Posted: January 12, 2012 at 5:08 pm
By News Editor
The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has announced that new records for production by Registered Jersey™ cows were established in 2011.
The official Jersey lactation average increased to 18,633 lbs. milk, 889 lbs. fat, and 676 lbs. protein. On a Cheddar cheese equivalent basis, average yield was 2,294 pounds. All are new category records.
A record 91,028 lactations were processed by the AJCA, an increase of 51.4% in 10 years.
The lactation average is calculated on a standardized 305-day, twice daily, mature equivalent (m.e.) basis.
These records for Jersey production come on the heels of a study published in the January, 2012 issue of Journal of Dairy Science that documents lower production inputs and reduced environmental impacts of Jersey milk production because of higher component levels and small body mass to be maintained.
Source: American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: December 29, 2011 at 7:25 pm
By News Editor
Memorial gifts were received from 11 different donors through December 10, 2011 for Jersey Youth Academy.
The Jersey Youth Academy was created in 2008 by the Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association to attract, educate and retain talented young people for careers in the Jersey dairy business. The program is conducted every two years, with all program costs paid by the Academy fund.
Calvin and Lorraine Covington, Clemmons, N.C., made a contribution in memory of Norma “Duffy” Lyon, Toledo, Iowa. Known the world over as “the Butter Cow Lady,” Duffy was named an AJCA Honorary Member in 2007 and was World Dairy Expo’s Dairywoman of the Year in 1990.
Memorial gifts were also received honoring Neal F. Schirm, Canal Winchester, Ohio. A lifelong Jersey breeder, Schirm served as Director of the American Jersey Cattle Club and received the AJCA Distinguished Service Award in 2004. He was one of the founders and original delegates to the Central Ohio Breeders Association. Making contributions were J. Lawrence and Barbara C. Benson, New Lebanon, N.Y.; Frank and Diane Bordonaro, Mineral Ridge, Ohio; Arlene Chamberlain, Wyoming, N.Y.; COBA/Select Sires, Inc., Columbus, Ohio; Mary S. Creek, Hagerstown, Md.; D. Todd and Kelly J. Kranz, Dublin, Ohio; Lawrence E. and Betty E. Neel, Lancaster, Ohio; the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association Inc.; Jeanne and Harold Schacht, Canal Winchester, Ohio; and Wickstrom Jersey Farms, Inc., Hilmar, Calif.
Jersey Youth Academy is exempt from federal income taxes under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. For more information on contributing to the Academy endowment or any of the other permanent funds managed by the American Jersey Cattle Association, contact the Development Department at 614/322-4456.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: December 27, 2011 at 6:24 pm
By News Editor
The team of Jersey breeders who will lead The 60th All American Jersey Shows & Sales were announced today by the general chairman for 2012, Mike Fremstad, Westby, Wis.
An annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, the All American is held in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. More than 100 Jersey breeders and enthusiasts from across the country donate their services to planning and staging the three shows, two sales and youth awards banquet that make up the most exciting weekend of dairy breed promotion in the world.
Jim Quist, Fresno, Calif., will chair the Sale Committee, succeeding Corey Lutz, Lincolnton, N.C., who will serve as the 2012 associate general chairman. The 2012 associate chair for the sale committee will be Pat Gourley, Portland, Ore.
Chair of the Open Show Committee will be Joshua Gordon, Warsaw, Ind. Named associate chair was C. Neal Smith, Smyrna, Tenn.
Wesley Blankenship, Jackson, Tenn., will chair the meeting of the Junior Activities Committee, with William Grammer, Sebring, Ohio, serving as the associate chair. Also serving on this committee will be the 2011 National Jersey Queen, Cassy Krull, Lake Mills, Wis.
The National Jersey Jug Futurity Committee will be led by Brooke Core Powers, Richmond, Ky. Dennis Post, Clinton, Wis., is the associate chair.
Source: US Jersey
Posted: December 20, 2011 at 9:32 pm
By News Editor
Ten young people were recently honored for their accomplishments in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. The top three honorees were Amber Ettinger, of Kinards, S.C., Kyle Schirm, of West Salem, Ohio and Cassandra Chittenden, of Schodack Landing, N.Y.
The contest recognizes outstanding achievement by junior Jersey breeders in four areas: work with Registered Jerseys™, related dairy activities, relative progress, and future goals. They were selected from 17 outstanding youth nominated by state Jersey associations, based on their cumulative record through December 31, 2010.
Amber Ettinger, daughter of Ed and Cheryl Ettinger of Kinards, S.C., is the winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. A junior majoring in dairy science at Virginia Tech, she has completed 14 years with Jersey youth projects. Over that time, she has developed a herd of 28 cows and 25 heifers with the cows averaging 19,265 lbs. milk, 892 lbs. fat and 663 lbs. protein, mature equivalent, in 2010. For the past three years, Amber has placed first in the South Carolina Jersey Production Contest. In 2010, she was second alternate in the National Jersey Queen Contest.
Ranking second was Kyle Schirm, the son of Paul and Dawn Schirm, West Salem, Ohio. By making key purchases at the Pot O’Gold Sale and more recently utilizing sexed semen, he now owns 19 cows and 11 heifers. The average of 11 lactation records completed in 2010 was 17,589 lbs. milk, 818 lbs. fat and 648 lbs. protein, with four of his cows scored Excellent. Selected for the first Jersey Youth Academy, Kyle is majoring in finance at Ashland University. In 2010, Kyle received the Peter Jackson Scholarship and earned his American FFA Degree.
Third place went to Cassandra Chittenden, a fourth-generation Jersey breeder from Schodack Landing, N.Y., and daughter of Brian and Beth Chittenden. She now owns a herd of 28 cows, averaging 20,381 lbs. milk, 1,003 lbs. fat and 709 lbs. protein in 2010. She is a sophomore at Cornell University, majoring in animal sciences with plans to minor in agribusiness. As a student at Cornell, she is a member of the Red Carpet Society, an organization that hosts prospective students and provides guests with college experiences. Cassandra was a member of the first class of Jersey Youth Academy classes and received numerous state and national scholarships last year.
Ranking fourth through tenth in the contest were:
- Kelli Ann Carstensen, a junior at California Polytechnic State University majoring in dairy science with an agribusiness minor with plans to attend law school.
- Stacey A. Theobald, the daughter of Charles and Amy Theobald, Creamton, Pa. Stacey is a student at Penn State University majoring in animal science.
- Cassandra Krull, the daughter of Cindy Krull and the late Brian Krull of Lake Mills, Wis. She is a freshman at Allen County Community College in Kansas, majoring in agribusiness.
- Kara Maxwell, daughter of John Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa. During her 13 years of participation in Jersey youth activities, she has developed a herd of 22 cows and 24 heifers with the cows averaging 20,065 lbs. milk, 1,021 lbs. fat and 760 lbs. protein.
- Tera Koebel, daughter of Terry and Jennie Koebel, of Three Oaks, Mich. She is a senior at Michigan State University majoring in agribusiness management.
- Avery Lutz, daughter of Wayne and Karen Lutz, Mocksville, N.C. A student at New River Community College Avery has achieved considerable success with her Jerseys.
- Corbin Wood, son of Steve and Christine Wood, Littlestown, Pa. He is a sophomore at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, associated with Penn State University, majoring in building construction technology.
Source: American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: December 16, 2011 at 3:23 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Brad Barham, of Calhoun, Tenn., for being named the American Jersey Association’s Business Development Specialist.
In this newly created position, Barham will market and provide customer support for internet-based Herd Services, genomic testing services and young sire development programs, in addition to seeking new domestic and international business for the USJersey organizations. He will be based in the headquarters offices in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
Barham received a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tennessee Wesleyan College in May of 2010, and was selected by the faculty to receive the Townsend Award for all-around excellence among members of the graduating class. A scholarship basketball player and Dean’s List student, Brad was inducted into the Alpha Chi academic honor society in 2009 and was one of 94 national Daktronics-NAIA Scholar Athletes in 2010.
Over the past decade, Brad has been genetic and reproduction manager at Barham Jersey Farm, a 210-cow Registered Jersey™ herd enrolled on the AJCA REAP program and member of Dixieland Jersey Sires Inc. He has negotiated more than 30 contracts with eight A.I. organizations in the last two years, facilitated early adoption of genomic testing in the herd, and coordinates its embryo transfer program. Brad was also instrumental in the creation of the Bar-Berry partnership with Berry College, Mt. Berry, Ga., and securing A.I. contracts for the college Jersey dairy.
Barham was selected for the inaugural class of Jersey Youth Academy (2009). He was the ninth-high individual overall, and fourth in Jerseys, at the 2004 National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Contest. He was also an intern at ABS Global, Inc., acquiring training in marketing, sales, and reproductive technologies.
For the past year, he has worked as retail sales representative with Verizon Wireless, earning numerous recognitions for sales and overall performance.
Source: American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: December 12, 2011 at 7:42 pm
By News Editor
Persons who have a strong desire to pursue a career in managing and/or marketing Registered Jersey™ cattle are encouraged to apply for the 2012 Fred Stout Experience awards. Applications and letters of support must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, February 1, 2012. Complete rules here.
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.
Two awards will be offered: (1) a minimum 10-week summer marketing internship with Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and (2) a minimum 10-week on-farm, structured internship in Jersey herd management. Financial support is provided by a permanent endowment created by friends and colleagues of Fred Stout.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: December 6, 2011 at 4:41 pm
By News Editor
Jersey Marketing Service has hired Jason Robinson and Erica Davis. Robinson has been named Manager of Jersey Marketing Service and Davis will assist with marketing and promotion for all JMS activities and provide on-site support for public auctions.
As manager, Robinson will be responsible for all day-to-day operations of Jersey Marketing Service. Robinson brings over 20 years experience in livestock marketing to this position. Orion Cattle Services was established as a professional service provider to purebred cattle marketers in 1998, and he has steadily grown the business to work from 30 to 35 tie-up and commercial sales annually. He has worked extensively with the Guernsey Breeders Association; Modern Associates, St. Paris, Ohio; Brown Swiss Sale Service LLC, Lake Mills, Wis.; and since 2005, Jersey Marketing Service.
Jason has served as a 4-H leader and as secretary-treasurer for the livestock and sale committees in Fayette County, Ohio, and is currently a director of the Ohio Milking Shorthorn Society. He bred and owned the unanimous 2010 All American Junior 3-Year-Old, Blue Spruce HTA Melody Mya. She was Reserve Intermediate Champion of the 2010 International Milking Shorthorn Show at World Dairy Expo.
A native of Kutztown, Pa., Erica Davis grew up on her family’s 120-head dairy operation, Daview Farm. She was selected a National Distinguished Junior Member by Holstein Association USA in 2000, and was twice a member of the champion team in the National Junior Holstein Quiz Bowl.
Davis earned a B.S. degree in agricultural science with a minor in agricultural communications from The Pennsylvania State University in 2004. She completed internships as World Wide Sires Ltd. and Accelerated Genetics, then joined the staff of Purebred Publishing Inc. as editor of Ayrshire Digest for two years. Erica also served one year as editor of the Ohio Jersey News. For the past eight years, she has also worked preparing cattle of all breeds for shows and sales.
Source: US Jersey
Posted: November 21, 2011 at 9:23 pm
By News Editor
Seventeen Jersey youth between the ages of 9 and 20 from 11 states have been recognized by the American Jersey Cattle Association as the owners of the Junior All American winners for 2011.
The awards were announced November 5 during The 59th All American Junior Jersey Show in Freedom Hall, Louisville, Ky. Imprinted certificates were presented to the owner of each winner before a large ringside audience by AJCA President Robert Bignami and association Executive Secretary Neal Smith. The presentations were also broadcast worldwide on live streaming internet video provided by the North American International Livestock Exposition.
The Junior All American Four-Year-Old, Claessic Fields Vindicat Genie, was selected by judge Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., as Grand Champion of the 207-head show. “Genie” was exhibited by Ben Sauder of Tremont, Ill.
Sauder’s All American Junior Three-Year-Old, South Mountain Voltage Spice-ET, was named Reserve Grand Champion. In all, Ben exhibited four All Americans and three Reserve All Americans. He was the show’s Premier Exhibitor.
The Junior All American Summer Junior Yearling, Sunset Canyon Governor FP Belle-ET, was Junior Champion for Valery Silva, Beaver, Ore. Crestbrooke Socrates Madeline-ET, the Junior All American Junior Yearling, was Reserve Junior Champion for Kyle Natzke, Fond du Lac, Wis.
Premier Breeder honors went to George Colpetzer, Greenville, Penna., who exhibited a Junior All American and Reserve Junior All American during the show. Other exhibitors receiving multiple awards were Allison Massey of Wartrace, Tenn., and Megan Hill, Bristol, Vt.
Source: USJersey
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Posted: November 10, 2011 at 7:20 pm
By News Editor
The Grand Champions in the open and junior divisions of The 59th All American Jersey Show were named the Supreme Champions of the 2011 North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) dairy shows.
Pine Haven SSM Marmie, Excellent-94%, was the open show Supreme Champion, receiving a check for $2,500 sponsored by Kentucky Farm Bureau. She was first and Best Udder in the four-year-old class judged by Herby D. Lutz, Chester, S.C., and named the All American Four-Year-Old of 2011 for owners Nic, Jeni, Ben and Andy Sauder, Tremont, Ill. “Marmie” was Reserve Supreme Champion at this year’s World Dairy Expo.
Claessic Fields Vindicat Genie, owned by Ben Sauder, was the Junior Show Supreme Champion, receiving $2,000 from the Kentucky Dairy Development Council. Judge Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., selected her as the first place four-year-old in The All American Junior Jersey Show. She is scored Excellent-93% and was the Supreme Champion of the 2010 World Dairy Expo Junior Show.
Source: The All American Jersey Show & Sale
Posted: November 9, 2011 at 8:10 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Cassandra Krull, of Lake Mills, Wis. – the new National Jersey Queen!
Cassy will represent Jersey breeders for the next year with her participation in events such as the Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association, World Dairy Expo and The 60th All American Jersey Shows & Sales.
The National Jersey Queen contest lasted two days with 10 outstanding young women from across the country competing for the coveted crown. Participants had to pass a general dairy knowledge test, were interviewed by a panel of judges, and prepared a two-minute video presentation that demonstrated their ability to represent the Jersey breed through public speaking.
On the tanbark trail, in the classroom, in 4-H and FFA and in her community, Cassy is a tireless promoter for the dairy industry and agriculture. These activities were recognized by a top 10 ranking in the 2010 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, being selected for the 2010 Garland Bastin-NAILE Scholarship, and her selection to the second Jersey Youth Academy this past July. She was an honor roll student all through high school, and is a freshman at Allen County Community College in Iola, Kansas.
Cassie Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., was named first alternate in the contest. Cassie is a fourth-generation Jersey breeder with numerous accomplishments to her credit. She received third place in the 2010 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, a third award in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest, and showed the winner of the Sunbow Farms Trophy for high producing cow of the 2011 All American Junior Jersey Show. A sophomore at Cornell University, Cassie was selected for Jersey Youth Academy’s inaugural class in 2009.
Kelli Carstensen, Petaluma, Calif., was the second alternate. She ranked fourth in the 2010 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest and received the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship. She is a junior at California Polytechnic State University, majoring in dairy science with a minor in agricultural business. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in dairy cattle genetics or marketing, or continue on to law school to become an agricultural lawyer. Kelli was a member of the second class of Jersey Youth Academy.
The Queen and her court presented awards for the National Jersey Jug Futurity and The 59th All American Jersey Show, plus assisted with the clerking of The All American Jersey Sale.
The Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund provided scholarships of $500, $300 and $200 to the Queen and two alternates.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Associationstrong>
Posted: October 31, 2011 at 5:17 pm
By News Editor
Two Registered Jersey™ heifers, one donated by Brentwood Farms, Orland, Calif., and the other by the TJF/Lee Syndicate of Boonville, Miss., will sell for the benefit of national Jersey youth programs at The 59th All American Jersey Sale on November 6, 2011 in Louisville, Ky.
BW Region Louisa W418, sired by Maackdairy Region-ET (GJPI 91), has been donated by AJCA President Robert Bignami in memory of Norma “Duffy” Lyon, the Jersey woman from Toledo, Iowa who achieved international fame as “The Butter Cow Lady.” She studied animal science at Iowa State University, where she met her husband of 61 years, G. Joe Lyon, a past-President of both the American Jersey Cattle Club and National All-Jersey Inc. Together they raised nine children. “Duffy” was honored with Honorary Membership in the American Jersey Cattle Association at its 2007 Annual Meeting.
The heifer is out of BW Louie Louisa ET681-ET, projected to 24,320-958-786 m.e. on her first lactation and ranked seventh in the nation for genomic Jersey Performance Index™ (October, 2011). The heifer’s grandam is BW Avery Katie ET121-ET, Excellent-93% with four lactations over 30,000 lbs. milk. She has 18 sons in A.I. service, among them the bull syndicated in 2008 to provide seed money for the highly successful Jersey Youth Academy, BW Academy-ET (GJPI 168).
Proceeds from this heifer are designated for the Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund, created in 1993 to commemorate his 37 years of service to the Jersey breed. It provides financial support for youth activities, primarily at The All American Junior Show.
The second heifer, TJF/Lee Valentino Mamme 980-ET, is a Vision Gift to Jersey Youth Academy by her owners, Bradley and Carla Taylor and Lynn Lee. She is ranked on the AJCA Top 500 Heifer List for genomic JPI (215) and carries an A.I. contract. Sired by All Lynns Louie Valentino-ET (GJPI 261), her dam is Vantage Lemvig Mamme, Excellent, with four lactations averaging 22,920-1,101-838 m.e. and the dam of 13 sons in A.I. service.
Source: American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: October 18, 2011 at 7:24 pm
By News Editor
Cris and Doris Rocha, Tillamook, Ore., have donated a fancy junior calf to sell for the benefit of the Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund at The 59th All American Jersey Sale on November 6, 2011 in Louisville, Ky.
Rocha Blackstone Francesca, sired by Lencrest Blackstone-ET, GJPI 97, is out of the Excellent-91% Rocha Iatola Francesca, with 2-11 305 16,070 5.1% 820 3.7% 600 and projected to 17,127-845-625 m.e. on her third lactation. The heifer’s grandam is a Very Good-88% daughter of Bridon Sambo Charismatic-ET with four records averaging 19,192-960-683 m.e.
The National Jersey Queen Scholarship Fund was established in 2005 by Jersey dairy women interested in expanding travel and educational opportunities for the National Jersey Queen and members of the court. It provided a $500 scholarship and all-expenses paid travel to three national Jersey events for 2010 National Jersey Queen, Lena Sweeney, Visalia, Calif. Scholarships of $300 and $200, respectively, were also provided to the two alternate Queens: Tera Koebel, Three Oaks, Mich., and Amber Ettinger, Kinards, S.C.
The National Jersey Queen contest is held in conjunction with The All American Jersey Shows and Sales, scheduled for November 5 through 7 in Louisville, Ky. Over the two-day contest, the contestants complete a general dairy knowledge test, are interviewed by a panel of judges, and prepare a two-minute video presentation demonstrating their public speaking skills. The 2011 Queen and court will be announced the evening of November 5, then formally introduced at the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity, November 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST in Freedom Hall at the Kentucky Exposition Center.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: August 30, 2011 at 7:13 pm
By News Editor
Entries for the 59th All American Jersey Show & Sale are due by September 20. The show will be held at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., November 5 to 7. The headquarters for the All American is the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport.
The All American Junior Jersey Show is scheduled for Saturday, November 5. Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., is the judge with Dean Dohle, Half Way, Mo., serving as his consultant. This is one of the richest junior shows in the world with $8,875 in premiums offered, plus an additional $5,000 in exhibitor support being provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The 58th National Jersey Jug Futurity on Sunday, November 6 offers an estimated $10,000 in premiums. It will be judged by Chris Lahmers, Marysville, Ohio. His consultant will be John Erbsen, Lanark, Ill.
The open division of The All American Jersey Show is set to take place on November 7 and will be judged by Herby D. Lutz, Chester, S.C. His consultant will be Andrew Vander Meulen, Brighton, Ontario.
The first and second place entries in each class of all shows will be named the All American and Reserve All American winners for 2011 by the American Jersey Cattle Association. The shows will be streamed live from Freedom Hall via webcast.
Two sales, both managed by Jersey Marketing Service of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, will also occur that same weekend.
The 59th All American Jersey Sale, the premier showcase for Registered Jersey™ genetics in the United States, will offer 75 lots on the evening of Sunday, November 6.
A total of 35 Registered Jersey™ heifers—all genomically tested—will be offered to youth between seven and 20 years of age in the 54th Pot O’Gold Sale. Cow’s Match® Jersey Blend is the Presenting Sponsor of this sale on Saturday, November 5.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: August 9, 2011 at 6:09 pm
By News Editor
Attention researchers interested in work involving the Jersey dairy cattle breed: the AJCC Research Foundation is seeking research proposals to be funded in 2012. Proposals should address significant issues for the Jersey breed and Jersey milk producers.
Current priorities for research funding are:
· Nutrition of high-producing Jerseys, particularly practical feeding methods to maximize production of valuable milk components;
· Factors affecting management of Jersey calves;
· Factors affecting yield and/or quality of products manufactured from Jersey milk;
· Factors affecting economic impact of Jerseys: efficiencies, net income, longevity, and lifetime profit;
· Optimizing the genetic basis for improving animal health and/or enhancing product quality;
· Enhancing environmental impact associated with Jerseys;
· New technologies for safe and sustainable food production from Jersey cattle; and
· Feasibility of adding value and increasing consumer acceptance of Jersey-derived products through enhanced product quality and branding.
Application deadline is Thursday, December 1, 2011. The Research Advisory Committee of the American Jersey Cattle Association will evaluate the proposals, then forward its recommendations to the AJCA Board of Directors, which will award funds at its meeting in March 2012.
Detailed information about the Competitive Grants Program can be found here.
Source: US Jersey
Posted: August 4, 2011 at 2:55 pm
By News Editor
Congratulation to Londa M. Johnson of Fitchburg, Wis. for being named an Area Representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., effective July 25, 2011.
Johnson will provide on-farm service in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, and also travel nationwide as an evaluator for the AJCA Linear Type Traits Appraisal program.
Johnson has been a dairy production specialist with Landmark Services Cooperative providing nutrition management services since May of 2010. She earned a B.S. degree in dairy science from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, with a minor in business and professional communications. In 2009, Johnson was a member of the UW-River Falls team that placed second in the National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, and was the eighth high individual overall. She also served as president of the UWRF Dairy Club and co-chair of the 2010 Falcon Premier Sale.
Londa was selected for the inaugural class of Jersey Youth Academy in 2009. That same year, she was a participant in the International Collegiate Ag Leadership Program for China and Vietnam and completed a progeny promotions internship at ABS Global Inc.
A native of Minnesota, Johnson grew up on her family’s Holstein and Jersey dairy farm in rural LaCrescent. In addition to helping with ongoing herd management, she coordinated mating decisions for the herd and prepared cattle for shows.
She was awarded the American FFA Degree and elected state sentinel for Minnesota FFA (2006). In addition to being runner-up in the Princess Kay of the Milky Way competition, Londa was chosen as a National Beef Ambassador (2006-07).
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: August 1, 2011 at 3:50 pm
By News Editor
Eight junior members of the American Jersey Cattle Association displayed impressive depth of breed knowledge and engaging presentation styles during the sixth national Jersey youth public speaking contest, TalkJersey.
The contest, offering cash awards sponsored by ABS Global Inc., De Forest, Wis. Contestants could speak about any topic related to Jersey cattle or Jersey milk, including current affairs and dairy industry trends. Presentations were scored on content and organization (25 points), language and voice (10 points), presentation (5 points), and total effectiveness (5 points). Each contestant received written evaluations from each member of the judging panel.
Rankings in each division were as follows.
Division I (7-10 years)
1. Katarina Emerich, Mooers, N.Y., “The Importance of Animal ID”
Division II (11-13 years)
1. Allison Foster, Portage, Wis., “Why Jerseys”
2. Gerret Boer, Dalhart, Texas, “Heat Stress and the Brown Cow”
Division III (14-16 years)
1. Sydney Endres, Lodi, Wis., “The Queen of Cows: Jerseys”
2. Meghan Skiba, Cambridge, Minn., “Jerseys: A Dairy Good Fortune”
3. Ben Grammer, Sebring, Ohio, “Why Go With Jerseys”
Division IV (17-20 years)
1. Kara A. Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa, “Sexed Semen”
2. Kaitlyn Riley, Gays Mills, Wis., “Spreading Word about the Farming Industry”
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 31, 2011 at 5:50 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Kevin and Cari Knapp of Larchwood, Iowa for receiving the Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
The Knapps are the perfect example of what can happen when city meets country. Kevin worked with and owned dairy cattle off and on until he met Cari, who managed a 320-cow dairy herd. Cari received her bachelor’s degree in dairy science from South Dakota State University. When the couple married in 2002, they blended their knowledge and experiences to expand their herd to 50 cows.
“Kevin and Cari have a very strong interest in the genetic development of their herd and have the results to show that it is working,” said Eric Lyon, Lyon Jerseys, Toledo, Iowa, in a letter supporting their nomination. Today’s herd consists of 95 cows in milk with a 2010 AJCA lactation average of 19,202 lbs. milk, 928 lbs. fat, 673 lbs. protein with 2,313 lbs. cheese yield per cow. The couple has set a goal for their REAP herd to be at 20,000 lbs. milk with 5.0% fat and 4.0% protein.
As for the future of Knapp Time Dairy, Kevin and Cari have considered different avenues offered by being a Registered Jersey™ farm, including bottling their own milk under the All-Jersey® label. Kevin and Cari also hope to instill the same love and excitement they have for Jerseys into their five children, as they feel there is no better way to raise a family and teach valuable life lessons than on a Jersey dairy farm.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 26, 2011 at 9:03 am
By News Editor
Congratulations to David L. Brandau, Wilton, Wis., for receiving the AJCA-NAJ Award for Meritorious Service.
This award is given annually to a living individual who, in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the national Jersey organizations, 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.
David grew up on his family’s farm near Wilton, Wis., as a third-generation breeder of Registered Jerseys™. He started at the Jersey organizations in July of 1981 as Equity Specialist with National All-Jersey Inc. and later added responsibilities as AJCA-NAJ Area Representative for the Upper Midwest region.
Brandau’s work focused on educating producers and cooperatives on the benefits of high-component milk and the need for equitable milk pricing to improve cheese yields. A key part of this was to enlist the financial support for this effort through the Equity check-off. “The Jersey breed would not be enjoying the success it is today without people like David on the front line gaining financial support for the program,” said Calvin Covington, former Executive Secretary and CEO of the USJersey organizations.
A major victory occurred when the five Upper Midwest Federal Milk Marketing Orders implemented multiple component pricing. David played a key role in bringing all the major cooperatives and dairy organizations in the area together to discuss equitable milk pricing. An excerpt of the Upper Midwest final decision dated August 2, 1995 is still posted in Brandau’s home office.
David and his wife Cathy reside at their farm in southwest Wisconsin and have two grown sons. He continues to support Jersey business and milk marketing development through his membership in the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association and independent consulting.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 22, 2011 at 5:29 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Donald S. Sherman, of Hilmar, Calif., for receiving the Distinguished Service Award of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The Distinguished Service Award is presented by the Board of Directors to 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 made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.
Sherman is one of 11 people in breed history to receive the two highest awards—the Distinguished Service Award and the Master Breeder award—presented by the American Jersey Cattle Association and the first to be presented with them in consecutive years.
Donald Sherman grew up on Orestimba Dairy, a highly regarded Registered Jersey™ herd owned by his parents and uncle, and returned to the family farm in 1970 after graduation from Modesto Junior College and a four-year stint in the U.S. Marine Corp. He and his wife, Elsa, set out on their own eight years later and established D&E Jerseys with the purchase of 75 milking cows. That herd currently numbers 575 milking cows. A second dairy, Avi-Lanche Jerseys, was established in 2006 in Dalhart, Texas. This herd of 2,200 cows is owned with son-in-law and daughter, Richard and Jennifer Avila.
Sherman held key leadership positions during much of the period that has been dubbed the “Golden Decade of Jersey Breed Expansion” and helped pave the road for record-breaking performance by the USJersey organizations since 2000. He was elected to the Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association in 1996, serving two three-year terms. In 2004, he was elected President of the association, serving three one-year terms.
As a director, Sherman chaired the Breed Improvement Committee and co-chaired the Type Advisory Committee. He also served on the organization’s Investment Advisory Committee, where his business experience and service on a local bank advisory committee made him a particularly effective member.
Sherman is an untiring advocate of Jersey youth programs. Every year, D&E Jerseys can be counted on to consign to and/or buy at the National Heifer Sale, which provides ongoing financial support for the national program. To boost financial resources of general scholarship fund, they donated all proceeds from the sale of D&E Rebel Scholar-ET at the The All American Jersey Sale in 2005. Donnie and Elsa also sponsor the Nanette Sherman-Taylor Memorial Scholarship for California juniors, in memory of their late daughter.
Sherman is a founding member of Jerseyland Sires Inc. and Hilmar Cheese Company, the largest, single-site cheese and whey product manufacturing facility in the world. He is frequently asked to speak about the success of Hilmar Cheese, domestically and abroad. He stresses the importance of Jersey milk for a profitable cheese business and production-bred genetics for a profitable dairy business.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
Posted: July 20, 2011 at 5:56 pm
By News Editor
Congratulations to Christy Hansen, Canby, Ore., for receiving the Young Jersey Breeder Award.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
The ability to develop outstanding Registered Jersey™ cattle runs in the family at Cascadia Farm. Christy purchased her first Jersey calf in 1985 at the Washington County (Ore.) Junior Jersey Sale, bidding on the first animal to enter the ring. After attending college and earning a Bachelor of Science degree in business management, Christy went back to Cascadia to join her parents and brother in operating the dairy.
Christy is responsible for the majority of the mating decisions at Cascadia, where she has developed a progressive breeding philosophy that takes into account both high production and type traits for fitness and longevity.
The average appraisal score of the herd is 83% and the December 2010 AJCA lactation average was 15,718 lbs. milk, 643 lbs. fat, and 567 lbs. protein on 143 records. The farm also has five heifers on the Top 500 Heifer list (May 2011), and one cow ranked on the Top 1.5% list for Genomic Jersey Performance Index (GJPI).
For more than a decade now, Christy has served as treasurer for the Oregon Jersey Cattle Club. She played an instrumental role in the planning and operation of the 2010 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Portland, Ore.
Source: The American Jersey Cattle Association
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