Policies Regarding Undesirable Genetic Factors

Effective February 22, 1983 Revised July 27, 2011, November 2, 2012, August 19, 2013 March 16, 2014, June 24, 2014 June 27, 2018, November 2, 2018

Statement of Policy

Every effort should be made within the breed to identify those animals that carry undesirable genetic factors. The American Jersey Cattle Association considers it the responsibility and obligation of each member of the Association and each breeder of Jersey cattle to report to the Executive Secretary any known case of an abnormal Jersey animal. The Executive Secretary shall maintain records of abnormalities and shall make available information from such records in accordance with rules established by the Board of Directors from time to time.

The Board of Directors considers it to be unethical practice to offer for sale an animal, male or female, an embryo or semen from an animal that has been designated a carrier of an undesirable genetic factor without first informing the prospective buyer of this fact. In practice this means that any advertising, descriptive material, or pedigree containing a designated carrier of an undesirable genetic factor shall carry a statement indicating designated carriers.

This statement of policy is made in belief that it is in the best interests of the breed and the breeders of Jersey cattle. It is made in the belief that it will serve the position of those who have taken the more difficult, positive, open approach to this fundamental concept of ethics in the improved breeding of dairy cattle. In the long run, all serve to gain by such a policy, but only to the degree that all cooperate in the acceptance and enforcement of this policy.

Identification of

Undesirable Genetic Factors

In determining what genetic factors are considered to be undesirable in the Jersey breed, the Board of Directors shall consider such evidence as it considers appropriate. The Executive Secretary shall make such investigations of genetic factors occurring in Jersey animals as he or she may believe necessary or advisable and shall report the results of his or her investigations to the Board of Directors. Before recommending that the Action On Abnormalities Excerpted from

Bylaws of The American Jersey Cattle Association

Article IV, Section 4. The Executive Secretary shall make such investigations of genetic factors occurring in Jersey animals as he or she may believe necessary or advisable and shall report the results of his or her investigations to the Board of Directors. Each member and non-member of the Association shall cooperate fully in any such investigation. The Board of Directors shall determine what genetic factors are considered to be undesirable in the Jersey breed and shall take whatever action it may consider appropriate to control and limit such undesirable genetic factors.

The collection, compilation and dissemination of information relating to genetic factors is hereby declared to be in the furtherance of the aims and purposes of the Association, the preservation of the high breeding standards of Jersey cattle, and the protection not only of the members of the Association but also of the public generally; and dissemination of such information is therefore, deemed to be qualified privilege. Accordingly, the Association shall publish and release such information in accordance with procedures established by the Board of Directors. In so doing neither the Association, nor its officers, directors, employees, or agents shall be liable for damages or otherwise.

Board make a determination regarding the existence of an undesirable genetic factor, the Executive Secretary shall consult with at least two experts whose recommendations shall be submitted to the Board.

Identification of Carrier Animals

When the Board of Directors shall determine that an undesirable genetic factor exists in the Jersey breed, the Board shall take whatever action it may consider appropriate to control and limit the genetic factor. Such action will include procedures to identify animals that are probable carriers of the undesirable genetic factor and to inform persons having an interest in the Jersey breed of the identity of such probable carriers. The procedures for publication of the identity of probable carrier animals, referred to as “designated” carriers, are contained in supplemental statements adopted with respect to each undesirable genetic condition.

For each undesirable genetic condition the Board of Directors shall adopt a separate statement of procedures for designating animals, referred to as “Statement of Designation Procedures,” and designate an official report form to be used for reporting affected animals. The Board of Directors shall be responsible for designating animals as carriers of an undesirable genetic factor. When an animal has been designated as a carrier, the Executive Secretary shall notify the last recorded owner, the breeder, any lessee, and any third-party nominator by email on file at American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). If email is not on file, results and notification of undesirable genetic factor status are delivered by regular U.S. Mail to the address on file at AJCA. The undesirable genetic factor status may change with updates in technology and additional genomic testing of related animals.

The Board of Directors may adopt procedures and rules by which a Jersey may be progeny tested for a particular undesirable genetic factor. The rules and procedures for progeny testing are contained in supplemental statements adopted with respect to each undesirable genetic condition.

The policy of the Association is to identify and designate Jersey animals as carriers of undesirable genetic factors when (1) genomic detection based on DNA analyses and/or (2) documentation of their own progeny is sufficient to accomplish designation.

Publication and Release of Information

Male and Female Animals

The Executive Secretary shall maintain (continued to next page)

(continued from previous page) a record of all animals that have been designated carriers of an undesirable genetic factor, and designation shall be noted on all advertising, descriptive material, or pedigrees published by the Association containing reference to a designated carrier. The Association shall also notify the recorded owner, the breeder, any lessee, and any thirdparty nominator if the animal carries an undesirable genetic factor.

Except as provided in this statement of policies, no information concerning the genetic condition of any animal shall be released by the Association without approval of the Board of Directors. Male Animals Only

When the Association receives an official report of an affected animal, the Executive Secretary shall so inform the last recorded owner, the breeder, and the lessee, if any, of the sire of such an animal by regular mail; and thereafter he or she shall routinely inform the breeder, the owner, and the lessee of that sire of the receipt of any additional reports and supporting documentation required by the applicable Statement of Designation Procedures and of such additional information as he/she shall deem appropriate.

When the Association receives an official report that an animal is affected with an undesirable genetic condition and that report is accompanied by the documentation required by the applicable Statement of Designation Procedures and if the sire of the animal described in the report is the son or grandson of a designated carrier or an affected animal, the Executive Secretary shall prepare a statement containing information as he or she, in his or her sole discretion, shall deem appropriate with respect to such sire. Such statement shall be furnished to the last recorded owner, the breeder, and the lessee, if any, of the sire and to any AI organization that is currently is offering for sale semen obtained from the sire. The statement shall also be furnished to any other person who requests information from the Association concerning the sire.

The identification of bulls designated as carriers of undesirable genetic factors shall be published in the Jersey Journal from time to time in such manner as the Executive Secretary shall determine.

Sales

For each undesirable genetic condition the Board of Directors shall establish policies for the marketing of carrier animals and their progeny in all sales sponsored or managed by the Association or Jersey Marketing Service.

Limber Legs (LL) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated November 1972 Description of Condition

The affected calf has little or no control over movement of legs and is unable to stand. The calf’s legs lack normal muscling, appear loose at the joints, and can be flexed, extended and rotated without difficulty or discomfort to the calf. Usually the legs can be crossed above the dorsal side of the neck without discomfort to the calf. Requirements for Designation of Limber Legs Carrier

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of Limber Legs if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

Usually, the Board will designate a carrier bull without the concurrence of the breeder, last recorded owner, and the lessee, if any, upon receipt of two or more official reports that calves sired by that bull are affected with Limber Legs if (1) the calves reported on were born in two separate herds and (2) each report is accompanied by the written statement of a veterinarian or other person (other than the person signing the official report) who, in the opinion of the Executive Secretary, is qualified to identify the Limber Legs condition describing the condition of the calf and stating whether, in his or her opinion, the calf is affected with Limber Legs. However, with the concurrence of the breeder, the last recorded owner, and the lessee, if any, the Board will usually designate a carrier bull upon receipt of one or more official report(s) that a calf sired by that bull is affected with Limber Legs if each report is accompanied by a written statement by a veterinarian or other qualified person and if a parent or any grandparent of the bull has been designated a Limber Legs carrier.

Usually the Board will designate a carrier cow upon receipt of one official report that a calf delivered by that cow is affected with Limber Legs if the report is accompanied by the requisite written statement of a veterinarian or other qualified person.

An extended (six generation) pedigree of the affected animal will be prepared to see if the animal traces to designated carrier animals.

With respect to all sales sponsored or managed by the Association or Jersey Marketing Service, a bull shall not be accepted unless the probability of his being a carrier of Limber Legs, based on his relationship to affected animals or designated carriers, is less than 12.5%.

Daughters of designated carriers of Limber Legs shall not be accepted in any consignment sale managed by Jersey Marketing Service. Granddaughters of designated carriers shall not be accepted in the National Heifer Sale, the Pot O’Gold Sale or The All American Sale but may be accepted in other consignment sales managed by Jersey Marketing Service.

Rectovaginal Constriction (RVC) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated June 1975 Description of Condition

Rectovaginal Constriction (RVC) is constriction of the rectum and vagina such that the arm usually may not be inserted normally in the rectum to permit artificial breeding. An episiotomy or Caesarian section is usually required for calving. The condition may be accompanied by hardening of the udder. Requirements for Designation of Rectovaginal Constriction Carrier

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal as a carrier of Rectovaginal Constriction (RVC) if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

Usually, the Board will designate a carrier bull without concurrence of the breeder, last recorded owner, and the lessee, if any, upon receipt of two or more official reports that, calves sired by the bull are affected with RVC if (1) the calves reported on were born in two separate herds; (2) the bulls relationship to the calves is supported by blood typing; and (3) each such report is accompanied by the written statement of a veterinarian or other person (other than the person signing the official report) who, in the opinion of

(continued from previous page)

the Executive Secretary, is qualified to identify the RVC condition describing the condition and stating whether in his or her opinion the calf is affected with RVC. However, with the concurrence of the breeder, the last owner, and the lessee, if any, the Board will usually designate a carrier bull upon receipt of one or more official report(s) that a calf sired by that bull is affected with RVC if each report is accompanied by blood typing to verify parentage and by written statements of a veterinarian or other qualified person and if a parent or grandparent of the bull has been designated an RVC carrier or is affected with RVC.

Usually, the Board will designate a carrier cow upon receipt of one official report that a calf delivered by that cow is affected with RVC if the report is accompanied by blood typing to verify parentage and by the requisite written statement of a veterinarian or other qualified person.

An extended (six generation) pedigree of the affected animal will be prepared to see if the animal traces to affected or designated carrier animals.

With respect to all sales sponsored or managed by the Association or Jersey Marketing Service, a bull shall not be accepted unless the probability of his being a carrier of Rectovaginal Constriction, based on his relationship to affected animals or designated carriers, is less than 12.5%.

Daughters of designated carriers of Rectovaginal Constriction shall not be accepted in any consignment sale managed by Jersey Marketing Service. Granddaughters of designated carriers shall not be accepted in the National Heifer Sale, the Pot O’Gold Sale or The All American Sale but may be accepted in other consignment sales managed by Jersey Marketing Service.

Jersey Haplotype 1 (JH1) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated June 2011

Revised November 2011, August 2013 Description of Condition

Jersey Haplotype 1 (JH1) designates a reduction in fertility, specifically early embryonic loss, attributable to a specific haplotype on Bos taurus autosome 15 (BTA15). Subsequent investigation identified the biological cause of embryo loss as a loss-of-function mutation in the CWC15 spliceosome-associated protein homolog gene (Sonstegard et al., 2012, PLoS ONE, 8:354872). Determination of JH1 Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal either a carrier or free of JH1 haplotype if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

Official JH1 status is obtained (1) by direct observation of the loss-of-function (LOF) mutation in CWC15 in the genotype of an animal, or (2) by use of LOF mutation test results of family members to determine if the mutation is contained in the JH1 haplotype of other genotyped animals, and reassessed as additional information is obtained from DNA analyses.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, a bull shall not be accepted unless designated free of Jersey Haplotype 1.

Bovine Leukocyte

Adhesion Deficiency (BLAD) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated March 2014 Description of Condition

Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency (BLAD) is a genetic defect affecting white blood cell function which causes extreme susceptibility to infection. The white blood cells of the affected animal fail to attach to the cells lining the blood vessels, an essential step in their migration to the point of infection to destroy invading pathogens. BLAD carriers have a mutation in the CD18 gene (Shuster et al., 1992, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 89:9225-9229). Determination of BLAD Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of BLAD if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

BLAD carrier status is determined by observation of the mutation at position 383 of the CD18 gene in the genotype of an animal.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Bovine Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency.

Deficiency of Uridine

Monophosphate Synthase (DUMPS) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated March 2014 Description of Condition

Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate Synthase (DUMPS) is a genetic defect that causes failure in the synthesis of DNA and results in early embryonic death of homozygous offspring. DUMPS carriers have a mutation with loss of an AvaI site at codon 405 (Schwenger et al., 1993, Gene Genomics 16:241-244).

Determination of DUMPS Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of DUMPS if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

DUMPS carrier status is determined by observation of the mutation and the loss of an AvaI site at codon 405 in the genotype of an animal.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Deficiency of Uridine Monophosphate Synthase.

Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated March 2014 Description of Condition

Bovine Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a neurodegenerative genetic disease that typically occurs at three (3) to four (4) weeks of age as weakness of the rear legs. Terminal stages are marked by severe muscular atrophy, weakness in all four limbs and inability to stand. The causative gene SMN has been mapped at the very distal end of BTA24 (Krebs et al., 2007, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 104:6746-51). Determination of SMA Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of SMA if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case. (continued to next page)

(continued from previous page)

SMA carrier status is determined by observation of the causative gene SMN on BTA24 in the genotype of an animal.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Bovine Spinal Dysmyelination (SDM) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated June 2018 Description of Condition

Bovine Spinal Dysmyelination (SDM) is a neurodegenerative genetic disease manifested immediately at birth. The homozygous recessive affected calf cannot stand with symptoms that include lateral recumbency with slight to moderate opisthotonos, body tremor, and spastic extension of the limbs. Attempts to rise and limb movements are absent; however, the animals remain alert to their surroundings, and spinal reflexes are normal or slightly increased. SDM carriers have an R560Q substitution with loss of function (Thomsen et al., 2010 May, Neurogenetics, 11(2): 175–183). Determination of SDM Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of SDM if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

SDM carrier status is determined by observation of an R560Q substitution at a position in the ATPase domain of the Spastin protein in Bos taurus BTA11 in the genotype of an animal.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Bovine Spinal Dysmyelination.

Holstein Haplotype 1 (HH1) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated November 2018 Description of Condition

Holstein Haplotype 1 (HH1) designates a reduction in fertility attributed to a nonsense mutation in the apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (APAF1) on Bos taurus autosome 5 (BTA5). Because functional APAF1 peptide is required for embryo development, homozygosity for this allele results in natural spontaneous abortion (Adams et al., Journal of Dairy Science, 99: 6693-6701). Determination of HH1 Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of HH1 if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

HH1 carrier status is determined by observation of the causative mutation that maps to chromosome BTA5.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Holstein Haplotype 1.

Holstein Haplotype 3 (HH3) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated November 2018 Description of Condition

Holstein Haplotype 3 (HH3) designates a reduction in fertility attributed to a non-synonymous SNP (T/C) within exon 24 of the Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes 2 (SMC2) on Chromosome 8 at position 95,410,507 (UMD3.1). The single base pair change renders SMC2 ineffective in its essential role of DNA repair, chromosome condensation and segregation during cell division. Homozygosity results in spontaneous abortion in early gestation (McClure et. al., 2014, PLoS One 9:e92769). Determination of HH3 Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of HH3 if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

HH3 carrier status is determined by observation of the causative mutation that maps to chromosome BTA8.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Holstein Haplotype 3.

Holstein Haplotype 4 (HH4) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated November 2018 Description of Condition

Holstein Haplotype 4 (HH4) designates a reduction in fertility attributed to a missense mutation (g.1277227A.C; UMD 3.1 genome assembly) in the GART gene which encodes glycinamide ribonucleotide transformylase located on Bos taurus autosome 1 (BTA1). Loss of GART function is expected to cause embryonic death at early stages of embryonic life. Homozygosity results in spontaneous abortion in early gestation (Fritz et. al., 2013, PLoS One, 8: e65550). Determination of HH4 Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of HH4 if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

HH4 carrier status is determined by observation of the causative mutation that maps to BTA1. With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Holstein Haplotype 4.

Holstein Haplotype 5 (HH5) Statement of Designation Procedures Designated November 2018 Description of Condition

Holstein Haplotype 5 (HH5) designates a reduction in fertility attributed to a deletion of 138kb, spanning position 93,233kb to 93,371kb on Bos taurus 9, harboring only dimethyl-adenosine transferase 1 (TFB1M). TFB1M is essential for synthesis and function of the small ribosomal subunit of mitochondria. Homozygosity results in spontaneous abortion in early gestation (Schütz et al., 2016, PLoS One, 1(4): e0154602). Determination of HH5 Status

The Board of Directors will not designate an animal a carrier of HH5 if the Board considers that there is a reasonable doubt that the animal is a carrier. The determination as to reasonable doubt depends upon the quality and amount of available evidence which will vary in each case.

HH5 carrier status is determined by observation of the causative mutation that maps to BTA9.

With respect to all sales sponsored by the Association, no animal shall be accepted that is a designated carrier of Holstein Haplotype 5.

Proposals Sought for Jersey Cattle and Product Research

The AJCC Research Foundation has issued a request for research proposals to be funded in 2021 addressing significant issues for the Jersey breed and Jersey milk producers.

Current priorities for research funding are: • Nutrition of high-producing Jerseys, particularly practical feeding methods to maximize production of valuable milk components; • Factors affecting management of

Jersey calves; • Factors affecting semen production of Jersey bulls; • Factors affecting yield and/or quality of products manufactured from Jersey milk; • Factors affecting economic impact of Jerseys: efficiencies, net income, longevity, and lifetime profit; • Optimizing the genetic basis for improving animal health and/or enhancing product quality; • Enhancing environmental impact associated with Jerseys; • New technologies for safe and sustainable food production from

Jersey cattle; and • Feasibility of adding value and increasing consumer acceptance of Jersey-derived products through enhanced product quality and branding.

Application deadline is December 1, 2020. The Research Advisory Committee of the American Jersey Cattle Association will evaluate the proposals, then forward its recommendations to the AJCA Board of Directors, which will award funds at its meeting in March 2021.

Submissions are evaluated for (a) merit (e.g., potential to advance practical knowledge, creative approach to the problem); (b) competence (i.e., high probability of successful completion within the proposed time frame); and (c) relevance (e.g., problem derived from one of the areas of research priority).

Since 1988, the Foundation has awarded more than $900,000 in seed money for selected projects.

Detailed information about the Competitive Grants Program can be found on the USJersey web site (permalink http:// bit.do/JerseyRFP) or requested from Cari W. Wolfe, Director of Research and Genetic Programs Development, at 614/322-4453.

File Your Professional Cow Photos with Jersey Journal

Now that show season has kicked in various places in the country, the Jersey Journal reminds breeders that pictures of any class winners, as well as second place if that animal went on to place as a champion, will be published with respective show reports, provided that a photographic print is sent to the office.

Photographers do not automatically send your pictures to the Jersey Journal office. Please request that a digital file be sent to the Jersey Journal office. While you will incur the cost of this picture, the benefits will outweigh the cost in the long run. For example, if you decide to advertise that animal and the photograph is not on file, we will have to order it from the photographer. This is more expensive than ordering a print for the Journal files at the time the pictures are first made.

Please note, in following copyright laws, the Jersey Journal must have a photographic print from the photographer in the office to use it for publication. Or if you have received a release from the photographer to send digital copies on to publications, those will also be accepted. A scanned reprint from a third party will not be accepted.

Make the most of your investment in herd promotion by getting your animals professionally pictured. Remember to ask your photographer to send an additional copy to the Jersey Journal.

Avon Road Jersey Farm

D.L. Strandberg and Sons

P.O. Box 185 Alma Center, WI 54611 Judd: 715/964-8135 Email: shoal@triwest.net Member of Dairyland Jersey Sires, Inc.

F O wens arms, Inc.

315 355th Ave., Frederic, WI 54837 owenswlsd@yahoo.com

Wilfred & Linda 715/653-2663

Roger & Kim

715/653-2566

Walter & Joyce

715/653-2637

Steinhauers Jerseys

Karl Steinhauer

P.O. Box 259, 205 Railroad Ave. Mattoon, Wisconsin 54450-0268 715/489-3112 • 715/489-3696 (barn) hounddogkarl@yahoo.com

Jersey Breeder Advertising Rates Effective January 1, 2005

Ad Rates

Full Page

Occasional Rate

$690

Contract Rate

$615

2/3 Page

1/2 Page

1/3 Page

1/4 Page

1/6 Page $530

$405

$295

$220

$160 $465

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$140

Your advertising dollars work best in the Jersey Journal. For assistance in placing an advertisement, contact the staff by mail, telephone, by via email to info@usjersey.com.

Jersey Journal • 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362 • 614/861-3636

Deadline

Ad copy must reach the Journal office by the first day of the preceding month for publication, i.e., December1 for the January issue.

Discount

A discount of 10% of the advertising space rate will be given to those who confirm the space order and provide all copy by deadline (see above).

Cancellations and Changes

Cancellation of order or changes of copy will not be accepted after the deadline. The right is reserved to decline or discontinue any advertisement for reasons satisfactory to the publisher.

Billing

Advertisers will be billed following publication of the ad. Net amount due in 30 days. A service charge of 1½% per month is added to all balances past due 30 days or more. No agency discounts allowed.

Color

Available upon request. Contact the Editor for approximate charges. Color scanning plus any special graphical arts costs will be billed to the advertiser.

Correction

An ad proof will be mailed to each advertiser when the ad is composed. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to draw errors in the copy to the attention of the Jersey Journal. Changes made in ad copy by the advertiser that are not the errors of the Journal staff will be charged at a minimum of $10.00.

Editorial Material

Photographs and manuscripts are welcome, but no responsibility is assumed for such material either while in transit or while in this office.

Reprints

Advertising reprints are available. Contact the Editor for prices before ordering.

Notice to Advertisers

Advertising for sales scheduled prior to the 20th of the month of publication accepted at the advertiser’s risk.

Ralph Nathaniel Ahlem

Ralph Nathaniel Ahlem, Oakdale, Calif., 95, passed away peacefully at his home on May 23, 2020.

He was born in Turlock, Calif., and grew up in the Great Depression on the dairy farm owned by his parents in Hilmar, Calif. He attended Hilmar High School, where he played football and was a sprinter on the track team.

He joined the Reserve Officer Training Corps at Fresno State College during World War II. The dire needs of the war cut short his schooling and landed him in the invasion fleet heading for the shores of Japan, when the U.S. dropped the atomic bomb that ended the war. After an honorable discharge, he continued his education at the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a degree in liberal arts and met his first wife, Grace.

Growing tired of construction work in Los Angeles and tough economic conditions post-war, he and Grace moved to Hilmar and bought a dairy farm near his parents. The couple had two children, Diana and Clarence, and divorced in 1974.

Ralph married his second wife, Dianne Ferreira, in 1975. They were founding farmers of Hilmar Cheese Company. He retired from active farming in 2000 and moved with Dianne to Oakdale, where they enjoyed a comfortable life. He pursued his passion for reading, stayed fit with water aerobics and enjoyed weekly massages and breakfasting with his cousins and driver and family friend, Rene.

To his close friends, Ralph was known as a kind man with a dry sense of humor.

In addition to his wife Dianne and her children, Michael, Kristina and Timothy (Mary) Ferreira, and his two children, Diana and Clarence, he is survived by seven grandchildren.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial service was not planned but will be announced when gatherings are safe.

Jacob Christopher Thomas

Jacob Christopher Thomas, Cornelius, Ore., 22, passed away on June 15, 2020.

He was born on March 30, 1998, in Tualatin, Ore., to John and Jackie Thomas. Jacob was one of five siblings, the only brother to three elder sisters and one younger sister. Shortly after his birth, the family moved to Stayton, Ore., where he attended Stayton Elementary School through first grade. The family then moved to Cornelius. Jacob attended elementary school at Farmington View and then attended South Meadows Middle School and Hillboro High School, where he graduated in 2016.

Jacob loved to fix things, especially cars and trucks, so pursued a career in mechanics. He completed a year at Tillamook Bay Community College and then transferred to Portland Community College, where he received a diesel service technology certificate. He worked at Doyle’s Truck Repair from 2017 until his passing.

He was a junior member of the American Jersey Cattle Association and active in 4-H and FFA. He showed rabbits, market hogs and goats at county and state fairs along with his Registered Jerseys. His favorite cow was Cascadia Iatola Sizzle, Excellent-90%, and his best four-legged friends were Blue and Jane.

He lived life to the fullest, loved the Lord and liked to make people laugh. Though he could be mischievous, there was always a twinkle in his eye. He spent time out-of-doors as much as possible and enjoyed camping and spending time with family and friends in front of bonfires in his backyard. An accomplished athlete, he played football, basketball, soccer, water polo and baseball.

Family and friends will remember him for having a heart of gold, always available to help a friend in need or care for a stray animal that needed a home.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by sisters Becky Seals, Rachel (Ian) Holden, Elizabeth (Johnathon) Waters and Olivia Thomas; nephew Case Seals; and grandmother Sally Thomas.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Pete and Irene Janson and John Thomas Sr.

Julia L. (Yoder) Stevens

Julia L. (Yoder) Stevens, Urbana, Ohio,

77, passed away on June 16, 2020, at the James Cancer Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.

She was born on April 4, 1943, in Bellefontaine, Ohio, to the late Albert and Alyce Yoder and graduated from Salem High School in 1961.

Though she was born and raised on a Holstein dairy farm, Julia became a Jersey fan in 1963, when she married Lowell W. Stevens in West Liberty, Ohio. She worked for many years as office manager and personal secretary for The V. Patrick Hamilton Group, but was integral in the operation of the family’s Registered Jersey farm too.

Julia served as executive board secretary-treasurer for the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association for 18 years and was officially recognized for her contributions at the organization’s annual meeting in 2016. She was also a 4-H leader for 10 years and judge for the National Jersey Queen competition four times. She is a past president of the Champaign County Homemakers and the Champaign County Garden Club. Julia was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Urbana, where she served a term as a deacon and volunteered with the hospitality committee.

Julia and her family exhibited cattle at many state and national shows, where she made numerous friends and held her own in wheelbarrow races down the aisles of the dairy barn at the Ohio State Fair.

She celebrated Christmas with a 50-piece display of Dickens Village figurines, kept a meticulous, colorful bed of flowers, traveled on yearly vacations with friends, cooked and baked for others, read and put together jigsaw puzzles. The love of her life, though, were her grand- (continued to page 48)

Richard Clauss and Family

21672 Bloss Ave. Hilmar, CA 95324

209/632-3333 claussjerz@yahoo.com

In Memoriam

(continued from page 47) children. She was always front and center watching them show their cattle, play sports and participate in school programs and a witness at church confirmations.

In addition to her husband of 59 years, Lowell, she is survived by daughters Molly (Brian) Frey of Wapakoneta, Ohio, and Margaret (Lance) Sennett of Waynetown, Ind.; six grandchildren and four stepgrandchildren; sister Janet Brown; sisterin-law Peggy (Randy) Damewood; and a niece and three nephews.

Julia was preceded in death by her in-laws, Russell and Marie Stevens, and brothers-in-law, Gary Stevens and Michael Brown.

Memorials may be made to the Cancer Association of Champaign County and the First Presbyterian Church in Urbana.

Michael Herbert “Mike” Hellenbrand

Michael Herbert “Mike” Hellenbrand, Cross Plains, Wis., 67, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2020, after a long illness.

He was born on August 1, 1952, in Verona, Wis., to Charles and Shirley (Paradise) Hellenbrand. He grew up in Cross Plains and graduated from Middleton High School. Here, he cultivated passions for baseball, business and bovines. Time spent on his grandparents’ dairy farm sparked a desire that would later become his second career. Coached by his father, he became an accomplished pitcher, with newspapers headlines touting his no-hitter games played at Milwaukee Area Technical College with the local Home Talent

Leagues.

Mike earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and began his career in banking in Madison, Wis. His career ambitions took him to Boston and then New York City, where he led the Mortgage Securitization Group at Bear Stearns, a major Wall Street investment bank, for 10 years. Here too, he married Linda Brown.

Following the events of September 11, 2001, the Hellenbrands moved to Cross Plains to leave behind the rat race of Wall Street and pursue the cattle race and a unique business in embryo transfer. They named their farm City Slickers and registered Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein, Jersey, Milking Shorthorn and Red and White cattle with the Hillpoint prefix.

The Hellenbrands specialized in raising calves from implanted embryos and selling them before they calved. Many were auctioned through their Fall for Colors sales. Several earned laurels in the show ring or were genetic standouts. Among the purple banner winners are a pair owned in partnership with Peter Vail: Eichlers MD Blanche-ET, two-time Grand Champion Milking Shorthorn at World Dairy Expo, and Marilie Gentleman Karmina, two-time Grand Champion Ayrshire at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Another standout in the Brown Swiss breed is V B Hillpoint Pronto Zip-ET, the National Total Performance Winner for 2013, owned in partnership with Voegeli.

Mike was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association and had an in

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In addition to his wife, Linda, and mother, Shirley, Mike is survived by brothers Tom (Patti Woodman) Hellenbrand, Paul (Sandy) Hellenbrand, Ken (Beth) Hellenbrand, Greg (Sherri) Hellenbrand and Scott Hellenbrand; seven nieces and nephews; a great-niece and nephew; and many friends, partners and colleagues.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorials in Mike’s name may be made to Agrace HospiceCare or an organization that supports and inspires youth in agriculture.

Joseph Edward “Joe” Mallery

Joseph Edward “Joe” Mallery, Shafer, Minn., 68, passed away on July 10, 2020, after a year-long battle with cancer.

He was born on February 2, 1952, to the late William and Agnes Mallery in Anoka, Minn. When he was seven, the family moved to Shafer, a place he had called home ever since. He married Nancy Biggins on April 8, 1972.

Joseph owned and operated Mallery Jerseys Inc. with his family in Shafer. On the rare occasion he stepped away from the farm, it was for an auction or to watch his grandchildren. He was a member of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

No one who met Joe would forget his quick wit and love for his Jerseys. He had a way of instilling a work ethic with his grandchildren at an early age as they fondly recall his favorite line, “Get to the barn.”

In addition to his wife of 48 years, Nancy, he is survived by daughters Bobbie Jo (Jason) Peterson, Tina (Brad) Midtling; son Jeff (Karla) Mallery; brother Bill (Barb) Mallery; sisters Rose Anderson, Mary (Wayne) Johnson, Bonnie (Larry) Houger; seven grandchildren; and many family and friends.

Joe was preceded in death by a son, Jimmy.

In memory of Joe, go buy a gallon of milk, and drink it.