the Jersey cow with introducing her to youth agricultural organizations, which inspired her to pursue leadership roles and become a vocal advocate for agriculture. She has used these skills to deliver presentations and refine her dairy cattle evaluation and reasoning abilities.
A member of the American Jersey Cattle Association for 10 years, Reed is also active in the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association. She served as the Pennsylvania Jersey Queen and was a top five finalist in the 2022 National Jersey Queen contest. Additionally, she is a graduate of Class VIII of the Jersey Youth Academy.
Reed is currently pursuing a degree in Animal Science at Pennsylvania State University, with aspirations of becoming a genetic analyst for a bovine genetics company. Her goal is to work closely with dairy farmers—especially Jersey breeders—to help improve herd genetics and support producers in achieving their individual goals.
(continued
The year 2023 was a standout for Krahn. Among her many accomplishments, she exhibited the Junior Champion at the All American Junior Jersey Show, served as the Western National Jersey Queen, was later crowned National Jersey Queen, and placed first in the National FFA Dairy Production–Entrepreneurship Proficiency competition.
Krahn is currently pursuing degrees in agricultural communications and animal science at Oklahoma State University. On campus, she competes on the Dairy Challenge and Dairy Judging teams and is actively involved in Chi Omega Sorority, Student Body Council, and a variety of other campus and community organizations.
Passionate about bridging the gap between consumers and agriculture, Krahn uses her communication skills to educate others about the Jersey breed and the dairy industry. She has delivered numerous speeches and hosted farm tours to promote transparency and understanding.
Looking ahead, Krahn hopes to advocate for American dairy farmers by promoting and marketing their products while helping consumers better understand where their food comes from.
Hewitt
(continued from page 20)
they hold an impressive average type appraisal score of Excellent–91%. Over the years, she has actively contributed to cattle care and the farm’s milk bottling business. Her heifers are housed in California on her mother Jill Thomas’ farm.
She has exhibited her cattle at various shows throughout Oregon and has been a member of the Oregon State Jersey Cattle Club and the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) for the past 14 years. Hewitt served as the 2022–2023 Western National Jersey Queen, attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2021, and was the Fred Stout OnFarm Experience intern in 2023. Hewitt believes in breeding Jerseys for maximum efficiency. She advocates for combining the breed’s natural efficiency with niche market traits like A2A2 milk to help producers maintain profitability.
At SDSU, she was actively involved in the Pre-Vet Club, Swing Dance Club, Dairy Club, and has participated in both the artificial insemination school
and the equine hoof trimming and showing course. She has also earned numerous scholarships, including the 2024 Brentwood Farms Scholarship and the 2022 Jack Nisbet Scholarship presented by the AJCA.
Bohnert (continued from page 21)
305-day M.E. of 21,120 lbs. milk; 1,029 lbs. fat; and 800 lbs. protein. She also routinely exhibits her cattle with her family at local fairs.
Bohnert ‘s commitment to agriculture
is matched by her involvement beyond the farm. She is active in the Iowa State Dairy Club and, during high school, served as captain of her basketball team while holding leadership roles in several organizations.
Her dedication to the Jersey breed is evident through her participation in youth programs. A 2025 graduate of the Jersey Youth Academy, she has also taken part in multiple AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings, the Pot O’Gold Production Contest, and the National Youth Production Contest.
(continued to page 24)
Krahn
maxwell@tourmyfarm.com
rockbottomdairy@yahoo.com
highlandfarmsdairy@gmail.com
waverlyfarm@comcast.net
Now a sophomore at Iowa State University majoring in dairy science, Bohnert has a clear vision for her future: to return home and become the next generation of leadership on her family’s farm. To prepare, she plans to gain hands-on management experience as a herdsman in the Midwest and is committed to improving her Spanishspeaking skills.
Taylor
(continued from page 21)
Good–87% appraisal score and a 305day M.E. production of 18,960 lbs. of milk, 798 lbs. of fat, and 698 lbs. of protein. He has competed at local, state, and national shows, and in 2016, placed second in Division II of the National Youth Production Contest.
He acknowledges that building a herd to meet his high standards takes time, careful planning, and hard work. Taylor is committed to that journey.
In 2023, he attended the National 4-H Dairy Conference, where he served as master of ceremonies for one of the evening events. He has also participated multiple times in the “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds” competition at the All American Jersey Events and AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings.
This fall, Taylor will begin his first semester at Mississippi State University. While in school, he plans to return home frequently to assist with farm operations and help prepare the processing facility for launch. Above all, he is focused on continuing to learn, grow, and expand his network within the dairy industry.
(continued from page 21)
science, Diehl plans to pursue veterinary school with the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. She is passionate about helping farmers improve herd health and performance.
On campus, Diehl is actively involved in several organizations. She serves as the intramural sports chairperson for the Dairy Club, is an ambassador for the School of Animal Sciences, and a shift leader for H.E.I.F.E.R.S. She’s also a member of the Block and Bridle Club and Baptist Collegiate Ministries.
Recently, Diehl traveled to the Isle of Jersey with the Virginia Tech Dairy Club, where she was inspired by the balance Jersey breeders there maintain between physical traits and milk production and components. She believes U.S. breeders should strive for Diehl
dreamroadjersey@yahoo.com
bgc33@cornell.edu
silverspf@aol.com
denkeljerseys@aol.com
heavenscentjerseys@gmail.com
kevetta.farms@gmail.com
similar excellence in their herds.
A graduate of Class IX of the Jersey Youth Academy, Diehl credits her involvement with the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association for teaching her the value of hard work, strong public speaking skills, and the importance of embracing new opportunities.
Johnson (continued from page 21)
at local, state, an d national levels
throughout her youth. In 2022, she showed the Reserve Junior All American Winter Yearling and, in 2021, exhibited a bred-and-owned entry in the National Jersey Jug Futurity. She also was the recipient of the 2023 Jack C. Nesbet Memorial Scholarship presented during the All American Events.
Johnson currently serves as a director for the Vermont Jersey Breeders Association and is a graduate of Class VIII of the Jersey Youth Academy. She credits her involvement with Jerseys for
giving her lifelong friendships and life skills have carried into her career and personal life.
She recently earned an associate degree in fire science from Lakes Region Community College and plans to work full-time as a firefighter/paramedic. Alongside her career in emergency services, she remains committed to her cattle and farmstand business. Passionate about giving back, Johnson hopes to mentor the next generation of Jersey enthusiasts and serve as a 4-H leader.
Gibbs (continued from page 21)
Youth Fitting Contest.
When not showing her own animals, she enjoys assisting other farms at shows across the country.
Her involvement with the Minnesota Jersey Cattle Association sparked her passion for agriculture and dairy farming. As the Minnesota Jersey Queen, Jamie expanded her professional network, connected with youth in the industry, and educated schoolchildren about the Jersey breed.
On campus, Gibbs is a member of the Gopher Dairy Club, Crops and Soil and Beta of Clovia. She was also a 12-year member of the Winona County 4-H Club and was on the Winona County Dairy Judging team.
A 2023 graduate of the Jersey Youth Academy, Jamie continues to build on her experiences. She plans to become an occupational therapist focused on serving farmers and rural communities, while remaining actively involved in her family’s dairy farm.
The Jersey youth programs have been a core part of Jersey youth de-
velopment since 1958. Nominations for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest are made by state Jersey organizations, which can nominate up to two individuals each year. The competition is open to members of the AJCA who are between the ages of 16 and 20 on January 1, 2025, or placed among the top 10 in the previous year’s contest.
Winners of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest
1957 J. Howard Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md.
1958 David W. Spahr, Findlay, Ohio
1959 Clifford H. Stiles, Mt. Airy, Md.
1960 Ray E. Ropp, Normal, Ill.
1961 Roger Mabry, Springdale, Ark.
1962 William H. Diley, Jr., Canal Winchester, Ohio Carol J. Rowzee, Newton, Miss.
1963 James Edgerly, Dinuba, Calif.
1964 Stephen P. Bachelor, Angola, Ind.
1965 David G. Bixler, Tulare, Calif.
1966 Allen Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1967 Robert Lyon, Traer, Iowa
1968 Loretta J. Armentrout, Jonesboro, Tenn.
1969 Kenneth Kelly, Tupelo, Miss.
1970 Kent Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1971 Boyd H. Parr, Newberry, S.C. Kris Kinzie, Cushing, Okla.
1972 Larry A. Schirm, Canal Winchester, Ohio
1973 Tracy E. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va.
1974 Mark G. Smith, Picayune, Miss.
1975 Calhoun B. Parr, Newberry, S.C.
1976 Charles Y. King, Newark, Ohio
1977 Alta Mae Keightley, Harrodsburg, Ky.
1978 V. David Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn.
1979 Debra L. Stiles, Clearbrook, Va.
1980 Jerry Hatfield, Newton, Iowa
1981 Karen Casale, Denair, Calif.
1982 Paula Cloud, Chandler, Okla.
1983 Glenn Calfee, Cleveland, Tenn.
1984 Timothy M. Abbott, Cabot, Vt.
1985 Denise Smith, Arab, Ala.
1986 Todd Rinkenberger, Atwater, Calif.
1987 Herbert D. Lutz, Jr., Chester, S.C.
1988 Alan O. Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
1989 Stuart R. Schooley, Niangua, Mo.
1990 Kimberly A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio
1991 Kenneth G. Ropp, Normal, Ill.
1992 Timothy A. Billman, West Salem, Ohio
1993 Julie Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
1994 Karin Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
1995 Brian Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
1996 Denise Josi, Tillamook, Ore.
1997 Iris D. Peeler, Starr, S.C.
1998 Bryan Marcoot, Greenville, Ill.
1999 Kristin Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
2000 Julia Marie Snodgrass, Morristown, Tenn.
2001 Veronica Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn.
2002 Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y.
2003 Davis Peeler, Starr, S.C.
2004 Amanda Jo Johnson, Molalla, Ore.
2005 Brett A. Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
2006 Renée Elizabeth Norman, Liberty, Pa.
2007 Aaron M. Horst, Chambersburg, Pa.
2008 Tyler Lee Boyd, Parrottsville, Tenn.
2009 Lauren Brittany Core, Salvisa, Ky.
2010 Amber Ettinger, Kinards, S.C.
2011 Cassandra Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
2012 Cassandra N. Krull, Lake Mills, Wis.
2013 Dylan Ellenburg, Morristown, Tenn.
2014 Olivia Price Pearson, Lincolnton, N.C.
2015 Emily Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
2016 Gerret Boer, Dalhart, Texas
2017 Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis.
2018 Catherine Savage, Dickerson, Md.
2019 Katarina Emerich, Mooers, N.Y.
2020 Colin Wussow, Cecil, Wis.
2021 Lydia Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
2022 Regan Jackson, Boyce, Va.
2023 Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis.
2024 Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore.
Congratulations to all of the Jersey youth winners!
YOUTH PRODUCTION CONTESTS
Coffey Wins National Youth Production Contest
Lacy Coffey of Morristown, Tenn., has topped the 2024 National Jersey Youth Production Contest with her homebred entry, Aspen Grove L Chrome Belle-ET.
She and the 19 other juniors who placed in the contest will be recognized at the All American Jersey Youth Awards Ceremony on November 8, 2025, in Louisville, Ky. Each will receive a plaque and cash awards made possible, in part, by Jersey breeders who consign animals to the National Heifer Sale. Each year, 10% of the proceeds from this sale are designated for youth program support, including the National Jersey Youth Production Contest.
Records are ranked by the multiple-component dollar value of the record. The values were determined by calculating the 305-day mature equivalent (m.e.), then applying Federal Order component values for the previous year along with a weighted average Producer Price Differential (PPD). Those values were $3.29 per pound fat, $1.90 per pound protein, $0.30 per pound other solids and $1.24 per pound PPD.
home $50; and fourth receives $25. The overall winner gets an additional $50, bringing their award total to $150.
This year, 83 qualified entries from 49 juniors from 11 states were received.
The top 20 animals ranked in this year’s contest have an m.e. average of 24,185—1,321—925 and a dollar value
and 782 lbs. protein (3.9%). The m.e. is 22,883—1,629—870.
She is out of Aspen Grove Liberty Bell, Excellent-92%, a matriarch at Aspen Grove Jerseys. The next seven dams are Excellent as well. Her fifth dam is Duncan Belle, winner of the 2000 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest and two-time Canadian National Grand Champion.
of $6,248.15. All entries have an m.e. average of 21,976—1,140—818 and a dollar value average of $5,466.19.
Division II
This contest recognizes the efforts of junior owners to compile and utilize official production records of their animals. Through this one activity, youth gain experience using records to manage and breed their Jersey cows and understand the value of production.
To qualify for the competition, cows must have completed a lactation of no more than 305 days during the calendar year. The contest is divided into two divisions. Division I is for first-lactation cows that calve before they reach 30 months of age. Division II is for all other cows. Participants are eligible for an award in only one division, and an overall contest winner is recognized.
A junior is eligible to win the overall National Jersey Youth Production Contest just once.
Total cash awards are $550. Each division winner receives $100. The secondplace honoree receives $75; third takes
The previously mentioned “Belle” was the winner of the division for older cows and the overall winner.
She is no stranger to the contest. She topped the division for younger cows and was the overall winner as well last year for Alison Graves, also of Morristown. “Belle” is owned as a partnership between Lacy and her sister, Lexi, and Alison and her sister, Lauren. Over the years, the four have shown and helped with chores at Aspen Grove Jerseys, operated by Dr. Daniel Parks, who calls them his “adopted grandkids.” Lacy handles feeding and milks two evenings each week. Alison now has her own small herd of Jerseys and Lexi is just beginning to show.
“Belle” is a Very Good-88% daughter of River Valley CeCe Chrome-ET, GJPI +68. She produced a record with a dollar value of $7,682.24 to win the contest. Actual production for the 3-1 record is 20,220 lbs. milk, 1,491 lbs. fat (7.4%)
Elizabeth Hyman, Adams, N.Y., placed second in Division with her homebred entry, Hy-Light Completely Marisol 2909. The Excellent-90% daughter of Progenesis Completely-ET, GJPI +15, made a record with a dollar value of $7,420.86 and an m.e. of 27,515—1,425— 967. The actual record is 4-9 305 3x 31,490 5.2% 1,636 3.4% 1,080 92DCR. She has two other impressive milk records as well, a 24,000-pound record as a milking yearling followed by a 28,000-pound record as a junior three-year-old.
She comes by her high type and high production naturally. Her three closest dams are Very Good with multiple records over 20,000 lbs. milk. Her third dam has a top record of 31,770 lbs. milk, 1,340 lbs. fat and 1,047 lbs. protein. The next dam is Excellent-91%.
“Marie 1124” has five lactations and four daughters by natural birth.
Addison Fischer of Cecil, Wis., placed third with Colins Lolala Eudialyte. The Very Good-87% daughter of River Valley Lolalala-ET, -96, made a junior threeyear-old record of 22,860 lbs. milk, 1,294 lbs. fat and 907 lbs. protein. The dollar value of the record is $7,380.07. The m.e. is 25,728—1,432—1,008.
“Eudialyte” was bred by Colin Wussow, a former winner of both the national youth production contest and the Pot O’Gold Production Contest, and purchased by Addison and Hailey Fischer as a heifer calf in 2021. She is backed by at least 10 Very Good or Excellent dams with high production, tracing five generations back to Gabys Restore
Lacy Coffey won the 2024 National Jersey Youth Production Contest with Aspen Grove L Chrome Bella-ET.
2024 National Jersey Youth Production Contest
83 qualifying entries submitted by 49 juniors. Top 20 entries averaged
Division I: Calving before 30 months of age
Bohnert, East Moline, Ill.
Dizek, Hadley, Mass.
Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.
II:
Morristown, Tenn.
Paisley Kessenich, DeForest, Wis.
Youth Production Contest
(continued from page 27)
Dixie-ET, an animal Colin purchased in the Pot O’Gold Sale in 2008. She is out of Gabys Jacinto Dema, Excellent-91%, with a pair of records over 32,000 lbs. milk and several sons in A.I.
Charlie Tauchen, Bonduel, Wis., ranked fourth in Division II with Tauchens Chinook Emery, a homebred entry that produced a record with a dollar value of $6,788.07. The VeryGood-80% daughter of Ahlem Kwynn Chinook 23485, GJPI +28, made an
actual record of 3-0 282 21,430 5.3% 1,130 4.0% 855 97DCR. The m.e. is 24,281—1,284—975.
The cow he owns in partnership with his sisters, Abby and India, writes a deep pedigree as well. Seven of her eight closest dams are Very Good or Excellent. Six of these have actual records over 20,000 lbs. milk. Her eighth dam is Duncan Eilene of HLF, Excellent-96%, Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo in 1995.
Rounding out the top five rankings in the division for older cows is Bohnerts Tad Vale, the entry of Cassie Bohnert
of East Moline, Ill. Appraised Very Good-86%, the daughter of Cal-Mart Pilgrim Tad, GJPI +61, made an actual record of 4-8 305 3x 24,760 6.1% 1,513 4.4% 1,101 93DCR. The dollar value of the record is $6,754.88 and the m.e. is 21,096—1,310—962.
The aged cow Cassie owns in partnership with her brothers, Tyler and Jacob, traces four generations back to Huronia Centurion Veronica 20J, Excellent-97%. “Vale” made more than 20,000 lbs. milk in her second lactation as well and has two registered daughters.
Division I
The winner of Division I of the 2024 National Jersey Youth Production Contest is Sara Bok, Defiance, Ohio. Her entry, MM Popcorn Shelby 17874-P-ET, is a purchase made from Misty Meadow Dairy, Tillamook, Ore., in the Pot O’Gold Sale in 2022. The Very Good-84% daughter of Pine-Tree Popcorn-PP-ET, GJPI +63, made a record with a value of $7,260.38. Actual production for the 1-6 record is 20,860 lbs. milk, 945 lbs. fat and 725 lbs. protein. The m.e. is 29,58— 1,346—1,034.
The dollar value of her record ranks second in the 2025 Pot O’Gold Production Contest.
The grandam of “Shelby 17874-P” is Rog-Al Chrome Shelby, purchased by Misty Meadow Dairy at the All American Jersey Sale in 2019. She was entered into the donor dam program at the dairy in Oregon and has 63 registered progeny to date.
Tyler Bohnert placed second with JX Bohnerts Gallantry Lolipop {5}. She made a milking yearling record with a dollar value of $7,159.23 and an m.e. of 25,200—1,384—983. The actual record is 1-8 305 3x 21,540 5.3% 1,141 3.8% 815 91DCR. She is sired by JX Sexing Gallantry {4}-ET, GJPI +31, and appraised Very Good-83%.
She represents several generations of Tyler’s breeding on the Bohnert family’s “L” cow family. She has subsequently completed another stellar record of 2-8 305 3x 23,800 5.6% 1,340 3.8% 898 93DCR. She has one registered daughter in the herd.
Placing third is Hailey Fisher of Cecil, Wis., with JX Heinz Berrara Lynn 6678 {4}. She made a junior two-year-old record with a dollar value of $6,998.96 and an m.e. of 23,263—1,359—972. The actual record is 18,580 lbs. milk, 1,094 lbs. fat and 772 lbs. protein.
Hailey purchased “Lynn 6678 {4}” from breeder Lloyd Heinz of Shawano, Wis., in 2021 as a heifer calf. The solidlybred daughter of JX Sexing Uncle Luke Berrara {3}-ET, GJPI +51, is appraised Very Good-84%. She is backed by six Very Good dams, all with records over 20,000 lbs. milk and to 27,000 lbs. milk. Nicholas McReynolds, Danville, Vt., ranks fourth with his homebred entry, Lucky Hill Macmelody Cool Whip. The Very Good-84% daughter of River Valley Macmelody-ET, GJPI +67, made a 1-8 record of 17,950 lbs. milk, 936 lbs. fat and 689 lbs. protein actual. The dollar value of the record is $6,715.90 and the m.e. is 24,350—1,277—948.
(continued to page 30)
Winners of the National Youth Production Contest
A. Gardner, Jefferson, Md.
C. Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.
Cinnamon Ridge Rasmus Lily
Lemoore, Calif.
Snell, Chowchilla, Calif.
Rock Maple BV Maria Timothea-ET
Jeanesse Rodeffer, Snohomish, Wash.
Ahlarlay Be Magic Wandas Wand
Joey Anderson, Onalaska, Wash.
Martinas Goldie
Michael Pendleton, Hopkinsville, Ky.
Sun Valley Sooner Sunday
Martin Watson, Troy, Pa.
Farwest Samson Cynthia
Stephanie Samson, Emmett, Idaho
Duncan Brave PR Dee
Tom Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore.
1988 Jersey Nooks Black Judy
Ralph Reichert Jr., Riley, Kan.
Renzo Magic Lee
Shannon Lourenzo, Ferndale, Calif.
1986 Diamond S General Josie
Michael D. Skiba, North Branch, Minn.
1985 GR CDF Ro Leen Magic Dana
Todd Silveira, Los Banos, Calif.
1984 Mills Mike Dimple
Dona Casale, Denair, Calif.
1983 Bettydon Classic Nadia
Paul Thun, Tillamook, Ore.
1982 Sun Valley Hero Aleen
Dave Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore.
1981 SLJ Faithful Mary Frances
Judy Warren, Miller, Mo.
(continued from page 29)
L. Ivy, Quitman, Miss.
Michael Lee Maples, Nixa, Mo.
Johnny Os Lady (Milk)
John M. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Victory Royal Gloria (Fat)
Nim Rodney Mote, Greenwood, Texas
1957 O Johnny Os Toreander Design (Milk)
Neal E. Diley, Canal Winchester, Ohio
Jester Mary Bessie (Fat)
Lois Ann Spahr, Findley, Ohio
Youth Production Contest
(continued from page 29)
“Cool Whip” traces four generations back to Nick’s foundation cow, Lucky Hill Louie Lucent, Very Good-81%. Naming his cattle after desserts and other snack treats, he has placed several times in the youth production contest with members of this cow family.
Renee Lydia Bok, Defiance, Ohio, rounds out the top five rankings in Division I of the production contest with Evans Farm Caliban April. Like her sister, she purchased “April” from the 2022 Pot O’Gold Sale from Clara Lynn Evans of Chester, S.C. She made a milking yearling record with a dollar value of $6,687.64 and an m.e. of 28,731—1,221—962. Her actual record is 1-11 305 21,388 4.3% 929 3.4% 722 94DCR.
The Very Good-81% daughter of Primus Viceroy Caliban-ET, GJPI +88, has
calved again and completed a 2-11 record of 18,580 lbs. milk, 705 lbs. fat and 621 lbs. protein.
“April” is a potential sixth-generation Excellent. Her third dam is Ratliff Price Alicia, Excellent-95%, three-time National Grand Champion and two-time Supreme Champion of the North American International Livestock Exposition.
Other Winners
Other youth to be honored in Division I of the contest are Ava Hebgen, DeForest, Wis.; Jacob Bohnert, East Moline, Ill.; Austin Dizek, Hadley, Mass.; Anna Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; and Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif. Juniors to be recognized in Division II are Zachary Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore.; Kirsten Boreman, West Salem, Ohio; Johnathon Lawton, Cincinnatus, N.Y.; and Paisley Kessenich, DeForest, Wis.
Ahlem Farms Partnership/Vista
An Updated Account on the Crafting of Our Jersey Cow
Carolyn S. Ahlem, Sabino A. Herrera D.V.M and Rogelio A. Herrera
Remembering William (Bill) R. Ahlem
Bill was a second-generation Jersey dairy farmer with an unrelenting strive to genetically improve the Jersey breed. His efforts made major contributions to the breed and continue to be realized today. Bill’s extremely progressive and goal-oriented nature led him to breed more than 3,400 “Excellent” cows (and counting) and place more than 250 sires in all major sire companies. Currently 141 have a daughter proof as of August 2025.
Bill consistently witnessed his herds rank Top 10 nationally for milk, fat and protein, (three herds at one point with more than 1,500 milking in each herd).
Today, we honor Bill and his accomplishments as we share with the readers some of the progress attained by his endeavors.
From a pure seedstock breeder point of view, the overall quality of the perfect Jersey cow must be revealed in their perfect breed conformation and outstanding functionality: extraordinary milk production, udder quality, fertility, and health. From a commercial producer’s point of view, which we are as well, the above description of a perfect Jersey must unequivocally yield a cow that maximizes the financial health of the dairy operation in the long run despite the small and variable margins allowed by the feed and milk markets.
potential of our cows by enabling them to consume more feed and direct an increasing portion of those nutrients to the udder for milk production instead of other vital nonproductive “overhead” functions. Vital overhead refers to caloric expenditures on vital functions such as kidney and nervous system that support the cow’s life and which remain relatively constant despite large milk production increases. For the practical reader, the above means that if your dairy ships milk to a cheese plant and you get paid on cheese pounds, elite genetics-Jersey cows can be very effective for you to stay profitable in the long run because they turn feed dollars into cheese dollars much more efficiently.
Nevertheless, to realize their genetic and financial potential we must provide a clean and comfortable environment for the cows, and milk and feed them appropriately.
And while humbly we must acknowledge that perfection is ultimately unattainable, it does offer us the horizon and opportunity to devote our life’s best efforts to its pursuit. We hope the reader will enjoy reading an updated account on the crafting of our herd and the production results we are obtaining.
The high selection pressure exercised in our program on sires and dams underlies the constant genetic improvement of our herd and has established the superior profitability
Our herds, Ahlem Farms Partnership and Ahlem Farms Vista, are two separate herds in two different counties in California. Each herd milks approximately 3,000 cows and operates similarly, and both are achieving similar results. Data presented here is an average of both herds and labeled as Ahlem Farms. They are freestall hybrid 3X-2X milking operations (50:50) with carousel parlors. We milk first lactation heifers 2X to allow them to reach maturity sooner and maintain stress lower. Our main summer heat abatement tool is soaker lines. Our fresh pen combines first lactation heifers and mature cows but only runs 85% capacity to reduce stress.
After 20 days on the fresh ration, cows are shifted to a high-density ration to unleash the genetic potential and set the highest possible lactation peaks. Our rations are based on corn silage, usually containing over 32% starch and 70% fiber digestibility. We also feed about 8-10% of the ration Dry Matter (DM) as high-quality alfalfa hay (>57 TDN). We feed protein sources of relatively high-quality including heat treated soy and only limited amounts of corn by-
Figure 1: Historical and current fluid milk and ECM
products. Moreover, we feed a high content of dietary fat in early and mid-lactation to maximize energy intake and fertility as early in lactation as possible.
In terms of breeding, conventional tail-chalking heat detection begins at 55 days in milk and makes up most of our breedings, and only a small fraction of them are mediated by an Ovi-synch procedure when cows remain open past target. Our pregnancy rates range between 27 and 32%. Our annual mortality loses range between 3%-6%, whereas sold for mastitis ranges between 4%-6%. On the calf side, we outsource our calf raising to a local calf ranch from day one to 180 days, at which point heifers return to our dairy. Our replacement heifer program completion rate is about 85%.
As a result of the intense genetic selection and the management-nutrition efforts, our cows in both herds have increased their milk production from about 61 to 72 lbs./cow/ day of fluid milk and from 74 to 91 lbs./cow/day of energy corrected milk (ECM) from 2018 to 2024 (Figure 1). To place our progress in perspective, we also display the change in average milk production for the American Jersey Cattle Association (as published by AJCA) and two exemplary herds resembling typical wellperforming non-elite commercial Jersey (annually averaging 65 lbs. milk, 5% butterfat, 3.9% protein, 13.43% cheese yield, and 49 lbs. of dry matter intake), and Holstein (annually averaging 85 lbs. milk, 4% butterfat, 3.3% protein, 10.97% cheese yield and 55 lbs. of DM intake) dairy farms.
day (or 82 lbs./cow/day ECM), and nearly matches wellperforming Holstein herds (92 lbs./cow/day ECM) when accounting for milk component yields.
Because intakes do not increase as fast as production under intense genetic selection as explained above, our ECM-feed efficiency has increased from about 1.63 to 1.83 lbs. milk/lbs. feed DM between 2018 and 2024 as shown in Figure 2.
It is encouraging to see that between 2018 and 2023 the average Ahlem Farms cow increased its production faster than the AJCA national average, and that currently, it outperforms the referenced Jersey herds running 65 lbs./cow/
To compare the ECMfeed efficiency of the average Ahlem Farms cow against the national AJCA average, we used the National Research Council Holstein feed intake prediction equation from 2001 to estimate feed intakes based on body size and production (with a small adjustment for Jersey cows). Based on the estimated intakes, it appears that the average Ahlem Farms cow has had substantially higher feed efficiency (1.63 in 2018 to 1.79 in 2023) when compared to the national average (1.56 in 2018 to 1.6 in 2023). It is also noticeable that as we applied more genetic pressure on our herd through genomic and reproductive technologies, the increment in ECMfeed efficiency has become increasingly faster compared to the national average. When compared to the referenced Jersey and Holstein herds (2024), Ahlem Farms cows run 1.83 lbs. of ECM/ lbs. feed versus 1.661.68.
The practical consequence of the above discussed geneticallymanagerially -nutritionally driven increments in feed intake and feed efficiency is a lower feed cost per hundredweight (CWT) of milk. As said before, the genetic program must yield a cow that maximizes or at least substantially improves the economic performance and financial health of the dairy farm. See in Figure 3 the progression of feed
Figure 2: Historical feed efficiency (ECM based)
Figure 3: Historical and current feed cost per CWT milk as % of milk check
cost per CWT of milk as a percentage of the milk check for Ahlem Farms since 2018, assuming a feed cost of $0.17/lb of ration-DM and cheese price at $1.7/lb. The first observation is that our feed cost has declined from about 56% to 52% of the milk check over the last 7 years. That decline seems faster in the last 3 years. The second observation is that because milk fat and protein production, and efficiency have increased for the average AJCA herd, their feed cost has presumably dropped from 62 to 58% between 2018 and 2023. For 2023, the average AJCA herd spent nearly 58% of the milk check in feed, whereas our herds spent 53%. Moreover, representative well-performing commercial Jersey or Holstein herds in 2024 run between 56% and 59% of the milk check going to feed, respectively, whereas Ahlem Farms cows run 52%.
half a pound more cheese per cow/day than the Jersey herd and 0.13 lb/cow/day less than Ahlem Farms cows. This Holstein herd does maintain a higher gross feed efficiency (1.55 vs 1.45 for Ahlem Farms and 1.38 for the exemplary Jersey herd) because they convert more feed into pounds of fluid milk, however, we shall account for their lower milk
component value later (i.e., they produce more lactose and less butterfat and protein).
To properly assess the overall value of milking elite vs good cows in commercial large herds, we must, at the
minimum, account for the revenue from milk components and the cost of replacing a good Jersey or Holstein cow for an elite Jersey one over the lifetime of the herd. Below is a cost-benefit analysis that performs such an assessment assuming annual herd replacement rates of 37% (including 5% mortality), cull cow prices at $1.1/lb of bodyweight for Jerseys and $1.4/lb for Holsteins (based on recent Turlock Auction reported prices, as of fall/2024 – spring/2025), replacement heifer prices at $2,500/head for Jerseys and $3,500/head for Holsteins (Turlock Auction prices), and average cheese prices at $1.7/lb of cheese blocks. Table 1 shows the difference in performance between the average Ahlem Farms cow and a well-performing non-elite Jersey and Holstein cow. Milking head count through the parlor was set at 1,000 cows for the sake of reasoning. Notice that while the Holstein herd produces substantially more milk than both Jersey herds, averaging 85 lb/cow for the year (nearing 90 lb/cow during spring and 80 lb/cow in the summer) with good components, its cheese yield % is near 20% lower than that of Jersey cows and only produces
In Table 2, we estimate the herd replacement cost (RC) per CWT of milk produced. Notice that Holsteins bring nearly 30% more value per pound of bodyweight at culling compared to Jersey cows ($1.4/lb vs $1.1/lb). They also are 40% heavier at 1,550 lb versus 1,100 lb for Jerseys. Consequently, they bring a lot higher yearly revenue from culls ($694,400 vs $387,200 for a 1000 cow Jersey herd). However, they also cost more to raise or buy at $3,500/springing heifer vs $2,500 for Jerseys. In other words, Holstein heifers ready to calve are 40% more expensive. Nevertheless, per year, this Holstein herd will produce more CWT of milk than both Jersey herds which makes the cost of replacements lower per CWT at $1.94 vs $2.05 for Ahlem Farms and $2.27 for Jersey.
Now, assuming a feed cost per lb of dry matter across herds of $0.17/lb of TMR, let us consider the cost of feed per CWT of milk in Table 3. Because, as shown in Table 1, Holsteins are more efficient, they require less feed to make 1 lb of fluid milk. Therefore, it costs less feed-dollars to make 100 lbs of fluid milk with the Holsteins ($11.00/CWT vs $11.69/CWT for Ahlem Farms and $12.29/CWT for
the Jerseys). The issue is that markets don’t pay for fluid milk, but for pounds of milk components or cheese, and this is where Jersey herds can measure up to, or surpass
Table 1: Comparative performance and efficiency of three different dairy herds
Table 2: Comparative replacement cost of three different dairy herds as a function of milk
Table 3: Comparative feed and replacement costs of three different dairy herds
Holsteins in cheese markets: With cheese price at $1.7/ lb, notice that the Holstein herd’s milk price per CWT will be only $18.65 as compared to $22.31 for Ahlem Farms and $22.82 for the Jersey herd. Then, subtracting feed and replacement costs per CWT of milk from the milk check, both Jersey herds net a larger income: $8.57/CWT for Ahlem Farms, $8.27/CWT for Jersey and $5.71/CWT for Holsteins.
Given daily milk shipments of 720 CWT for Ahlem Farms, 650 CWT for Jersey and 850 CWT for Holsteins, the respective total daily and annual income over feed plus replacement cost (IOFRC) is highest for Ahlem Farms ($6,172/day, $2,252,725/ year), second for Jersey ($5,373/day, $1,961,028), and lowest for Holsteins ($4,854/day, $1,771,745).
Finally, to assess the net value contribution of each herd, in Table 4 we estimate the IOFRC over the full lifetime of the cows, which at 37% annual cull rate is 2.7 years: $6,088,446 for Ahlem Farms, $5,300.000 for Jersey and $4,788,500 for Holsteins. Thus, over 2.7 years, relative to Ahlem Farms cows, the Jersey and Holstein cows left $788,370 and $1,299,945 on the table. In turn, this means that the marginal advantage of Ahlem Farms cows per head was $789 over Jerseys and $1,301 over Holsteins. The purpose of the above comparison is to provide some actual reference data points in the context of well managed herds, not to generalize simplistically about one breed or the other.
In sum, elite cows are such because they have a better disposition to efficiently and profitably convert feed into milk, as shown above. For any commercial herd, depending on their genetic quality baseline, it may take a long time
to achieve elite quality and economic performance, even when using top bulls, if selection pressure is applied only on the side of sires. Therefore, creating elite dams that give life to a progeny of high performing replacement heifers becomes essential. However, this takes time, expertise and intensive technological application and management. Yet, if long term maximal profitability is the goal of any dairy herd, it is critical to replace low genetic quality cows with high genetic quality ones at a relatively high speed. As said earlier, for decades our job, as inherited from Bill, has been to craft the best possible Jersey herd. We are confident we can do it. For the reader interested in pursuing this path, we would love to participate in your own endeavor by seeding the Ahlem Farms genes all throughout your herd and sharing our experience with you,
Currently, given the high prices for 1-day old beef calves we only make the Jersey replacements that are strictly necessary (we carry about 1 heifer per mature cow in inventory). However, we are in capacity to create top quality Jersey replacement females with high JPI values for dairies with an interest in profitable high-performing elite cows that dilute the dairy’s overhead to the maximum. Supposing a dairy’s JPI ranges from 30 to 120 with an average of 75, it might make sense to have your replacements made by a herd like Ahlem Farms which runs a JPI of 50 to 180 with an average of 120. At the same time, instead of making replacement Jersey calves, such dairy might consider making 100% beef calves and capture it as cash. Then, turn around and use that money to buy elite day-old females from Ahlem Farms
Special thanks to Juan Castro, Theo Lykos, Jonathan Merriam and of course the late Ed Fisher (pictured) who shared the same optimism about the breed.
For help devising a plan to invest today in your herd potential and see results that your current genetics may not be capable of, please contact our Ahlem Farms Partnership/Vista team member Roger A. Herrera or Sabino A. Herrera at 209-632-5822 or browncow236@gmail.com.
Table 4: Comparative lifetime profitability of Ahlem cows relative to well-performing Jersey and Holstein herds
YOUTH PRODUCTION CONTESTS
DeForest Junior Wins Pot O’Gold Production Contest
In 1958, visionary Registered Jersey breeders in the United States launched a groundbreaking initiative: a sale exclusively for youth ages 7 to 20, giving them the chance to purchase genetically superior heifers from top herds nationwide. They named it the Pot O’Gold Sale, a title that reflects the unique fund established to reward junior participants.
Each year, a percentage of the sale’s gross—ranging from 17% to 25%—is set aside and held for three years. The fund is then distributed as cash awards to the youth whose heifers achieve the highest dollar value production records, recognizing both the quality of the genetics and the dedication of the young breeders.
On November 4, 2022, the 65th program offered 23 heifers to juniors in the Pot O’Gold Sale in Louisville, Ky. From the sale of those heifers, $12,945.50 was set aside to pay out this year’s contest. It will be distributed as follows: first prize, 18%; second, 11.5%; third, 8%; fourth, 6.5%; fifth, 6%; sixth, 5.5%; seventh, 5%; eighth, 4.5%; ninth and 10th, 4%; 11th-13th, 3%; 14th-16th, 2.5% each; 17 th19th, 2.0%; and 20th-22nd, 1.5%.
To qualify for competition in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest, heifers
must calve before they reach 30 months of age, be tested in a DHI herd owned by the purchaser or his or her parents and have a Data Collection Rating (DCR) of 85 or higher for protein. Loss, death, or transfer of ownership of any purchase before the record is complete eliminates the heifer from competition.
This year, 19 of the entries met the qualifications to compete in the 2025 edition of the contest. The records had an average m.e. of 22,443–1,175–838 and an average value of $6,114.10.
Taking this year’s contest by storm was Paisley Kessenich from DeForest, Wis., with her entry, JX Avi Lanche Archie Diane {6}. In her first lactation, the daughter of JX Jer Bel Maldini Archie {5}-ET, GJPI +66, produced a record with a value of $8,048.64 to win the contest. Paisley will receive a cash prize of $2,439.99.
“Diane {6}” calved in early-April 2024 at 2-1 and had an impressive test of 66 lbs. at just 15 days fresh. She peaked on her fifth test with 91 lbs. of milk and was still averaging 60 lbs. per day at 329 days in milk. She completed a 305-day record of 21,192 lbs. milk, 1,284 lbs. fat and 824 lbs. protein with an m.e. of 26,616–1,606–1,045.
“Diane {6}” was appraised Very Good84% for Paisely at 2-5. She is managed with the milking herd at Kessenich Farms LLC, an operation owned by Paisely’s father, Wade, and his family.
Paisley purchased “Diane {6}” from Sophia Larson in the sale for $3,500. Sophia had purchased her dam, JX Avi-Lanche Jiggy Dede 31144 {5}, Very Good-83%, in the 2021 Pot O’Gold Sale. A familiar face in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest, Sara Bok of Defiance, Ohio,
was back to compete for 2025. Her entry, MM Popcorn Shelby 17874-P-ET, earned second place laurels with her record valued at $7,260.38. She will receive a check for $1,558.88.
“Shelby 17874-P” had a promising start from the time she calved in June 2023. On her first test at 73 days in milk, she gave 68 lbs. and later peaked at 185 days in milk with a test of 89.4 lbs. She completed an actual record of 20,860 lbs. milk, 945 lbs. fat and 725 lbs protein. The m.e. on the record is 29,583–1,346–1,034.
Sired by Pine-Tree Popcorn-PP-ET, GJPI +63, she is appraised Very Good84%. Her grandam, Rog-Al Chrome Shelby, Excellent-90%, ranked on the top genetic lists sale day and today has a GJPI of +97. She has a top record of 2-11 305 23,020 5.5% 1,255 3.8% 869 97DCR. The consignor of “Shelby 17874-P”, Misty Meadow Dairy of Tillamook, Ore., purchased “Chrome Shelby” at the 2019 All American Jersey Sale and enrolled her in their donor dam program. She has 67 registered progeny to date.
Sara purchased “Shelby 17874-P” for $4,250.
Ranking third in the contest was H&S Castro Velvet for her owners Reagan Tompkins and Madeline Branch of Ennice, N.C. They purchased the heifer from the H&S Partners in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, for $3,800 and will receive a check for $1,084.44.
“Velvet” began her first lactation at 1-10 with an actual production record of 19,246 lbs. milk, 938 lbs. fat and 693 lbs. protein. The m.e. on the record was 27,714–1,313–970. She peaked on her second test with 73 lbs. of milk at 86 days fresh.
Reagan and Madeline were able to build a foundation for their herd with the birth of “Velvet’s” daughter, NC-MTN Velvet Overalls. This legacy includes a legend in the Jersey breed, as her great-grandam is Oakfield TBone Vivianne-ET, Excellent-96%. “Vivianne” produced over 200,000 lbs. of milk in just 6 ½ lactations and has a long list of daughters and granddaughters that continue both compete in the show ring and provide in the milking
Paisley Kessenich of DeForest, Wis., won the 2025 Pot O’Gold Production Contest with JX Avi Lanche Archie Diane {6}
Rankings in the 2025 Pot O’Gold Production Contest
Hastings, Mich. Richard and Jennifer M. Avila, Dalhart, Texas
Norwich, Ohio.
Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.
Olivia Cast Clover Farms Holeone Chirp 10072-ET
Beaver Crossing, Neb. Clover Farms, Olney, Ill.
Jason King Elm-J Tucker Cherish 16564
Fremont, Ohio Ed Jasurda, Phillips, Wis. Grace and Emma Vos Evans
Maribel, Wis. Tucker Evans, Chester, S.C.
Pot O’Gold Production Contests (continued from page 37)
string.
Renee Bok, also of Defiance, Ohio, and Sara’s sister, ranked fourth with Evans Farm Caliban April. She made a first lactation record with a value of $6,687.64. Renee will receive a cash prize of $881.11.
“April” peaked at 128 days in milk with a test of 84 lbs. She completed a 1-11 record of 21,388 lbs. milk, 929 lbs. fat and 722 lbs. protein, with an m.e. of 28,731–1,221–962. “April” rewarded Renee with a heifer calf sired by River Valley Thrasher Midway-ET, GJPI +157.
“April” settled on her first service and calved again almost exactly a year later at 2-11. During that lactation, she earned an appraisal score of Very Good-81%. Even more exciting, “April” recently started her third lactation.
Both Sara and Renee’s animals are managed at Bok’s Jersey Farm, an operation owned and operated by their grandparents, mother and uncle.
Placing fifth in the Pot O’Gold Production Contest is another DeForest junior—and winner Paisley’s cousin— Ava Hebgen with her entry, JX Primus Tucker Carly 60832 {6}-ET. “Carly 60832 {6}” is also managed within the
herd at Kessenich Farms, LLC. She produced a 1-8 record with a value of $6,681.66 which will award Ava a check for $813.33.
After calving with twin heifers sired by River Valley Tucker Maverick-ET, GJPI +81, “Carly 60832 {6}” completed an actual first lactation of 19,380 lbs. milk, 1,134 lbs. fat and 698 lbs. protein. The m.e. of the record is 22,758–1,342–842. In her first lactation, she peaked at an impressive 103 lbs. milk at 58 days fresh.
She is appraised Very Good-85% and has added two more heifers to Ava’s
Pot O’Gold Production Contests
(continued from page 38)
herd by natural calf and embryo transfer sired by JX CDF JLS Pilgrim Thrasher {6}-ET, GJPI +169, and Ahlem Dimitri Seismic-PP-ET, GJPI +90.
Ava purchased “Carly 60832 {6}” from Jerseyland Sires, Hilmar, Calif., for $4,100.
Other juniors being recognized in the 2025 Pot O’Gold Production Contest are Henry Dizek, Hadley, Mass.; Brenden Haywood, Hastings, Mich.; Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.; Ava and Ella Hughes, Rio, Wis.; Colton Haywood, Hastings, Mich.; Ivy Jo Hebgen, DeForest, Wis.; Nathan Knapp, Larchwood, Iowa; Jack Barlass, Janesville, Wis.; Clayton Kirchdoerfer, Cape Girardeau, Mo.; Kate Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.; Elaina Hodge, Norwich, Ohio; Olivia Cast, Beaver Crossing, Neb.; Jason King, Fremont, Ohio; Madline Branch, Mount Airy, N.C.; and Noelle and Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis.
The 68th Pot O’Gold Sale is scheduled for November 8, 2025, in Louisville. The animals purchased from this sale will complete in the 2028 Pot O’Gold Production Contest. The sale will begin at 1:00 p.m.
Winners of the Pot O’Gold Production Contest
Ella Herrera, Hilmar, Calif.
Kaila
Canastota, N.Y.
Kaila Wussow, Cecil, Wis.
Wendy
Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio
2005 Long Distance Rogue Daisy-ET
Joshua Parks, Morristown, Tenn.
2004 Yosemite Jerrick Khan A8409
Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio
2003 Schirm Berretta Lindy
Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio
2002 DLM Barber Delight
Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio
2001 Ahlem MBSB Lilac 7107-ET
Andrew M. Bok, Defiance, Ohio
2000 Rebob Barber Hurrah
D. J. Josi, Tillamook, Ore.
1999 Berrettas Linette
Wendy Marie Bok, Defiance, Ohio
1998 Pine Valley Glenwood B Vera
Andrew Bok, Defiance, Ohio
1997 LJF2 SB Berretta Haley
Samantha Jo Barmore, Smithfield, Ky.
1996 Sooner Doll of Summer Hope
Wendy Bok, Defiance, Ohio
1995 Rock Maple BV Maria Timothea-ET
Jeanesse Rodeffer, Snohomish, Wash.
1994 Mar Kut Sooner 920
George W. Hanford II, Marcellus, N.Y.
1993 Praldo Reliant Dun Plum
Kathryn Hanford, Marcellus, N.Y.
1992 Sun Valley Sooner Sunday
Martin Watson, Troy, Pa.
1991 Petersen Pal Penelope
David Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore.
1990 Duncan Brave PR Dee
Tom Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore. 1989
Herby D. Lutz, Chester, S.C. 1988 Mills Brass Baronet Happy
Lori Orisio, Woodburn, Ore.
David Seals, Myrtle Point, Ore.
Raymond Orisio Jr., Woodburn, Ore.
Kelly Young, Yellow Springs, Ohio
Freddy Schlei, Hopkinsville, Ky.
Crystal M. Acomb, Stafford, N.Y.
Crystal M. Acomb, Stafford, N.Y.
Bruce C. Rhein, Pine Grove, Pa.
TK F.B.
Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y.
Cynthia Waltemyer, Collegeville, Pa.
Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y.
Cathryn J. Cross, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Heather Dawn Acomb, Stafford, N.Y.
Gordon C. Barlass, Janesville, Wis.
Richard Bourne, Old Lyme, Conn.
Lyle Hanschu, Ramona, Kan.
Gordon C. Barlass, Janesville, Wis. 1969
Nominations Open for 2026 National Jersey Awards
Nominations are sought for four awards to be presented at the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. in Springfield, Mo., June 16-20, 2026. Any lifetime member of the AJCA can nominate qualified persons for these awards.
Master Breeder Award. The Master Breeder Award is bestowed annually upon a living AJCA member, family, partnership, or corporation, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has bred outstanding animals for many years and thereby has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Distinguished Service Award. The Distinguished Service Award is bestowed upon as many living AJCA members and/or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, have rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years and thereby have made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Award for Meritorious Service. The AJCA-NAJ Award for Meritorious Service is bestowed annually upon a living individual, who, in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry.
Young Jersey Breeder Award. These awards are bestowed annually upon as many living AJCA members and/ or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, merit recognition. Nominees must be active members of the American Jersey Cattle Association and must be at least 28 years of age but not more than 40 years of age as of January 1 of the recognition year. Selection is based upon expertise in dairy farming and Jersey cattle breeding; participation in AJCA and NAJ programs; and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agricultural organizations.
All nomination materials must be postmarked or received electronically on or before Tuesday, January 15, 2026. Forms are available on the USJersey website. Contact Executive Assistant Blake Fox at bfox@usjersey.com or by phone at 614.322.4472.
Winners of the Pot O’Gold Production Contest
pawsatwater@frontiernet.net
bachelorfarms@frontier.com
emmaraemessmer@gmail.com
srhm@alliancecom.net judymill@hbci.com
mshedden12@gmail.com
nobledalefarm@gmail.com
jnbschuc@yahoo.com
jvanfel2@gmail.com
jrp280@gmail.com stoneyhollowjerseys@gmail.com
JERSEY YOUTH PROGRAMS
Fifteen Youth to Receive Scholarships Totaling $34,350
Fifteen Jersey youth continuing their education will receive scholarships from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) totaling $34,350. They will receive their awards on November 8, 2025, at the Youth Awards Ceremony held during All American festivities in Louisville, Ky. The 15 recipients are pursuing higher education at universities and colleges in 10 states—California, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin. They are pursuing degrees in agribusiness, agribusiness management, agribusiness supply chain management, agricultural business, agriculture education, animal science, animal science/dairy production, dairy and food management, dairy science, nutrition and food science and veterinary medicine.
Twenty-seven students applied for scholarships from the AJCA this year. Youth can apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible to compete for. Support for the AJCA scholarship program comes from eight different funds
managed in perpetuity by the AJCA. In order to make larger scholarship amounts available, Jersey breeders can contribute to the funds at any time by contacting the AJCA at 614/322-4451.
Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies
This scholarship is awarded to a graduate student seeking a degree in dairy science, animal science, large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing or dairy product marketing.
Kylie Marie Konyn, Freeville, N.Y., will receive this $5,000 scholarship. The daughter of Frank and Stacy Konyn is pursuing a master’s degree in animal science, with emphasis in transition cow health, nutrition and management, at Cornell University. She earned her undergraduate degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison.
Konyn grew up on the last remaining dairy in San Diego County, California, and established Aspire Jerseys in 2013 with a calf gifted to her by former Na-
tional Jersey Queen Regina Pozzi. She also purchased several foundation animals through the Pot O’Gold program. Today, the herd includes 134 animals.
She has exhibited cattle at the county, state and national level and won production awards at the state and national levels. She uses tools like JerseMate, genomic testing, embryo transfer and in vitro fertilization to improve both type and production.
Active with the California Junior Jersey Cattle Association, she was president three times and also served as vice president, reporter and secretary. She was a member of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy and placed among the top 10 in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest three times. She was the California Jersey Queen and Western National Jersey Queen in 2019, named first alternate in the national contest in 2020 and won the national title the following year.
Konyn received the Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship in 2023 and the V.L. Peterson
Scholarship last year.
While at UW-Madison, she was on the Dairy Challenge team and the dairy judging team. She was first in reasons and high individual overall at the 2024 National Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest. She was an outreach officer for the Badger Dairy Club and chaired positions for the Badger Invitational Sale. She also belonged to the Association of Women in Agriculture and was a public relations officer for UWMadison Collegiate Farm Bureau.
She is currently a research assistant with Dr. Thomas Overton at Cornell and previously worked with Dr. Heather White at the UW-Madison, where she contributed to feed efficiency projects, assisted graduate students and conducted her own research.
Konyn has interned with Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Standard Dairy Consulting, Cargill Animal Health and ABS Genus. She received funding from the Dairy Innovation Hub to work with Dr. Chuck Nicolson on a project to increase Wisconsin’s dairy export ca-
Kylie Konyn Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies
Sarah Diehl The Lineweaver Scholarship
Cassandra Bohnert Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship
Madelyn Hoffman Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship
pacity and access to global markets. She also studied abroad at Wageningen University in the Netherlands. For the upcoming academic year, Konyn has also received a Kildee Scholarship from the National Dairy Shrine and a GE-Reagan Foundation Scholarship.
The Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship
This award is available to incoming or current students enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in a dairyrelated major. It is based on financial need, leadership skills, and academic performance.
Cassandra Ann Bohnert, East Moline, Ill., is this
year’s recipient of the $5,000 scholarship. The daughter of Scott and Karen Bohnert, is a sophomore at Iowa State University working on a degree in dairy science.
She grew up on Bohnert Jerseys, a 700-cow Registered Jersey farm operated by her family. Among her most memorable dairy milestones was saving for and then purchasing her first Jersey at the Pot O’Gold Sale. She has been active in 4-H and other youth programs, exhibited cattle at local shows, the state fair and the All American Jersey Show and attended national Jersey conventions.
She is an integral part of the crew that operates Bohnert Jerseys and gained
hands-on experience working with several other Jersey dairies. She helped DeMent Jerseys and Kilgus Jerseys with their show strings at the Illinois State Fairy and completed a mini-internship with Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack Landing, N.Y.
In 2024, she received the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship. This July, she attended Jersey Youth Academy.
At United Township High School, she was a member of the varsity basketball team, receiving the Panther Pride Award for leadership and integrity. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society and graduated
magna cum laude in 2023. She also received the John Deere Student Award.
She volunteered with her church, the Rock Island County Fair, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, among others.
Bohnert is a member of the Iowa State Dairy Club, has been on the university’s dean list and works at dairy farms locally to earn funds for her education. This fall, she plans to travel to Santiago, Chile, to attend the World Dairy Summit to learn about the industry and strengthen her Spanish-speaking skills.
She received scholarships from several other agriculture organizations, including Midwest Dairy, Genex
Clancey Krahn
The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship
Jessica Hewitt
V.L. Peterson Scholarship
Kiara Konyn
William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship
Nicole Arrowsmith
Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship
Keegan Medeiros The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship
Lee Taylor Bob Toole Youth Award
Sara Reed Paul Jackson Scholarship
Delaney Barber AJCA Director’s Scholarship
Jersey Youth Scholarships
(continued from page
and the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board.
After graduation she plans to be involved in production agriculture on a Midwest Jersey dairy farm as a herdsperson, eventually returning to Bohnert Jerseys to help manage the herd upon retirement of the current herdsman.
The Lineweaver Scholarship
This award is available to students who have completed at least one year at an accredited four-year college or university in a dairy, animal science or dairy products department. It is based on financial need, leadership skills, and academic performance.
Sarah Eveline Diehl, McVeytown, Pa., will receive the scholarship award of $3,500. She is the daughter of Joe and Kristin Diehl. She is a senior at Virginia Polytechnic State University this fall, majoring in dairy science, with a focus on pre-veterinary medicine.
She grew up on Musser Run Jerseys, operated by her family. Her life has revolved around Jersey activities, from showing her first calf, Belle, at the age of six to giving a history of Elsie the cow to members attending the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association when she was 12. More recently, she attended Jersey Youth Academy in July and visited the Isle of Jersey with the Virginia Tech Dairy Club.
Diehl was an active 12-year member of 4-H, serving as president of both the county’s dairy and beef clubs.
A member of the Virginia Tech Dairy Club, she is a former intramural sports chair and currently serves as president. She has participated in Dairy Challenge at the regional and national levels and is now on the university’s dairy
judging team and the American Dairy Science quiz bowl team.
At Musser Run Jerseys, she was primarily a calf feeder and milker. This summer she worked for Huntingdon Vet Service, helping with herd checks and farm calls and administering vaccinations.
She received several scholarships from Virginia Tech, including the Bradley S. Johnson Scholarship and the Paul M. Reaves Scholarship, and earned one from the Center for Dairy Excellence too.
Long term, she plans to become a large animal veterinarian.
Morris B. Ewing ABS Global Genetic Performance Scholarship
Junior or senior undergraduate students seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing are eligible for this scholarship.
Madelynn Rose Hoffman, Manheim, Pa., is the recipient of the $2,750 Ewing Scholarship. The daughter of Curt and Psuche Hoffman is a senior at Cornell University, working on a major in animal science with a preveterinary concentration and a minor in microbiology.
Hoffman established her Registered Jersey at the age of 12 when she purchased a cow from a neighbor. She is involved in all aspects of operating the multi-species robotic dairy farm, from managing reproduction protocols and making breeding decisions to formulating rations. She is also involved in planning for the farm’s future, which includes a processing plant and an onfarm market.
She attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2021 and has shown cattle at the local level and the All American Jersey Show.
Hoffman has participated in dairy jeopardy, dairy bowl and dairy judging. She was president of her local 4-H club and served on the junior farm show committee for the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Active with FFA, she competed on the agricultural business management team that won the state contest and earned a gold medal at nationals.
She has also been involved with equestrian activities like dressage and trail riding.
During school, she ran track and cross-country and now trains for marathons.
At Cornell, she was a shift leader in the McArt lab, where she taught students how to collect blood, milk and body weights on research cattle and take uterine and rectal temperatures. She also maintained and updated records, processed blood samples, and managed supplies.
She will represent Cornell in the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge.
Looking ahead, she hopes to specialize in a food-animal practice with a focus on dairy and swine.
William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is available to high school graduates accepted into a college or university for the fall program of the school year (entering freshmen).
This year’s recipient of the $2,750 scholarship is Kiara Louise Konyn of Escondido, Calif. The daughter of Frank and Stacy Konyn, she is following in the footsteps of her sister, Kylie, and will attend UW-Madison to earn an undergraduate degree in the dairy and food animal management and pre-vet program.
At the family farm, she gives tours to visitors and helps with cow care and calf feeding. She and Kylie operate Aspire Holsteins and Jerseys.
Konyn served her local 4-H club, the 56 Ranchers, as treasurer, secretary, corresponding secretary and sergeant at arms and received a platinum star award. She has also been very active with state junior breed associations, including those for Jerseys, Brown Swiss and Angus. She was the corresponding secretary and reporter for the California Junior Holstein Association, which named her Breeder of the Future. She also recently received (continued to page 48)
Regan Jackson
Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award
Matthew Holton
Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award
Kaitlyn Crompton
Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award
45)
Jersey Youth Scholarships
(continued
a Distinguished Junior Member award from Holstein Association USA. Among her youth dairy activities are judging, quiz bowl and showing. She has helped Jersey Marketing Service with the All American Jersey Sale and worked with the Kash-In Jerseys show string at the All American in 2021. She has also helped with show strings for Maple Leigh Futures and Vorgrin Boarding at World Dairy Expo.
Konlyn was a member of the Ramona Junior Fair Steering Committee and an active athlete in school, playing varsity golf, water polo and swimming. She maintained dual enrollment in Palomar College and MiraCosta College to earn college credits and was a member of National Honor Society. She has graduated two dogs with Guide Dogs for the Blind, has another dog in training, and is raising a fourth puppy for the program.
Konyn will also receive scholarships from San Marcos Kiwanis and the San Diego County Fair, the California Holstein Association and county and local branches of Farm Bureau.
Her career goal is to become a large animal veterinarian.
The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is for students who have attended Jersey Youth Academy and are enrolled in an accredited fouryear college or university, majoring in an agriculture-based degree. The award is based on financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills.
The recipient of this $2,500 award is Clancey Christine Krahn, Albany, Ore. She is the daughter of Ben and Amy Krahn. A junior at Oklahoma State University (OSU), she is dual majoring in animal sciences/dairy production and agricultural communications and minoring in marketing.
She and her family own and operate Royal Riverside Farm, a vertically integrated Registered Jersey farm. In 2018, they built a creamery on the farm and began bottling milk. Today, milk is distributed to 60 stores and coffee shops across Oregon.
From “grass to glass,” Krahn’s experiences with Jerseys have shaped her and laid a strong foundation for her future in the dairy industry. She has been involved in all aspects of the farm’s operation, from daily chores to the show string to farm tours and
managing the on-site farm stand, The Classy Cow.
Krahn was active in both 4-H and FFA, serving the former as club president and the latter as both chapter and district president. She was the youth representative on the Linn County Livestock Auction Committee.
She was the fifth high individual in the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest and a national gold medalist in the FFA milk quality and product evaluation contest. In 2023, she was awarded the Oregon FFA Star Farmer and won the national dairy production entrepreneurship proficiency award.
An active exhibitor, she showed cattle at county and state fairs and the All American Junior Jersey Show, where she showed the Junior Champion in 2023. She also received laurels as grand champion showman at the Western National Jersey Show.
She was crowned National Jersey Queen and Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador in 2023.
She attended Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy and recently completed the U.S. Dairy Education and Training Consortium in Clovis, N.M., a six-week experience in dairy industry education.
At OSU, she is an officer in the Dairy Science Club, a mentor in Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and a member of Ag Communicators of Tomorrow. She is active with Chi Omega sorority and was recently selected as the Panhellenic senator for the student senate. She also competes on the university’s Dairy Challenge and dairy judging teams.
Krahn received a Klussendorf Scholarship and a Milk Marketing and Dairy Products Scholarship from National Dairy Shrine along with scholarships from the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association, the Oregon Cattlemen’s Association and AgWest Farm Credit.
Upon graduation, Krahn plans to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural communications and leadership from OSU. She will pursue a career as a trusted voice for farmers at the local, state and national levels through public relations, legislative outreach or marketing.
V. L. Peterson Scholarship
Students who have completed at least one year of college work are eligible for this scholarship.
Medicine at Louisiana State University. The daughter of Jill Thomas of Acampo, Calif., Hewitt graduated from Molalla High School in 2022 and earned an associate degree in agricultural science from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in the spring of 2025.
While she did not grow up on a dairy, Hewitt maintained a herd of Registered Jerseys at Lady-Lane Farm in Mulino, Ore., and was responsible for their care and work in the processing room at that dairy.
She was active in 4-H and FFA, serving the latter as chapter secretary and reporter. She exhibited cattle and participated in speaking competitions. She was crowned Western National Jersey Queen in 2022 and participated in the Oregon dairy princess program. She attended Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy.
She was the 2024 on-farm experience recipient of the Fred Stout Experience award. She interned with Misty Meadow Dairy in Tillamook, Ore., where she gained hands-on experience working with the hospital team at the main dairy every day and helping the dairy put on the Legacy of Legends Volume II Sale.
In high school, Hewitt was varsity softball captain for three years and played competitively on a club softball team.
At SDSU, she was a member of the dairy club, pre-veterinary club and swing dance club. She also has experience working in the equine teaching facility at SDSU, giving riding lessons to youth and trail rides to veterans and supporting university and outreach efforts.
Down the road, Hewitt’s goal is to become a large animal veterinarian focused on bovine care.
Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is presented to an eligible candidate in the 2024 National Youth Achievement Contest.
Receiving the $2,250 scholarship for the second time is Nicole Veronica Arrowsmith of Peach Bottom, Pa. She is a senior at Pennsylvania State University, majoring in agribusiness management.
She grew up on Hillacres Jersey Farm, a fully registered herd owned and operated by her parents, Tom and Amanda Arrowmith, and their family. Since 2003, the family has been pro
Jessica Haley Hewitt, Baton Rouge, La., will receive the $2,250 award. She is enrolled in the College of Veterinary (continued
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Jersey Youth Scholarships
cessing milk from the 60-cow herd into cheese and marketing under the Hillacres Pride label. Cheese is sold primarily at farmers’ markets.
Arrowsmith was active with 4-H and youth breed associations. She was social chair for the Lancaster Milkduds 4-H Club and secretary of the Lancaster Junior Holstein Association. She attended numerous state and national Jersey conventions and Jersey Youth Academy in 2021.
A favorite pastime is showing cattle, something she has done since she was small, trailing along the end of a halter. In 2023, she realized a lifelong dream: breeding and exhibiting a Junior All American. Her entry, Hillacres Chrome Hibiscus, was Junior All American Senior Three-Year-Old and Reserve All American in the open show. More recently, the family showed Grand and Reserve Grand Champion Jersey at the New York Spring Carousel.
Arrowsmith continued to hone her skills during an internship with Budjon Farms of Lomira, Wis., where she worked with the show cows and heifers this summer.
In high school, Arrowsmith participated in high school musicals, was a member of National Honor Society and class secretary.
Today she is a group leader in the afterschool program for Nittany Lions Reads/Nittany Lions Counts, active with the Penn State Dairy Science Club and chairs the Nittany Lion Fall Classic.
She plans to return to Hillacres Jersey Farm and further develop the herd and Hillacres Pride product line.
Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship
This award is for an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing or dairy product marketing. Through completed coursework and a goal statement, the student must demonstrate significant progress towards the degree and clear intent for a career in agriculture.
Keegan Medeiros, Laton, Calif., is the winner of the $1,500 Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship. The daughter of Melvin Medeiros and Christina Medeiros is a freshman at California State University-Monterey Bay (CSUMB), working on a degree in agribusiness supply chain management.
As a fourth-generation dairy
farmer, her journey began when she was 10, when her father bought her a Registered Jersey heifer named Kasual. This purchase was followed by another named Dakota. The herd now numbers 20 head.
She is also active with the dairy farm operated by her grandfather. Four years ago, he sold most of the Holsteins to transition to Jersey. Today, the herd is about 70% Jersey and 30% Holstein. Medeiros has been active with the Rural Route 4-H Club. She enjoys exhibiting her animals and mentoring other members about showing.
At Clovis West High School, she volunteered with a program to provide lunch activities, rallies and school dances and put on character-building lessons at the beginning of each semester. She was class president and played varsity basketball, a skill she will continue at CSUMB as a scholarship athlete.
She is also receiving scholarships from Fresno Kings Counties CattleWomen, Dairy Farmers of America, AgWest, the Junior League of Fresno and Hanford Elks along with the Nate Fellner Scholarship.
Medeiros plans to work in the dairy industry in milk marketing.
Bob Toole Youth Award
The Bob Toole Youth Award is designated for a high school graduate to fund either college expenses or a clearly defined practical educational experience related to breeding, developing, and showing Registered Jerseys.
This year’s recipient of the $1,500 Bob Toole Youth Award is Lee Frederick Taylor of Booneville, Miss. The son of Bradley and Carla Taylor is a freshman at Mississippi State University (MSU). His major is agribusiness with a concentration in management.
Taylor owns 30 head of Registered Jerseys that are managed with the 110-cow herd at Taylor Jersey Farm Inc., owned and operated by his family. His chore list includes milking, vaccinations, moving cattle, building and mending fences, servicing equipment, working in the fields cutting and raking hay, and tending the show cattle. He has shown since he could walk and has exhibited cattle in six states.
cream, butter and cheese. Taylor plans to improve the herd and expand cow numbers.
For the past two years, he has been an ambassador for Prentiss County 4-H. Since May, he has also been an ambassador for the Mississippi 4-H program. He has been vice president of the New Site FFA chapter, participated in dairy judging and helped to coach a dairy products judging team with FFA.
While in school, he was a member of the archery team and mentored younger team members.
Taylor also received the Ike Campbell Memorial 4-H Award and earned scholarships from the Dixie National Sale of Champions for supreme champion, dairy premier exhibitor and academics. He will also receive a freshman academic scholarship from MSU.
AJCA Director’s Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to a student (undergraduate or graduate) based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business.
Delaney Brooke Barber, DeWitt, Iowa, is the recipient of this $1,500 scholarship. The freshman at Iowa State University is the daughter of Curtis and Heidi Barber. She is majoring in agricultural business with a focus on finance and marketing.
She grew up on a dairy farm in eastern Iowa and was active in 4-H, FFA and Ladies in Livestock. She has served her local 4-H club as secretary and treasurer and was a group leader for FFA’s farm safety days three times.
Barber attended Jersey Youth Academy in July and has been a member of the crew helping Jersey Marketing Service manage the All American Jersey Sale and Pot O’Gold Sale for several years. She has also helped the Brown Swiss association with their sales.
She has also led resume and internship workshops for the Iowa Future Business Leaders of America and written materials for CAC Media Group, Ralco Show, Eastern Iowa Farmer, and Humps N Horns.
In high school, Barber was co-captain of the girls’ wrestling team and participated in cross country and track as well. She also completed general education college credits from Clinton Community College.
Barber won the Garland Bastin award from the North American In-
As he works on his degree, Taylor will also be involved in establishing an on-site processing facility to process A2 milk and raise Jersey-Angus crosses for local beef sales. Initially, the Taylors plan to bottle whole milk and then expand into flavored milk, ice (continued to page 52)
Jersey Youth Scholarships
ternational Livestock Exposition (NAILE) and scholarships from the Iowa Jersey Cattle Club, Iowa Farm Bureau, Midwest Dairy, Clinton County extension and the utility company Eastern Iowa REC. She was also the recipient of the Glen and Mary Jo Mente Endowed 4-H Scholarship.
Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award
There are two recipients of the Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award—Matthew Patrick Holton, Athens, Ga., and Kaitlyn Grace Crompton, Trenton, N.C. Both will receive $1,250 towards their schooling.
Holton is in his fourth year at the University of Georgia (UGA), working on his veterinary medicine degree, with an expected graduation in May 2026.
He and his twin, James, operate H2 Jersey Farm, a Registered Jersey herd in Dawson, Ga. Holton enjoys exhibiting cattle at state fairs in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, South Carolina and Tennessee and has shown at the All American Junior Jersey Show too.
Holton attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2015 and received several scholarships from the national Jersey organizations, including the RussellMalnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies and another Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award.
While earning his undergraduate degree at UGA, he was president of the Dairy Science Club and served on the banquet committee for the university’s Ducks Unlimited chapter. In vet school, he has been active with the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and the Theriogenology Club, serving as captain of the palpation team.
He has experience working in the All Animals Veterinary Hospital, was a breeding technician for Dogwood Genetics LLC and interned with Select Sires Inc.
Holton plans to pursue a career in bovine reproduction, working in a specialized practice that provides advanced services, like embryo transfer, in vitro fertilization and bull fertility programs that provide breeding soundness evaluations and semen collection.
He also plans to continue to expand and develop the H2 herd, with an emphasis on genetics that support both production and type. His long-term vision is to process vat-pasteurized, non-homogenized milk at an on-farm plant.
Crompton, a freshman at Virginia Tech, is the daughter of Scott and Amanda Crompton. She is double majoring in dairy science and agriculture education.
She got her start in the dairy world later than some, just a few years ago, and now has a herd that includes 10 Jersey heifers. She has shown them at local, state and national venues, including the 2024 All American Junior Jersey Show, where her winter yearling placed fourth.
This July, Crompton attended Jersey Youth Academy.
She is active in 4-H and FFA, serving the latter as chapter president. She has participated in dairy evaluation and showmanship clinics, quiz bowl and livestock judging. She was named Star Chapter Farmer and earned her State FFA Degree.
Crompton became involved in the North Carolina Dairy Youth Foundation in 2023. She participated in the youth showmasters circuit, placing fifth in senior showmanship in her inaugural year and then earned reserve champion laurels and a scholarship in 2024.
She was also involved with Girl Scouts, where she earned a gold award for a project focused on developing a dairy science curriculum for K-5 students in North Carolina public schools.
Cumulatively, she volunteered more than 200 hours of service teaching agriculture to youth through her work with 4-H, FFA and Girl Scouts.
At Jones Senior High School, she was treasurer of the student government and class president. She was a member of the National Honor Society and served the Neuse Federation as president. She was dual enrolled at Lenoir Community College, where she earned a certificate in sustainable agriculture and became a certified veterinary assistant.
She interned with North Carolina State Extension and has experience working with livestock at Serendipity Farm, a horse farm in Waxhaw, N.C., and Howard Family Farm in Harmony, N.C., and Onslow Feed and Grain.
Upon graduation, she plans to work in the dairy and education fields, advocating for dairy in eastern North Caro-
lina, an area where dairy farming once thrived but is now barely known.
Paul Jackson Scholarship
This scholarship is available to students who have completed at least one year of college work. It has been awarded since 1965 to honor Paul Jackson’s service to the Jersey breed.
Sara Lynne Reed, Columbia Cross Roads, Pa., will receive this year’s scholarship of $1,000. She is the daughter of Leonard and Erin Reed. She is a junior at Penn State, with a major in animal science and a minor in agribusiness management.
She and her family operate Ravineside Farm, a small herd of Registered Jerseys bred with a focus on type and show cattle. When not in school, she cares for the animals, customizes the nutrition program and researches genetics. She and her mother have shown at the local, state and national levels.
Reed was active in 4-H and FFA. She was president of the LeRoy Community 4-H Club and helped with educational events on fitting and judging for clubs in Bradford and Susquehanna counties. She was president and vice president of the Troy FFA Chapter and treasurer of the Bradford County FFA.
She is active with her state Jersey association and is vice president of the state junior Holstein club’s executive committee.
Reed was crowned Pennsylvania Jersey Queen in 2021 and placed among the top five in the national contest the following year. She attended Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy and is pursuing a career in genetics marketing after hearing a panelist speak.
She earned the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship in 2023 and the Lineweaver Scholarship last year.
At Penn State, she is a member of the dairy science club. She co-chaired the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale last year and is currently the chair for this year’s event. She also helped to run the Penn State Spring Dairy Exposition earlier this year.
Reed also received the Student Leader Scholarship from the Dairy Excellence Foundation and the Palmer Scholarship from Troy High School.
Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award
This scholarship recognizes accomplishments, abilities, and leadership potential and challenges the recipient to achieve full potential through continued Jersey activities.
Regan Leann Jackson, Boyce, Va.,
(continued to page 54)
is the winner of the $350 award. The daughter of Kevin and Laura Jackson, a senior at Louisiana State University (LSU), is majoring in nutrition and food science and minoring in biology.
Her family operated Waverly Farm in Clear Brook, Va., until the herd was dispersed and the family exited the dairy business in 2022. Though she downsized her herd, she preserved some of her best genetics and houses 10 cows at her aunt and uncle’s farm in Pennsylvania. Their current average final score is 88.6%, with five Excellent cows, including a 95-point cow.
Jackson’s passion shines in the show ring. She has shown at the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show 11 times and at NAILE 10 times. A highlight was showing WF Valentino Lokie to Grand Champion laurels of the open and junior shows at Harrisburg. She was also named Supreme Best Bred and Owned.
She attended Jersey Youth Academy and won the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest in 2023. She has also earned the Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award and served on the National Jersey Jug Committee. Her most impactful involvement was through two agriculture organizations: the Clarke County FFA Chapter and the Clarke-Frederick 4-H Dairy Club. She has been elected to nearly every position with each organization, including president, secretary and reporter. She earned her American FFA Degree in 2023 and was a member of teams that topped the state for dairy cattle evaluation and milk quality evaluation. She was also a member of the team that competed at the National 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest in 2021 and 4-H dairy judging teams that competed at NAILE and World Dairy Expo.
At the university, she is president of the LSU Dairy Science Club and has also served as vice president. She is also president of the American Dairy Sci-
ence Association-Undergraduate Division and active with the LSU Student Nutritional and Dietetics Association, the LSU Food and Nutrition Science Club and Block and Bridle. She has also served as the junior district director for the Virginia Junior Holstein Association since 2018.
Upon graduation, she plans to attend nursing school and work her way toward a career in medicine, whether through schooling to become a skilled and specialized nurse, a physician’s assistant or a medical doctor.
Awards for 2026-2027
Applications for Jersey youth scholarships will be accepted from April 1 through July 1, 2026. Forms will be available closer to the deadline and can be found at www.USJersey.com/ YouthProgram/scholarshipinfo.html. For more information, contact Kim Billman, AJCA director of communications, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362, or call 614/322-4451.
Search for 2025 National Jersey Queen Is Underway
The search for the 68th National Jersey Queen is underway.
The selection process which will take place November 8-9, during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky.
Any female member of the American Jersey Cattle Association (junior or Lifetime) between the ages of 16 and 22 as of January 1, 2025, may participate. Applications must be received in the AJCA office not later than October 15.
Participants will take a written test on general dairy and Jersey breed knowledge and interview with a three-member judging panel on Friday, November 7.
On Friday they will also assist with The All American Junior Jersey Show before the final competition on Saturday morning. At the Youth Awards Ceremony the contestants will showcase their public speaking abilities before the final five are announced. The final candidates will then answer a question in front of the crowd.
The final contestants will assist with the All American Jersey Sale and the All American Jersey Heifer Show be-
fore the 2025 National Jersey Queen and her court are announced at the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity on Sunday, November 9. They will then preside over the remaining weekend events.
The new Queen will succeed current Queen, Emma Townsend, Lafayette, Ind.
The Queen and court will present the sashes as the Jersey All Americans of 2025 are selected in The 73rd All American Jersey Cow Show. They will also preside over the prestigous National Jersey Jug Futurity on Sunday afternoon.
The complete schedule of events, contest elements and judging scorecard, are found on the USJersey website.
The 68th National Jersey Queen will promote the Jersey breed and represent members of the American Jersey Cattle Association throughout the year at local, state and national events including the 2026 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Springfield, Mo. Her activities are featured @USJerseyQueen on Facebook.
The Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund Scholarships provides $1,000 in scholarships for the
sunbow@wk.net
Queen and alternates, plus financial support for the Queen’s travel after her selection.
For more information about participating in or supporting the National Jersey Queen development program, contact the AJCA Communications Department at 614/861-3636, or email info@usjersey.com with “National Jersey Queen” in the subject line.
The All American Jersey Show & Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March.
October 8 is the deadline for open and junior show entries. Final payments for three-year-old nominations for the 2025 National Jersey Jug Futurity are due on September 20. For premium list with show rules and entry forms, visit livestockexpo.org or call 502/595-3166.
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December 1 Deadline for Stout Experience Award
Persons who have a strong desire to pursue a career in managing and/or marketing Registered Jersey™ cattle are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Fred Stout Experience awards.
The awards are presented annually in memory of Fred J. Stout Sr., Mt. Carmel, Ill., a lifelong Jersey breeder and member of the Jersey Marketing Service staff from 1978 to 1997 who believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world.
Awards will be made for two paid internships, one with Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and the other an on-farm, customized experience on a Jersey dairy operation. The awards, provided by a permanent endowment created by friends and colleagues of Fred Stout, will pay for housing, travel and related activities required by the cooperating employer up to the maximum amount of the scholarship award.
Applicants must have completed their high school education. To apply, visit http://bit.do/Stout-Experience to download the application. Interested applicants will answer a series of questions stating your ambitions, goals and career aspirations, including plans for achieving them. A one-page résumé listing previous work experience, education, activities and awards is also needed.
Two letters of support are required, one from an active breeder of Registered
natalie.sanders@hotmail.com
Jersey™ cattle, excluding immediate family members; and the other from a teacher, mentor or past employer. These must be mailed directly by the supporters to the USJersey office. Applications and letters of support must be postmarked no later than December 1, 2025, and addressed to Fred Stout Experience, American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 430682362. They can also be submitted by email to info@usjersey.com.
Previous recipients of the Fred Stout Experience Award are Tara Bohnert, Illinois (2003); Allison Waggoner, South Carolina (2004); Dan Bauer, Wisconsin (2005); Aaron Horst, Pennsylvania (2006); Jacob Pieper, Maryland (2007); Katie Albaugh, Maryland (2008); Brady Core, Kentucky (2009); Kim Wilson, Missouri, and Ivy Roberts, Florida (2010); Joseph Fjarlie,
Wisconsin, and Amy Maxwell, Iowa (2011); Robert McGarry, Vermont, and Lyman Rudgers, New York (2012); Meagan Bolen, Ohio, and Wyatt Smith, Minnesota (2013); Olivia Pearson, North Carolina, and Meagan Chittenden, New York (2014); Tyler French, South Carolina, and Gerret Boer, Texas (2015); Austin Woods, Wisconsin, and Laura Bell (2016); Tyler Kirchdoerfer, Missouri, and Blake Koehn, Oklahoma (2017); Amanda LoRusso, Connecticut (2018); Brennan Topp, Ohio, and Abigail Grimm, Minnesota (2019); Hannah Diehl, Pennsylvania (2020); Elizabeth Gross, Pennsylvania; Meghan Hettinga, Iowa (2021); Maria Joy Poock, Missouri; and Jayme Ozburn, Tennessee (2022); Emma Vos, Wisconsin (2023); Margaret Brady, Georgia and Jessica Hewitt, Oregon (2024); and Jackie Mudd, Indiana. (2025).
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$200,000 High Seller Steals Spotlight at Keightley-Core Sale
Chasing the kind of show ring genetics of which dreams are made, buyers gathered at Keightley and Core Jersey Farm in Salvisa, Ky., on June 28, 2025. Many came hoping to secure the next champion for their show string. By evening’s end, 75 lots sold for an average of $8,696.67, led by a young cow that commanded $200,000 — and did just that for her new owners in the months after the sale.
17
10
8
30
7
3
75
Sale Management: Keightley and Core Jerseys Auctioneer: Chris Hill
“Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and Core” was hosted by American Jersey Cattle Association Master Breeders Jeff and Alta Mae Core and their family. The lineup included genetics from their renowned herd along with guest consignments across the country. The sale was held in conjunction with the annual meetings of the national Jersey organizations and followed the Jersey Youth Academy Benefit Auction earlier that day.
In all, 54 buyers from 21 states, stretching coast to coast and border to border, made purchases.
In spirited bidding, the partnership of Iager and Walton outlasted all others to add the high seller, Schulte Bros Victorious Future, to the show string
Core, struck off for $200,000 to Glamourview-Iager
and Core,
and
at Glamourview in Walkersville, Md.
At $200,000, she is the Jersey breed’s historical second-highest-selling female at public auction behind Payneside Mac N Cheese, who sold for $267,000 in 2015.
Appraised Excellent-91% four days before the sale, the junior three-year-old is sired by River Valley Victorious-ET, GJPI -7, and backed by a bannerwinning family. She freshened with her second calf in early April. Last year, she was Grand Champion at the Iowa State Fair and All American Summer Junior Two-Year-Old. For her new owners, she was tapped Intermediate and Reserve Grand Champion of the Maryland State Fair in late August.
“Future’s” dam, Schulte Bros Colt First Lady-ET, Excellent-93%, has a three lactation m.e. average of 20,748—992— 777. She has four Excellent and four high Very Good maternal sisters. Included in this group is Schulte Bros Colton Fergalicious-ET, Very Good-88%, Reserve Supreme Junior Champion of the 2021 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE), with 24,980 lbs. milk, 1,339 lbs. fat and 945 lbs. protein at 3-4. Another maternal sister, Schulte Bros Colton FameET, was Junior Champion of the All American Junior Jersey Show in 2020. A third was Reserve Junior Champion of the junior show the following year. Their dam, Pleasant Nook Guns Foxy Lady, Excellent-91%, has a three lactation m.e. average of 18,247—734—
663. She was Reserve All American Summer Yearling in 2015 and Reserve Intermediate Champion of the Iowa State Fair the next year. The next dam is EX 91-5E in Canada. The next dam is Pleasant Nook Sambo Frolic, SUP-EX 91-6E (CAN). She has 22,006 lbs. milk, 959 lbs. fat and 770 lbs. protein and earned three silver production awards in Canada.
“Future” was consigned by Keightley and Core, Schulte Bros. and Diane Borba, Salvisa, Ky.
A daughter of the reigning Supreme Champion of World Dairy Expo and the NAILE was the second high seller. The partnership of Josh, Kate, Eli and Noah Arp and Delon Mortimer, Norwalk, Ohio, placed the final bid of $25,500 on Vierra Baileys Brilliance. The spring calf is sired by St-Lo Video-ET, GJPI -37.
Schulte Bros Victorious Future was the high seller of Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and
and Walton. She was consigned by Keightley
Schulte Bros
Diane Borba. “Future” is the second highest selling female in breed history. Photo courtesy Brilee Tucker.
The consignors of the high seller — Jeff and Alta Mae Core of Keightley and Core Jerseys, Diane Borba, and Mark and Blake Schulte — catch up after the sale to celebrate. Photo courtesy Erica Davis.
Jersey breeders enjoy the sale and a bit of Kentucky hospitality at Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and Core. The sale was held in conjunction with the annual meetings of the national Jersey organizations and the benefit auction for Jersey Youth Academy earlier in the day. Photo courtesy Erica Davis.
Her highly decorated dam, Stoney Point Joel Bailey, Excellent-97%, has also been Reserve Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo and Grand Champion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF), both in 2023. She has five lactations and made her best record of 22,030 lbs. milk, 1,120 lbs. fat and 796 lbs. protein at 4-2.
“Brilliance’s” grandam, Stoney Point Vendetta Bridget, Very Good-82%, has a top record of 6-6 305 17,120 4.6% 793 3.6% 618 94DCR. The next two dams are appraised Very Good as well.
“Brilliance” was consigned by Vierra Dairy Farms, Hilmar, Calif.
The third high seller, MB-Luckylady Joels Flare-ET, was purchased by the Flare Syndicate of Salvisa, Ky., for $21,000. The spring calf is sired by Guimo Joel-ET, GJPI -107, and out of Marlau Comerica Fabienne, SUP EX 94-3E (CAN). “Fabienne” was Reserve Intermediate Champion of the Central National Jersey Show and All-Canadian Milking Yearling in 2011. She has a top record of 8-4 305 20,057 6.0% 1,105 4.0% 796 and earned a two-star brood cow award from Jersey Canada in 2018.
“Flare’s” maternal sister, MB Lucky Lady Feliz Navidad-ET, Excellent-93%, was Reserve Intermediate Champion of the RAWF in 2016 and Grand Champion in 2017. The following year, she was Grand Champion of the Central National Jersey Show and Reserve AllCanadian Four-Year-Old.
“Flare’s” grandam, Hautpre Furor Fabulous-ET, VG 87 (CAN), has nine complete lactations and received a sixstar brood cow award in 2022. Several of her maternal sisters have earned production and brood cow awards from Jersey Canada as well. Hautpre Apache Farwest-ET, VG 89 (CAN), a triple Hall of Fame recipient, has a top record of 25,545 lbs. milk, 1,215 lbs. fat and 968 lbs. and protein. Another sister
Some of the members of the team that helped make Dreaming of Triple Crowns at Keightley and Core a resounding success. In all, 75 lots sold for an average of $8,696.67. Fifty-four buyers from 21 states made purchases. Photo courtesy Erica Davis.
is a double Hall of Fame winner and has 27,737 lbs. milk, 1,402 lbs. fat and 1,160 lbs. protein at 6-5.
The third dam, Responses Farren, EX 91 (CAN), has a best record of 4-8 305 26,279 5.4% 1,422 4.0% 1,058. She was fifth two-year-old at the Central National Jersey Show in 1997 and received a 14-star brood cow award in 2015. The next dam is Excellent-91% in Canada and made 23,350 lbs. milk, 1,107 lbs. fat and 793 lbs. protein at 9-6.
“Glare” was consigned by Frank and Diane Borba, Modesto, Calif.
Another fancy-pedigreed young cow, Carters Corners Ferdinand AmberET, sold for the fourth high price of $16,000. Consigned by Keightley and Core and Louie Cozzitorto of Salvisa, the partnership of Keightley and Core, Frank and Diane Borba, Jackson Powers and Charlotte Borba placed the last bid retain ownership of the Isau Lightning Ridge Ferdinand, GJPI -28, daughter. She calved in mid-June and was appraised Very Good-89% at 1-9 in the days leading to the sale. She has a projected m.e. of 18,019—816—646 on her first lactation. She is entered in the 2027 National Jersey Jug Futurity.
“Amber’s” dam is an Excellent-94% daughter of River Valley Cece Choice, GJPI +26, that stood second in the junior three-year-old class at the Midwest Spring National in 2022. She has an Excellent and three Very Good maternal sisters. Their dam is Krohlow Comerica Anna, Excellent-95%, the 2021 Reserve National Grand Champion. She was Reserve All American Five-Year-Old the previous year. She has an m.e. average of 21,010—1,126—723 on five lactations.
Lisa Gibson, Eminence, Ky., purchased the fifth high seller, Miss Glamour Van Halens Guitar-ET, for $14,000. The spring calf sired by Big Guns Colton Van Halen-ET, GJPI -89, hails from the “Gorgeous” family developed in Canada.
“Guitar’s” dam, MM-T Pockets Andreas Glamour-ET, is a Very Good87% daughter of Sunset Canyon Andreas, GJPI -141. “Glamour’s” maternal sister, MM-T Pockets Game On-ET, Excellent-90%, was Supreme Champion of the 2023 Ohio Spring Expo. Their dam is Rapid Bay Redpath Glowbug, EX 91 (CAN). She has 17,415 lbs. milk, 774 lbs. fat and 614 lbs. protein at 3-9. The next dam, Rapid Bay Indiana Glory, EX 93-2E (CAN), is a three-star brood cow and has a top record of 25,911 lbs. milk, 1,319 lbs. bat and 871 lbs. protein.
“Guitar’s” fourth dam, Vandenberg
Amedeo Gorgeous, EX 97-3E (CAN), has a best record of 8-2 305 23,278 6.0% 1,394 3.8% 891 and earned a 15-star brood cow award. She is a three-time Grand Champion of the RAWF and was the Supreme Champion of the show in Toronto, Ont., twice.
Madison Fisher and Ben and Sara Kronberg of Frostburg, Md., consigned “Guitar” to the sale.
SVHeaths Colton Jazlyn-ET was the sixth high seller at $13,000, purchased by Ela May Genetics, a syndicate of Ava, Ivy and Liv Hebgen, of DeForest, Wis. The Excellent-93% four-year-old is sired by Chilli Action Colton-ET, GJPI -52. For consignors, Maci and Camryn Crothers of Pitcher, N.Y., she was Reserve Intermediate Champion of the New York Spring Carousel in 2024 and received Reserve Grand Champion laurels of the show this year.
“Jazlyn” has a maternal brother in A.I. and four Excellent and four Very Good maternal sisters. Their dam, SVHeaths Tequila Jolie, Excellent-94%, was Reserve Intermediate Champion of the 2019 All American Jersey Show and Reserve All American Five-YearOld two years later. The next dam is an Excellent-91% daughter of Arethusa Verbatim Response-ET, GJPI -72. She has three Excellent maternal sisters, including SV/Heaths Giller June, Excellent-91%, winner of the junior three-year-old class at the Maryland State Fair in 2013. The next two dams are Excellent as well.
Sales $6,000 and Over (Consignors in Parentheses)
Glamourview-Iager and Walton, Walkersville, Md.
Schulte Bros Victorious Future, cow 3 yrs. $200,000 (Keightley and Core, Schulte Bros. and Diane Borba, Salvisa, Ky.)
Josh, Kate, Eli and Noah Arp and Delon Mortimer, Norwalk, Ohio
Kamryn, Kate and Colt Kasbergen and Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif.
KCJF/Lucky Lady Sting Dream-It-ET 7,400 (Keightley-Core and Borba)
Lauren Wooldridge and Elise Carpenter, Coxs Creek, Ky.
Caliban Spotlight 2901, cow 3 yrs. 7,100 (Kevin and Jacob Lutz and Alice Grigg, Lincolnton, N.C.) Lost-Brooke Colton Velour, open yearling 18 mos. 6,200 (Carly and Emily Shaw and Reuben Schaapman, Fairplay, Md.)
KCJF/Lucky Lady Video Dream-Gig-ET, heifer calf 8 mos. 6,200
(Keightley-Core and Borba)
Ken and Karla Deaver, Stotts City, Mo.
First choice female sired by either Mr Kathies Kid Orck or River Valley Victorious-ET and out of Schulte Bros Colt First Lady-ET 6,000 (Crestbrooke, Lost Elm and Cybil Fisher, Fond du Lac, Wis.)
Meadowview Dairy, Leola, Pa.
Rights to IVF any milking female from Keightley and Core Jerseys herd. 6,600
(Keightley-Core and Borba, Salvisa, Ky.)
2025 Jersey All Americans to be Crowned in Louisville
The 73rd All American Jersey Show & Sale returns November 7-10 to the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.
Premiums totaling more than $46,000 will be awarded in three shows. Last year’s All American assembled xxx Registered Jerseys™ representing more than 1xx dairy operations, making it the largest single-site exhibition of Jerseys in the United States and the world for 2024.
The All American Junior Jersey Show is scheduled for Friday, November 7. Judging in the Jersey ring is Christy Ratliff, Garnett, Kan. Her consultant will be Chad Ryan, Fond du Lac, Wis. This is one of the richest youthonly shows in the world with premiums totaling $9,625, plus an additional $5,000 in direct financial support for exhibitors provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The 72nd National Jersey Jug Futurity will award estimated premiums of $10,000 on Sunday, November 9. A total of 1,071 heifers were nominated for the show in 2022, and 398 are still eligible to make the final entry fee due September 20. They will be judged by Trent Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill. His consultant will be Shawn Nehls, Hustisford, Wis.
The open division of The All American Jersey Show is scheduled for Sunday and Monday, November 9 and 10 and will be judged by Ryan Krohlow, Poynette, Wis. His consultant will be Madison Fisher, Frostburg, Md.
The first and second place entries in each class of all shows will be named the All American and Reserve All American winners for 2025 by the American Jersey Cattle Association. The shows will
be streamed live from Freedom Hall via webcast at www.livestockexpo.org.
Two sales, both managed by Jersey Marketing Service of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, are scheduled.
The 68th Pot O’Gold Sale will be on Saturday, November 8 in the West Hall of the Expo Center at 1:00 p.m. The youth-only sale will offer 30 genomicevaluated heifers that will be eligible to compete in a production contest in 2028.
The 73nd All American Jersey Sale is the premier showcase for Registered Jersey™ genetics in the United States. Selection is underway to offer 50 outstanding females along with high-ranking genomic young sires on Saturday, November 9 at 3:30 p.m. in the Kentucky Exposition Center’s West Hall.
Both sales will be broadcast live with online bidding at Cowbuyer.com (www. cowbuyer.com).
Friday, November 7
7:30 a.m. The 73rd All American Junior Jersey Show, Freedom Hall (starting with showmanship, followed by heifer show and cows)
6:00 p.m. Selection of the Supreme Champion heifer and cow of the North American Junior Dairy Shows
Saturday, November 8
9:00 a.m. Youth Awards Ceremony; West Hall
12:00 p.m. Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds Youth Public Speaking Contest, West Hall
1:00 p.m. 68th Pot O’Gold Sale, West Hall
3:00 p.m. All American Pre-Sale social
3:30 p.m. All American Jersey Sale, West Hall B
Sunday, November 9
7:30 a.m. The 73rd All American Jersey Heifer Show, Freedom Hall
2:00 p.m. 72nd National Jersey Jug Futurity, Crowning of the National Jersey Queen, Freedom Hall
Monday, November 10
7:30 a.m. The 73rd All American Jersey Cow Show, Freedom Hall
2:00 p.m. Selection of the Supreme Champions of the North American Dairy Shows
Visit the NAILE website at livestockexpo.org or call 502/595-3166 for complete premium list with show rules and entry forms. October 8 is the deadline for open and junior show entries. Final nominations for the National Jersey Jug Futurity are due September 20 to the AJCA office.
The headquarters for the All American is the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport (502/637-2424). A reservation code must be used and are posted with room rates on the USJersey.com News page (see link for News Releases).
The All American Jersey Show & Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore., is the General Chair for the 2025 events, with Herby Lutz, Chester, S.C., serving as Associate General Chair. Committee chairs are Sale, Cornell Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.; Open Show, Joe Rocha, Tillamook, Ore.; Jersey Jug Futurity, Amy Krahn, Albany, Ore.; and Junior Show & Activities, Laura Jackson, Boyce, Va. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March.
JerseyTags Permanent identification that fits your needs
Calf with Inventory Tag
Dam with matching Custom ID Tags
Inventory and Custom ID Tags
Tag Elements
Combinations
Ordering from USJersey
Superior visibility, low cost JerseyTags permanent national ID
Button back RFID 840 tag
Button front For left ear placement Get lowest cost permanent ID by using button pairs for calves at birth. Buttons display unique national ID number and management number. Button tag, $0.85 per tag set (front and back, one ear). 840 RFID button tag (white only), $2.65 per tag for REAP herds, $2.75 for non-REAP herds.
Large back Large back
Large front Maxi front
Left: For use as Inventory or Customized after registration is completed. Easy-to-read herd management number in two sizes: medium (illustrated on male tag) and large (female tag). Large front panel measuring 2¼” wide can also be paired with Button back. Large tag with choice of back, $1.50 for REAP herds, $1.60, non-REAP herds.
Right: 3” wide front panel in Maxi size available with back-side printing. Can also be paired with a Button back or Large back (shown). Maxi tag with choice of back, $1.75 for REAP herds, $1.85 for non-REAP herds.
Inventory Bundle of Large front with your choice of Button back (shown) or Large back, RFID 840 tag plus Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU) for
Start with Inventory JerseyTags imprinted with the herd management number and unique national ID number for lifetime identification in the U.S. dairy records system.
Custom JerseyTags are then ordered after the registration process is complete. Design the tag with the information you use most, such as:
calf date of birth (choice of mm/dd/yr or mm/yr format)
barn name of calf
sire’s short name
sire’s NAAB code number dam ID number or name dam ID and date of birth, or add your own imprint: up to 12 characters and spaces on one line for Large tags, or up to 15 characters and spaces per line, up to two lines, with the Maxi tag.
See all custom tag options, then create your perfect tags at the JerseyTags store, under the Services menu when you log on to infoJersey. Tags available in white plus seven colors.
herdservices@USJersey.com email
In Memoriam
Pauline Carver Westergard
Pauline Carver Westergard, Ogden, Utah, 69, passed away on July 13, 2025.
She was born on November 15, 1955, in Ogden, a daughter of Larry J. and Charlene Hazel Barrett Carver. She graduated from Weber High School in 1974 and married Delwyn Val Westergard in the Ogden Latter-day Saints Temple in 1977. She and her family operated Westergard Jerseys, a Registered Jersey herd in Ogden.
Pauline was a member of the Farr West 6th Ward, where she was an active member serving in many capacities. She had been a member of the Farr West 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th wards as well, serving as relief society president.
She was a special friend to many. Despite her health challenges, she always went above and beyond to call on and send cards and letters. She was known for her exceptional penmanship, and her kind acts of service and love will be missed.
Pauline loved to travel with her family. She enjoyed road trip adventures to Disneyland and the national parks, among others. Cherished memories include pillow fights at the hotel and gathering stickers to decorate her trusty scooter.
A favored pastime was shoeing horses with her dad and riding horses, especially her horse Joke. She also enjoyed reading, sewing, playing the piano and spending time with her cats. Above all, she enjoyed spoiling her granddaughter, Lilly Mae Steedley, the light of her life.
In addition to her husband, Delwyn, and lone granddaughter, Lilly, she is survived by three children, Daryn J. Westergard, Kristyn (Rob) Steedley and Megan Westergard; siblings Kenneth (Susan) Carver and Tom (Rosario) Carver; in-laws Lurlene, Vurlia, Diane and Max (Marcell) Westergard; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who brought joy to her life. The family is grateful for her special home care nurse, Ronal.
She was preceded in death by her parents and in-laws, Frank and Emeretta Westergard, and brothers-inlaw, Gerlynn and Len Westergard. In lieu of flowers, the family urges you to buy a shake or slushie as a cold treat in memory of Pauline and cherish the memories. Memorials may be made to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Humanitarian Fund.
Robert Elliott James
Robert “Bob” Elliott James, Blacksburg, Va., 76, passed away on August 21, 2025, in Salem, Va., from a sudden illness.
Beloved by many, Bob led a life of enthusiasm and generosity, finding ways to deliver joy to others every day.
He was born on May 12, 1949, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, to the late Homer Marks James and Elizabeth Setman. He earned an agriculture degree from the University of Delaware in 1971 and then received a master’s degree from Virginia Polytechnic State Institute in 1975 and a Ph.D. from the university three years later.
He was a professor and extension specialist in dairy science at Virginia Tech, specializing in calf nutrition, until his retirement in 2016.
Known to many as Dr. Bob, he helped to start the Professional Dairy Heifer Growers Association, now known as the Dairy Calf and Heifer Association. He was also a consultant with Down Home Heifer Solutions and a calf management specialist with GPS Dairy Consultants. He was instrumental in developing the Dairy Herd Improvement Association’s gold standards for raising dairy calves, heifers and dairy-beef animals.
He also bred Registered Jerseys using the prefix Down Home and worked with the national Jersey organizations on several projects, including a series of webinars on Jersey nutrition aired in 2018.
Bob embraced the mantra “no regrets” and lived every day to the fullest. He loved spending his time mentoring students and colleagues, telling stories, traveling domestically and internationally, riding his bicycle and motorcycle, working in his yard and garden, lecturing in classrooms and at conferences, showing dogs, donating platelets, and authoring publications and video blogs. More than anything, though, he enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Elizabeth Ann Dunnington of Blacksburg; his daughters, Erin (Doug) Ling of Blacksburg and Lindsay (Eric) Nyquist of Los Angeles, Calif.; his sister, Virginia “Jini” James of Melbourne, Fla.; two grandchildren; and his many students, colleagues and friends whom he considered family.
In his memory, consider donating to one of Bob’s favorite causes: Blacksburg Interfaith Food Pantry or Feeding Southwest Virginia.
John Paul Meimer
John Paul Meimer, Mount Gilead, Ohio, 79, passed away on August 29, 2025, at his home.
He was born on August 25, 1946, in Massillon, Ohio, to the late John and Marie (Bender) Meimer. He graduated from Massillon High School, then earned an undergraduate degree from Malone University and a master’s degree from Adelphi University.
John worked for MedCentral in the information help desk department until his retirement.
He married the love of his life, Eddie Lou, in Mount Gilead on June 9, 1968, at Gilead Friends Church. Together, they spent their life raising their children on Pleiades Farm, a Registered Jersey farm in Mount Gilead. John also enjoyed spending time at the Worthington Farmers Market, where he and Eddie Lou sold their Pleiades Maple Products.
John was a member of Abundant Life Fellowship. He helped with the sound system and performed computer work for the church.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, Eddie Lou, he is survived by his children, James “Jim” (Mary) Meimer of Mount Gilead and Terri (Jeremy) Kestner of Sylvania; and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by a grandson and his brother, Ronald Meimer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Abundant Life Fellowship Church.
