Summary of the June AJCA, NAJ Board Meetings

Summary of June AJCA, NAJ Board Meetings

The summer meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) Boards of Directors were held June 25-26, 2020, at Embassy Suites Airport, Columbus, Ohio. Actions taken are summarized.

AJCA-NAJ-AJSC Finances

The 2019 year-end audited financial statements for the companies, the auditorreviewed 2019 Research Fund, and the year-end financial summary for Scholarship and Special Funds were presented and approved.

Unaudited financial reports through May 31, 2020 were reviewed, showing: • AJCA revenues of $1,532,985 and expenditures of $1,454, 409, for net income before the All American Show & Sale of $78,576; • NAJ revenues of $383,701 and expenditures of $320,289, for net income of $63,412; and • All-Jersey Sales Corporation (Jersey Marketing Service) revenues of $44,448 and expenditures of $46,802 for net loss of $2,354.

Market value of investments at May 31, 2020, was $6,145,492.

Automated Milk Records

The board approved implementing the Automated Milk Records (AMR) program to receive production records from herds utilizing robotic milk systems that are not on DHIA production testing. These lactations will be labeled as AMR on AJCA pedigrees and reports and will not be eligible for Honor Roll, Hall of Fame or National Class Leader recognition and will not be included in AJCA herd averages. (Editor’s note: find more information on page 29 in Jersey Jargon)

Export Qualification Document

A document for export qualifications was approved by the board. It will provide identification on unregistered Jerseys that are sent out of country by export companies. The information provided would include sire and service sire registration numbers and Predicted Transmitting Abilities on sires and service sires. The fee for the document was set at $5.00 per animal.

AJCC Research Foundation

Results from projects funded in 2019 and summaries of 2020 projects in progress funded by the AJCC Research Foundation were reviewed.

The Foundation’s 2021 Request for Proposals has been issued with project submissions due December 1.

Jersey Youth Academy

Eligibility rules for the 2021 Jersey Youth Academy were reviewed. Applications will be accepted from Jersey youth who are currently juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college or university; and also those under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management. Applications are accepted only from legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only one time. The application period opens September 1 with a submission deadline of December 1, 2020. The class will convene in Columbus, Ohio, July 11-16, 2021.

Junior Lease Option for Junior Shows

The board asked staff to prepare a lease option to be presented to the All American Show Committees at the March 2021 meetings.

AJCA Appointments Announced

David Spahr, Findlay, Ohio, and Sam and Julie Bok, Defiance, Ohio, were appointed as Inspectors of Election for the 2020 AJCA Annual Meeting.

Walter Owens, Frederic, Wis., was appointed to the Investment Advisory committee.

National All-Jersey Inc.

Directors of National All-Jersey Inc. were updated on the A2 milk research project at Purdue University, which concluded this spring. The study aimed to determine if A2 milk was beneficial for people known to be lactose intolerant. Results are posted on the USJersey website at http://tiny.cc/ A2JerseyResearch.

Staff updated the board on the volatile (continued to page 32)

Policy of The Jersey Journal Effective March, 2018 by the American Jersey Cattle Association Board of Directors

The purpose of the Jersey Journal is to promote Jerseys and to serve as the media to carry Jersey news and ads to the owners of Jerseys and other interested parties. To fulfill this purpose, the following policies have been established by the Board of Directors:

Editorial Policy. The editorial policy of the Jersey Journal is to reflect the positions and programs of the Jersey breed as established by the Board of Directors.

Advertising Policy. The policy of the AJCA concerning breed advertisements in the Jersey Journal is that all advertising may include references to Registered Jerseys and those eligible for Identification services of the AJCA as well as animals of other dairy breeds owned by the advertiser. Advertising involving politics and ads criticizing Jerseys and/or Jersey programs will be declined.

As an integral part of the AJCA recorded name, Generation Count must be published and included with shortened names. Ads must include bulls’ Breed Base Representation values when available. Advertising offering semen for sale must completely identify the seller.

The Jersey Journal will use CDCB genetic evaluations for foreign animals if information is available. If CDCB information is not available, the origin of the information used will be listed.

Letter to the Editor. This column is made available to include discussion of opinions, policies and problems, and other subjects provided the comments are constructive. Derogatory letters mentioning individual names or animals will not be published, neither will political or anonymous letters.

When the Editor receives ads or letters which are believed to be questionable, these will be referred to the Development Committee of the Board. A majority vote of the committee will be final. When the committee is divided or so requests, the material in question will be submitted to the Board of Directors for a decision.

milk markets resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Cheese prices in particular experienced extreme lows, followed by record highs over the past three months which will be affecting dairy producer milk checks. Staff stressed the importance of protecting margins and prices by using the Dairy Margin Coverage and Dairy Revenue Protection programs.

Charlie Garrison, The Garrison Group LLC, Washington, D.C., updated the NAJ board on federal policy issues including: COVID-19 Relief for Farmers, International Trade, Immigration Reform, Environmental Issues, Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal Milk Market Order Reform.

Jersey Marketing Service reported on the lack of public sale activity in the spring of 2020, due to the restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic. Two online sales were hosted in May by Jersey Marketing Service as the only public sales.

Next Meetings

The AJCA Board of Directors will meet November 5 and 6, 2020, at the Hilton Garden Inn-Airport, Louisville, Ky. The NAJ Board will meet November 6.

USJersey Leadership Elected

Officers and directors of the USJersey organizations were elected during the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) held virtually on June 26 and 27, 2020 in Columbus, Ohio.

Jonathan Merriam, Hickman, Calif., was re-elected to a third one-year term as President of the American Jersey Cattle Association on June 27. The third generation of his family to breed and own Registered Jerseys, Merriam is the genetics specialist at Ahlem Farms Partnership, Hilmar, Calif., having previously worked in A.I. sire procurement, extension and education. He has served on the boards of the California Jersey Cattle Association and Jerseyland Sires and was co-chair of the 2016 National Heifer Sale. He was

General Chair of The All American Jersey Shows & Sales in 2019, and served as chair of The All American Sale Committee in 2017.

Rebecca Ferry, Johnstown, N.Y., was elected to her first three-year term as AJCA Director from the Second District. She owns and operates Dreamroad Jerseys LLC, an 80-cow Registered Jersey herd, with her sister Sandra Scott. The herd is enrolled in AJCA’s REAP program. Becky was the 2002 National Jersey Youth Achievement winner and received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award with Sandra in 2013. She was co-chair of the 2019 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. In addition, she has served as co-secretary and vice president of the New York Jersey Cattle Club.

Karen Bohnert, East Moline, Ill., was re-elected to a second term as Director from the Sixth District. Bohnert and her husband, Scott, and children, Tyler, Cassie and Jacob, own and operate Bohnerts Jerseys with her in-laws and brother-in-law. The 500-cow Registered Jersey herd is enrolled on REAP. Bohnert is currently a member of the Development and Finance Committees on the AJCA board. Bohnert works from home as a dairy freelance communication consultant, known for her monthly column in the Hoard’s Dairyman, “Around the Kitchen Table.”

John Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa, was elected for his first term as AJCA Director from the Eighth District. He and his family own and operate Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, a 185-cow Registered Jersey herd. The herd is enrolled on REAP. The farm has diversified through the years, adding a large agri-tourism business that hosts an average of 7,000 visitors a year. The tours aim to educate visitors on practices of a modern dairy and row crop operation. John received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award in 1997. He is currently serving as dairy superintendent of the Mississippi Valley Fair, a supervisor for Scott County and fire commissioner for the Donahue Volunteer Fire Department. He is a past president of DHIA and the Outstanding Young Farmers Organization. As well he sat on boards for Dairyland Jersey Sires Inc., Iowa State University Extension Council and River Valley Cooperative.

Cornell Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif., was elected as AJCA Director from the Eleventh District. Kasbergen and his wife, Teri, and son and daughter-in-law, Case and Allison, own and operate Rancho Teresita Dairy. The dairy consists of 1,800 acres of farmland; 3,600 Registered Jerseys and 1,400 Holsteins. The herd is enrolled on REAP and has many animals that rank among the elite of the breed for Genomic Jersey Performance Index. Cornell chairs the Milk Producers Council and recently completed 22 years of service on the Land O’Lakes board of directors. He chaired the audit committee for Land O’Lakes and represented the organization on the National Milk Producers Federation board. Kasbergen is a member of the dairy committee for the Agriculture Council of California and the milk producer review board for the California Department of Food and Agriculture. As well he served on the California Dairy Environmental Justice Fund.

Chairs of standing committees for 2020- 21 are Bradley Taylor, Booneville, Miss., Finance; Mark Gardner, Dayton, Pa., Breed Improvement; Tom Sawyer, Walpole, N.H., Development; and John Boer, Dalhart, Texas, Information Technology and Identification. Gardner will also serve as vice president for the coming year.

National All-Jersey Inc.

Following the Annual Meeting of National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) on June 26, John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., was elected to continue as president by the Board of Directors. Kokoski has been a member of the NAJ Board since 2007. He heads up the family-operated Mapleline Farm LLC. The enterprise includes a 135-cow Registered Jersey herd enrolled on REAP and a dairy plant that processes and distributes a full line of Jersey milk products to grocery retailers, restaurants and university food service. Kokoski is a past director of the Massachusetts Cooperative Milk Producers Federation and has served more than 25 years on the New England Dairy Promotion Board.

James S. Huffard III, Crockett, Va., was re-elected to a fifth term as Director from District #5. He served as president of the AJCA from 2001-2004. Huffard was honored by World Dairy Expo in 2014 as Dairyman of the Year, and as the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder by National Dairy Shrine in 2012, He was named Master Breeder of the AJCA in 2008.

Huffard was re-elected as NAJ vice president. Calvin Graber, Hurley, S.D., will continue to serve as Finance Chair.

Message From Your

National Jersey Queen

Hello! I am Gracie Krahn proudly serving as your 2019 National Jersey Queen. For those of you who do not know me, I am the daughter of Ben and Amy Krahn. My family owns and operates Royal Riverside Farm in Albany, Ore. Growing up on a small dairy in the heart of Oregon’s Mid-Wil lamette Valley, my day starts like every other Krahn dairy farmer—before the sunrise. From milking cows, to feeding calves and caring for our show string, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work side-by-side with my family every day.

As I have gotten older, I have come to appreciate the lessons that have been instilled in me through this industry. I can say with confidence that life skills like responsibility,

Rodney Metzger Family

srhm@alliancecom.net

712/478-4344 (Day) 712/478-4361 (Night) • 712/478-4039 (Fax) 1334 Dove Ave., P.O. Box 9, Lester, IA 51242 dedication, integrity, and hard work have molded me into the young lady that I am today.

In 2018, my family took a leap of faith as we built a farmstead creamery. Captivating the opportunity to sell our milk directly to our consumers was a dream of ours since before I can remember. We started out in five locally-owned stores, and I feel incredibly blessed that today, our creamline and chocolate milk is found in 35 stores across the state of Oregon. This endeavor has paved the way to allow me to advocate for the Jersey cow and her nutritious milk. Through engaging in conversations on the farm, in classrooms, and at local farmers markets, I have found that customers are genuinely eager to increase their knowledge about what happens on the farm and where their food comes from. My little family and this God-sized dream has undoubtedly allowed me to grow my passion for the dairy industry, encouraging me to pursue a future career in agricultural advocacy.

This spring, I graduated with honors from Santiam Christian High School where I was actively involved in organizations like 4-H, FFA, National Honor Society, and Varsity cheerleading. This fall, I plan to attend Linn Benton Community College before transferring to Oklahoma State University where I will dual major in agricultural communications and animal sciences. I plan to be involved in the dairy science club and compete on the dairy cattle evaluation team. Ultimately, my professional goal is to obtain a career in the dairy industry where I can combine my on-farm experiences with my skills in agricultural communications to promote the dairy industry.

In November, I stepped into my new reality as I began a once in a lifetime journey. Being crowned at the 2019 All American Jersey Show is certainly a memory that I will cherish forever. Since then, there is no question that our world has changed tremendously. I was so excited to be able to welcome you all to my home state this year for the 2020 National Jersey Convention, but instead, here we are—virtual! Though each of our lives have been challenged in one way or another, one thing in my life has not wavered—my love for the Jersey cow. Being a sixth generation dairy farmer, I like to say that my passion for the Jersey cow runs in my blood.

There is no hiding my enthusiasm for the Jersey industry, and I can proudly say that much of it is rooted in the various activities that the American Jersey Cattle Association provides to their junior members. Some of my favorite memories include participating in the All American Junior Jersey Show. I will never forget the first time I led my heifer on those magnificent green shavings—the thrill of entering the show ring was something that I will never forget. Later that night, I sat in the audience at the Junior Awards Banquet. The excitement buzzing through the room was so inspiring. I told myself that someday I wanted to be a leader in the Jersey association.

For more than 60 years the American Jersey Cattle Association has sponsored educational programs and activities for young people interested in the Jersey Breed. Junior members not only have opportunities to show their registered cattle all over the United States at a variety of sanctioned Jersey Shows, but they also may enter various production contests to highlight their hard working cattle. Junior members have the opportunity to purchase animals in the Pot O’Gold Sale, which creates incentives for keeping production and management records. The National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, which I have personally been involved in, is the ultimate recognition for Jersey youth between the ages of 16 and 20.

The American Jersey Cattle Association also offers 14 educational awards and scholarships totaling over $30,000. It is just incredible! These scholarships are available each year for hardworking, dedicated dairy enthusiasts, and I encourage all eligible youth to apply.

Internships are also a key part of one’s college experience and provide a hands on learning environment for students to enhance their skills. I encourage all industry leaders to help support these educational awards to help finance our youth’s future.

A relatively new program that I am personally looking forward to participating in is the Jersey Youth Academy. Held every other year in Ohio, this program allows participants to gain many valuable experiences, to increase their knowledge about the Jersey breed, and to network with industry professionals.

There is truly something for everyone! I encourage each junior member to participate in the many youth activities that AJCA hosts, because I can promise you, the relationships created and the connections made within our industry will last forever.

I am looking forward to seeing you all at the 2020 All American Jersey Show and Sale in Louisville this November. Thank you again for the opportunity to represent you this year. I am forever grateful.

Vermont Juniors Earn

Production Awards

Though the Vermont Jersey Breed- ers Association did not hold its annual meeting this year due to the pandemic, the youth production contest continued. Three members of the McReynolds fam- ily at Lucky Hill Farm in Danville re- ceived prizes for their entries based on m.e. protein. Two of the three cows to earn certificates are products of the na- tional Jersey organization’s Pot O’Gold program. The juniors also earned cash prizes for their winnings.

Andrew McReynolds earned the top prize with Lucky Hill Lemon Butterscotch. The Very Good-84% daughter of Steinhauers Samson Lemonhead, GJPI +40, produced a record with a first lactation m.e. of 22,791–1,234–960. Actual production for the 1-10 record is 16,282 lbs. milk, 907 lbs. fat and 706 lbs. protein.

Andrew purchased the dam of “But- terscotch,” Avi-Lanche Dazz Buttermilk 12564, Excellent-93%, at the Pot O’Gold Sale in 2014 from Avi-Lanche Jerseys, Dalhart, Texas. She won the 2017 Pot O’Gold Production Contest. She pro- duced a record with a dollar value of $8,097.34 to win the contest and has subsequently produced a top record of 21,780 lbs. milk, 1,247 lbs. fat and 881 lbs. protein at 4-11.

Luke McReynolds placed second with JX Cedar Mtn Farm Topeka Gar- net {4}. The Excellent-91% daughter of Heartland Merchant Topeka-ET, GJPI -32, made a 4-6 record with an m.e. of 24,244–1,226–856. Like his brother, Luke purchased “Garnet {4}” from Ker- ry Gawalt of Hartland, Vt., at the 2014 Pot O’Gold Sale. She placed eighth in the production contest three years later.

Abby McReynolds earned the third prize with JX Cedar Mtn Farm Colton Bridget {5}, Excellent-90%. The daugh- ter of Chilli Action Colton-ET, GJPI -63, made a first lactation with an m.e. of 22,091–1,099–778 at 1-8.

Mills Jersey Farm LLC

The Newell Mills Family 4675 Sheckler Rd., Fallon, NV 89406 cmills1324@gmail.com • 775/217-5470

$5,300 High Seller for Falcon Premier

The Dairy Club at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls came in under the wire for its biannual Falcon Premier sale. Held on March 14, 2020, at the university’s Mann Valley Farm, it was among the last live cattle auctions to be conducted before the country went into quarantine for COVID-19. In all, 57 lots of Jerseys, Holsteins and Red and Whites were auctioned for an average of $2,189. The dozen Jersey lots sold for an average of $1,758.33. For the first time, buyers were given opportunity to bid remotely through Cowbuyer.com.

Sale Analysis Number Avg. Price

1 Bred heifer $1,400.00 1 Open yearling 1,400.00 10 Heifer calves 1,830.00

Total Value

$1,400 1,400 18,300

12 Lots Median price $1,758.33 $1,400.00 $21,100

Sale Management: University of Wisconsin-River Falls Dairy Club Auctioneer: Randy Kath

The online option proved fruitful as the buyers of the high selling Jersey, Arnie, Ashley and Andy Gruenes of Richmond, Minn., placed their final bid of $5,300 remotely. Their purchase, Discoverys VIP Vienna, is a senior calf sired by River Valley Venus V I P-ET, GJPI -115, and is backed by six Very Good or Excellent dams.

Her dam is a Very Good-86% daughter

of SV Jade Hired Gun-ET, GJPI -93. Her Very Good-88% grandam is sired by Arethusa Verbatim Response-ET, GJPI -109. Her third dam, sired by Tower Vue Prime Tequila-ET, GJPI -208, is appraised Very Good-87%. The next three dams are Excellent-90%, Very Good-88% and Excellent-92%, respectively.

“Vienna” was consigned by Kevin Krejci of Ellsworth, Wis.

Olivia Peter, Waterloo, Wis., purchased the second-high seller, Woodmohr Firey Favorite, for $2,200. The December 2019 daughter of Colton Flame Fireman, GJPI -146, is out of a Very Good-81% daughter or Ravenwood Favors Request, GJPI -94.

Her grandam, Woodmohr Marlos Ultra Divine-ET, Excellent-95%, has eight complete lactations—six of them over 21,000 lbs. milk—and a best record of 5-11 305 25,830 5.6% 1,440 3.7% 949 98DCR. Her third dam is MJ Candy DC Godiva, Excellent-95%. She has 11 lactations, two of them over 21,500 lbs. milk, 1,000 lbs. fat and 770 lbs. protein. She has been honored by the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association for lifetime production.

“Favorite” was consigned by Woodmohr Jerseys of Bloomer, Wis.

This year’s Falcon Premier was memorable not just for the pandemic, but because students took on additional responsibilities as well with the retiring of longtime auctioneer Tom Morris after last year’s event. Students managed and clerked the sale and added a gift basket raffle to the offering. Another first included a showmanship clinic for youth, held in conjunction with the sale.

Sales $1,500 and Over (Consignors in Parentheses)

Arnie, Ashley and Andy Gruenes, Richmond, Minn.

Discoverys VIP Vienna, heifer calf 7 mos ................... $5,300 (Kevin Krejci, Ellsworth, Wis.)

Olivia Peter, Waterloo, Wis.

Woodmohr Firey Favorite, heifer calf 3 mos.................. 2,200 (Woodmohr Jerseys, Bloomer, Wis.)

Ava, Ela, Ivy and Liv Hebgen, Kenley, Paisley and

Ryker Kessenich and Waylon Hughes, Rio, Wis.

Woodmohr SPT Posh, heifer calf 8 mos....................... 2,000 (Woodmohr Jerseys)

Madison and Mason Raddatz, Krakow, Wis.

Milk-N-More Hellcat Novalee, heifer calf 3 mos............ 1,500 (Ron and Nicolle Wussow, Cecil, Wis.)

Adhyn Shell and Tinsley Williams, Mabel, Minn.

Day-Kel Magician Flirtatious, heifer calf 6 mos. ........... 1,500 (Ashley A. Oberreich, Plymouth, Wis.)

Final Payments for 2020 Futurity Due September 20

The 67 th National Jersey Jug Futurity will be held on Sunday, November 8, in Louisville, Ky., during The All American Jersey weekend.

The cows participating in the oldest and richest class for dairy cows in the world, were nominated as calves in 2017 and will compete this November for the prestigious honor of National Jersey Jug Futurity winner.

The final nomination fee of $35.00 must be sent attention to the National Jersey Jug Futurity, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068, and be postmarked by September 20, 2020. For more information contact Vickie White at 614.322.4452 or vwhite@usjersey.com.

Nominations are due for the 2023 Futurity by December 31, 2020. It costs only $60.00 to complete the nomination procedure for the National Jersey Jug Futurity. Every animal that shows earns at least that amount in premiums.

New England Jerseys Sponsor of the Northeast Jersey Classic and Breeder’s Sale President: AJCA-NAJ Area Representative: Secretary:

Moira Poitras, Mass. Brenda Snow 802/728-3920 Darlene Pyle, Vt.

Lucky Hill Farm

Henry and Jenn M c Reynolds 845 M c Reynolds Road, Danville, VT 05828

Email luckyhilljerseys@yahoo.com

Phone 802/748-0085 or 802/748-9172

Springdale Jerseys Inc.

The Whitcomb Family • sdfarm@fairpoint.net 205 Birches Rd., Waldo, Maine 04915 207/342-5446 Phone/Fax 207/342-5135 Walter • 207/722-3247 Nancy

Mapleline Farm

The John Kokoski Family 57 Comins Road, Hadley, MA 01035 Herd Manager: Rich West Home 413/549-6486 Email jkokoski@maplelinefarm.com Website www.maplelinefarm.com

Silver Maple Farms Inc. The McKeen Family • Home of SMJ Jerseys 414 Hussey Rd., Albion, ME 04910 Barn: 207/437-5181 • Home 207/437-2554 E-mail: dennis.mckeen@gmail.com A REAP herd and member of New England Jersey Sires, Inc.

CRESCENT FARM Sheldon Sawyer, Sr. and Sheldon “Tom” Sawyer, Jr. Owners 420 Wentworth Rd., Walpole, NH 03608-9715 Phone and Fax: 603/756-4049 Email: toms18438@yahoo.com

Queen-Acres Farm

P.O. Box 88, Keymar, MD 21757 James & Sharon Osborn • 410/775-2420 Deborah C. Osborn • 410/775-0558 Email: littlebrowncows@hotmail.com

Shenandoah Jerseys

The Tracy Stiles Family Janet Stiles Fulton JR and Jessica Stiles Hess 18848 Printz Road, Boonsboro, MD 21713 301/582-2178 • shenjers@gmail.com

2019 AJCA ME Lact. Avg. on 62 cows: 23,058M 1,095F 860P Merle, Margaret, Mike, Tim and Debbie Lawton Nathan and Ryan Lawton and Chelsie Fuller 431 Bridge St., Newark Valley, NY 13811 607/642-8169 Farm • mmlawton@stny.rr.com Tim: 607/341-1172 • timlawton581@gmail.com

JERSEY FARM Scotch View Farms

George and Nadine Wilson • David Wilson Henry Aldrich, Herdsman 283 Blenheim Hill Road, Stamford, NY 12167 Phone 607/652-7181 Email wilsongn43@gmail.com

DEN-KEL JERSEYS Kip, Katie, Max and Henry Keller 6476 N. Bergen Road, Byron, NY 14422 585/548-2299 • Email denkeljerseys@aol.com Visit us on the web: http://denkeljerseys.usjersey.com

ADVERTISE YOUR NEW YORK HERD IN THE JERSEY JOURNAL TODAY! Call 614.322.4471 or email jerseyjournal@usjersey.com