Applications for the 2007 National Jersey Queen Contest, held in conjunction with the All American Jersey Show and Sale, are due on October 15.

CONTEST RULES

Eligiblity

Participants in the National Jersey Queen Contest must meet three requirements. First, they must be at least 16 years of age, but not older than 20, on January 1, 2007. Second, they must be (a) the current state or regional Jersey queen, or (b) an exhibitor in either the 2007 Western National or All American Junior Jersey Show. Third, they must be a Junior Member in good standing or Lifetime Member of the American Jersey Cattle Association.

The National Jersey Queen and the alternates are expected to demonstrate current knowledge of the Jersey breed and the American dairy industry. All participants must complete the enclosed application to enter the contest, which must be received in the AJCA office not later than October 15. On this application, you must clearly indicate your involvement in the Jersey breed through your personal activities and participation in state and national organizations (such as the state Jersey association, 4-H, FFA and so forth). If you are involved in more than one breed, you must show clearly that Jerseys are your top priority.

All participants are required to attend and assist with these functions:

• Orientation Session and Social Hour, Friday, November 2

• The All American Junior Jersey Show, Saturday, November 3

• National Jersey Jug Futurity, Sunday, November 4

If selected as National Jersey Queen or as one of the two alternates, you must attend the:

• National Jersey Jug Futurity, Sunday, November 4

• All American Jersey Sale (following the Futurity), and

• The All American Jersey Show, Monday, November 5

The National Jersey Queen is encouraged to attend other events throughout the year, including the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings, the Western National, and/or World Dairy Expo. Funding for approved activities is available from the National Jersey Queen Development Fund.

Attendance at other local or state events throughout the year is optional, and must be coordinated by the Queen in advance with event organizers.

Contest Procedures

There are four elements in the judging.

• Application Form (15 points). The judges will evaluate your application and the responses you provide to the questions. Your answers should be typewritten, or written legibly in ink. You can use separate sheets if you desire, but these should be stapled to the original application form. The original form must be returned to the AJCA office; absolutely no faxes will be accepted.

• Interview (including personal appearance, 40 points). Each participant will meet with the judging panel for 15 minutes. You must be on time for the interview. There will be no make-up interviews if you miss your scheduled time.

Indicate on the entry form (a) when you will be arriving in Louisville (exact time, please, if flying), and (b) what classes you have entered in the Junior Show, if any. The interviewing schedule will be sent to you by email no later than October 31.

• General Dairy and Jersey Breed Knowledge Test (15 points). It will include at least one-third Jersey breed questions.

• Prepared Presentation (including poise, content and knowledge displayed, 30 points). This segment assesses each participant's ability to represent the Jersey breed through public speaking. It is not, however a live event, but rather is simulated. You must prepare and deliver a talk of 1½ to 2 minutes (maximum length) recorded on videotape at home. Bring this tape to your interview. The tape will be viewed by the judges after all interviews have been completed. This talk is (1) to be delivered without notes and (2) its content should be designed as if you were representing the Jersey breed (not your state) at an industry event.

Banquet

The conclusion of the National Jersey Queen Contest will be incorporated into the Junior Banquet program. You will sit together for dinner at reserved tables in the front of the banquet hall. Immediately following dinner, you will be escorted to the stage in order to briefly (no more than 30 seconds) introduce yourself (state your name, where you are from, and tell about your involvement with Jerseys). After introductions have been completed, the top five participants will be announced and will return to the stage to answer a final question. The judges will then retire to make their decision.

The national Jersey youth awards and scholarships will then be presented, followed by the concluding announcement of the Queen and court. Immediately following the banquet, a reception will be held recognizing all junior winners.

Dress

Evening dress is appropriate during the banquet. Full-length formal dresses are not required and will be neither rewarded nor penalized in the judging.

You will assist with handing out the awards during Saturday’s All American Junior Show. For the Jersey Jug Futurity, you will distribute the programs before the show begins, and distribute and collect entry forms in the Railbird Judging Contest. Members of the Jersey Jug Committee will tell you what to do on Sunday.

If you have any questions about the contest, contact Dr. Cherie L. Bayer, Director of Development, at 614/861-3636, ext. 334.

Headquarters Hotel

Interviews will be conducted at the headquarters hotel, which is the Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport, adjacent to fairgrounds at Gate 4. Mention the Jersey association when making reservations: 502/637-2424. Make reservations early.