Matthew and Alicia Derr, Linden, Pa., received one of six Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies June 28, 2019, during the association’s 151st Annual Meeting in Canton, Ohio.
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 Derrs own and operate Heavens Blessins Jerseys with their two young sons, Blake and Luke. They milk 85 Registered Jerseys and have an actual rolling herd average of 19,596 lbs. milk, 925 lbs. fat and 706 lbs. protein. Their appraisal average is 82.6% with 12 Excellent and 53 Very Good animals and have bred nine cows to make AJCA Honor Roll records.
The herd has been recognized by the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association (PJCA) on numerous occasions as a top-producer for milk, fat and protein. They also rank nationally among the top 10 among similar herd sizes (80-149 lactations).
The couple is active in the PJCA to improve and promote Jerseys in the state. Matt has served as a state director since 2011 and is the club’s current vice president. He and Alicia have both chaired the club’s youth charity auction and served on the financial and hospitality committee when the club hosted the 2017 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings.
The American Jersey Cattle Association was organized in 1868 to improve and promote the Jersey breed. Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has served Jersey owners by promoting the increased production and sale of Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on its programs and services, visit www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.
