Attention all Junior members and parents.

A reminder that Monday, August 1 is the deadline to have your Registered Jerseys transferred to be eligible to show at the All American Junior Jersey Show.

Here are the steps a junior (under 20 years of age) needs to take in order to show a Jersey at all shows. Can an animal be leased or does the animal need to be transferred into the junior’s ownership?

The answer is simple: File a transfer of ownership so that the junior is listed as a Recorded Owner on the registration certificate.

Ownership rules vary from state to state. Some do allow leasing. Others allow animals to be registered in the farm name, but require that paperwork be completed and filed certifying that an animal is the junior’s 4-H or FFA project.

What about the All American Junior Jersey Show, the biggest junior Jersey show of the year?

The ownership policy is as follows:

• Animals are eligible when recorded by the American Jersey Cattle Association in the Herd Register or with Generation Count 4 or greater, or by Jersey Canada with registry status of 93.75% and greater.
• The exhibitor must be listed as Recorded Owner on the registration certificate, either (1) as the sole owner or (2) by his/her name in joint ownership. If the joint ownership includes more than one person meeting the eligibility requirements of Rule 1 (above), one of them must be declared as the exhibitor during check-in.
• Animals must be registered and/or transferred to meet one of the above ownership requirements on or before August 1, 2022. The recording date is the postmark date and will be considered the date of registration and/or transfer.

To read more about the implementation of Generation Count for national shows, please visit the USJersey website for more information.

So, submit the transfer of ownership as soon as you figure out which animals are going to be the projects this year. That one step will save you the effort of researching the exhibitor ownership requirements for all the shows you are considering.

A final note: Exhibitors at the All American Junior Jersey Show are also required to be members (junior or lifetime) of the American Jersey Cattle Association. Applications for membership are available online at USJersey.com.

For more information contact the Director of Communications at info@usjersey.com.

Brattleboro, Vt., June 23, 2022 — For the 2022 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder, returning home to farm was always a clear choice. Now, 30-year-old Mitch Kappelman manages his family’s dairy, Meadow Brook Farms. Because of his enthusiasm for dairy farming and the Registered Holstein® cow, Holstein Association USA is proud to honor Kappelman with the 2022 Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award.

Located near Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Meadow Brook Farms milks around 425 cows, three times a day, in a double-nine parallel parlor. The rolling herd average is just over 30,000 pounds of milk, with 1,230 pounds of fat and 927 pounds of protein. They are currently at 4.1% fat and 3.1% protein.

Through the years, Kappelman’s passion for agriculture was ignited as he competed in shows and activities like Dairy Bowl through the National Junior Holstein Association. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison and graduated with a degree in dairy science in 2013.

After working as a herd analyst for a couple of years, Kappelman followed his heart back home to the farm. “I loved the genetics side of things and working with other farmers, but there’s nothing like working with your own cows,” he says.

Today, Kappelman is involved in all of the day-to-day activities at Meadow Brook Farms, where his biggest priorities are managing employees and cow health. He is always striving for new genetic goals with his Registered Holsteins, while remaining focused on keeping cows healthy and comfortable.

Kappelman has taken on leadership roles in his local Manitowoc County Holstein Association, serving on the board for six years. He’s also a graduate of Class 10 of the Holstein Foundation’s Young Dairy Leaders Institute (YDLI). As he looks ahead, Kappelman plans to continue his involvement in the dairy industry, both on and off the farm.

“To win this award means that I’m on the right track,” he says. “It means I’m doing good things, but that doesn’t mean I want to stop. I want to keep going, I want to do more, I want to be better. And I’m excited for where that future is going to lead.”

About the Award

The Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder award recognizes significant accomplishments of young Registered Holstein® breeders for their commitment to preserving the dairy industry and for achieving excellence in their daily lives. Mitch Kappelman will be recognized on July 1 during the 2022 National Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Brattleboro, Vt., June 21, 2022 — The Registered Holstein® herd at Sandy-Valley Farms in Scandinavia, Wisconsin, has achieved the sought-after balance of cattle with high type and genomic value. Their herd’s elite genetics have performed well not only at Sandy-Valley Farms, but also across the nation and throughout the world.

Holstein Association USA is pleased to honor the Bauer brothers of Sandy-Valley Farms with the 2022 Elite Breeder Award. The influence of their herd’s top-notch genetics on the progress of Registered Holsteins is a testament to their dedication and hard work over the years.

Although the family is no longer farming, the positive contributions Sandy-Valley genetics have had on the Holstein breed will leave a lasting influence. The four Bauer brothers — Frank, Patrick, David, and Greg — worked together to achieve their goals, along with Frank’s children, Danae and Ethan.

The familys commitment to breeding high-quality genetics led to much success for Sandy-Valley Farms over the years. “With the Registered Holsteins, there is tremendous opportunity to market your genetics,” Greg Bauer says.

This includes both cows and sires. Sandy-Valley developed an outstanding set of high index animals over the years, including two number one TPI® bulls, a number one CTPI cow, and a number one GTPI female.

Sandy-Valley Farms bred an impressive 107 Dams of Merit and 106 Gold Medal Dams, including 46 cows receiving both distinctions. They also bred 10 Gold Medal Sires and a total of 186 Excellent females and males. In 2019, Holstein International recognized them as number six on the “25 Most Influential Breeders of the Last 25 Years” list, as selected by their readers.

The Bauer brothers’ thirst for knowledge and determination to find the best mating resulted in a uniform group of cows with flawless udders, sound feet and legs, and solid production. “Our main goal was to breed a cow the commercial dairyman could respect and the type oriented breeder could admire,? Bauer says. “We wanted our cows to fit both categories.”

About the Award

The Elite Breeder award is bestowed annually upon a living Holstein Association USA member, family, partnership or corporation who has bred outstanding animals and made a notable contribution to the advancement of U.S. Registered Holsteins. The Bauer family of Sandy-Valley Farms will be recognized during the 2022 National Holstein Convention July 1 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Jeff and Alta Mae Core, Salvisa, Ky., have been named the 79^th recipients of the Master Breeder award of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). The Cores operate Keightley-Core Jersey Farm, a 70-cow Registered Jersey herd, with their children, Brooke, Brady and Brittany, and their families and breed cattle using the KCJF prefix.

The Master Breeder award is bestowed annually to a living AJCA member, family, partnership, or corporation that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has bred outstanding animals for many years and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.

Jersey breeders could argue the semantics of what constitutes “outstanding animals,” quite literally, until the cows come home. But most would agree, Keightley-Core Jersey Farm embodies the concept. In a nutshell, KCJF is a herd of Registered Jerseys that pays the bills and looks good doing it.

With their cows, the Cores have won nearly every conceivable piece of hardware on the tanbark trail and earned countless awards for production. They have sent bulls to A.I. and marketed cattle that have thrived for other breeders across the globe. Jeff and Alta Mae have been recognized by their peers for achievement and service, passed their passion for Jersey cattle to their children, and laid the groundwork for future generations to continue the Keightley-Core legacy of farming.

Their story is also a real life, cow farming fairy tale. Jeff hails from a Jersey farm in Iowa, Alta Mae from a Jersey dairy in Kentucky. In the early years, what they had in common was a love of showing cattle. In the late-1970s, they traveled with their families to Louisville, Ky., for The All American Jersey Show and met, an encounter that shaped the future for them both. They married in 1980 and got a start dairying on the farm owned by her parents, the late A. J. and Adelene Keightley, in McAfee, Ky. They purchased the 250-acre farm in Salvisa in 1987 and farmed with her mother upon the passing of her father.

“Is there a more storied beginning to such recognizable breeders than meeting and falling in love at The All American Jersey Show,” wrote daughter Brooke Powers of Lexington, Ky., secretary/treasurer of the Kentucky Jersey Cattle Club.

From that moment on, they have shone in many facets of the dairy world, continued Powers. But hands down, their biggest moments have come at the bedrock of their avocations, The All American Jersey Show.

This resume includes seven Premier Breeder banners, two Premier Exhibitor banners, three National Grand Champions, a homebred National Grand Champion, six NASCO Type and Production Winners, and two Genomic Jersey Performance Index (GJPI) Grand Champions. In the National Jersey Jug Futurity, the Cores have shown three homebred winners and a reserve winner and bred four of the top 10 cows in the 2019 class. As well, Brady showed a four-time Junior National Grand Champion, Brooke took home four banners for Reserve Junior National Grand Champion, and Brittany exhibited a Reserve National Grand Champion.

Alta Mae and Jeff teamed as officials for the open show in 2004, her as judge and him as associate. Three years later, she judged the national futurity. Together they received the Max Gordon Memorial Award in 2014 and are long-serving members of the All American Show Committee. Brady judged the futurity in 2021.

Among those who have served with and competed alongside the family since he was a teenager is Corey A. Lutz, Piedmont Jerseys, Lincolnton, N.C. “I don’t remember a time when the Keightleys and Cores were not at our national show in Louisville and in the hunt to win their classes.”

The Keightleys have shown at The All American every year since 1968 and were early supporters of the National Jersey Jug Futurity, exhibiting their first entry in 1963 and winning the class in 1983.

“When you compete at a national show, you know that you will have to beat cows from this herd to win a class,” noted Wilfrid, Walter and Roger Owens, Frederic, Wis., fellow recipients of the Master Breeder award. Even more remarkable, most are homebred, a feat that is increasingly uncommon, the brothers continued.

“Generally, when KCJF comes up, people tend to think ‘show cows,’” wrote another Master Breeder recipient, Paul Chittenden, Dutch Hollow Farm Inc., Schodack Landing, N.Y. “My respect for this family does include their success in the show ring. But more that that is the fact that, like most of us, they pay their bills with the milk check.”

Their “fancy” herd of cows has ranked nationally for production on multiple occasions and today has a lactation average (m.e.) of 18,238 lbs. milk, 928 lbs. fat and 683 lbs. protein on 68 lactations. In the milking string is winner of this year’s Ogston Trophy for lifetime milk production and Edyvean Farm Trophy for lifetime protein production, 4W Pusher Lizzie, Excellent-94%. The matriarch has been the herd’s top producer four of the past six years and has 336,012 lbs. milk, 14,558 lbs. fat and 11,975 lbs. protein in 4,418 days.

As one might expect, the appraisal scores on the Keightley-Core cows are something to brag about too. In the past 35 years, the Cores have bred 238 cows appraised Excellent-90% or higher. The highest-appraised cow in this group, KCJF Regency Treasure, is just one of seven in breed history to be appraised Excellent-97%. “Treasure” is backed by a Core-bred sire (Renaissance Kims Regency) and dam. She was tapped 2008 Reserve National Grand Champion and made more than 163,000 lbs. milk lifetime. Of her 14 registered progeny, eight sons were used as herd sires at KCJF, including KCJF Whistlers Tracer, sire of 2012 National Jersey Jug Winner, KCJF Tracer Ritzy, Excellent-91%.

Today’s herd has an appraisal average of 89.7% and includes 41 Excellent and 28 Very Good cows. The high-scorers are a pair of Excellent-96% cows that were purchased in 2015: Hirds Colton Dream and Dreamroad TBone Clumsy. In the Jersey world, “Dream” needs no introduction. She was named Reserve National Grand Champion in 2016 and Supreme Champion of the North American International Livestock Exposition in 2018. She earned the title of National Grand Champion again in 2021 and was also Overall Premier Performance Cow and GJPI Grand Champion.

To be a master breeder, one needs to possess not just a master’s eye when choosing females, but skill in selecting service sires and raising calves to full potential. The Cores describe their breeding technique as “a blend of gut feelings, close critique of maternal and paternal lines, and use of proven sires.” There is no formula dictating numbers from a pedigree and no hard fast rules.

Often their best performers include a sprinkling of KCJF sires on both the top and bottom sides of the pedigree. Among the cows who can be found in the lineage of much of the herd today is the early influencer, K.J.F. Amandas Mercury Mandy, Excellent-93%. Her son, Mandys Patrick Rex, born in May 1987, was the first bull bred and sampled by the Cores. He has 137 daughters in his proof, including Rexs Patrick Kim, Excellent-94%, an All American honoree with nine complete lactations, and the dam of another show-stopper, Brady’s four-time champion, KJF Renaissance Lacy {6}, Excellent-96%.

“Lacy” was Intermediate Champion of the open show in Louisville in 1997. The next year, she was Reserve Grand Champion of the Central National Jersey Show and began her string of four consecutive Junior National Grand Champion titles. She completed seven lactations—four over 20,000 lbs. milk—and a top record of 24,990 lbs. milk, 1,058 lbs. fat and 839 lbs. protein at 8-11.

Another family of impact is the “Molly” cow family, which begins with KJF Responses Molly, Excellent-91%, whom Brooke showed to Junior All American honors as a junior two-year-old in 1997. Her daughter, KCJF Sambo Molly, Excellent-94%, was Intermediate Champion of The All American Jersey Show in 2006 and topped the National Jersey Jug Futurity two years later. She has two records over 22,000 lbs. milk. Her sons, KCJF Mollys Ren Motion and KCJF One in a Million, have sired numerous blue-ribbon winners for the Cores and other breeders. Her grandson, KCJF Hired Magician, is in the Showcase Selections lineup at Select Sires Inc. “Magician” is out of KCJF Mollys Regency Martini-ET, Excellent-95%, a paternal sister to “Treasure” and winner of the 2013 Bert Smith Leas Memorial Award for best bred and owned animal in the national futurity.

The dam of the previously mentioned “Ritzy” is a standout in her own right and has many descendants in the herd. KCJF Centurions Ritz, Excellent-93%, topped both the open and junior class at the All American as a senior two-year-old in 2009 and was named best bred and owned of the junior show. She completed a record of 29,600 lbs. milk, 1,351 lbs. fat and 1,035 lbs. protein at 6-5. Her son is the maternal grandsire of KCJF Colton Dancer {5}, Excellent-92%, winner of the inaugural GJPI class at the All American in 2019.

“Despite their success, Jeff and Alta Mae have remained humble and in service to others,” noted Brooke. They have never been ones to say “no” to a judging team needing a place to hone their skills, an area representative needing a homecooked meal or place to rest, or a new Jersey breeder needing sage, practical advice, she summed.

Jeff and Alta Mae are active with the Kentucky Jersey Cattle Club and the Kentucky National Show and Sale and long-time 4-H leaders. Alta Mae has served on the Kentucky Fair Council and retired from the Kentucky Department of Revenue with 30 years of service in 2008.

Judging assignments have brought Alta Mae to shows across the U.S. and to Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, and Scotland. Alta Mae has judged Jerseys at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, International Dairy Week in Australia, and the national show run by the Jersey Cattle Society in England. Jeff has judged shows domestically and in Canada and Mexico. He was associate for International Brown Swiss Show in 2018. The two are the first husband-wife duo to receive the Klussendorf Trophy, he in 2021 and she in 1999.

Equally important as the cows is the couple’s work as mentors and parents to Brooke, Brady and Brittany, all active in national Jersey youth programs and involved in the operation of the dairy today. Brittany won the 2009 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest and she and Brooke both served on the National Jersey Queen court. Brady was recipient of the 2009 Fred Stout Experience award.

Perhaps summing their efforts most succinctly are Joe and Sarah Rocha, Tillamook, Ore., whose son, Brent, won a Junior All American title with a senior two-year-old sired by a Core-bred bull in 2017. “Jeff and Alta Mae have worked their entire careers in the Jersey business to breed and milk a herd of cows that focuses on type without sacrificing production and been wildly successful at it.”

“From their small herd of beautiful, hard-working cows, they have produced more All Americans than most herds could ever dare to hope for.”

“Their 365-days-a-year dedication to their vision for their herd has earned them the admiration and respect of Jersey breeders worldwide. Their focus and perseverance on breeding balanced production and type cows for generations warrants them most qualified for this prestigious award because they truly exemplify what it means to be a Master Breeder.”

Cutting Edge Stratus Sue ‘3E94/95ms’ is the new National Fat and Protein Record Champion for the Brown Swiss breed. This amazing Brown Swiss cow has completed a record of 9-06 365d 2x 60,546m 6.8% 4,097f 3.6% 2,208p Sue is owned by Ronald Kelm, Markesan, WI.

This record breaks the previous 365-day Fat Record of 3,613 pounds held by RNR Supreme Janna ‘V89’, owned by the Ron Michalovich Family, Lakeville, OH.

This record also tops the previous 365-day Protein Record of 2,031 pounds held by Lost Elm Prelude Pixy ET ‘2E93’, owned by Jason Luttropp, Berlin, WI. Pixy still holds the 365-day National Milk Record at 65,430 pounds. The records listed, made by Sue, Jenna and Pixy, all are on 2-times-a-day milking.

“Sue is yet another example of the outstanding production capabilities the Brown Swiss breed offers. Not only did Sue set new National Records for both Fat and Protein, she parceled them with 60,546 pounds of milk on 2x milking,” points out Norman C. Magnussen, Executive Secretary. “Large amounts of milk are one thing; but when coupled with components, you can see the added value gained with Brown Swiss.” Her just-completed lactation converts to 89,746 pounds of Energy Corrected Milk.

On July 8, 2016, Stratus Sue sold in the Minnesota National Sale, consigned by her breeders, Ken Main and Peter Vail, Copake, NY. She had a 2/06 25,620 lbs. milk record at the time and had been Honorable Mention All American Sr. 2-Year-Old in 2014 and Nominated All American Sr 3-Year-Old in 2015. Ron Kelm set his eye on Sue and made her a part of his Power Line Swiss herd at Markesan, WI.

Stratus Sue continued to produce and look good doing it. She has calved 6 times, producing 266,870m 14,869f 9,938p to-date. Her latest classification has her at ‘3E94/95ms’. In 2018, she was Reserve Grand Champion at the International Brown Swiss Show to the Grand Champion Cutting Edge T Delilah ‘2E95/95ms’, the eventual 2x Supreme Champion at World Dairy Expo! “Sue is that one-of-a-kind cow,” explains Ron, “easy to work with, but has that love me on my terms demeanor.” She runs with the herd that consists of 60 milk cows in a tie-stall set-up.

There are 13 daughters of Sue on the ground, including Power Line Thunder Storm ET ‘E90/92ms’, her eldest daughter. Ron adds, “Sue is still milking, and I will be setting up more IVF work on her going forward. With her accomplishments and the fact her dam and grandam are both ‘2E92’ – *CERTIFIED* as well as having All American credentials, makes flushing her a no-brainer.”

The Brown Swiss Cattle Breeders’ Association of the USA, located in Beloit, WI, currently has about 1,800 combined adult and junior members, registering approximately 10,000 animals per year.

The Wisconsin Holstein Association Royalty team along with other local dairy ambassadors hosted a June Dairy Days event at the Hickory Hills Academy in Madison. There were six educational and interactive stations for varying age groups to teach the students about the nutritional value of dairy foods and where their food comes from. Station topics included everyday tools used to care for cows, what you can see on a dairy farm, how ice cream is made, the benefits of consuming dairy products, the daily responsibilities of a dairy farmer, and the journey of milk from the cows on the farm to the cartons in the store.
 
Students enjoyed the stations and had the opportunity to meet and pet calves, learn a fun song and dance called the “Moo Cow Song,” as well as taste ice cream that was donated by Sassy Cow Creamery.
 
Local dairy ambassadors that helped to lead the sessions included Maddy Hensel, Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess; Elena Jarvey, Wisconsin Holstein Association Princess Attendant; Lauren Breunig, Wisconsin Holstein Association Junior Activities Committee member; Sadie Goettl, Green Lake County Fairest of the Fair; Hayden Paske, Dane County Fairest of the Fair; and Emma Vos, Manitowoc County Dairy Princess.
 
Wisconsin Holstein Association is proud to co-host this yearly event with Hickory Hills Academy to provide youth with hands-on learning about the agriculture industry. With many youth being four to five generations removed from the farm, the need is substantial to provide them with opportunities to learn how dairy farmers work hard to take good care of their animals 

For three decades, the Honorable Collin Peterson was dedicated to championing agricultural legislation in Washington, D.C. Known as the dairy policy expert in Congress, Peterson made significant contributions to the dairy industry through his selfless leadership.

Because of his efforts, Holstein Association USA is delighted to recognize former U.S. Rep. Peterson with the 2022 Distinguished Leadership Award. His dedicated service greatly benefited Holstein Association USA members, dairy farmers across the country, and the entire agriculture industry.

“I’m very flattered,” Peterson said about receiving the award. “I’m not sure if I deserve it, but I worked hard and did the best I could. We don’t have a perfect dairy program, but it’s better than it was before I started working on it.”

Peterson, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, represented the state’s Seventh District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He served as a ranking member on the House Committee on Agriculture for five congressional sessions (2007 to 2011; 2019 to 2021) and was chairman three times (2005 to 2007; 2011 to 2019).

During this time, he worked on five farm bills, and was the driving force behind drafting three farm bills. Peterson initiated the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program that was included in the most recent farm bill. He used his vast knowledge to develop a solid safety net for dairy farmers.

Throughout his 30 years in Congress, Peterson worked with dairy farmers, local and national cooperatives and trade associations, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Alongside Holstein Association USA, Peterson was an advocate for national animal identification, and introduced the National FAIR Act calling for a mandatory national animal identification system to protect the health of our nation’s herd.

Peterson was a key contributor and expert on anything dairy related on the House Ag Committee, and his initiatives have touched many different facets of the agriculture industry.

During his time in office, Peterson demonstrated the characteristics of a true leader as he carefully listened to farmers, gained a deep understanding of dairy policy, and used his knowledge to develop legislation that made a real difference. His unwavering efforts earned him the respect of farmers and fellow congressmen alike, and he was widely regarded as the go-to in Congress when it came to dairy and farm-related issues.

Peterson’s connection to agriculture traces back to his childhood growing up on his family’s farm. Although they did not milk cows themselves, he acquired valuable first-hand experience caring for animals and the land. Peterson worked with many dairy farmers during his time as a CPA in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, from 1968 to 1990. He got his start in politics when he served in the Minnesota State Senate for nine years, from 1977 to 1986.

“I spent a lot of time across the desk with dairy farmers, going back to the 1960s and 70s,” Peterson says. “I’ve been through a lot of the ups and downs of dairy. I got to know dairy farmers and their families, and I just admire their hard work. There is nobody that works harder than dairy farmers.”

About the Award
The Distinguished Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has made a career of providing outstanding and unselfish leadership for the betterment of the dairy industry. Collin Peterson will be recognized during the 2022 National Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota on Friday, July 1, 2022.

Holstein Association USA, Inc., provides programs, products and services to dairy producers to enhance genetics and improve profitability — including animal identification and ear tags, genomic testing, mating programs, dairy records processing, classification, communication, consulting services, and Holstein semen.

The Association, headquartered in Brattleboro, VT., represents approximately 25,000 members throughout the United States. To learn more about Registered Holsteins® and the other exciting programs offered by the Holstein Association, visit Holstein USA, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

The Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society is pleased to recognize Brodie and Brenda Cupples of Errington, British Columbia with the Distinguished Service Award this year. Brodie and Brenda made significant efforts to re-establish the Milking Shorthorn breed in Western Canada as well as providing service to the Society over many years.

In the late 1980’s, the Cupples’ moved from British Columbia to Thorsby, Alberta, where they acquired land at a more reasonable price and established a farm to grow their young family. Brenda grew up on a Holstein and Jersey farm on the Saanich Peninsula of Vancouver Island while Brodie was the son of a medical doctor.

Looking to add some colour to their Holstein herd, they began to acquire a few Milking Shorthorn heifers in the early 1990’s.  Brenda and Brodie supported the breed sales by purchasing the very finest quantity, including purchasing eight head (including the top seller) in the National Sale in 1992. Their purchases had to endure the cost and anxiety of transportation from Ontario to Alberta, which speaks to the Cupples’ dedication and support to the breed. Production and type was the objective, since a Milking Shorthorn cow in the Northend barn had to endure very strong competition with the very fine Holsteins members in the herd.  

Their ingenuity created an opportunity for the re-introduction of the breed into Western Canada after many decades. This was an era in which the breed was radically changing in type and production. Brenda and Brodie participated in this re-imagining of the breed and its place in the dairy industry.  Brodie and Brenda promoted the breed in Western Canada where they could. They promoted the breed at the Western Dairy Expo in Leduc, the dairy capital of Alberta for many years during one of the most inconvenient times of the year, during haying season in June. They have provided breeding stock to new breeders in the Western Provinces, first from their farm in Alberta before moving to a new farm on Vancouver Island in 2013.

Both Brodie and Brenda have served the breed on the Board of Directors and on a number of Society committees.  Brodie became a director for the first time in 1995, serving until 2004.  Brenda served as a director representing Western Canada from 2009 until 2020. Brodie and Brenda’s dedication to the breed and dairy industry made a noteworthy mark in Western Canada and makes them worthy recipients for this honour.

The Society periodically awards the Distinguished Service Award to those that have made a significant contribution to the Milking Shorthorn breed in Canada. Potential nominees can include current or former breeders or past or present CMSS staff members. Considerations for eligibility include lifetime contributions to the breed, service to the Society as a director, committee member, sale or show volunteer, and promoter of the breed to the larger dairy industry. Recipients of this award also receive an honourary lifetime membership to the Society.  The Cupples’ were nominated for this award by former Society Secretary James Knott.

To better serve our members, we have added 2 new Ontario Extension Representatives: Nick Groot in Ingersoll and Michael Bols in Russell. This effort is in collaboration with Jersey Ontario, and will provide more farm-level support to members and Jersey breeders in the province.

This program’s main purpose is to encourage and facilitate use of services offered by Jersey Canada, and animal improvement services offered by industry partners. However, this revised and relaunched field services initiative also includes elements of mentorship and education. Input can be provided on management of Jerseys, breeding topics, nutrition, dairy education outreach at agricultural schools, or connecting breeders to outside resources to help achieve individual goals.

If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to contact an extension representative in your area, please visit the website. 

Mike Bols
Michael Bols with his wife Monique own and operate Drentex Jerseys in Russell, Ontario. An award-winning herd, Michael and Monique were named this year’s Master Breeders, after winning the Constructive Breeder award in 2019. Along with their hire hand, Mike Black, they milk 35 cows and farm 70 acres in Russell, Ontario, where the Drentex herd was started in 1998. Through hard work and attention to detail, Drentex Jerseys has become an internationally renowned and admired breeder.

We are excited to have Michael on our team. His continued success in breeding for both production and shows exhibits an expertise and deep understanding of the Jersey cow, and has earned him the respect of his peers.

Nick Groot
Nick Groot, along with his wife Trudy and their business partner Jos Heinsbroek, owned and operated Grobrook farms in Ingersoll, Ontario, for 35 years. A tightly-managed operation and a closed herd since 2000, the Grobrook breeding philosophy was towards above average production, high components, high fertility and decent functional type. They excelled among their peers in published results, appearing on the CDN / Lactanet top Jersey herds by LPI multiple times, and had several Star Brood cows and lifetime production award winners in their herd.

The Grobrook herd was dispersed in 2021, and when asked what he would miss most about dairy farming, his answer was the cows and the people. As an extension rep covering Southwestern Ontario, Nick will be meeting lots of cows and lots of people, while sharing his knowledge and experience after a very successful first career.

The Wisconsin Holstein Association is pleased to announce Anastasia McCourt of Fond du Lac as their 2022 Events and Communications Intern. Ana will be based out of Baraboo, Wisconsin. This summer, Ana will serve in both public relations and communications roles. Her main focus will be in facilitating the WHA All-Breeds Futurity in West Allis, while also attending and assisting with district shows. In addition to these duties, Ana will work closely with Wisconsin Holstein staff to help produce the Wisconsin Holstein News, create content for the website, e-newsletters and social media.

Ana grew up on her family’s 42-cow dairy farm, Sunnybrook Farms near Fond du Lac. She has been involved in Fond du Lac County’s Junior Holstein Association through showing, both at county and state fairs.

She is currently a junior at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where she is majoring in dairy science and life science communications. She is active in UW Madison’s Badger Dairy Club and Collegiate Farm Bureau. Ana is excited to meet new people throughout the industry and gain experience with marketing, communications, and event planning.

Provided by WHA

Friday, July 1 is the deadline to apply for scholarship and educational awards administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

This year $50,750 will be awarded to Jersey youth. The funds will provide financial support for young Jersey owners pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle. Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).

New in 2022 is the Brentwood Farms Scholarship ($3,500). This scholarship was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, Calif., from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020.

Students who are high school graduates and have attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply if heading to, or already enrolled in an accredited four-year college/university majoring in an agricultural-based degree. The award is based upon financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills. Financial need will be determined by comparing the Cost of Attendance (COA) at the students university offset by the amount of money the student will contribute in the form of (1) scholarships and grants, (2) income from work, (3) loans, and (4) contributions from parents and/or others. The scholarship may be automatically renewed up to three times or until completion of your undergraduate degree (whichever comes first) as long as eligibility requirements are met. 

The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) is in its second year. It will be awarded to an incoming or current undergraduate student in any post education institution studying dairy related majors, working towards a 2-year or 4-year degree and demonstrating satisfactory academic performance. Recipients are eligible to receive scholarship up to two (2) times but must reapply to be considered.

The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies of $5,000 will be awarded to a graduate student in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.

Students who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2022 may apply for the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,250). Students who have completed at least one year of study toward their degree are eligible for the V. L. Peterson Scholarship (3,000). Also, the Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,750) will be awarded to an eligible nominee for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

A Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($2,250) will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing, and who demonstrates through completed coursework and goal statement, significant progress toward this intended degree and a clear intention for a career in agriculture.

The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($2,000) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($3,500) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing. The Lineweaver Scholarship ($4,000) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.

The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of January 1, 2022.

Two students have been selected for the Fred Stout Experience awards in 2022. Jayme Ozburn, Lewisburg, Tenn., and Maria Joy Poock, Boonboro, Mo., will complete their experiences this summer.

For application forms and instructions, visit the “Scholarships and Internships” page on the USJersey website or use the link, tinyurl.com/JerseyScholarships. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 5 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky.

The American Jersey Cattle Association has made strategic investments in Jersey youth since 1958 when it created the National Heifer Sale to provide annual funding for educational programs and awards. Scholarships are paid from permanent endowments administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Contributions are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) tax deductible charitable gifts and may be made at any time during the year.

The Star of the Breed award was introduced in 2007 to honor an elite Registered Holstein® cow with outstanding production and exceptional type. With a classification score of EX-97 4E and lifetime production record of over 310,000 pounds of milk, the 2021 recipient embodies the award.

Holstein Association USA is delighted to recognize Blondin Goldwyn Subliminal-ETS EX-97 4E as the 2021 Star of the Breed. Subliminal is owned by Budjon Farms and Peter and Lyn Vail and was bred by Ferme Blondin in St. Placide, Quebec. Subliminal calls Budjon Farms in Lomira, Wisconsin home.

“The Star of the Breed award isn’t just about the cows that are champions, it’s about the cows that are well rounded, and I think she exemplifies that as well as any cow in the Holstein breed,” Tom Cull of Budjon Farms says about Subliminal.

Subliminal qualified for the award with her success during the 2021 show season, when she was named first place 150,000 Pound Cow and Grand Champion at the Midwest Spring National Show and second place 150,000 Pound Cow at World Dairy Expo. These impressive placings are just two of many showring accolades Subliminal achieved over the years.

During her award qualifying lactation, Subliminal produced 44,740 pounds of milk, 1,921 (4.3%) fat, and 1,366 (3.1%) protein. In addition to her extreme production and type, her owners appreciate Subliminal’s reproductive power and longevity.

Blondin Goldwyn Subliminal-ETS will be recognized during Holstein Association USA’s 136th Annual Meeting at National Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota this summer. To learn more or register visit www.2022nationalholsteinconvention.com.

For the full story of Subliminal’s incredible journey, see the Spring 2022 issue of The Pulse. Select pages are now available online at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.

Holstein Association USA’s 2021 Herds of Excellence recipients have bred and developed herds with superior production and type. Given annually, the award recognizes outstanding Registered Holstein® breeders who have achieved the best of both in one package.

 “Hats off to the eight 2021 Herds of Excellence! The Brantner, Kestell, Koepke, Koester, Long, Siemers, Vandertie, and Zwald family herds provide excellent examples that show whatever you’re interested in breeding for, the Holstein breed has the diversity in genetics to accomplish your goals,” says Holstein Association USA CEO John Meyer.    

The award is broken down into three divisions based on herd size, including the Large Herd Division (500+ cows), Medium Herd Division (100-499 cows), and Small Herd Division (10-99 cows).

This year’s honorees are:

Large Herd Division:

Bomaz Inc. — The Zwald Family, Hammond, Wis.                
92.9% homebred; Age Adjusted Classification Score (AACS) — 85.6 points
ME Production Averages — 32,882M 1,319F 1,046P
Four Year Honoree      

Siemers Holstein Farms Inc. — The Siemers Family, Newton, Wis.
98.5% homebred; AACS — 84.8 points
ME Production Averages — 35,865M 1,511F 1,100P
Six Year Honoree

Medium Herd Division:

Koepke Farms Inc. — The Koepke Family, Oconomowoc, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 84.9 points
ME Production Averages — 35,002M 1,433F 1,060P
Five Year Honoree

Koester Dairy Inc. — The Koester Family, Dakota, Ill.
98.8% homebred; AACS — 85.0 points
ME Production Averages — 35,221M 1,465F 1,110P
Six Year Honoree

Small Herd Division:

B-Long Holsteins — Bruce, Brenda & Bret Long, New London, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 88.2 points
ME Production Averages — 35,059M 1,377F 1,122P
Eleven Year Honoree

Doorco Holsteins— Dan, Julie, and Austin Vandertie, Brussels, Wis.
100% homebred; AACS — 88.4 points
ME Production Averages — 35,466M 1,397F 1,085P
Five Year Honoree

Ever-Green-View Holsteins, LLC — The Kestell Family, Waldo, Wis.
97.7% homebred; AACS — 88.6 points
ME Production Averages — 40,588M 1,698F 1,267P
Twelve Year Honoree

Show-Mar Holsteins — The Brantner Family, Evans City, Pa.
100% homebred; AACS — 89.5 points
ME Production Averages — 36,662M 1,622F 1,141P
Two Year Honoree

The awards will be presented during Holstein Association USA’s 136^th Annual Meeting in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. To register for the convention or learn more, visit www.2022nationalholsteinconvention.com.

Read more about the 2021 Herds of Excellence in the Spring 2022 issue of The Pulse. Select pages of The Pulse are available at www.holsteinusa.com under the Latest News tab.

It is with great sadness and regret that Holstein UK announces the passing of our friend, colleague and CEO Sue Cope on 11th May 2022 after a short but courageous battle with illness.

Having worked for the Group for over 25 years, Sue took over as CEO of the Holstein UK Group in 2018 and has been a driving force behind the business with her wealth of experience and extensive knowledge of the dairy sector.

Over the last 5 years, Sue has been integral in future-proofing the society for the next generation. Her leadership and strategic objectives have delivered confidence to everyone involved in the business and the wider industry. A true leader, Sue will be sorely missed by all of us at Holstein UK, CIS, NBDC and UK Dairy Day and we would like to extend our condolences to her family and friends.

Michael Smale, Holstein UK Chairman, said: “We are all extremely saddened to learn of Sue’s untimely passing and our thoughts are with everyone at this incredibly difficult time. Sue was highly respected within the industry and worked tirelessly towards the development of the Holstein UK Group for many years. To Sue’s credit, the group has recently acquired new headquarters which the team will soon occupy; this will become just a small part of Sue’s legacy and demonstrates her dedication towards developing the Group of businesses.”

In the immediate term, urgent communications should be directed to Melanie Harmitt, CFO of Holstein UK Group by email melanieharmitt@ukcows.com

Source: Holstein UK

Ernest W. Kueffner of Kueffner Holsteins and Jerseys and South Mountain Jerseys is named the Dairy Shrine’s 2022 Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder. This award is given annually to an active, progressive dairy breeder who excels in managing their dairy herd based on sound genetic and business principles.

Kueffner has built a successful and profitable career around breeding, buying and selling cattle that exemplify the Holstein and Jersey breeds. His roots go back to Wisconsin, where his family built the Fullpail Sale Barn that he would eventually purchase. Kueffner managed all aspects of the business, including auctioneering alongside his father. He acquired his first two farms in Wisconsin in the 1970’s before relocating to North Carolina to manage two dairies for Buttke Dairy Enterprises. It was around this time that Kueffner also exported some high-quality Holstein heifers to Hungary and Spain. He then spent another ten years with a herd of his own, which he sold at the remarkably successful Kueffner 24Karat Sale in 1996. The ‘90’s are also marked with Holstein and Jersey sales to Brazil that went on to be champions at their respective shows.

Kueffner continued to influence dairy genetics across the country, moving to Maryland in 1997 to care for his own cattle once again. A few years later, he seized the opportunity to work with Arethusa Farms in Litchfield, CT. By 2004, Kueffner and his wife, Terri Packard moved there to manage the farm full-time, taking their own cattle along with them. In 2013, the Kueffner family returned to Maryland, where they continue to breed and develop Holsteins, Jerseys and the occasional Brown Swiss. His cattle sales over the last decade total more than 860 head, not including heifers sold after calving.

Throughout his career, Kueffner has bred more than 600 excellent females and males in the US and Canada. Globally recognized cows include South Mountain Voltage Radiant, EO Siemers Ashlyns Angel, Ernest-Anthony SD Tobi-ET, Ernest-Anthony SC Vivian and Ernest-Anthony Thriller. Ernest-Anthony Aleeza-ET was at one time the number one PTAT heifer in the breed at +4.65. She is now +3.56 PTAT +2016 TPI and classified VG88 in her first lactation. Kueffner has received countless honors and played a role with innumerable winners at World Dairy Expo, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and the National Jersey Jug. In addition to these accolades, he has had a hand in too many All-American winners and nominees to count.

“I have had the honor to own some of the best-known show cows in the business,” Kueffner says. “Ashlyn, Tina and Veronica are household names to breeders around the world. The biggest thrill for me is that they proved to be tremendous brood cows who continue to have an impact on their breeds many generations later.”

Kueffner’s breeding philosophy is centered around the utmost care for the cow. He says, “To be successful in the dairy business, whether showing, selling or marketing milk, the cows have to come first.” In developing generations of superior dairy cattle, Kueffner strives to improve the faults of the individual while maintaining the positive type traits that exist. He homes in on pedigrees and cow families to produce cows with excellent mammaries, correct feet and legs and wide, flat rumps. Kueffner does not use any mating programs: he has always tried to see the milking daughters of a bull in person before using him. He says, “A cow’s pedigree plays a major role in her potential for developing into an outstanding individual. When it comes to the bottom line, pedigrees are essential for marketing. You must be able to sell sons, daughters and embryos to get a return on your investment.”

Kueffner’s involvement in the dairy industry, outside of his own work, is a testament to his passion and knowledge of the ideal dairy cow. He has served on the World Dairy Expo Dairy Cattle Exhibitors Committee, Board of Directors, Building Committee for World Dairy Expo and the Overbagging Committee. Most recently, he has contributed his expertise to the Open Show Committee for the All-American Jersey Show. Awards of note include the A.C. “Whitie” Thompson award in 2002, honoring a herdsman who exhibits exemplary leadership and sportsmanship throughout the show.

“My cattle come first,” Kueffner summarizes. “I enjoy watching them reach their potential by succeeding in the show ring and building pedigrees through classification and production testing. The cattle I have bred have had tremendous success in the show ring – but the cattle and embryos I have sold have had a larger effect. They are the foundation for cattle breeders around the world and I am thrilled when I hear about daughters, granddaughters and great granddaughters excelling for these breeders.”

Ernie Kueffner will receive the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder award at the Dairy Shrine Awards Banquet on Monday, October 3rd in Madison, Wisconsin. His portrait will then be displayed in National Dairy Shrine’s Dairy Hall of Fame and Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. For more information about National Dairy Shrine, the banquet or this year’s award winners, please contact National Dairy Shrine at info@dairyshrine.org or visit their website at www.dairyshrine.org.

Cari Wolfe has announced her retirement from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) effective June 1, 2022.

 Wolfe completed 40 years of service with the USJersey organizations across five decades of employment in January. 

 “We have been most fortunate to have her talents and expertise available to us for so many years,” said Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and CEO of AJCA and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ). “Cari is a person that has always made things happen. She has never sat idly by wondering what would come of something. She got involved in making sure the Jersey cow and her breeders had the tools to be the most profitable and efficient they could be. We wish her the best in her retirement.”

 The Jersey cow has been a large part of Cari’s life since she was a child. She and her family had Jerseys on their farm, Jer-Nan Farm, Bridgewater, N.J. 

 Cari received a master’s degree in dairy cattle breeding from North Carolina State University after completing her undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech. 

 She began her employment with the American Jersey Cattle Club as a southeast area representative in January 1982. While working in the southeast, Cari met her husband, Larry, and the two eventually relocated to Reynoldsburg, Ohio, to begin working at the main office in 1987. 

 Cari served two years as coordinator of Jersey Marketing Service before taking the role of Director of Research and Genetic Program Development in July 1989. 

 In this capacity she was asked to develop new programs to encourage increased production of protein relative to fat and explore ways to work with milk producers owning cattle less than 100% Jersey. As well, this began her work as a liaison with the university personnel in conducting research funded by the AJCC Research Foundation and encouraging additional Jersey-specific research in priority areas. 

 “Cari has been a major asset for a small organization and members of USJersey,” said Smith. “She is a tremendous resource for our breed with her depth of knowledge in the genetic field. The Jersey cow and its breeders have reaped the benefits of her work.”

 Wolfe has worked closely with Dr. Ronald Pearson (Virginia Tech) and Dr. Kent Weigel (University of Wisconsin-Madison) over the past four decades to develop a Jersey-specific breeding tool—first PTI (Production Type Index) and now JPI (Jersey Performance Index). This work led her to help build P-Levels for heifers to give independent rankings within the breed. 

 “Cari has been a terrific partner over the years, and she embodies all the reasons I enjoy working with AJCA,” said Dr. Weigel. “Her dedication, forward-looking mindset, and positive attitude are infectious, and it has been a pleasure to collaborate on many projects and initiatives.”

Introducing Linda Horner, the new Jersey Canada Director for Jersey West region. Linda will be completing the term for outgoing President Joanne Edwards.

Having a lifelong passion for dairy cattle, she started with red & white Holsteins then acquired her first Jersey over 15 years ago and was hooked on the breed. She brings lots of experience from serving on various boards, including the Manitoba Holstein Branch and the Manitoba Jersey Cattle Club. Residing in Blumenort, Manitoba, together with her husband Ian, and daughter Kelly, she has a small collection of Jerseys bred under the Redhot prefix.

Voici Linda Horner, la nouvelle directrice de Jersey Canada pour la région Jersey West. Linda terminera le mandat de la présidente sortante Joanne Edwards.

Passionnée depuis toujours de l’industrie laitière, elle a commencé avec des Holstein rouges et blanches puis a acquis sa première Jersey il y a plus de 15 ans et est devenue accro de la race. Elle apporte beaucoup d’expérience en siégeant à divers conseils d’administration, dont Manitoba Holstein et Manitoba Jersey Cattle Club. Elle réside à Blumenort, au Manitoba, avec son mari Ian et sa fille Kelly, elle possède un petit troupeau de Jerseys élevés sous le préfixe Redhot.

Provided by Jersey Canada

Jersey Canada is excited to welcome Dereck Addie as our new Communications Specialist. Dereck graduated from Dawson College in Montreal, and has worked in the graphics, marketing and communications field for over 25 years. In addition to his design work, Dereck has extensive experience in customer service and advertising sales, developing strong working relationships with a diverse range clients and customers.

He has worked with both English and French clients, and can speak to you about your advertising needs in both official languages! Dereck looks forward to working with Jersey breeders and producers across the country.

Nous sommes heureux d’accueillir Dereck Addie en tant que nouveau Spécialiste des communications pour Jersey Canada. Dereck a gradué du Collège Dawson à Montréal et travaille dans le domaine du graphisme, du marketing et des communications depuis plus de 25 ans. En plus du travail de design, Dereck a une grande expérience du service à la clientèle et dans la vente de publicité, développant de solides relations de travail avec tout genre de clients.

Il a travaillé autant avec des clients anglophones que francophones et peut discuter de vos besoins de publicité dans les deux langues officielles! Dereck a hâte de travailler avec les éleveurs de Jerseys et les producteurs de partout au pays.

Provided by Jersey Canada

Jacob Lucs is the new General Manager of Jersey Canada. Moving from the Communications Specialist role, Jacob has proven himself to be a dedicated and valued member of the organization in his time with Jersey Canada. He collaborates closely with members, the Board of Directors and staff, and has formed strong relationships with industry partners. Jacob has over 20 years of experience working with non-profit and member-based organizations, and appreciates the important role Jersey Canada plays in the lives and livelihoods of producers across the country.

Jacob Lucs est le nouveau Directeur général de Jersey Canada. Promu de son poste de Spécialiste des communications, Jacob s’est avéré un membre dévoué et important de l’organisation depuis son arrivée chez Jersey Canada. Il a collaboré étroitement avec les membres, le conseil d’administration et le personnel et a aussi formé de solides relations avec les partenaires de l’industrie. Jacob a plus de 20 ans d’expérience auprès d’organismes sans but lucratif et d’organismes basés sur les membres et reconnaît le rôle important joué par Jersey Canda dans la vie et les entreprises des producteurs de partout au pays.

Provided by Jersey Canada

Effective immediately, for the remainder of 2022 the administration fee charged by Jersey Canada for SNP results from genomic tests are reduced to $2 per result.

The Jersey Canada Board of Directors approved this change in response to member concerns. The goal is to encourage more producers to use genomic testing as a management tool, creating a larger database of results for the Jersey breed.

This change applies to tests received by labs from today, April 4, 2022, until or on December 31st, 2022.

Registration is now open for the Holstein Association USA 2022 Judges Conferences. Individuals interested in attending can pick from two conference options in 2022.

The first conference will be held in conjunction with the Northeast Spring National Holstein Show at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, New York. The judges conference will start at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 1, 2022.

A second conference will be held in conjunction with the Southern Spring National Holstein Show on Thursday, April 7, 2022. The conference will start at 1:30 p.m. and will held at the Payne County Expo Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Interested participants can register for the conference of their choice on the Holstein Association USA website with a credit card.  The pre-registration fee is $50 and late registrants and walk-ins will pay a $100 fee. Pre-registration will close two weeks before the conference, on March 18 for the New York conference and March 24 for the Oklahoma conference.

Individuals currently on the Holstein Association USA Judges List must attend and receive a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA Judges Conference every five years. Those interested in applying for the list in the future must attend and receive a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA Judges Conference before submitting an application.

Participants must be 22 years old by the day of the conference to attend. To register online, visit www.holsteinusa.com/shows/judges_preregister.html. For more information contact Jodi Hoynoski at 800.952.5200 ext. 4261 or by email.

The Ayrshire Breeders’ Association and American Guernsey Association are combining forces and seeking a motivated, full-time employee to serve as Records Coordinator between the two breeds.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

–          Processing of registration and transfers 

–          Assist Guernsey & Ayrshire Executive Secretaries with breed specific records

–          Assist in coordination of Genomic & DNA testing and recordkeeping

–          Responsible for assisting in day-to-day administrative assistant duties of organizations

–          Provide customer service for both organizations

–          Promotional efforts

–          Marketing of association sales and services

Requirements:

–          Applicant must be dependable and punctual

–          Proficient in Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

–          Must have ability to multi-task, must be detail oriented, organized, and able to plan and meet deadlines

–          Excellent interpersonal written and verbal communication skills

–          Demonstrate ability to problem solve

The job duties will be split between the two breeds, and the employee will work directly with both breed executive secretaries. Minimal travel may be required. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. eastern time at association headquarters in Columbus, Ohio.

For a full job description, please contact ralden@usguernsey.com

To apply, please send resume, cover letter and three references to ralden@usguernsey.com

Priority will be given to applications received by March 15, 2022

Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and CEO of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc., announced the retirement of 31-year area representative Brenda Snow, effective April 30, 2022.

Brenda was hired July 1, 1990, as the Northeast Area Representative, a job she has held for nearly 32 years. She was hired at a time when northeast Jersey breeders were needing a better market for replacement Jerseys. Her knowledge of the dairy industry from her previous work with Select Sires and ABS Global, lead her to know what the New England dairy producers needed to take their marketing to the next level.

Snow worked closely with breeders across the U.S. to move Registered Jersey cattle from the east to west coasts in the early 1990s. She worked with Jersey breeders in the northeast and mid-Atlantic regions to reinvigorate the New England spring and fall sales, growing them to large commercial sales. In addition to her work with the public sales, Brenda was part of a large movement of surplus heifers through private sales to the west.

“Brenda took pride in representing breeders in her region,” stated Smith. She strived to get the most fair prices for her customers and always insure a market for their Registered Jerseys.

Amidst all her endeavors, she and her husband, Wes, and son, Jarrett, owned and managed a well-respected herd of Jersey cattle —Sno-Krest Jerseys.

“Brenda has been a steady and consistent presence for New England Jersey breeders and shared a wealth of information with them on various on-farm management issues,” said Kristin Paul, Director of Field Service for the American Jersey Cattle Association. “Her knowledge and experience will be greatly missed.”

Scott Holcomb, Mid-Atlantic Area Representative for the AJCA, will now cover the New England States in addition to his current states of New York, Pennsylvania (east of I-79), and Maryland. Holcomb was hired in 2015 as a part-time appraiser and in 2019 as area representative for the AJCA. He will continue to also serve as a type traits appraiser. 

The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability. Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has provided services that increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and milk products and Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics. For more information on AJCA and NAJ services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or connect at facebook.com/USJersey.

Ayrshire Canada has announced the recipients of the 2021 Master Breeder Award. Congratulations to Birkdale Farm Ltd., Ferme Mardel Senc., Ferme Coqueron Inc., and Ferme Guy & Johanne Bergevin.