Young people in the dairy industry continue to amaze me with their outstanding achievements. Like these ten young Jersey breeders who have been selected for recognition in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, sponsored annually since 1957 by the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
The contest honors outstanding achievement by junior Jersey breeders in four areas: work with Registered JerseysT, related dairy activities, relative progress, and future goals. They were selected from 14 outstanding youth nominated by state Jersey associations, based on their cumulative record through December 31, 2006.
The top three honorees are:
Renée E. Norman, Liberty, Pa., is the winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest for 2006. She is also the recipient of the V. L. Peterson Scholarship presented by the American Jersey Cattle Association for 2007. The daughter of David and Aggie Norman is currently a senior at The Pennsylvania State University, majoring in animal sciences with a business/management option.
Aaron M. Horst, Chambersburg, Pa., ranked second in the contest. He is the son of Kevin and Linda Horst and a junior at Virginia Tech University, majoring in dairy science. He was the recipient of the Fred Stout Experience Award in 2006, completing a summer internship with Jersey Marketing Service.
Katherine Ann Rector of Turlock, Calif., ranked third. The daughter of Benny and Janice Rector is enrolled in her third year at California Polytechnic State University studying dairy science and ag journalism. She was named the Star American Farmer for California FFA in 2006.
The Top 10 include:
Sara LaFever, the 2005 National Jersey Queen who is also a dedicated breeder of Registered JerseysT with significant management responsibilities at her family’s LaLu Farm;
Neal Frerichs, of Frerichs’ Dairy Inc., La Grange, Texas, a recent graduate of Blinn Junior College who has undertaken significant responsibilities for managing the 225-cow operation which includes “The Jersey Barnyard” public touring facility;
Jessica Stiles, Boonsboro, Md., who exhibited the Reserve Grand Champion of the 1998 All American Junior Jersey Show and has developed an outstanding herd that averaged 20,842 lbs. milk, 973 lbs. fat and 747 lbs. protein in 2006;
Christine Lee Wagner, Moscow, Penna., a senior at Delaware Valley College who has excelled for many years as an exhibitor and showman in the state;
Tyler Lee Boyd, Parrottsville, Tenn., a freshman at Vanderbilt University who among numerous accomplishments is the breeder and owner of a Top 200 JPIT cow contracted by major A.I. organizations;
Bradley Frerichs, La Grange, Texas, a successful participant in many Texas dairy cattle judging contests and leader in his local 4-H club; and
Amanda R. Curtis, Anna, Ohio, a graduate of Columbus State Community College with a degree in veterinary technology and the exhibitor of the Supreme Champion of the junior show at last year’s World Dairy Expo.