News from the American Jersey Cattle Association

July 15, 2003—The William G. Mason Family has been selected to receive the Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award for 2003 from National Dairy Shrine. The honor will be presented during the organization’s annual banquet on Thursday, October 2 during World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wis.

Bill and Barbara Mason, along with their son David, own and operate a 250-cow Registered Jersey dairy near Buhl, Idaho. From this herd, they have bred 42 A.I. proven bulls, including the bull with the most registered progeny in the history of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Mason Boomer Sooner Berretta.

“Berretta” was the top-ranked Jersey sire for Production Type Index from 1993 to 1998, and currently has 25,362 daughters in 2,654 herds in his proof. He was recognized as a breed great with a special issue of Jersey Journal (July, 2001) and a feature article in Holstein International (September, 2001), the latter publication translated into five languages.

“I do not know of any dairy cattle breeder of any breed that has bred the #1 ranking bull for so many sire summaries over the last 10 years,” comments Jeff Ziegler, Dairy Sire Analyst for Select Sires Inc. “Berretta” held such a wide margin over the number two ranked bull, we knew it would take a ‘Berretta’ son to knock him off the top. Barbs MBSB Declo did just that and remained the #1 bull himself for several sire summaries.”

Since February of this year, the top active A.I. Jersey sire ranked by Jersey Performance Index™ (JPI) is DeBoer Jenetta Barber Bill-ET. He is a son of Mason Barretta Jenetta, and is jointly owned by the Masons, Nico de Boer of Texas, and Hans Ramp of Holland. The Excellent-91% “Jenetta” is currently ranked twenty-first among Jersey cows for JPI and is herself a daughter of Mason Boomer Sooner Berretta.

“Bill’s breeding has credibility in the industry,” notes Neal Smith, Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association. “A.I. sire analysts love the opportunity to take bulls with the Mason and Barbs prefixes, because they know that their customers will respond with confidence.”

Adds Smith, “Sale managers love to get consignments from the Mason herd, because they are extremely marketable and always create a lot of excitement.”

In 2002, the Mason herd averaged 625 lbs. protein, 16,975 lbs. milk and 749 lbs. fat per cow, with actual cheese yield per lactation of 1,900 lbs. To date, the Masons have bred and/or developed more than 24 cows with lifetime production over 100,000 lbs. milk, four cows with all-time production Class Leader status, and 20 cows currently ranked among the top 1½% of the breed for Jersey Performance Index™ (JPI).

Among the notable cows bred in this herd are Barbs MBSB Dayetta, who held the Jersey world protein champion record from 1997 to 2000; Barbs Duncan Day, the winner of the 1990 AJCA President’s Trophy; and two Top 10 cows in the Living Lifetime Production Contest, Barbs Magic Sugar and Barbs Legend Cindy.

The Masons’ achievements are credited by Calvin Covington, former Executive Secretary of the AJCA and its milk marketing arm, National All-Jersey Inc., to their marketing perspective.

“They understand that if dairy producers are to be successful, they must breed the kind of cattle that produce the kind of milk the market desires,” Covington explains. “Many years ago, Bill was able to see that Jersey milk would be more profitable and more saleable to cheese plants, if the milk contained a higher ratio of protein to fat. The results of their protein emphasis can be seen in that Mason Boomer Sooner Berretta has a higher PTA for protein (+35 lbs.) than fat (+5 lbs.).”

With Barb and David keeping the dairy operation going at home, Bill has served 16 years on the Board of Directors of National All-Jersey Inc., the last six of them as its President. Since 1989, he has been a Director of the Magic Valley Quality Milk Producers Milk Cooperative, serving as President since 1993.

The Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeder Award has been presented since 1973 by National Dairy Shrine to active, progressive dairy producers who, through their expertise in managing a dairy breeding herd based upon sound genetics and business principles, serve as a model of success for their contemporaries throughout the nation.

The Masons’ portrait will be added to those of previous winners at the Visitor’s Center and Museum in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. They join seven Jersey breeders who have been previously honored as Distinguished Dairy Cattle Breeders: Col. and Mrs. H. G. Wilde (1978); Mrs. A. G. Rankin & Sons (1981); C. Scott Mayfield (1984); John Bishop VI (1987); Robert and Laura Pike and John and Allaire Palmer (1995); the Robert Stiles Family (1999); and Walter and Sally Goodrich (2002).

A program focusing on the equity growth potential of Registered Jerseys will kickoff the schedule of Virtual Farm Tours at the 2003 World Dairy Expo, Madison, Wis.

The James Ahlem Dairy of Hilmar, Calif., will be the featured presentation at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1. Ahlem, who was recently elected President of National All-Jersey Inc., will be on hand to answer questions during the hour-long session.

The program is free of charge and will be held in the Mendota Room (room 5) of the Exhibition Hall on the grounds of the Dane County Exposition Center.

Jim and Carol Ahlem started their dairy operation in 1978 with 125 Registered Jersey cows, some purchased in New England. Today, the herd includes 1,700 milking cows and 3,800 head total, the result of natural growth. Only individual animals have been purchased since the original group was bought.

The rolling herd average is 19,173 lbs. milk, 910 lbs. fat, and 694 lbs. protein, with cows milking in a 40-cow Rotaflo parlor, with throughput of 210 cows per hour with two milkers. Herdsman Joe Monteiro, who has been with the operation for 22 years, oversees the daily operations and 15 full-time employees.

The herd was enrolled on the AJCA REAP program when it was introduced in 1995 and the Ahlems know from first-hand experience the added value that AJCA identification brings to their operation. Last year, Jim marketed in excess of 600 head while maintaining his current herd size. Cattle were sold at private treaty and in regional and national events such as the California Jersey Gold and Jersey Stars of the Silent Screen sales, the Pot O’Gold Sale and the National Heifer Sale.

The program is sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association. For more information, contact the USJersey Development Department at 614/755-5857, ext. 334, or write info@usjersey.com

NORTH AMERICA’S BEST JERSEYS WILL HEAD TO
51^st ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SHOW & SALE IN LOUISVILLE

August 18, 2003, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Registered Jerseys will once again take center stage when the 51^st All American Jersey Show and Sale returns to the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky., November 8 to 10.

More than 700 entries are expected in the open division of the All American Jersey Show, annually ranked as one of the largest single-breed dairy shows in the world. Last year, an even 400 cows and heifers were shown. Taking home the honor of National Grand Champion was the Excellent-96% Blacky Rose of Briarcliffs, Excellent-96% with production of 1,230 lbs. fat, for the partnership of Justin Burdette, Norman Nabholz and Waverly Farm, Clear Brook, Va.

Kevin Lutz, Lincolton, N.C., will judge the 2003 All American Jersey Show, with Dr. John Wilk, Raleigh, N.C., serving as the associate judge. Placing the 3-year-old cows in the 48^th National Jersey Jug Futurity will be Terry Rawn, Charles Town, W. Va. His associate will be Dr. Katharine Knowlton, Blacksburg, Va. Larry Schirm, Columbus, Ohio, will officiate in the All American Junior Jersey Show, assisted by Dr. David Selner, Shawano, Wis.

Three sales will punctuate the show schedule over the weekend. More than 130 lots will be offered in the Pot O’Gold Sale for youth between seven and 20 years of age; the All American Jersey Sale, the premier showcase for Jersey genetics in the United States; and the All American Silent Auction, an offering of select embryos and first-choice calves. The sales are managed by Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

All events will be held at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center, conveniently located near the Louisville airport. The schedule is:

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

Nominations for the sales are still being accepted. Contact JMS Manager Herby Lutz at 614/861-3636, ext. 328.

Headquarters for Jersey exhibitors will be the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport. For reservations, call 502/637-2424 and mention the Jersey event for best rates.

August 6, 2003, Reynoldsburg, OH—Dairy producers with an eye on the bottom line are invited to the David and Patricia Endres farm east of Lodi, Wisconsin, on Tuesday, August 26 for a USJersey management discussion, Improving the Bottom Line 2.

The program, which starts at 10:30 a.m., is an opportunity to learn first-hand about the advantages of Jersey cows and Jersey milk for Upper Midwest markets. It will be held against the backdrop of Endres Jazzy Jerseys, a 625-cow herd that started in 1986 as a 55-cow Holstein operation.

After adding a few Jerseys in 1990, David Endres compared the two breeds and calculated that “the profitability of the two breeds was fairly even. The Jersey cow came out ahead on a few points, though. We knew component milk pricing would be coming. Breeding and calving problems were few. Most important, we enjoyed working with the Jersey cow better.”

The discussion panel will also include Kent Weigel of the University of Wisconsin and Robert E. James of Virginia Tech. Dr. Weigel made headlines last year with his Hoard’s Dairyman article comparing Holstein and Jersey type traits and culling risks. He’ll answer questions about why Jerseys have a 150-day productive life advantage over Holsteins. Virginia Tech’s James will draw from years of hands-on experience managing Holsteins and Jerseys in the same facility to talk about successful strategies for raising Jersey calves and feeding Jersey cows.

Rounding out the panel will be Jeff Montsma, Member Service Specialist with Alto Dairy. Last October in Cheese Market News, Montsma noted that a significant protein deficit existed in Wisconsin’s manufacturing plants and argued for pricing producer milk on the basis of its cheese yield. He will review the current situation and look at what the future holds for Upper Midwest milk producers.

Improving the Bottom Line 2 is made possible with support from primary sponsor Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products Co.; and sponsors ABS Global Inc., Accelerated Genetics, Alta Genetics, Alto Dairy, Big Gain Wisconsin LLC, East Central/Select Sires, Genex/CRI, Morton Buildings, Waunakee Veterinary Service, and the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association.

The Endres farm is located at W9402 County Road K, Lodi, Wis. Take I-90/94 north of Madison to Highway 60 (exit 119). Travel west on 60 to the first intersection, Smokey Hollow Road. Turn left and go to the first stop sign (County K). Turn right, then right again on Cobb Road.

For more information, or to register for the meeting, call 614/755-5857, ext. 334.

METZGER NAMED FIELD SERVICE COORDINATOR,
CHAMBERLAIN TO HEAD INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY UNIT

Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Two USJersey staff members have assumed new responsibilities to further the Jersey organizations’ continuing commitment to provide cost-effective, efficient service to Jersey owners.

Erick Metzger, currently Herd Services Manager, has taken on additional responsibilities as Field Service Coordinator, said Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ).

Named to head a new Information Technology (IT) department was Mark Chamberlain, the organizations’ lead programmer and acting network administrator.

As Field Service Coordinator, Metzger will oversee the marketing and customer service activities of a 12-person field staff that provides on-site support for the entire line of AJCA and NAJ services. The organizations offer a comprehensive service package through REAP (registrations, Equity, appraisal, and performance testing), which includes the state-of-the-art JerseyMate™ program. The field staff are also engaged in marketing Jersey cattle and embryos through the NAJ subsidiary, Jersey Marketing Service.

“Field service is the lifeblood of our business, and the quality of our field staff is second to none,” noted Smith. “It is extremely important for us to have the right person as Field Service Coordinator and Erick has 20 years of breed association experience covering nearly every service area.”

Metzger has held his current position with the American Jersey Cattle Association since November of 1992, a period of unprecedented growth in its animal identification and performance services. In 2002, the AJCA recorded 72,507 animals, with 109,608 animals enrolled on performance programs in 916 herds. Metzger helped to develop, market and manage REAP, supervised the transition to Internet-based services, and initiated the new American ID tag program.

Before joining the AJCA, Metzger was for five years Executive Secretary and CEO of the American Guernsey Association. He earned a Master of Business Administration degree with top honors in his class from Franklin University in 1999, specializing in International Business.

Mark Chamberlain was promoted to Information Technology Manager, heading up a new department responsible for the organizations’ Intranet/Internet computer systems and program development.

Chamberlain joined the AJCA staff in August of 1999 as a programmer/analyst. He has developed numerous stand-alone applications, created the Web interface known as infoJersey and expanded its functions, and supervised a bank of eight network servers supporting both AJCA staff and customers.

“Our needs for computer services are going to increase,” noted the AJCA’s Neal Smith. “Mark’s training and expertise have already been valuable in helping us provide faster, more reliable computer service. We are confident that he has the abilities to help us deliver even better service, plus assist Jersey Marketing Service in developing new ways to market cattle online.”

Chamberlain has completed studies at the Rochester Institute of Technology and is currently pursuing a Management and Information Sciences degree at Columbus State Community College.

The American Jersey Cattle Association was organized in 1868 and is the only dairy breed organization to show continuous growth in the past decade. National All-Jersey Inc. was created in 1957 to aid in the marketing of Jersey milk and Jersey cattle. For more information on the Jersey organizations, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.

July 22, 2003, Reynoldsburg, OH—The AJCC Research Foundation has issued a request for research proposals to be funded in 2004 addressing significant problems to the Jersey breed and Jersey milk producers.

The Foundation sponsors annual competitive research grants providing partial or full funding. Awards have averaged $4,800 per project from 1994 through 2003. More than $570,000 has been awarded for over 130 investigations since 1988.

The application deadline is December 1, 2003. The AJCA Research Advisory Committee will evaluate the proposals, then forward its recommendations to the AJCA Board of Directors, which will award funds at its meeting in March, 2004.

Evaluative criteria for submissions are (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).

The RFP announcement is posted on the USJersey website. For more information, contact Cari W. Wolfe, Director of Research and Genetic Program Development, at the American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362.

July 8, 2003, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—D. L. Strandberg, D.V.M., of Alma Center, Wis., was presented the 53^rd Distinguished Service Award of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) on June 28, 2003, in ceremonies during the association’s Annual Meeting in Columbus, Ohio.

The Distinguished Service Award is made by the Board of Directors to as many living AJCA members and/or members’ families, who, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, have rendered outstanding and unselfish service for many years and thereby have made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.

Dr. Strandberg’s contributions to the Jersey organizations include his service as a Director of the American Jersey Cattle Association for two terms and one year as the AJCA Vice President. While serving as director, Strandberg provided practical, solid guidance on the Board’s Finance committee. Even today, as a member of the AJCA Investment Advisory Committee, his strong financial mind has proven irreplaceable.

In addition, he has provided leadership through service on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association.

The determination of Dr. Strandberg and his no-nonsense wisdom in all areas of the dairy industry was evident as he testified at regional hearings in support of the inclusion of Multiple Component Pricing (MCP) in the 1995 Farm Bill. With his knowledge, along with the respect he earned from Wisconsin’s U.S. Congressman Steve Gunderson, greatly influenced the outcome.

“Doc,” as he is known by his friends, was instrumental in the formation and success of Dairyland Jersey Sires Inc., a cooperative of Jersey breeders organized to progeny test young sires. “His involvement added credibility to Dairyland Sires and helped to obtain new members,” remarks Cari Wolfe, AJCA Director of Research and Genetic Program Development.

Dr. Strandberg has served on various local boards and committees and has received the Friend of 4-H Award and the Honorary Farmer Degree from local 4-H and FFA chapters. He is also the past recipient of the Wisconsin Jersey Breeders Association Distinguished Service Award and Wisconsin Jersey Breeder of the Year. He began his Avon Road Jersey herd in 1966, and has developed it into one of the nation’s leading operations.

Numerous Jersey herds have started because of Strandberg’s contagious enthusiasm, love and appreciation of the breed. His unfailing commitment to and promotion of the breed, along with the influence of his Avon Road genetics, has been invaluable to the Jersey breed.

July 8, 2003, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Life-long Jersey breeder James Chaney, Bowling Green, Ky., was honored June 28, 2003, as Master Breeder by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). The presentation was made during the organization’s Annual Meetings, held in Columbus, Ohio.

The Master Breeder award is bestowed annually to a living AJCA member, family, partnership, or corporation that, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, has bred outstanding animals for many years and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.

Chaney and his family operate Chaney Farms, home of Al-Top Jerseys. His exceptional acumen for selecting, buying and developing cows that leave their impact on the breed has been known for many years.

His purchase in 1977 of Generators Topsy was the first to put him on the map with Jersey breeders worldwide. “Topsy” is one of only four cows in the history of the AJCA to be scored Excellent-97%, was the 1973 National Grand Champion and produced 213,815 lbs. milk and 9,493 lbs. fat in her lifetime. Jersey breeders world-wide voted her the Winner of the 1985 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest. Her popularity endures, as illustrated by her eighth place ranking in the 2000 Great Cow Contest.

However, “Topsy” is not the most famous nor the most influential cow that Chaney developed. That distinction belongs to Greenridge FW Chief Althea-ET, with 59 sons and daughters plus more than 20,000 descendants in the U.S., Canada and Central and South America, plus Denmark, Japan, Ecuador, South Africa, and Australia .

Voted as the second place cow in the 2000 Jersey Journal Great Cow Contest, “Althea” died in April at nearly 19 years of age. She was scored Excellent-92% with lifetime production to date of 217,972 lbs. milk, 10,060 lbs. fat and 8,800 lbs. protein.

Under Chaney’s stewardship, “Althea” and “Topsy” put Chaney Farms on the map and made Al-Top Jerseys, “Where the pride of the past, meets the promise of the future.”

James Chaney is also a past-Director of the American Jersey Cattle Association, a 25-year supporter of National All-Jersey Inc., and uses many of the Association’s programs.

MERLIN WOODRUFF, THE VOICE OF JERSEY AUCTION SALES, RECEIVES MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD FROM AJCA-NAJ

July 15, 2003, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—The legendary auctioneer Merlin Woodruff, Urbana, Ohio, was honored June 28, 2003 with the Meritorious Service Award of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ).

The award is bestowed annually upon a living individual, who in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the Jersey organizations, has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry.

Neal Smith, AJCA-NAJ Executive Secretary, described Merlin Woodruff as “one of the classiest and most professional auctioneers to sell Registered Jerseys. Credibility is what makes a legendary auctioneer and Merlin Woodruff has that and much more. He is definitely a class act.

Woodruff has graced the auction box of many Jersey sales over the years, including over 40 years at the All American Jersey Sale where he donated his time year after year. His ability to obtain the most money for the sellers while never violating the integrity of buyers, Merlin has increased the value of registered, performance-evaluated Jerseys every time his gavel hit the auction block.

Sale managers were known to schedule their sales around his availability, because of his remarkable talent to keep a sale moving and to get the most money for the animal offered at auction. One of his most memorable phrases says it all: “Just raise your hand and keep it there. We’ll tell you when it’s time to stop, and how many you bought at the end of the sale.”

One of the most sought-after auctioneers in the U.S., Woodruff not only has been honored by the AJCA and NAJ membership, but has also been inducted into the Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame.

July 8, 2003, Reynoldsburg, Ohio—Charlene Nardone, Orient, Ohio, was presented the 2003 Award for Meritorious Service of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National-All Jersey Inc., on June 28, 2003, in ceremonies concluding the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Columbus, Ohio.

This award is bestowed annually upon a living individual, who in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the Jersey organizations has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry.

Hired just three days after she interviewed, Mrs. Nardone, known as the “voice of everything Jersey,” served the Jersey organizations for 47 years using her grace, courtesy, and polished diplomacy to leave a lasting mark in all areas of the Jersey breed and its organizations.

Her years of dedicated service are remembered by current AJCA Director C. L. Collins, III. “Charlene helped define a standard of professional courtesy that continues today in our Association. Her conscientious work in support of many Presidents and Boards of Directors, and two Executive Secretaries, made it possible for them to accomplish great things in turning our breed around in the 1970s and 1980s. She lent her special touch the National Jersey Jug Futurity, which is surely one reason why others imitate it but have never duplicated it.”

Nardone’s love of the National Jersey Jug Futurity was natural as she served the event as the first ever Jersey Jug Queen and traveled throughout the country promoting the Jersey show. She is still credited to this day for developing the reputation of the longest-running and richest dairy breed futurity in the United States.

Her touch went beyond the Jersey Jug though. Her work with the AJCA organizations was done constantly with a positive attitude. She was the first voice that many Jersey breeders herd when they called the offices. Her cheerful voice greeted callers daily, making it no surprise that when she retired more than 100 breeders, employees, and former President and Directors joined in the celebration honoring her work during the 1993 All American weekend.

As past-President of the AJCA Paul Chittenden remembers, “All the little things that no one ever thinks about always got done quietly, efficiently, and without fanfare. She might just tell us she was doing her job, but it was beyond the call of duty time and time again.”

July 2, 2003—Nearly $15,000 was raised for Jersey scientific research on June 26 at the annual AJCC Research Foundation Benefit Auction.

The AJCC Research Foundation was established in 1967 as a permanent trust operated exclusively to promote and sponsor scientific research in the dairy industry. The auction, held at the farm of Eli and Ella Hilty, Elanel Jerseys, in Holmesville, Ohio, began with the largest contribution of the evening. A $5,000 check was presented by the Minnesota Jersey Cattle Club, home to 56 members of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). Minnesota was the host of the 1999 AJCA Annual Meeting.

Seven items, plus four cheese baskets, were donated by various Jersey enthusiasts and anonymous donors. The highlight of the auction was a handcrafted, oak hutch with cabinetry by Jersey breeder and donor Merna Fremstad of Norse Star Jerseys, Westby, Wis. The hutch was decorated with a rosemaling technique surrounding the current Ideal Jersey painting. Tom and Amy Colpetzer, Greenville, Penna., purchased the hutch for $3,400.

Other donors included Ted and Cheryl DeMent, Clinton, Ill.; Bill Maness, LaGrange, Texas; Brewster Dairy, Inc.; Amish Traditions, Minerva Cheese Factory; Guggisberg Cheese; and Holmes Cheese Company. David Wedertz, Kenton, Ohio, donated his services for the evening serving as auctioneer.

Items were purchased by David and Linda Spahr, Findlay, Ohio; Tom Hartman, Hamburg, Penna.; Don and Elsa Sherman, Hilmar, Calif.; Jim and Carol Ahlem, Hilmar, Calif.; Pat Wickstrom, Hilmar, Calif.; Mike Brown, Columbus, Ohio; David and Arlene Moore, Burbank, Ohio; Hi-Land Farms and the Chamberlain Family, Wyoming, N.Y.; and Jer-Nan Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Contributions may be made at any time to the AJCC Research Foundation. Gifts assigned to the use of the Foundations are deductible for Federal estate and gift purposes. Contact Dr. Cherie L. Bayer, Director of Development at 614/861-3636 to discuss opportunities to support the Foundation’s endowment.

July 1, 2003—Officers and directors for the two U.S. Jersey organizations were elected during the recently concluded Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ).

The meetings were held June 27 and 28, 2003, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Columbus, Ohio.

James S. Huffard, III, Crockett, Va., was elected to his third one-year term as President of the American Jersey Cattle Association. Along with his brother, John, Huffard owns and operates Huffard Dairy Farms, home of Schultz Jerseys.

Elected to serve a second term as Vice President of AJCA was Bearl “Smokey" Seals, Cloverdale, Ore. Seals is the owner and operator of Sun Valley Jerseys.

Three individuals retired as AJCA Directors at this meeting. Helene Dreisbach, Hamburg, Penna., completed eight years service on the Board, while Karin Knolle, Sandia, Texas; and Sheldon S. Sawyer, Walpole, N.H., retired after six years of service.

Succeeding them are Libby Bleakney, Cornish, Maine; Craig Rhein, Pine Grove, Penna.; and Robert Stryk, Schulenburg, Texas. Re-elected for a second three-year term was Dr. Joseph Lineweaver, Radford, Va.

Bleakney operates Highland Farms, a 500-cow dairy, with her brother Dan Palmer and cousins Lori and David Pike. Rhein and his brother Terry own and operate Meadow View Farm, with over 200 milking cows. Stryk and wife Darlene own and operate the 50-cow Stryk Jersey Farm and Strykly Texas Cheese Company. Lineweaver is the owner of Cardinal Jerseys and is involved in a partnership with Waverly Farm, WF/L&M Jerseys.

Retiring after 16 years of service on the board of National All-Jersey Inc. was William Mason, Buhl, Idaho. Mason had served as President of NAJ since June 1997. James Ahlem, Hilmar, Calif., was elected to serve as the new President of NAJ. He is the owner and operator of James Ahlem Dairy, a 1,750 milking cow dairy. Pat Rankin, Cedarcrest Farms, Faunsdale, Ala., was elected to serve as Vice-President for NAJ. Cedarcrest is home to over 1,200 milking cows.

Norman Martin, Tillamook, Ore., was elected to serve on the Board of Directors of NAJ for District #1. Martin owns and operates Martin Dairy, an operation of 780 milking cows.

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 breeders by promoting the increased production and sale of Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on services provided by the U.S. Jersey organizations, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.

June 12, 2003—The appointment of a new Editor for Jersey Journal was announced today by Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ).

Named to head the Jersey Journal Department was Kimberly A. Billman. She will manage the organizations’ magazine, completing its 50^th year of publication, plus the production of websites for individual herds, and the Association’s successful Jersey Directory, published in print and maintained online at JerseyDirectory.com.

“Kim brings lifelong experience in the Registered Jersey business to her new position,” said Smith. “She is a third-generation Jersey breeder and excelled in all the youth development programs offered by our association.”

Smith added, “We know what Kim can do in producing and managing print publications. The bonuses are her energy and enthusiasm for the Jersey business, her many contacts across the industry, and a strong commitment to the mission of the Jersey organizations. We feel sure that she will invest them in continuing the excellence of Jersey Journal as a tool for improving and promoting the Jersey breed.”

Billman joined the staff of the American Jersey Cattle Association in 1994 as Assistant Editor for Jersey Journal, providing full service to contract and non-contract advertisers. In 1998, she was promoted to Managing Editor, supervising the magazine’s production in addition to creating advertising. In September of 2001, Billman became Production Coordinator for Jersey Marketing Service and directed its advertising and catalog production. She also had marketing responsibilities at JMS auction sales.

Selected as winner of the 1990 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, Billman completed coursework in agricultural communications and graphic design at Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College. She interned at Noba, Inc., Tiffin, Ohio; was Assistant Editor of the Guernsey Breeders’ Journal, and a corporate communications intern for Select Sires, Inc., Plain City, Ohio. She is currently coach of the Fairfield County Dairy Quiz Bowl team and 4-H leader for the Fairfield County DairyPros Club. She is also active in the National Dairy Shrine organization.

Since 1953, the monthly Jersey Journal has helped to advance the mission of the Jersey organizations to improve and promote the Jersey breed and the sale of Jersey milk and Jersey genetics to the U.S. dairy industry. For more information on advertising and promotional services available through the Jersey Journal Department, visit the USJersey website or call 614/861-3636.

June 5, 2003—In just 90 minutes, more than 100 producers and representatives from across the dairy support industry learned important "whys" and "hows" of Jerseys in Improving the Bottom Line, a USJersey management discussion on Thursday, May 8, 2003, at Delta View Farms, located just west of Visalia, Calif.

Telling their stories were three former Holstein producers—Delta View owner Gregory "Butch" Dias Jr.; his former neighbor, Norman H. Martin, now of Tillamook, Ore., and Richard Avila, Hilmar, Calif.—joined by Dr. Jim Tully and Todd Stroup of Pine Creek Nutrition Service, Inc., Denair, Calif.

Deciding to employ Registered Jerseys in their dairy businesses came only after long and careful analysis by Dias and Martin. For "die-hard Holstein guy" Martin, it began 20 years ago when as an A.I. sire committee member, "I could see things going on in the next room with Jerseys, how fast that trend was taking off, and how real it was in companies looking at (Jersey) milk, the components that are in it, and the yields they were going to get."

Martin moved operations to Tillamook after a 1995 dispersal, deciding that a herd of 50% Holsteins and 50% Jerseys would make the most profit. For almost four years, the herd was evenly split: "two separate pens of Jerseys, two pens of Holsteins, same milkers, same feed rations, everything exactly the same." The gross sales were higher for the Holsteins, but the net on Martin’s bottom line was greater for the Jerseys.

As Dias related, it was a conversation with Martin in 1997 that stimulated his own thinking. "Norman said, ‘If Jerseys are in an area where you get paid the cheese yield or the value of the protein, they do real well. You know, as I go down the road here, I’ll probably be all Jerseys.’"

Deciding to make his own comparison, "I called him back a few days later," Dias recalled. "We put our heads together, Norman gave me some numbers, I put some scenarios together and ran them over to Leprino. I was surprised at the numbers. I called him back. ‘Norman, are these numbers right?’ He laughed, ‘Yeah, I think they’re pretty close.’

After consulting with his father, Gregory Sr., and Farm Credit, "I made the conscious decision that I was going to make a change. I devised a plan, and sold all the heifers seven months pregnant and a third of the cows, then almost immediately started buying other cows"—Registered Jerseys. "Fred Stout had talked me into being a purebred herd and participating in all the Jersey programs, so there we went."

Are Jerseys the right choice for all dairy businesses? Martin advises anyone considering the change to be careful. "If you think you’re going to take the Jersey and rob her of her ability to produce these components, and rely only on her efficiency and her longevity and all the other great things Jerseys have, I think you’re fooling yourself. You need to be shipping that milk someplace where you’re being compensated for it."

Richard Avila recounted "apprehensions and anxieties" at the thought of raising Jersey calves when he accepted a herdsman position at D&E Jerseys 11 years ago. He had experienced seven years of good results managing the calf raising program for a 600-cow mostly registered Holstein herd in nearby Turlock.

"I had a lot of the common misconceptions that Holstein breeders share, that Jerseys are prone to scouring and various diseases and that they’re not very hardy calves.

"What I learned quickly is that it’s a little bit opposite," Avila reported. "Jerseys scour no more and no less than Holsteins do, and I saw that right away after having dealt with Holsteins all that time.

"What Jerseys are is a more vigorous calf. They’re a better feed converter. And, if you get them off on the right start, they are just about bullet-proof."

"Currently our mortality rate is 1%," Avila said. "The amazing thing is that the tools we’ve used to reach these current figures are very basic. Number one is a good vaccination program for the milking herd. Number two is a good colostrum management program. And number three is sanitation.

"As a result of our program, we started 2002 milking 1,200 cows" at the two dairies of D&E Jerseys. "Throughout the year, we ran a 21% cull rate. Apart from that 21% cull rate, we sold 230 head for dairy replacements, and we were able to start 2003 milking 1,200 cows."

The differences in effective nutrition of the breeds, according to Dr. Jim Tully, "are subtle, but they are important. Compared to Holsteins, Jerseys have 75% of the body weight, but they eat 80% of the intake. They do have better digestibility, so we are able to get more pounds of energy-corrected milk per pound of dry matter from Jerseys than from Holsteins: 1.6 lbs. ECM vs. 1.4 to 1.5."

"An area people overlook," according to Todd Stroup, is the equity growth potential of Jerseys. Using culling statistics from the Pine Creek practice, "If you have enough heifers to replace 40% of your herd and you look at the Holstein herds with a 35% cull rate, you can only grow at 5% per year. You’re looking at 14 years to double your herd size. With the Jerseys and 27% culling, you’re able to grow at 13% a year. That’s huge. Jerseys can double their herd size in six years or less."

The session, organized and conducted by AJCA-NAJ staff, was sponsored in cooperation with ABS Global, Accelerated Genetics, Agribusiness Dairyman, AgriTech Analytics LLC, All West/Select Sires, Allflex USA, Alta Genetics, Genex/CRI, Hilmar Cheese Company, Land O’Lakes Animal Milk Products Co., Lawley’s Genuine Products, Leprino Foods, Semex USA, and Western DairyBusiness.

Note: A longer article on the D&E calf program can be downloaded from this site, or obtained in the June issue of Jersey Journal. To purchase a copy of the magazine for $2.50, call Catherine Shaw at 614.861.3636, ext. 319, or email cshaw@usjersey.com.

June 5, 2003—For the third time in four years, a new world record for milk production by a Registered Jersey cow has been recorded by the American Jersey Cattle Association.

On May 9, Cottonwood Merry Violet completed a 365-day lactation of 44,120 lbs. milk, breaking the record set in 2001 by Normandell Khan Ariel of 43,023 lbs. milk. The record is also the fourth time in AJCA production testing history that a Jersey has produced more than 40,000 lbs. milk in a single lactation.

“Violet” also set a world record for Cheddar cheese yield of 5,509 lbs., 539 lbs. better than the previous mark.

The complete lactation, begun at 6 years, 4 months of age, was 44,120 lbs. milk, 2,070 lbs. fat, and 1,593 lbs. protein (94DCR). Based upon Tillamook County Creamery pricing, the gross dollar value of the lactation was $8,587.

Owned by Maack Dairy, Cloverdale, Ore., the Excellent-93% granddaughter of Soldierboy Boomer Sooner of CJF was bred by Cottonwood Farm, Chehalis, Wash.

The record-breaking lactation began May 10 last year, when “Violet” calved with her third daughter. She was managed in a herd of 250 cows fed a TMR of 22 lbs. silage, 14 lbs. hay, and 12 to 14 lbs. frozen vegetables balanced with field corn, with summer pasture. Like all cows in the Maack herd, she was given rBST every two weeks starting at 60 days fresh. She also received oxytocin at every milking, a common practice for extremely high producing cows. She had 11 test days over 100 lbs. milk, peaking at 157 lbs. on September 10.

Cottonwood Merry Violet is one of three U.S.-bred world record Jersey producers. The fat production record of 2,421 lbs. was set in 2000 by Golden MBSB of Twin Haven-ET, Excellent-94%, bred by WF/L&M Jerseys, Clear Brook, Va., and owned by David Franzer, Coldwater, Ohio. The protein champion is Butterfield Reward Caladium, Excellent 91-3E (Canada), who produced 1,642 lbs. in a record completed at Piedmont Jersey Inc., Coaticook, Quebec, in April of 2002. She was bred by Roger Mabry, Bentonville, Ark., and is now owned by George Jutras, La Visitation, Quebec.

The American Jersey Cattle Association was organized in 1868 and has provided herd production recording services since 1928. The organizations offer a comprehensive service package through REAP (registrations, Equity, appraisal, and performance testing), which also includes the state-of-the-art JerseyMate™ program. For more information, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.

Note: The list of Top 25 Milk, Fat, Protein and Cheese Yield records in AJCA production testing history has been updated. Click here.

June 4, 2003— Fred L. Dailey, Director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture, will be the featured guest speaker during the 45^th Annual Meeting of National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) on Friday, June 27, 2003, at the Adam’s Mark Hotel in Columbus.

Headquartered in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, National All-Jersey Inc. was formed in 1958 to promote the increased production and sale of Jersey milk and milk products, and to promote Jersey cattle and the interests of breeders of Jersey cattle. It is a leading advocate of multiple component pricing (MCP) plans, and its staff work nationwide to increase the dollars returned to dairy producers who market high-solids milk.

“The consumer-oriented members of National All-Jersey are interested in finding new opportunities for marketing their products and protecting the quality of milk and dairy products,” said NAJ Executive Secretary and CEO Neal Smith. “Director Dailey is well-known for his leadership in such areas, so we are excited that he will be joining us for our upcoming convention.”

As Ohio’s Ag Director, Fred Dailey provides leadership for Ohio’s No. 1 industry—agriculture—and administers numerous regulatory, food safety, and consumer protection programs. In partnership with the State of Ohio Security Task Force, the department intensified efforts in 2002 to protect agricultural production and the food supply, especially against intentional contamination. Dailey has led the effort to crack down on livestock exhibitors who tamper with their livestock and risk the health and welfare of the animals and possible contamination of the food supply. Ohio’s Livestock Show Reform Act, a landmark piece of legislation adopted in 1995, defines illegal activities and sets criminal penalties for tampering with exhibition livestock.

Dailey, who raises Angus cattle on his farm in Knox County, is a past-president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He was recently appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate to serve as the chairman of the Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (Farmer-Mac).

June 5, 2003—The American Jersey Cattle Association will recognize the highest producing Jerseys of 2002 during the organization’s annual meetings on June 27, 2003, in Columbus, Ohio. Individual trophies will be presented to the Living Lifetime Production champions, and also to the 2002 winners of the President’s Trophy and Hilmar Cheese Yield Trophy.

The AJCA’s annual Living Lifetime Production Contest recognizes cows alive as of December 31 of the contest year that have produced a minimum of 175,000 lbs. milk, 8,750 lbs. fat, or 7,000 lbs. protein. A total of 31 cows were nominated for the 2002 contest.

The Ogston Farm Trophy will be presented to the Living Lifetime Milk Champion. The family of the late Louis W. Fish, Jr., Schodack Landing, N.Y., will receive the award for Cherish Legend Rose, Excellent-92%, who has production credits of 263,049 lbs. milk in 3,874 days. Her average daily production was 67.9 lbs. milk.

“Rose” is also winner of the Edyvean Farm Trophy for the Living Lifetime Protein Champion (9,456 lbs.).

The High Lawn Farm Trophy, for the Living Lifetime Fat Champion will be presented to for the second consecutive year to Windy Acres Legend Carla, Excellent-92%. Her lifetime totals as of December 31 were 12,143 lbs. fat in 4,454 days. Owner William Eick, Columbia Cross Roads, Penna., will receive the trophy.

The President’s Trophy will be presented to the cow with the highest individual 305-day record for pounds protein m.e. (mature equivalent). Mainstream Berretta Joy, Very Good-88%, owned by Melissa R. Kortus, Lynden, Wash., is this year’s recipient. On her second lactation, beginning at 3 years, 2 months of age, she produced 33,860 lbs. milk, 1,422 lbs. fat and 1,207 lbs. protein (99 DCR). The m.e. for protein was 1,244 lbs.

The cow’s extended 365-day lactation ranks as the fourth best record for protein yield in AJCA production testing history. She is the yearling and junior 2-year-old National Class Leader for milk production.

The Hilmar Cheese Yield Trophy for 305-day production will be presented to Russell Subject and Scott Youse, Oldwick N.J. They are the owners of Saybrook Patrick Lucky, with Cheddar cheese yield of 4,224 lbs. (actual). The complete lactation is 6011 305 32,570 5.6% 1,833 3.7% 1,221 97DCR.

The American Jersey Cattle Association was organized in 1868 and has provided herd production recording services since 1928. The only dairy breed organization to show continuous growth over the past decade, the AJCA is delivering service for approximately 100,000 cows on performance programs. A total of 72,507 animals were recorded in 2002, the fourth-best year in organization history. Registration activity to date is running 4.6% ahead of 2002 levels. The organizations offer a comprehensive service package through REAP (registrations, Equity, appraisal, and performance testing), which also includes the state-of-the-art JerseyMate™ program.

For more information on the association’s complete line of services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.

June 4, 2003— The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) announces the availability of scholarships for the 2003-2004 academic year. Successful candidates for the Jersey scholarships are individuals who have significant and extensive experience in breeding, managing, and showing Registered Jersey cattle.

Two scholarships, the Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship and V.L. Peterson Scholarship, are available to students who have completed at least one year of college.

The scholarship in memory of Paul Jackson was founded following his death in 1965. Jackson was honored with The American Jersey Cattle Club Distinguished Service Award in 1961. For many years he managed Breezy Hill Farm and was a Jersey consultant at Wilmington College in Ohio.

The 2002 recipient of the Paul Jackson Scholarship, in the amount of $350, was Brooke Core, Salvisa, Ky. She is a sophomore majoring in agricultural economics at the University of Kentucky.

The V.L. Peterson Scholarship was founded to honor “Vic” Peterson, the dean of all Jersey Area Representatives, following his retirement on January 1, 1972. Mr. Peterson served a number of areas during his 25 years with the Jersey organizations.

Jeremiah Sperfslage, Ames, Iowa, was the recipient of the 2002 Peterson scholarship in the amount of $750. Sperfslage is a senior at Iowa State University majoring in dairy science.

The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship of $1,000 was established in 1999 to be awarded to a student in large animal veterinary medicine, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.

The recipient for 2002 was Tara Bohnert, East Moline, Ill. Tara graduated in December from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, with a degree in animal science.

The William A. Russell Scholarship is for high school graduates ready to enter college. It was established in 1977 to honor “Bill” Russell following his death in 1976. In 1971 Russell became Southeast Area Representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. He made significant contributions to increase the popularity and profitability of Jerseys.

The 2002 William A. Russell Scholarship of $1,000 was presented to Jason Nuhfer, Willard, Ohio. Jason graduated from Willard High School with a 3.3 grade point average and started in the dairy production and management program at Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute, Wooster.

The Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award is available for students that are at least a high school senior but not over 36 years of age as of January 1, 2000. Residents of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia are eligible to apply for this award. Applicants must state whether the award money will be used for a scholarship, a trip to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, a trip to the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other educational Jersey trips.

The award is a tribute to Reuben Cowles for his dedication to the Jersey breed. Mr. Cowles, past AJCA director and Distinguished Service Award recipient, was instrumental in developing All-Jersey milk markets in the South that greatly influenced the demand for Jersey cattle in this area.

The 2002 winner of an $800 Cowles Jersey Youth Award was Joshua Parks, Morristown, Tenn. He applied it to fund his studies in animal science at Walter State Community College.

Applications are available on the World Wide Web at www.USJersey.com. They must be received at AJCA office at 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362 by July 1, 2003. A minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) is required to apply for these scholarships. Applicants must submit a copy of their high school or college transcript with the application form. For more information, contact the Dr. Cherie Bayer, AJCA Director of Development, at 614/861-3636, ext. 334.

May 29, 2003—Michele L. Ackerman has been named Associate Editor for Jersey Journal, effective June 1, according to Executive Secretary and CEO Neal Smith.

Her new responsibilities encompass all aspects of Jersey Journal production, including writing reports and feature articles, selling and creating advertising, and marketing, developing and servicing breeder websites hosted by USJersey.com.

Ackerman has more than 15 years of publishing and marketing experience, seven of them in the dairy industry. From 1985 to 1986, she served as Director of Communications for the Michigan Holstein Association, which included editing the Michigan-Indiana Holstein magazine. She joined the staff of Holstein Association USA in 1987 as advertising and promotion specialist, planning and implementing its marketing and public relations projects. Since 1992, Ackerman has been a free-lance illustrator, also planning and executing marketing campaigns for clients.

A native of Michigan, she holds a B.S. from Michigan State University in Agriculture and Natural Resources Communications, and completed work towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Hartford.

David Jordan left the position as Editor of Jersey Journal and Field Services Coordinator on May 31, to accept a position as an account executive with Bader-Rutter & Associates. He will lead advertising and public relations initiatives and campaigns on behalf of Merial.

February 24, 2003—Carla Coburn has been named Southeast Area Representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) effective March 1, according to Executive Secretary and CEO Neal Smith.

The territory includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and southern Virginia. She succeeds Joel Black, who leaves the AJCA-NAJ staff February 28 to accept a position with Bush River Jerseys, Newberry, S.C.

Smith said that Coburn, currently an Assistant Editor for Jersey Journal, the official publication of the Jersey organizations, will also be assigned responsibilities for Jersey linear type appraisal and cattle marketing with the NAJ subsidiary Jersey Marketing Service.

“Carla has demonstrated strong and practical knowledge of the dairy industry, plus outstanding people skills in her work on the Journal,” Smith remarked. “She is committed to our mission of delivering more and better service to the producers who are utilizing profit-generating Jersey genetics on their dairies.

“We are confident that Southeast producers will appreciate and utilize her abilities to help them get greater returns out of their investment in Jersey genetics.”

Coburn earned a B.S. degree in dairy science from Virginia Tech in May of 2002, where she was a recipient of the W. Ray Murley Scholarship in her senior year. She served as reporter for Virginia Dairyman, on the staff of the senior yearbook, the Milky Way, and held other leadership positions with the award-winning Dairy Club of Virginia Tech. She has milked for a 120-cow Holstein dairy in Georgia and managed its calf and heifer program.

The US Jersey organizations delivered service for a record number of 109,608 cows on performance programs in 2002. The AJCA recorded 72,507 animals, making it the fourth-best year in the organization’s 134-year history. The organizations offer a comprehensive service package through REAP, which includes the state-of-the-art JerseyMate™ program and discount pricing on the new Jersey Tags American ID ear tags.

For more information on these and other services designed to increase commercial profitability with Jersey cattle, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.