21 minute read
National Jersey Jug Futurity
Homeridge T Annette was named the 68th winner of the National Jersey Jug Futurity. She also received first place premier performance cow, highest placing junior and best udder in the class. The three-year-old was shown by Kylie Nickels and exhibited by Kylie, her brother, Dawson, Travis Freson, Mandy Sell (far left) and Scott Stanford, all pictured to the left of “Annette.” Also pictured is All American General Chair Michael Hurst; second alternate Queen Maria Joy Poock with the Schirm/Fremstad Trophy, first alternate Caroline Arrowsmith with the minature Jersey Jug; Travis Freson holds the Tracy Stiles Memorial Trophy. On the right Dr. Joe Linewaver presents the wreath of roses; National Jersey Queen Kylie Konyn presents the banner; Judge Brady Core and consultant Robert Teixeira present the Mary Smith Leas Memorial Award for the winning entry.
Homeridge T Annette Wins National Futurity
With the reputation of being the oldest and richest exhibition of dairy cattle in the world, the 68th National Jersey Jug Futurity was no exception. With the world continuing to be uncertain, the event acted as a glimmer of hope and inspiration for all watching ringside and through the livestream. It had a sense of normalcy and was a chance to celebrate high-quality Jersey cattle as they paraded on the green shavings.
The 2021 National Jersey Jug Futurity Winner, Homeridge T Annette, represented the Jersey breed proudly out of 22 stellar cows. She not only took home the winning title, but also best udder, highest placing junior, Premier Performance Winner, and a cash prize of $2,284. Judge Brady Core, Salvisa, Ky., and consultant Robert Teixeira, Turlock, Calif., chose the champion in Freedom Hall on November 7, 2021.
“Annette” not only took home the National Jersey Jug Futurity title, but All American Jersey Show judge, Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., chose her as the Intermediate Champion the next day—a rare feat.
Earlier this year, “Annette” gained fame when she was named Grand Champion of the Junior Show at World Dairy Expo and went on to win Reserve Supreme also had third place overall with Pacific Edge Premier Kahlua-ET who was also bred and owned and took home a cash prize of $696. To have two cows in the top six is an accomplishment, especially within a prestigious class such as the futurity.
Champion of Expo’s junior dairy shows.
Alongside “Annette” followed several other outstanding cows. Pacific Edge Colton Jazmin-ET followed “Annette” as the reserve winner. Owned by Brent L. Rocha from Oregon, she not only took the reserve title, but also best bred and owned and received a cash prize of $996. Rocha
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Pacific Edge Colton Jazmin-ET, owned by Brent L. Rocha and shown by his mom, Sarah, was named the Reserve Winner of the futurity. Pictured with “Jazmin” are Joe Rocha, second alternate Maria Joy Poock, first alternate queen Caroline Arrowsmith with the Cowbell Acres Reserve Trophy; Judge Brady Core presents the banner and National Jersey Queen Kylie Konyn and consultant Robert Teixeira present the Bert Smith Leas Memorial Trophy for best female bred by exhibitor.
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The top six represented five states: Wisconsin, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Oklahoma.
Since its inception in 1954, the National Jersey Jug Futurity has seen more than 50,000 calves nominated, 3,945 have made their final payments as three-year-olds. Thus, giving them the chance to complete for just over $500,000 in prize money to date. Each year, breeders across the nation select and nominate their calves for the event. An annual fee is then paid to retain that animal’s place in the competition. As three-year-old cows, the nominees travel to Louisville, Ky., to participate in what remains arguably the most glamourous show in the world.
The Judges
Selected to place the oldest and richest class for dairy cattle in the world was Brady Core. This was Brady’s first time to judge the National Jersey Jug Futurity, but in 2012 he bred and exhibited the winner, KCJF Tracer Ritzy.
In 2019, Brady was selected to judge the All American Junior Jersey Show. He was the junior show’s associate judge in 2017. He has officiated at many state and regional shows including the Dixie National Livestock Show, Wisconsin State Fair Junior Show, Ohio State Fair Junior Jersey Show and Tennessee State Fair. Brady currently serves on the American Jersey Cattle Association Type Advisory Committee while also owning Keightley and Core Jerseys.
His consultant is Robert Teixeira. Robert and wife Kate along with their children reside in Turlock, Calif. Robert grew up and is now a partner on the family farm, GilTex Holsteins, with his parents Gilbert and Linda Teixeira. Gil-Tex Holsteins consists of 1,200 Registered Holsteins of which 600 are milking. Gil-Tex Holsteins has been home to six Excellent 95 or 96 point cows.
Before honoring our nation with the National Anthem, members of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy presented the Flag of the United States of America. The color guard included Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis., Grace Stroud, Caneadea, N.Y., Sophie Larson, Reedsburg, Wis., Nicole Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa., Elizabeth Hyman, Adams, N.Y., and Gracie Krahn, Albany, Ore.
Taking center stage to sing the National Anthem during the National Jersey Jug Futurity was Neal Smith, Smyrna, Tenn. The Pre-Show Ceremonies
The lights then dimmed for the five finalists competing for the title of 2021 National Jersey Queen. The lights shined brightly on each girl as they were introduced.
Eleven young ladies took part in a rigorous competition in the days prior. They took a test, went through a formal interview, and displayed their public speaking and dairy industry knowledge. Earlier in the morning, the top five finalists were named—Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa., Kathryn Bosley, Malone, N.Y., Kylie Konyn, Escondido, Calif., Maria Joy Poock, Boonville, Mo., and Hartley Silva, Modesto, Calif.
As the crowd in attendance sat in anticipation, waiting for Master of Ceremonies Neal Smith, CEO and Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., to announce the Queen and her court, it was quiet in Freedom Hall.
Moments later, 2020 National Jersey Queen Miss Natalie Berry, Sherwood, Ore., congratulated Maria Joy Poock as the second alternate who also received a $200 scholarship from the National Jersey Queen Development Fund and then the first alternate was announced, Miss Caroline Arrowsmith who received a $300 scholarship. The remaining girls waited patiently hoping to hear their name called as the next National Jersey Queen.
Kylie Konyn broke into a large smile as she heard her name called as the winner. The crowd cheered and the other girls cheered her on with smiles. Kylie received the Charlene Nardone tiara and a $500 scholarship.
Kylie is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She plans to obtain her bachelors in dairy science while double majoring in life sciences communications or genetics before pursuing a master’s degree in nutrition or genetics. She was a member of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy and has also participated in 4-H, the California Junior Jersey Cattle Association, and other youth programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association. Kylie also plans to assist her family with developing niche marketing of dairy products from their Jersey herd by increasing the size of their herd.
The first alternate on the royal court— Caroline Arrowsmith—is a sophomore at Penn State University, majoring in animal science with a minor in agribusiness management. She and her family operate Hillacres Jerseys. She was a member of Class VI of Jersey Youth Academy and was second alternate in 2020 in the Queen contest. She has been recognized by both the American Jersey Cattle Association and National Holstein association for her leadership and youth activities.
Maria Joy Poock—second alternate—is a senior at the University of Missouri. She is a member of the Missouri State Jersey Association, her county’s fair board, local 4-H club, and participated in 4-H Teen Council. She is currently serving as the Missouri State Jersey Queen in 2021.
After crowning, the 22 junior and senior three-year-olds entered the ring, the contenders from 739 nominations made in 2018. Each took their turn under the arena spotlight for a formal introduction by Executive Secretary Neal Smith.
The Railbird Judging Contest
The popular Railbird Judging Contest was back in action again, after a year’s hiatus due to Covid-19 restrictions. There were three winners this year, splitting $51.67. A total of $310 was added to the Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund.
The Final Six
Once the lights came back up, the crowd was able to take in the impressive group of cattle parading the ring. Judges Core and Teixeira evaluated the contestants very closely, ensuring no angle went uninspected. The audience watched with anticipation as the judges began pulling animals into the line and making their final decisions. Eventually, the competition came down to the top six: • Pacific Edge Colton Jazmin-ET, bred and owned by Brent L. Rocha, led by his mom, Sarah Rocha; • Red Dirt Colton Butterfly, bred and owned by Red Dirt Genetics, Perkins,
Okla., led by Katrina Watson; • SSF Andreas Camilla, bred by
Jennifer L. Gordon, owned by Ernest
W. Kueffner and Terri L. Packard,
Boonsboro, Md., led by Terri Packard; • Homeridge T Annette, bred by Ferme
Steingruber Senc., owned by Kylie and Dawson Nickels, Travis Freson,
Mandy Sell, and Scott Stanford,
Watertown, Wis., led by Kylie
Nickels;
Alison Graves exhibited the high GJPI cow in the class—Aspen Grove Bravehearts Candy— and received the Semex Elevate award. Presenting the award was U.S. Senior Sales Manager Michael Hurst, right, first alternate National Jersey Queen Caroline Arrowsmith and National Jersey Queen Kylie Konyn.
The 2021 National Jersey Queen and her court were announced at the beginning of the National Jersey Jug Futurity festivities. From left to right: first alternate Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa.; National Jersey Queen Kylie Konyn, Escondido, Calif.; and second alternate Maria Joy Poock, Boonville, Mo.
Jersey Jug Futurity
(continued from page 58) • Reich-Dale Gunman Secure-ET, bred and owned and led by Hayden
Reichard, Chambersburg, Pa.; and • Pacific Edge Premier Kahlua-ET, bred and owned and shown by Brent
L. Rocha.
The Reasons
With the final six centered in front of the stage, the crowd in Freedom Hall waited patiently as the judges made their final placings. With results in hand, Master of Ceremonies Neal Smith began to announce the results in reverse order.
As the cows peeled off into the line, two cows were left in the center— “Annette” and “Jazmin.” Judge Core then walked to the two cows with the purple blanket and placed it over “Annette’s” shoulders declaring her the winner.
“The top six cows have wide rear udders, dairyness, and just are beautiful balanced cows,” said Judge Core as the top two cows paraded in front of the crowd.
“What a tremendous cow to start off the class. She blows me away with her crazy height and width to her rear udder. She has the dairyness and openness all the way through,” he continued.
“What a tremendous udder and amazing fore udder attachment on the fourth place cow. We admire the balance to her udder and height and width to her rear udder. She uses that balance to her rear quarters, the balance to the floor of her udder, and desirable front teat placement along with the height and width of her rear udder to go over the cow in fifth.
This class continues to bring together Jersey cattle breeders, owners, and enthusiasts. This legacy will live on for generations to come and will always be known as the most glamourous class of Jersey dairy cattle.
The Awards
Each year, the Jersey Jug Futurity is the richest purse in an individual dairy class. In 2021, $8,665 worth of premiums were collected in nomination and annual fees. The top 12 cows, their owners, and premiums are:
1. Homeridge T Annette, (S: Tower Vue Prime Tequila-ET, D: Homeridge P. Annette), premier performance cow, best udder, and high-ranking junior exhibitor;
Kylie and Dawson Nickels, Travis Freson,
Mandy Sell and Scott Stanford, Watertown, Wis.; 2,284; 2. Pacific Edge Colton Jazmin-ET, (S: Chilli
Action Colton-ET, D: Laguna Hired Gun
Joanne-ET), best bred and owned; Brent
L. Rocha, Tillamook, Ore.; $996; 3. Pacific Edge Premier Kahlua-ET, Brent L.
Rocha; $696; 4. Reich-Dale Gunman Secure-ET, Hayden
Reichard, Chambersburg, Pa.; $526; 5. SSF Andreas Camilla, Ernest W. Kueffner and Terri L. Packard, Boonsboro, Md.; $405; 6. Red Dirt Colton Butterfly, Red Dirt Genetics, Perkins, Okla.; $340; 7. Discoverys Joey Ernie-ET, (S: Discoverys
Premier Joey, Kevin Krejci and Lisa Demmer, Ellsworth, Wis.; $308; 8. Gordons VIP Graceful, (S: River Valley
Venus VIP-ET, Phil Gordon, Abigail, Katelyn, William and Matthew Gordon, Syracuse, Ind.; $283; 9. Big Guns Andreas Victory-ET, Lillian Finke, London, Ohio; $259; 10. Spatz Showdown Damsel, Spatz Cattle
Company, Harrisonburg, Va.; $243; 11. Reich-Dale Tequila Show Me-ET, Hayden and Shaylin Reichard, Chambersburg,
Pa.; $235; 12. Discoverys Joey Eva-ET, Kevin Krejci and
Lisa Demmer; $227; Semex Elevate GJPI Award—Aspen Grove
Bravehearts Candy, Alison and Lauren
Graves, Talbott, Tenn., 22nd in class.
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Futurity Committee
Thank you to the chairs Sally Pozzi, Petaluma, Calif., and her associate chair, Corrina Aldrich, Salem, N.Y., along with the other 28 members of the National Jersey Jug committee who continued to keep the tradition alive with beauty and pageantry of the 68th debut of the National Jersey Jug Futurity.
All American Sale
(continued from page 32) First choice female sired by ISAU Lightning Ridge Ferdinand and out of River Valley Excitation Flawless-ET............. 8,700 (Misty Meadow Dairy)
R. Hefel, G. Henderson, D., K., and C. Barber, Epworth,
Iowa................................................................................... Milksource-FV Chrome Max-ET, heifer calf 10 mos..... 8,100 (Milk Source Genetics, Kaukauna, Wis.)
David Allen, Reedsburg, Wis.
JX DG Bar Brady {5}-ET............................................... 7,500 (De Groot Dairy Farms, Hanford, Calif.)
Harper Grey Adkins, Russell Springs, Ky.
Krahn Girls Kid Rock Surprise, heifer calf 8 mos.......... 7,000 (Gracie and Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.)
Ahlem Farms Partnership, Hilmar, Calif.
JX DG Bar Danny Girl {5}-ET ....................................... 7,000 (De Groot Dairy Farms)
Clover Farms, Olney, Ill.
JX Bohnerts Jiggy Dala {6}, heifer calf 9 mos............... 7,000 (Bohnert Jerseys, East Moline, Ill.)
Patrick Gourley and Lacey Hanson, Portland, Ore.
Kash-In VIP Back It Up-ET, heifer calf 10 mos.............. 6,900 (Kash-In Jerseys, Tulare, Calif.)
Ava Grace Hebgen, De Forest, Wis.
Underground Syd Kid Rock Scout-ET, heifer calf 10 mos. ................................................................................. 6,500 (Maci and Camryn Crothers, Pitcher, N.Y.)
Kylie Konyn Crowned National Jersey Queen
Kylie Konyn, Escondido, Calif., has been crowned the 64th National Jersey Queen.
Kylie was presented the Charlene Nardone Crown by 2020 National Jersey Queen Natalie Berry on November 7, 2021, at the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity.
She will represent Jersey breeders for the next year with participation in events such as the 154th Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), World Dairy Expo, and The 70th All American Jersey Shows & Sales.
Also serving on the national court of royalty are first alternate Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa., and second alternate Maria Joy Poock, Boonville, Mo.
The National Jersey Queen contest spanned three days with 11 outstanding young women from across the country competing for the coveted crown.
Kylie is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is majoring in dairy science and plans to double major with either life sciences communications or genetics. Following her undergraduate studies, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition or genetics.
“My platform is aimed at promoting and educating others of the many programs available through the American Jersey Cattle Association,” commented Kylie. “I chose this platform as a means of educating others about the numerous programs available to youth today. Youth programs are the future of our industry and serve as an educational background for many aspects of the industry including marketing, research, and management of a dairy farm.
Kylie has served as the California Jersey Queen, Western National Jersey Queen and was a member of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. She and her family have shown Jerseys at the state, regional and national levels. She has volunteered at the California State Fair in the dairy
education booth, teaching the public about the benefits of the dairy industry. Her herd, Aspire Jerseys, is enrolled on REAP and utilizes many programs provided by the AJCA. Caroline Arrowsmith is a sophomore at Penn State University majoring in animal science with a minor in agribusiness management. She plans to work for a large-scale calf and/or heifer raising facility as a young stock specialist to gain experience and credibility. Her long-term goals are to be a youngstock specialist for an animal health or nutrition company. Caroline’s platform is, “Jerseys Do More for Less.” Caroline states, “Jerseys have long been known for their high butterfat and protein solids in their milk. Today this is extremely beneficial to farmers as more and more milk checks are including high component bonuses Konyn or using component-based pricing. This means dairy producers with Jerseys are often able to have a higher milk price than farmers with other breeds, even though they may produce an overall lower volume of milk.” She is a member of the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association and the Penn State Dairy Science Club. She has held many leadership positions through the Lancaster County dairy 4-H program. She enjoys showing her Registered Jerseys at the local, state and national levels. Caroline was a member of Class VI of Jersey Youth Academy. Maria Joy Poock is a senior at the University of Missouri. Maria states, “I want to help people understand that agriculture is a positive influence in our world and is a safe and effective way to feed people around the world for generations to come. She is currently serving as the 2021 Missouri State Jersey Queen and was a member of Class VI of Jersey Youth Academy. Maria is a former mentor at the University of Missouri’s farm, where she worked with students caring for the calves. She also helped this past year with Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp at the Missouri State Fair. The Queen and her court presented awards for the National Jersey Jug Futurity and The 69th All American Jersey Show. They also 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. For more information, follow the National Jersey Queen program on Facebook @USJerseyQueen.
DeMent Receives Max Gordon Award
Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill. has been named the 19th winner of the Max Gordon Recognition Award. DeMent was honored at a ceremony held during the National Jersey Jug Futurity in Louisville, Ky., on November 7, 2021.
The Max Gordon Recognition Award is given annually to an exhibitor who possesses the five key elements for which the award’s namesake stood: sportsmanship, ethics, professionalism, ability and promotion of the Jersey cow. Recipients are chosen by a committee of individuals who have previously received the Max Gordon Recognition Award.
Ted’s values make him a worthy candidate for the award. He is described as being easy to talk to, a true gentleman and friend, and above all a promoter of the Jersey breed.
“One comment was repeated during the selection process—Ted has been extremely helpful to many Jersey breeders, either in getting their herd established or improving their existing breeding program,” said W. Phil Gordon, Syracuse, Ind., son of the late Max Gordon. “Ted has been a real asset to the Jersey breeders over the years. This comment kept being repeated from many people, all of whom Ted has assisted with their breeding programs.”
He follows in the footsteps of his parents Don and Shirley DeMent, who passed their love for the Jersey cow on to him as well as the family farm. The DeMent family is now known for the outstanding Jerseys they breed. This includes top five winners in the National Jersey Jug Futurity, All American and Reserve All American winners, top five winners at World Dairy Expo, and numerous wins at the Illinois and surrounding state fairs. He has been attending the All American for more than 75% of his life and was one of the youngest to win the male showmanship contest in Louisville. In the early 1990s, the DeMent family brought five cows that placed in the top four of the All American Jersey Show.
DeMent is respected across the United States because of his eye for cattle and is well-known for the many outstanding Registered Jerseys he has bred. Ted has consigned to numerous leading sales and let “his best one go,” watching them go on to win for their new owners. To date, he and his family have bred 117 Excellent cows, including 95-point cows DeMents Grayson Jinglebell, DeMents Surefire Elvira, and DeMents Socrates Pearl. Ted and his wife, Cheryl, operate DeMents Jerseys, a 44-cow Registered Jersey herd, housing them at Kilgus Dairy. In return, they raise Kilgus heifers alongside their own on their 240-acres home farm. The herd is enrolled on REAP and participates in the Equity program. Ted and Cheryl received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeders Award in 2005.
He is known for his keen eye for cattle as a judge. He judged the All American Jersey Show in 2000, 2008, and 2021. Ted also judged the All American Junior Jersey Show in 2011 and the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2002 and 2016. He has been official at the All American Junior Jersey Show, Western National Jersey Show, MidAtlantic Regional Jersey Show, and World Dairy Expo. Internationally, Ted has judged Jersey shows in Ecuador, Guatemala, and Italy. Jersey breeders are not the only ones to notice, and Ted has judged every dairy breed at various shows across the country.
Ted has gained respect on the committees and associations he gives his time too. He has served on the Pennsylvania All-American judges panel, All American selection committees for Ayrshire, Guernsey, and Milking Shorthorn, All American sale and open show planning committees, and most recently was chair of the AJCA Type Advisory Committee. He has served as president of the Illinois Jersey Cattle Club. Before returning home to manage his family’s herd, Ted worked as a type traits evaluator for the AJCA for six years.
Ted is described by his peers as selfless and humble, something that shines through in his service to the Jersey breed. Ted and Cheryl produce wood-burned art that is in high demand across the country. They have donated pieces many times to the AJCC Research Foundation auctions and to many other Jersey fundraising events. Ted is known for his always smiling, “never met a stranger” personality. He has always surrounded himself with people he could learn from, and the two most admired people in hislife are the late Fred Stout and his father, Don DeMent.
Previous winners of the Max Gordon Recognition Award include: Donna Greiwe, Sidney, Ohio (2020); Steve Bachelor, Angola, Ind. (2019); Kevin Williams, McConnelsville, Ohio (2018); Greg Bourne, Ansonia, Ohio (2017); Roger Riebe, Cumberland, Wis. (2016); Steve White, New Castle, Ind. (2015); Jeff and Alta Mae Core, Salvisa, Ky. (2014); Gene “Bambi” Henderson, Manchester, Iowa (2013); Norman Nabholz, West Union, Iowa (2012); George Barlass, Janesville, Wis. (2011), Jim VanBuskirk, Mich. (2010); Brian Sayles, Ont. (2009); Mike Stiles, Va. (2008); the late Harry Mykrantz, Ohio (2007); Ronnie Rider, Ky. (2006); Chuck Myers, Ohio (2005); Charles Luchsinger, N.Y. (2004); and Ron Mosser, Ind. (2003).
Ted DeMent, left, was named the 19th recipient of the Max Gordon Award. He accepted the Gordon Trophy from Phil Gordon, second left, and his son, Josh.
Rodney Metzger Family
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