Michelle Moore, Frederic, Wis., was awarded the 2023 Young Jersey Breeder Award by The American Jersey Cattle Association on June 21 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
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.
Michelle Moore is a big part of Owens Farm Inc with responsibilities to manage calves, everyday chores, herd health, and field work. She has also taken on a parenting role with her husband Derek in the past years to their children, Lane and Callie.
Owens Farm Inc. houses 1,500 Registered Jerseys. Based on 748 cows, the herd produced an average of 19,650 lbs. milk, 1,021 lbs. fat, and 770 lbs. protein in December 2022. To manage these cows, the family uses a variety of services. They are supporters of the Equity initiative, REAP, Jersey Mating Program, and regularly advertise through the Jersey Journal.
Moore has been a part of the dairy industry throughout her youth and into adulthood. She exhibited and judged cows at shows and competitions at a young age and in college. While studying at UW-River Falls, she interned at Barlass Jerseys LLC. After graduating, she returned to her family farm where she helped design facilities and protocols for raising calves. She continues her connection to the industry outside of her family farm by getting involved in extra activities. Moore has taken on the task of mentoring her local 4-H by helping pick out calves and watching them grow into the late summer. She has also been a member of the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association. She started as a youth member and continues to be active at the parish and state level.
She has been an active member of the dairy community for her entire life, but her priorities are now focused on the calf barn and her children. She wants to continue working with the local 4-H, increase responsibilities on the farm, and supervise the herd’s health all while working with her family to keep the farm for generations.
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.
