News from the American Jersey Cattle Association

October 3, 2007, Madison, Wisconsin—David Thorbahn, General Manager of Select Sires Inc., Plain City, Ohio, today announced the donation of $1,750 to the AJCA Scholarship Funds for the opportunity to own the No. 7 giclée canvas print of “Wide Load Ahead.”

The announcement was made at the opening of the Top of the World Jersey Sale held in conjunction with World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.

“Select Sires has consistently made investments in programs that encourage and support the education of young people preparing for careers in the dairy industry,” Thorbahn said. “We have done this within our company by providing internship opportunities, and also by contributing to youth development efforts of organizations like the American Jersey Cattle Association .

“As the industry leader in identifying, developing and marketing the finest Jersey genetics, it only makes sense for Select Sires to make this contribution to the national Jersey scholarship endowment.”

“Wide Load Ahead #7 will hang in our headquarters office as a daily reminder of our ongoing support for high-quality educational opportunities and also our commitment to grow with the Jersey breed as it continues to expand not only in North America but also across the globe.”

7 is the marketing code number assigned to Select Sires by the National Association of Animal Breeders, and thus included in the stud codes of Highland Magic Duncan, Soldierboy Boomer Sooner of CJF, and Mason Boomer Sooner Beretta, among only 10 bulls to have an issue of Jersey Journal dedicated to them, plus two other Premier Performance Sires of The All American Jersey Show, Duncan Chief and Lester Sambo.

Joining Thorbahn in making the presentation were Randy Kortus, President of the Select Sires Board of Directors; Blaine Crosser, Vice President, Sales and Dairy Sire Product Management; Jeff Ziegler, Manager of Jersey/Specialty Sire Programs; Chuck Sattler, Vice President, Genetic Programs; Dr. Anthony Good, staff veterinarian; Shirley Kaltenbach, Executive Assistant to General Manager and Board of Directors; and Leslie Bowen, Sales and Marketing Communications Specialist.

David Chamberlain, President of the American Jersey Cattle Association, and Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and CEO, accepted the contribution to the scholarship endowment.

“Once again, we thank the great folks at Select Sires for helping us do more for our young people,” said Smith. “Our youth program is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary this year and as I review the list of industry supporters over that time, Select Sires is right at the top of the list. They are a primary sponsor of the Premier Performance Cow class in The All American Junior Jersey Show and also contribute to the recognition banquet for the national Jersey achievement and scholarship winners, junior exhibitors from all breeds, and dairy quiz bowl participants each year in Louisville, Ky.

“We feel certain that we will be able to count upon the support of this outstanding A.I. organization for at least another 50 years,” he added.

Based in Plain City, Ohio, Select Sires Inc. is North America’s largest A.I. organization and is comprised of 10 farmer-owned and -controlled cooperatives: All West/Select Sires, Burlington, Wash.; Cache Valley/Select Sires, Logan, Utah; COBA/Select Sires, Columbus, Ohio, and Tyler, Texas; East Central/Select Sires, Waupun, Wis.; KABA/Select Sires, Louisville, Ky.; Minnesota/Select Sires Co-op Inc., St. Cloud, Minn.; NorthStar Cooperative, Lansing, Mich.; Prairie State/Select Sires, Hampshire, Ill.; Select Sire Power Inc., Rocky Mount, Va., and Tunkhannock, Pa.; and Southeast Select Sires Inc., Franklin, Tenn. As the industry leader, it provides highly fertile semen as well as excellence in service and programs to achieve its basic objective of supplying dairy and beef producers with North America’s best genetics at a reasonable price.

The AJCA Scholarship Program provides financial support for Jersey youth enrolled in colleges or universities or, in some cases, youth seeking hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle. The scholarships are paid from permanent endowments administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Contributions to these funds are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) tax deductible charitable gifts.

Nearly $15,000 has been raised to date from sales of limited-edition lithograph and giclée prints of “Wide Load Ahead,” commissioned in 2006 by the AJCA for the exclusive benefit of the AJCA Scholarship Funds. For more information on purchasing prints or making special gifts to the funds, contact the Development Department at the American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362, phone 614/861-3636.

FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE OUTBREAK IN BRITAIN INDICATION OF ONGOING NEED FOR ANIMAL I.D. SYSTEM IN U.S.

Arlington, VA, August 14, 2007 – The recent reappearance of foot and mouth disease in Great Britain is a reminder that the U.S. needs a national animal identification system in order to be better prepared in case a similar outbreak ever occurred here, according to the National Milk Producers Federation.

Although it now appears that the outbreak of FMD in the U.K. has been confined to two farms near London, “the fact that history has repeated itself just six years after a devastating FMD epidemic in England and other European nations should give U.S. livestock producers pause for thought,” said Jerry Kozak, President and CEO of NMPF.

“We need to learn from history that having the ability to identify farms, and animals, is a key bulwark of our biosecurity system. And right now, we have more work to do to improve that system.”

NMPF and other dairy organizations involved in the IDairy coalition will be working in the next year to spur the voluntary registration of dairy farms as part of a national system identifying where livestock are located.

Absent such information, “state and federal health experts would be hampered in their efforts to confine the spread of a highly contagious disease like foot and mouth, which can spread by the wind, by trucks and cars, and by wildlife.

“Part of the reason the British government was able to contain this latest outbreak is because they established quarantines and surveillance zones around the initial site of the outbreak. That only works if you know which farms to quarantine – and that is information our government is lacking,” Kozak said.

“There are basic steps that individual dairy producers can take to improve their farm’s biosecurity, including monitoring the movement of animals and people around their farm,” Kozak said. “But collectively, what livestock producers can do is identify their farms with the appropriate state organization so that if we were to be in a similar situation as the U.K. is right now, we have the ability to know where farms are located.”

“A national animal identification system is an insurance policy for U.S. agriculture, and it’s one without expensive premiums. In fact, the one expense we can’t afford is blissful ignorance, as a foreign animal disease arrives and spreads on our shores,” Kozak said.

NMPF is working with five other organizations--the American Jersey Cattle Association, the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association, the Holstein Association USA, the National Association of Animal Breeders, and the National Dairy Herd Information Association--in the IDairy coalition to assist dairy cattle owners to register their premises with state agencies.

For more information, contact AJCA Herd Services or visit IDairy’s website at www.idairy.org/where.html.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, July 25, 2007—Officers and directors for the two USJersey organizations were elected during the recently concluded Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ).

The business meetings were held on two days, June 29 for NAJ and June 30 for AJCA, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, in Sioux Falls, S.D.

David Chamberlain, Wyoming, N.Y., was elected to his first one-year term as President of the American Jersey Cattle Association. He and his brother, Greg, operate the Hi-Land Farms, which includes a herd of over 1,200 Registered Jerseys™ enrolled on the AJCA REAP program. Chamberlain previously served as the director from District 3 on the Board of National All-Jersey Inc. As NAJ Finance Chair since 1998, he served on the Joint Operations Committee for the two organizations.

Elected as Vice President for a second one-year term was Dennis A. Egelston of Fultonville, N.Y. Egelston operates Glen Meadows Farm and its 70-cow Registered Jersey™ herd in partnership with his brother, Bill.

Three new Directors were elected to the AJCA Board, succeeding two-term members Paul Schirm, West Salem, Ohio (Fourth District); Clint L. Collins III, Sylacauga, Ala. (Fifth District); and Michael Fremstad, Westby, Wis. (Tenth District).

William P. “Bill” Grammer, Sebring, Ohio, was elected to serve from the Fourth District. Grammer and his wife, Debbie, own over 1,000 Registered Jerseys™, including 600 cows enrolled on REAP and averaging 19,159 lbs. milk, 900 lbs. fat and 655 lbs. protein last year. Grammer serves as treasurer of Ohio-based DHI Cooperative Inc., plus a number of other community and industry boards.

Charles Steer, Cottage Grove, Tenn., was elected as Director from the Fifth District. The Sunbow Jersey herd owned by Steer and his wife, Carol, is ranked thirty-second in the U.S. for herd average Jersey Performance Index™. The 2006 lactation average for this REAP herd was 19,244 lbs. milk, 835 lbs. fat and 681 lbs. protein. Steer was recipient of the AJCA Master Breeder Award in 2004, and a founding director of Dixieland Jersey Sires Inc.

The third newly elected Director, from the Tenth District, is Chris Sorenson, Pine River, Wis. He is a third-generation Jersey milk producer, and with his brother, Steve, owns and operates Sorensons’ Hillview Jersey Farm. The Registered Jersey™ herd of 96 cows is enrolled on REAP, with a 2006 AJCA lactation average of 21,090 lbs. milk, 987 lbs. fat and 766 lbs. protein.

Re-elected to a second term on the AJCA Board of Directors from the Eleventh District was Paula Wolf, Beaver, Ore. She and her husband, Eric Silva, own and operate Sunset Canyon Jerseys, a 180-cow operation enrolled on REAP.

James Ahlem, Hilmar, Calif., was re-elected as the President of National All-Jersey Inc. He is the owner and operator of James Ahlem Dairy, a 2,000 milking cow herd. Ahlem is also an owner of Hilmar Cheese Company, the twenty-fifth largest dairy processor in the U.S. according to Dairy Field.

James S. Huffard III, Crockett, Va., was elected Vice President of National All-Jersey Inc. Huffard farms in partnership with his brother John and operates a 400-cow Jersey dairy.

Norman Martin, Tillamook, Ore., was re-elected to the NAJ Board from District 1. The 900 Registered Jerseys™ at Martin Dairy LLC produce for the Tillamook County Creamery Association, of which Martin is a director.

John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., was appointed to fill the unexpired term of David Chamberlain as Director from District 3. A fourth-generation dairy producer, Kokoski is an innovative marketer. His Mapleline Farm is home to a 75-cow Registered Jersey™ herd that produces farm-fresh milk sold in glass bottles at its farm store and by home delivery.

Appointed director from District 6 was Nico de Boer, Chandler, Texas. The de Boer operations, Hilltop Jersey Farm and T&S Jerseys, are comprised of over 1,700 Registered Jersey™ cows enrolled on REAP. The Hilltop herd ranked seventh for fat production among herds over 300 cows, with an average of 20,254 lbs. milk, 992 lbs. fat and 718 lbs. protein. De Boer is currently a director of Lone Star Milk Producers.

The American Jersey Cattle Association was organized in 1868 to improve and promote the Jersey breed. Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has served Jersey owners by promoting the increased production and sale of Jersey milk and milk products.

For more information on services provided by the USJersey organizations, visit the web site at www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, July 25, 2007—Norma Duffield Stong Lyon, known worldwide for her butter sculptures of dairy cows, has been named an Honorary Member of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) by the organization’s Board of Directors.

The announcement was made at the Breeders’ Banquet on June 29, 2007, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to “Duffy’s” evident astonishment and the enthusiastic applause of more than 400 Jersey breeders, including many members of her family, and dairy industry representatives.

“I have to thank not only the American Jersey Cattle Association and all my friends, but all of you people and other people who have seen my work,” said the overwhelmed honoree.

Added husband Joe Lyon, a past Pesident of the AJCA and National All-Jersey Inc., “She is surprised. All of us are. We appreciate it. The Jersey cow has done a lot for the Lyon family and we hope to return that in some small way.”

A native of Nashville, Tenn., who grew up in Iowa, Norma Stong became known as “Duffy” (a shortening of her middle name) during her college years at Iowa State University. She wanted to become a veterinarian, but the program did not accept women. She majored in animal science instead, graduating in 1951.

While attending Iowa State, her work on two snow sculptures during a winter festival resulted in an invitation from resident campus sculptor Christian Peterson to work with him.

And she met her future husband, G. Joe Lyon. They married after graduating from Iowa State in 1951. The couple returned to Lyon Jersey Farm, a family partnership. Today, the operation includes 1,600 acres of farmland and a top producing herd of 320 Registered Jersey™ cows.

Duffy sculpted her first butter cow at the Iowa State Fair in 1960, working in a 40-degree cooler. Her annual displays of a life-size cow and other unique, life-sized figures created the number one attraction at the Iowa State Fair. In 2006, “I turned it over to a young lady who had been working with me for 13 years, since her seventh grade,” Duffy recently said. “I’ve got grandchildren who helped her and may eventually have the job. I don’t doubt for a minute they’ll do a good job.”

Most recently, Duffy created “Jersey Jewel,” a life-size bronze cow for the new Iowa State University Dairy Farm. The sculpture was unveiled in a ceremony last December in Kildee Hall.

She has earned many awards including World Dairy Expo Woman of the Year (1990) and the National Dairy Shrine Pioneer (2002), and has appeared on national television shows such as NBC’s “Today Show”, “Late Night with David Letterman” and “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Her sculptures have been featured in LIFE, Time, Newsweek and People Magazine.

“There is no one who has promoted dairy like Duffy,” says Kevin Stiles, vice president of marketing for the Midwest Dairy Association, Ankeny, Iowa. “She represents the values, traditions and very heart of the people and products behind dairy production.”

Lyon joins a distinguished list of individuals recognized by the American Jersey Cattle Association with Honorary Membership: Hilton Boynton, Ph.D., University of Massachusetts; Clyde Chappell, Ph.D., University of Tennessee; Blair Maxwell “Max” Drake, NOBA, Ohio; Professor W. H. Eaton, Auburn University; Morris B. Ewing, American Breeders Service; Peter Kayano, Kiyosato Educational Experiment Project, Japan; Richard H. Kellogg, COBA, Ohio; W. D. Knox, Hoard’s Dairyman; Eugene C. Meyer, Hoard’s Dairyman; Anne E. Perchard, M.B.E., La Ferme Ltd., St. Martin, Jersey; Ronald E. Pearson, Ph.D., Virginia Tech; W. E. Petersen, Ph.D., University of Minnesota; R. Dean Plowman, Ph.D., Agricultural Research Service, USDA; Carlos E. Robert, Barva Heredia, Costa Rica; Harry A. Strohmeyer, White Plains, N.Y.; Antonio C. Urquiza, Queretaro, Mexico; Danny Weaver, Cary, Ill.; John C. Wilk, Ph.D., North Carolina State University; and Merlin Woodruff, Urbana, Ohio.

The American Jersey Cattle Association was organized in 1868 to improve and promote the Jersey breed. For more information on services provided by the USJersey organizations, visit the web site at www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.

June 15, 2007, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Paul Hunt, Chief Operating Officer of Alta Genetics, has announced the donation of $1,750 to the AJCA Scholarship Funds for the opportunity to own the No. 11 giclée canvas print of “Wide Load Ahead.”

The announcement was made May 8 during festivities celebrating the opening of the Avi-Lanche Jerseys dairy facility in Dalhart, Texas.

The donation was motivated, Hunt said, because of his contacts with previous youth scholarship winners while interviewing candidates for Alta’s expanded Jersey specialist team.

“We interviewed three finalists and they had all been scholarship winners. It was incredibly impressive the skill, talent, determination and absolute passion these people had for the Jersey breed. It really said to me an awful lot about the investment that AJCA makes in their youth.”

Alta Genetics’ desire to contribute to the Jersey scholarship program took shape last December, with the online auction of the No. 1 giclée canvas print. Alta Genetics was the runner-up bidder to Kristina Radelfinger of Ferndale, Calif.

“Not being satisfied with that,” he related, “I contacted the Jersey association and said that while No. 1 would have been nice to have, 11 being the most prestigious number in the industry, that was the number Alta actually preferred.”

An appreciative laugh spread across the audience of 200 people. 11 is the marketing code number assigned to Alta Genetics by the National Association of Animal Breeders.

AJCA Executive Secretary Neal Smith was more than happy to make the arrangements.

“We are very appreciative to Alta’s Jersey team and Alta Genetics for this investment. It is self-evident that the future of our business is our youth. The support of our industry partners will make it possible for us to do more for them.”

The framed print, with commemorative engraving plate, will be formally presented on June 30 at the start of the 50th National Heifer Sale in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

June 8, 2007, Reynoldsburg, OH—A keen strategist in the dairy cattle breeding industry and U.S. agribusiness leader, R. Douglas Wilson, Shawano, Wis., will be the featured speaker at the 139th Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

The meeting convenes at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at the Sioux Falls Convention Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

Wilson was named Chief Executive Officer of Cooperative Resources International in March of 2002. Formed in 1993, CRI is the nation’s first agricultural holding cooperative, made up of four subsidiaries: Genex Cooperative, CRI International, AgSource Cooperative Services and Central Livestock Association. CRI and subsidiaries have merged or acquired 23 different companies in 14 years, becoming a diverse organization serving members and customers worldwide. Its consolidated revenues for 2006 exceeded $120 million.

A dynamic, motivating speaker, Wilson has addressed 10 national breed association conventions, plus genetics seminars in 13 countries. He served three terms as president of the National Association of Animal Breeders and four years on the Council on Dairy Cattle Breeding. Co-author of six scientific papers, he has published numerous popular press articles in U.S. and international publications.

Wilson was honored as Industry Person of the Year by World Dairy Expo in 1993, and received the Distinguished Agriculturist Award from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, in 2002.

Doug Wilson grew up on a dairy and beef farm near St. Charles, Iowa, and earned a B.S. degree in dairy science at Iowa State University. He rose to the rank of Sergeant in the U.S. Army and received the Bronze Star during service with the 4th Infantry Division in Vietnam. He and his wife Gwen have four children and six grandchildren. Their son, Roy, is Technology Development Manager for Genex Cooperative.

The 2007 annual meetings are being hosted by the Iowa Jersey Cattle Club. Complete information on the convention program and registration forms are on the USJersey web site.

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JERSEY SEMINAR TO FOCUS ON TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES
FOR ISOLATING, MARKETING MILK PROTEINS

June 8, 2007, Reynoldsburg, OH—A researcher working at the cutting edge of structural and functional roles of components of cheese and fermented milks will headline this year’s seminar program at the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., June 27-July 1, 2007 in Sioux Falls, S. D.

In the first of two presentations, Lloyd E. Metzger, director of The Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center, will describe how the protein in milk can be isolated and used to produce dairy based ingredients.

“Fractionation of milk into ingredients targeted for export markets will play a critical role in the future of milk processing and is one of the keys to expanding the utilization of the U.S. milk supply,” says Dr. Metzger.

“To be successful in producing milk products for the export market, the U.S. industry needs to identify components of milk that are the most valuable and determine how these components can be economically isolated and converted into a shelf stable product that can be widely distributed.

“It is my opinion that fractionation of milk proteins using filtration is the key to this endeavor.”

The Midwest Dairy Foods Research Center was established in 1988 as a three-way partnership among the University of Minnesota and South Dakota State University, the dairy promotion and research organizations, and industry organizations. Dairy Management Inc. (DMI) provides funding for projects that are awarded on a nationally competitive basis. The major regional sponsor is the Midwest Dairy Association (MDA). Other regional support comes from dairy and food industry organizations which each provide at least $5,000 per year.

Metzger joined the faculty of South Dakota State University this past January as an associate professor and holds the Alfred Chair in Dairy Education. He earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in dairy manufacturing from South Dakota State University, completing a Ph.D. in food science from Cornell University in 1999. He was employed as a research scientist at General Mills for two years prior to joining the Food Science and Nutrition department at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul.

Metzger was recognized by the American Dairy Science Association in 2005 with the ADSA Foundation Scholar Award for his research accomplishments. He is active in professional organizations such as the American Dairy Science Association and Institute of Food Technologists, plus serves as Executive Secretary of the North Central Cheese Industries Association.

The seminar will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 27, at the Sioux Falls Convention Center, Sioux Falls, S. D.

June 1, 2007, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Leah N. Johnson, LaCrescent, Minn., has been named an Area Representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., effective June 6, 2007.

Johnson will provide on-farm service in Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota, and also travel nationwide as an evaluator for the AJCA Linear Type Traits Appraisal program. She succeeds David Brandau, who retired June 1 after a 26-year career with the Jersey organizations as Area Representative and Equity Specialist.

“Leah is a well-rounded individual with a strong educational background,” said Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and CEO of the USJersey organizations. “Her cowside knowledge and marketing experience will be valuable in serving the varied needs of our customers in the central plains region.”

Johnson earned a B.S. degree in agricultural education, cum laude, this past May from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She completed internships in marketing services at Accelerated Genetics during the summer of 2006 and with the 4-H program serving 900 youth in Pierce County, Wisconsin (2004-2006).

She also served as president of the UW-River Falls chapters of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and National Agri-Marketing Association. She was the recipient of scholarships awarded by National Dairy Shrine, National DHIA, and the National Association of Agricultural Educators.

In 2006, Johnson was a member of the UW-River Falls team that placed fourth in the National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, and was the second high individual in the contest at the All-American Dairy Show, Harrisburg, Penna.

A native of Minnesota, Johnson grew up on her family’s Holstein and Jersey dairy farm in rural LaCrescent. She supervised the calf raising program, assisted with identification and mating decisions, and was also a relief milker.

The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability through increasing the value of and demand for Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics, and Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on USJersey program and services, call 614/863-3636 or visit the web site at www.USJersey.com.

June 1, 2007, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Julie L. Drendel, Hampshire, Ill., has been named an Assistant Editor for Jersey Journal, since 1953 the official publication of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc.

“Because of her internship with Jersey Journal last summer and work on the Jersey Directory, our readers and advertisers know Julie’s work and her deep understanding of the purebred dairy business,” said Kimberly A. Billman, Jersey Journal Editor. “We are delighted to have her return to the staff as a full-time employee.”

A Dean’s List student at the University of Illinois, Drendel earned a B. S. degree in animal sciences, food animal science option, this past May. In addition to her internship with Jersey Journal, she interned with the Kane County Farm Bureau in St. Charles, Ill., contributing articles for the membership newsletter and helping with the planning and staging of the Ag Tech Tour for Teachers in the summer of 2005.

Drendel served as national secretary-treasurer of the American Dairy Science Association student affiliate division (2005-06), senior class president of the 4-H House Cooperative Sorority at the University of Illinois, and president of the Illini Dairy Club (2006). A member of the Illini team competing at the National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, Julie placed in the top 25 individuals of the contest. She received the Leo Fryman Leadership Award presented this past year by the Illini Dairy Club.

She also worked on the University of Illinois Dairy Research Farm from 2004 through November last year, monitoring feed intakes of research animals and measuring growth of young stock.

A native of Illinois, Drendel grew up on her family’s registered Holstein dairy farm near Hampshire. She was honored as a National Distinguished Junior Member Finalist by the Holstein Association USA, Inc., in 2006. A member of the advisory committee for the National Junior Association since 2005, Julie served as chair of the committee for 2006-07.

The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability through increasing the value of and demand for Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics, and Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on USJersey program and services, call 614/863-3636 or visit the web site at www.USJersey.com

May 29, 2007, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—The judges have been selected for The 55th All American Jersey Shows, sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

The largest exhibition of Registered Jersey™ cattle in the world, the three shows of The All American will be held November 3, 4 and 5, 2007 in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.

The open show on November 5 will be judged by Wayne Sliker, recipient of the National Dairy Shrine Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award in 1998. This will be the first All American judging assignment for the Brown Swiss breeder from St. Paris, Ohio, who has judged more than 30 national breed shows, fairs in nearly every state, and at shows in Australia, Japan, Italy, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil and Colombia. His consultant will be Brian Garrison, Tiffin, Ohio.

The 54th National Jersey Jug Futurity, offering nearly $10,000 in premiums, will be judged by Alta Mae Core, Salvisa, Ky. She was judge of The All American Jersey Show in 2004, and previously officiated at such major events as World Dairy Expo, the Royal Winter Fair in Canada, and the national dairy shows of Brazil, Argentina, Australia and Scotland. Alta Mae and her husband, Jeff, own and operate Keightley & Core Jerseys, which has been Premier Breeder at The All American Jersey Show five times in the last eight years. Her consultant will be C. Neal Smith, Smyrna, Tenn.

The judge for The All American Junior Jersey Show will be Lynn Lee, Smyrna, Tenn. A breeder of registered Ayrshire and Jersey cattle, he has judged at World Dairy Expo, North American International Livestock Exposition and Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show, numerous U.S. state fairs, and national shows in Colombia, South Africa and Finland. Lee was also an official type evaluator for the American Jersey Cattle Association from 2002 through 2006. Ryan Lancaster, Ferndale, Wash., will be the consultant.

Two sales, both managed by Jersey Marketing Service of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, will occur during the weekend. A total of 32 Registered Jersey™ heifers will be offered to youth between seven and 20 years of age in the 50th Pot O’Gold Sale. Cow’s Match® Jersey Blend is the Presenting Sponsor of the 2007 Pot O’Gold Sales. The 55th All American Jersey Sale, the premier showcase for Registered Jersey™ genetics in the United States, will offer approximately 75 lots. Last year’s sale of 60 head averaged $4,239.58, with a top of $16,400.

All events will be held at the Kentucky Exposition Center, conveniently located at the junction of Interstate 65 and I-264 near the Louisville International Airport. The schedule is:

Saturday, November 3
8:00 a.m.	The 55th All American Junior Jersey Show, Freedom Hall
4:00 p.m.	50th Pot O’Gold Sale, presented by Cow’s Match Jersey Blend®, Newmarket Hall
7:00 p.m.	All American Junior Banquet, South Wing Conference Center

Sunday, November 4
12:30 p.m.	54th National Jersey Jug Futurity, Freedom Hall
3:45 p.m.	Pre-sale sponsored social
4:30 p.m.	55th All American Jersey Sale, West Hall B

Monday, November 5
8:00 a.m.	The 55th All American Jersey Show, Freedom Hall

The All American Show and Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March. Entry deadline is September 20. Premium lists and entry forms are available online at www.livestockexpo.org.

Nominations for the sales will be accepted through early September. Contact JMS Manager Herby Lutz at 614/861-3636, ext. 328, or 530/304-4009.

The Jersey breed headquarters during the North American International Livestock Exposition is the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport. Rooms are limited. For reservations, call 502/637-2424 and mention the NAILE Jersey event for best rates.

March 23, 2007, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—July 2, 2007 is the postmark deadline to submit applications for scholarships administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Awards exceeding $10,000 will be made for the 2007-08 academic year.

Applicants must be a junior or life member of the American Jersey Cattle Association upon submitting their application. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply for these scholarships. A copy of the applicant’s high school or college transcript must be included with the application form.

A Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies of $5,000 will be awarded. Undergraduate students who have completed at least one-half of coursework credit hours required for a degree in dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing, or dairy product marketing, and graduate students in those program areas are eligible to apply.

The William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 will be presented to a student who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2007.

The Cedarcrest Scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student seeking a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.

The V. L. Peterson Scholarship ($950) and Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($400) will be awarded to students who have completed at least one year of college or university work.

Also to be awarded is a $750 Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award, which can be used for either college expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys™.

Residents of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia who are at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of January 1, are eligible to apply for the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award. Applicants must state whether the award money will be used for to support their education or to fund a trip to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. The value of this award is variable; the 2006 award was $800.

A $1,000 Jack C. Nisbet Scholarship will also be presented to a eligible nominee for the 2006 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

Complete instructions and applications are posted on the USJersey website under the “Jersey Youth and Student Projects” heading. Applications may also be requested from the AJCA Development Department by calling 614/861-3636.

The American Jersey Cattle Association has made strategic investments in Jersey youth since 1958 when it created the National Heifer Sale to provide annual funding for educational programs and awards. The first of nine youth scholarship funds managed by the AJCA was established in 1965. Two other permanent endowments, the Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund (1993) and Carl Bourne Memorial Fund (1982), provide financial support for junior activities at The All American Show & Sale, the Jersey breed’s showcase event for 55 years.

Information about the national Jersey youth development program is available on the internet at www.usjersey.com/YouthProgram/juniors.pdf or by calling the AJCA office at 614/ 861-3636.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, March 29, 2007—The AJCC Research Foundation and the USJersey organizations have committed $74,052 to fund seven scientific investigations related to Jersey dairy cattle for 2007.

Six of the projects were selected from proposals received in response to the Foundation’s annual Request for Proposals. The seventh is a directed investigation.

This is the largest amount ever allocated by the Jersey organizations in a single year for research. Funding from the AJCC Research Foundation totaled $34,252, from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), $15,000, and from National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ), $24,800.

With this year’s funding, the 20-year total for Jersey-specific research reached $753,524.

Two studies related to freezing of Jersey cattle embryos were funded. Principal investigators are Curtis R. Youngs, Ph.D., of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University; and Samuel Prien, Ph.D., Director of the Clinical and Research Laboratories in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Texas Tech University, with a joint appointment in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

“Embryo cryopreservation is a hit or miss proposition,” observes Dr. Prien. “Certain species appear to freeze and thaw well, producing significant pregnancy rates. However, given current technology, there are also those species whose embryos are considered incapable of freezing. Even within certain species that freeze well, there are individuals or breeds that do not withstand the cyropreservation process. Such appears to be the case with Jersey cattle.

“While a number of theories have been put forth, little is truly known as to why these embryos don’t survive the cryopreservation process.”

At Iowa State, Dr. Youngs and co-investigators James K. West, D.V.M., and Marianna Jahnke of the Department of Veterinary Diagnostic & Production Animal Medicine will test the hypothesis that lowered cryotolerance of Jersey embryos is related to inadequate dehydration due to high lipid content.

The reseachers will place embryos in the compact morula and expanded blastocyst stages into four different cryoprotective agents. Computer images will be obtained to assess the best equilibration times of each developmental stage in each medium. Embryos will be frozen using conventional slow cool/fast thaw methods, and thawed embryos will be evaluated for blastocyst formation, embryo hatching, and embryonic cell number.

These data will be useful in refining conventional slow cooling/rapid warming cryopreservation protocols, as well as the development of ultra-rapid freezing protocols via vitrification.

The funding for Dr. Prien at Texas Tech will support an ongoing research program examining the micro-chemical makeup of Jersey embryos in comparison to embryos of other cattle species known to freeze well. The findings may be useful in developing freezing media specific to the unique chemistry of Jersey embryos and/or modifying current protocols to optimize freezing methods, then potentially a field trial to determine the effectiveness of new methods and procedures.

Milk somatic cell counts (SCC) and the incidence of mastitis differ by cattle breed. A recent large scale survey reported that Jersey populations in the U.S. have higher milk SCC than Holsteins. Interestingly, three separate studies have identified lower frequencies of mastitis in Jersey cows than in Holstein cows.

These conflicting findings will be addressed in a study by Douglas D. Bannerman, Ph.D., of the Bovine Functional Genomics Laboratory, Beltsville, Md.

He will evaluate the ability of Holsteins and Jerseys to clear intramammary infections and then determine if different immune responses are elicited. The study will use two major mastitis pathogens, E. coli and S. aureus. “In mid-lactation, E. coli are often readily cleared from the gland, whereas S. aureus establishes a persistent chronic infection. This suggests differential immune responses are elicited to these bacteria,” Dr. Bannerman explains. “The immune markers for E. coli and S. aureus infections have been well-characterized, allowing us to characterize breed differences since we know which critical immune markers to look at.”

There are three possible outcomes from the proposed research: (a) no breed differences are identified; (b) Holsteins clear one or both pathogens more readily; or (c) Jerseys clear one or both pathogens more readily. The third outcome is hypothesized based on the anecdotal observations in peer-reviewed studies.

A detailed investigation of factors associated with cow mortality was funded, to be conducted by Gary W. Rogers, Ph.D., of the University of Tennessee, John Clay, Ph.D., Director of Dairy Records Management Systems (DRMS), and Dr. Fred Hopkins, professor of veterinary science at the University of Tennessee.

“Many herd and management risk factors for cow mortality are currently unknown,” Dr. Rogers explains. “It is also unclear if genetics plays a role in cow mortality. Breed effects may be important for cow mortality since they are important for productive life. Jersey cows have longer average productive life and may have a lower mortality risk than Holstein cows.”

The project will also evaluate the potential of current genetic evaluations for traits like productive life, daughter pregnancy rate, strength and dairy form to predict cow mortality rates. Plus, “daughter groups may differ in mortality rates,” says Dr. Rogers. “If daughter groups differ in mortality rates, bulls could potentially be summarized for daughter mortality rates and these summaries used to improve disease resistance and cow survival.”

Funding was approved for a study comparing feed efficiency of crossbred Jersey–Holstein cows with that of their pure Holstein contemporaries at the University of Wisconsin. Kent A. Weigel, Ph.D., Extension Dairy Genetics Specialist, and Randy D. Shaver, Extension Dairy Nutrition Specialist, will conduct the study.

Dry matter intake, milk yield, milk composition, body weight, and body condition score of individual cows will be monitored for 15 weeks, beginning at 50 days postpartum. Efficiency of producing fat- and energy-corrected milk will be evaluated for each breed by parity group before, during, and after the peak of lactation. Data from this study will be a critical component of overall calculations of lifetime net profit for each breed group, as the feed efficiency data will be combined with additional information regarding fertility, dystocia, stillbirths, calf mortality, rearing costs, lameness, mastitis, metabolic health, longevity, salvage value, and other economically important traits.

National All-Jersey Inc. funded an intensive study of growth and development of Jersey steer calves fed at different energy levels for lean meat production. It will be conducted by Chad J. Mueller, Ph.D., assistant professor of beef cattle systems at Oregon State University.

“Beef operations have an interest in feeding Jersey calves for meat production due to the low input costs and the propensity to generate high quality, marbled carcasses,” Dr. Mueller explains. “Due to a lack of known growth parameters, feedlot operators are simply using trial-and-error to feed out these calves. This has resulted in over-conditioned carcasses and reduced growth efficiencies, both of which have limited the usefulness of Jersey steers in feedlot operations.”

Calves will be assigned to one of two treatment groups (85% concentrate:15% roughage diet, or 70% concentrate: 30% roughage diet), with intakes monitored using Calan gates. Measurements will be taken every 30 days, starting at two months of age, to determine changes in backfat depth, marbling and ribeye muscle area, and skeletal growth throughout the growing and finishing periods.

Final carcass data (carcass weight, backfat, ribeye area, kidney-pelvic-heart fat and USDA quality and yield grades) will be analyzed.

“Data from this study will allow feedlot operators to optimally feed Jersey steer calves to maximize financial returns while achieving optimal growth and meeting consumer demand for high quality, marbled beef,” says Dr. Mueller.

“This in turn should result in greater demand for Jersey bull calves by the beef feedlot industry, and subsequently increase the financial return to dairy producers for their male calf offspring.”

A directed large-scale, longitudinal field trial with calf-fed Jersey steers was funded jointly by NAJ and AJCA.

The first phase, from birth to 16-17 weeks of age, will evaluate growth, feed efficiency and health of Jersey bull calves raised on two different nutritional planes of protein and caloric intake from milk replacer and starter. Thomas Earlywine, Ph.D., of Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products Co. is the lead investigator.

Dr. Richard A. Zinn of the Desert Research and Extension Center, University of California, El Centro, will conduct the study’s second phase, a characterization of feedlot growth and performance by the steer calves from 16-17 weeks of age until harvest. This study will analyze relationships between the starting planes of nutrition for the calf-fed steers and parameters including pattern of growth on high energy growing/finishing diets and growth implant use; feed efficiency; mature weight; dressing percentage, ribeye area, fatness, and marbling score; and meat tenderness, sensory panel and consumer evaluation.

This trial will be a larger replicate of the NAJ project funded in 2006, the results of which are under analysis.

Founded in 1967, the AJCC Research Foundation has provided seed money for well-designed scientific investigations related to high-priority areas affecting the Jersey breed of dairy cattle:

An advisory committee that includes Jersey producers, dairy scientists, and allied dairy industry representatives evaluates proposals. The final decision on Foundation funding is made by the Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

The Request for Proposals is issued each year in August, with project proposals due by December 1. Detailed information about the Competitive Grants Program can be found on the web site or requested from Cari W. Wolfe, Director of Research and Genetic Programs Development, at 614/861-3636.

JACOB PIEPER RECEIVES FRED STOUT
EXPERIENCE AWARD

March 23, 2007, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Jacob Pieper, White Hall, Md., has been selected as the 2007 recipient of the Fred Stout Experience Award.

The award was created in 2000 in memory of Fred J. Stout Jr., Mt. Carmel, Ill., a lifelong Jersey breeder and member of the Jersey Marketing Service staff from 1978 to 1997. Stout was instrumental in the growth of the company’s marketing activities, and later added duties as type evaluator and customer field service for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).

Stout believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world. This award honors that conviction. It will provide partial support for Pieper’s internship with Jersey Marketing Service during the summer of 2007. Jacob’s responsibilities will include preparation of sale catalogs and advertising, working with consignors to meet health test requirements and arrange trucking, and providing service to buyers. He will also work on the crews for the 50^th National Heifer Sale, June 30 in Rock Rapids, Iowa, plus the Pride of the West Sale and Western Pot O’Gold Sale, both scheduled for June 15 in Tillamook, Ore.

Pieper is a junior at Virginia Tech, majoring in dairy science and agricultural economics. He is active in the Virginia Tech Dairy Club and Alpha Gamma Rho, and currently serves as treasurer for both organizations.

Jacob was raised on a Holstein and Guernsey dairy farm, where he works as assistant herd manager on weekends and during school breaks. During the summer of 2005, he was an intern in charge of the show herd for North Star Brown Swiss. He then started his own full-service fitting business and averages 25 clients a year. Pieper attended Mendenhall Auctioneering School in the summer of 2006 and is in the process of acquiring licensing.

Pieper was a member of the winning team and seventh high individual at the 2006 National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, a finalist for National Outstanding Guernsey Youth in 2006, and the recipient of the William M. Etgen Scholarship from Virginia Tech for the 2006-07 school year.

The Fred Stout Experience Award is one of nine educational awards for Jersey youth sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Applications for 2007-08 academic scholarships are due July 1. Deadline to apply for the 2008 Stout Experience Award is February 1 of next year. Information on these awards and applications are available on the AJCA’s web site, www.USJersey.com, or by contacting Dr. Cherie L. Bayer, Director of Development, at (614) 861-3636.

January 30, 2007, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—When the 2007 growing season ends, the Farm Bill will technically expire. Dairy will be front and center as lawmakers confront that deadline and decide whether to extend the Farm Bill with bit of tinkering, as they did in 2002, or substantively amend it.

The issues and factors that will likely drive decisions in “one of the most complicated parts of agricultural policy” will be the focus of a panel discussion and open forum on Saturday, March 10 sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc.

Bringing different perspectives to the discussion will be Washington insiders Chris Galen of National Milk Producers Federation, Dr. Robert Yonkers of the International Dairy Foods Association, and Charles Garrison of The Garrison Group LLC. They will focus on areas of consensus and contention in the dairy provisions and also identify issues of importance to the industry outside of the Farm Bill.

Chris Galen is the Senior Vice President of Communications for the National Milk Producers Federation , the Arlington, Virginia-based trade association that has represented the interests of U.S. dairy producers since 1916. As NMPF spokesman with the news media and the public, Galen is responsible for shaping the content and tone of its messages on issues as diverse as economic policy, environmental, food safety and animal health regulations, and international trade. Galen previously held a similar position with the National-American Wholesale Grocers Association and before that worked on the staffs for two U.S. Representatives and in the White House Press Office at the end of the Reagan administration.

Robert D. Yonkers, Ph.D., is the chief economist and director of policy analysis at the International Dairy Foods Association. Dr. Yonkers has written and spoken extensively on economic issues related to the dairy industry, and also prepared and delivered expert witness testimony to state legislatures and to Congress. Prior to taking his current position at IDFA, he was a tenured faculty member in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Yonkers conducted research on the impacts of changing marketing conditions, alternative public policies, and emerging technologies on the dairy industry. In addition , he had statewide responsibilities to develop and deliver extension materials and programs on topics related to dairy marketing and policy.

In 1997, Charles Garrison launched The Garrison Group, a public affairs firm specializing in food and agriculture communications and policy. His clients have included businesses and organizations involved in dairy production, processing, marketing and exporting as well as meat processing and financial securities. Previously, he served as Director of Industry Relations for the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, held a staff position with the Beef Industry Council, and for 10 years was a partner in his family’s Indiana dairy operation.

Jersey dairy business owners and all interested persons are invited to the open session starting at 4:00 p.m. at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus. The summit is being held in conjunction with the winter meetings of the directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc.

Reservations are not required, but would be appreciated. The Concourse Hotel is located at 4300 International Gateway, on the grounds of Port Columbus International Airport.

Contact Erick Metzger, General Manager of National All-Jersey Inc., for more information at 614/861-3636, or by email to emetzger@usjersey.com.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, December 26, 2006—A spirited online auction of the No. 1 giclée canvas print of “Wide Load Ahead” raised $1,775 for the AJCA Scholarship Funds on December 20.

Kristina Radelfinger of Radelfinger Dairy, Ferndale, Calif., was the winning bidder for the framed, signed and numbered print of the original oil painting by Denise Rich, commissioned by the American Jersey Cattle Association.

Contending bidder was Alta Genetics Inc., Balzac, Alberta, with another dozen individuals and firms participating in the 10-day auction. The auction site was viewed over 1,150 times before bidding closed.

The AJCA Scholarship Funds is a 501(c)(3) permanent trust providing financial support for scholarships and internship opportunities for Junior Members of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

Nearly $6,500 has been raised to date for the trust from the sale of the No. 1 print and two hand-embellished giclées that were offered at the 54th All American Jersey Sale on November 5.

Proceeds from sales of limited-edition lithograph and giclée prints remaining in the series are also designed for the fund. For more information, contact the Development Department at the American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362, phone 614/861-3636.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, December 11, 2006—The November 5 auction of two artist-enhanced giclée canvas prints of a painting commissioned by the American Jersey Cattle Association raised $4,700 for the AJCA Scholarship Funds, a 501(c)(3) permanent trust that supports scholarship and internship opportunities for Junior Members of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

The only such prints to be made of the original work, “Wide Load Ahead,” were made by artist Denise Rich, who then embellished the prints by hand, making each one of a kind.

The framed artworks were offered at the start of the 54th All American Jersey Sale on November 5 in Louisville, Ky., with the highest bidder having the opportunity to choose one or exercising the privilege to take both at double the bid price.

The winning bid of $3,000 was placed by the Friends of Dr. J. J. Malnati, of Bush River Jerseys, Newberry, S.C. They selected the work numbered 1/2 and presented it to a surprised Dr. Malnati as the audience rose in a standing ovation. The gift was made on the occasion of his 90th birthday and in honor of his exemplary support of the national Jersey scholarship program.

The second canvas, numbered 2/2, was then sold and purchased for $1,700 by Elsa and Don Sherman, of Hilmar, Calif. and Dalhart, Texas. Mr. Sherman is the current president of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

The subject of “Wide Load Ahead” is a mature Jersey cow, alertly standing her ground and flanked at a distance by two of her inquisitive herdmates. The trio is framed against the background of a beautiful valley surrounded by classic rolling hills with oak trees.

The original oil painting was commissioned by the American Jersey Cattle Association and unveiled at the 2006 World Dairy Expo. It is now in the permanent art collection at the AJCA headquarters in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

The Jersey association is making limited-edition lithograph and giclée canvas prints of “Wide Load Ahead” available. Proceeds are designated for the AJCA Scholarship Funds.

Professionally printed on 100-lb. acid-free Saxony art paper, the lithograph prints are available in two series: Artist's Proof (the first 25 off the press) and Limited Edition (total of 225). Prints are 20" x 24" with an image size of 16" x 20". Each is hand-numbered, titled, signed and dated by the artist.

The Artist's Proof prints are $125.00, plus $5.00 shipping and handling, by Priority Mail. Limited Edition prints are $75.00 each, plus $5.00 for Priority Mail shipping and handling. Expedited shipping is available for an additional cost, through your choice of the U.S. Postal Service, FedEx or UPS.

A series of 75 giclée canvas prints was also declared. These are professionally printed by the artist herself, using archival quality ink on canvas for the look and feel of the original oil painting. The prints measure 16" x 20", are stretched for framing, and have been signed and numbered on the back of the canvas.

Giclée canvas prints are priced at $250.00 each, plus shipping and handling (cost determined by destination and requested method of shipping).

To order prints, call 614/861-3636, ext. 334 or 345, with credit card information (VISA, MasterCard or American Express). Or, send a check payable to the American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362.

Information about the national Jersey youth development program is available on the internet at www.usjersey.com/YouthProgram/juniors.pdf or by calling the AJCA office at 614/ 861-3636.

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, December 8, 2006—Based on the November, 2006 USDA genetic summaries, Jersey continues to be the leader for Productive Life (PL) among the six dairy breeds evaluated in the United States (including Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Holstein and Milking Shorthorn).

The trait of Productive Life is defined as “time in the milking herd before removal by voluntary culling, involuntary culling, or death.” Its evaluation combines information from direct longevity, measured by DHI data on calving dates, disposal dates, reasons for disposal and lactation lengths, with correlated traits. Cows having opportunity to reach eight (8) years of age are considered a completed observation, yet they can continue to add credits for productive life after this point under the new method.

Data published by the USDA Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (AIPL) show that for cows born in 1997 and 1998, Jerseys have the longest productive life of 34.5 months, or 1,053 days. A total of 73,763 Jersey cows were included in the evaluation. By comparison, the weighted average Productive Life for 1,307,882 cows of the other five breeds and born in 1997-98 is 28.5 months, or 870 days.

A new method for calculating Productive Life was implemented by AIPL in August to improve the accuracy of evaluating dairy cattle longevity.

When first defined in 1994, Productive Life took into consideration a cow's total number of days in milk only up to 84 months (7 years) of age, with a limit of 305 days in milk per lactation. Subsequent research by S. Tsuruta and I. Misztal, both at the University of Georgia, and T. J. Lawlor of the Holstein Association documented that most Holstein cows have lactations beyond 305 days (average 365 days for "survivors" and 386 days for culled cows). Lactation lengths for “survivors” in the next three calvings all exceeded 330 days. By including lactation days above 305, genetic correlations increased for milk production and decreased for days open. These researchers argued that “PL305 does not properly account for the longer lactation lengths that are routinely occurring with today’s cows,” therefore “PL with longer lactations may be preferable in routine evaluation.”

Research geneticists at AIPL incorporated these findings when developing the revised method for calculating PL. Complete lactation records have been stored by AIPL since 1997, making it possible to produce evaluations that include all days of production in every lactation. However, all days are not equal in value to herd owners. As stated by Paul M. VanRaden and colleagues in the August, 2006 Journal of Dairy Science, “Cows that begin a next lactation generally are more profitable than those that continue the previous lactation because a new peak yield is achieved.”

The method implemented with the August evaluations reflects this economic logic. Cows with multiple lactations get more total credit than cows with just one long lactation. As a cow's lactation is extended, the value credited to her production is diminished. On the AIPL website, VanRaden et al. comment that with the new method, “Some emphasis is shifted away from fertility toward somatic cell score because longer lactations require more mastitis resistance, and the correlations of PL with yield traits are slightly higher.”

Productive Life is a key component of the USDA Net Merit functions. For Jerseys, it receives 18% of total emphasis for NM$ and FM$, and 14% for CM$. In Jersey Performance Index₀₆, PL is weighted at 12%.

For more information on the calculation of Productive Life, see the “Documentation” section of the AIPL website (http://aipl.arsusda.gov). For Jersey-specific information on the August genetic evaluations, contact Cari W. Wolfe, Director of Research and Genetic Programs Development for the American Jersey Cattle Association, at 614/861-3636.

SELECT SIRES SUPPORTS JERSEY SCHOLARSHIP FUND WITH $1,750 DONATION FOR NO. 7 CANVAS

JACOB PIEPER RECEIVES FRED STOUT EXPERIENCE AWARD

JACOB PIEPER RECEIVES FRED STOUT
EXPERIENCE AWARD