Junior Presidents’ Message

Hello, my name is Jon Chapman and I am happy to serve as your 2023-24 California Junior Holstein Association Co-President along with Mykel Mull. I am 17 years old and a 10th generation dairy farmer from Turlock. I am a recent high school graduate, with plans to attend Merced Junior College next year. My involvement with the Holstein cow has provided many opportunities on a personal, educational, professional, and social level.

Personally, I have learned responsibility, hard work, determination, and compassion through taking care of our animals. As a member of the California Junior Holstein Association for the past 8 years I have expanded my leadership capabilities, knowledge in dairy bowl, improved study & research skills, and practiced public speaking. In attending Holstein association events, I have had the chance to meet and build friendships with other youth, as well as interact with industry professionals and Holstein breeders. Showing cattle has allowed me to be an ambassador for production agriculture in communicating with the public and educating consumers. I continually strive to build my herd and develop high end genetics.

I would like to personally extend an invitation to all of our current (and prospective!) CA Junior Holstein members to participate in the various activities offered throughout the year. There are many ways to get involved and have fun. I encourage you to try out something new, bring a friend, and make some new connections! You can recruit new members from your local community, 4-H and FFA.

• Summer Cow Camp gives attendees the chance to learn about the dairy industry through classroom and hands-on instruction.

The annual Planning Conference happens in November and serves as an opportunity to discuss and develop future activities in addition to enjoying games and camaraderie.

State Convention offers a wide variety of contests and workshops. Please check out the pages later in this issue featuring 2023 results to get a glimpse of what is available. Involvement on the state level can earn you the chance to compete at the National Holstein Convention contests.

The State Holstein Show is held in April and showcases youth exhibitors. The newer Youth Challenge Contest encompasses three portions- showmanship, knowledge exam and judging contest.

• Junior Holstein Show Contest is a state version of ‘All-Americans’ recognizing animals shown successfully throughout the year.

Please reach out to one of us, a CJHA officer from your area, or one of the Junior Advisors to inquire about programs and learn more! Our officer team is looking forward to engaging with membership more on social media platforms in the coming year.

Best of luck to our members who are representing California at the National Holstein Convention in Lexington, KY! Junior Dairy Bowl: Fernando Valadao, Layne Mull Caroline Vieira, Caleb Rocha; Dairy Jeopardy: Chloe Chapman, Mykel Mull, Lauren Silveira, Karley Rocha, Heather Hodges, Kylie Konyn, Emma van Loben Sels, Vicky Paolini; Speech: Fernando Valadao, Chloe Chapman, Kylie Konyn

Jon Chapman // 209-316-7788 // jwchapman787@gmail.com

Mykel Mull // 559-223-7798 // boers2die4@gmail.com