California Ag Network

Tag: AJCA

  • USJersey to Offer More than $47,00 in Scholarships

    The deadline is July 1 to apply for scholarship and educational awards administrated by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

    The AJCA has more than $47,000 in scholarship money to award to Jersey youth in 2026. This funding will go toward young Jersey enthusiasts pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey cattle. Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a 2.5 minimum grade point average, on a 4.0 scale, are eligible to apply for the awards.

    The Russell–Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies ($5,000) will be awarded to a graduate dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis), large animal veterinary practice, dairy production or manufacturing or dairy product marketing student.

    The Walter and Joyce Owens Family Scholarship ($5,000) will be offered for the third time. Those who are incoming or current undergraduate students in any post education institute studying a dairy related major are eligible Applicants must also be working toward a two-or four-year degree and demonstrate satisfactory academic performance. Recipients can receive the scholarship a maximum of two times but must reapply for reconsideration.

    The Lineweaver Scholarship ($5,000) will be awarded to an undergraduate who has completed at least one year of study in a four-year program focused on dairy science, animal science (dairy emphasis) or dairy products.

    The Morris B. Ewing ABS Genetic Performance Scholarship ($3,250) will be awarded to a junior or senior undergraduate student seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing.

    The William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) is offered to those who will begin their studies at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2026. Students who have completed at least one year of their studies are eligible for the V.L. Peterson Scholarship($2,500). The Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship ($2,500) will be awarded to an eligible nominee in the Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

    The Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship ($3,000) was established from a generous donation of Bob and Pam Bignami, Orland, California, from the sale of BW Graduate-ET in 2020. Those who have graduated high school and attended Jersey Youth Academy are eligible to apply. These students must also be heading to or enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university majoring in an agricultural-based degree.

    The Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship ($2,000) will go to either an undergraduate or graduate student working toward a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing. Students must also demonstrate significant progress toward their intended degree and a clear intention of an agriculture career through coursework completion and a goal statement.

    The Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) is for continuing college students in any degree program area. The recipient of the AJCA Directors’ Scholarship ($1,500) is determined based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business. The Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award ($2,000) can be used for educational expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys.

    The recipient of the Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award ($350) will be selected from among applicants for the national achievement contest and/or scholarship program to recognize abilities and leadership potential and, in turn, challenging the recipient to achieve his/her potential through continuing Jersey activities.

    Also, the Reuben R. Cowles Jersey Youth Award will be presented to an eligible resident of Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia to be used for educational expenses or to travel to the All American Jersey Show and Sale, the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings or other Jersey educational activities. Applicants must be at least high school graduates, but not older than 36 years of age as of Jan. 1, 2026.

    Apply here: https://usjersey.com/wp-content/uploads/Youth/26_CowlesYouthAward.docx

    For application forms and instructions, visit the “Youth Corner” page on the USJersey website and select the scholarship option. Recipients will be recognized on Saturday, November 7 at the Youth Awards Ceremony held in Louisville, Ky.

    For more information, contact the AJCA by email at info@usjersey.com; or visit its web site at USJersey.com.     

    — Contributed by American Jersey Cattle Association

  • Tulare County Youth Shows Prize-Winning Cow at All American Junior Jersey Show

    MM Joel Rowyn-ET: Reserve Junior All American Four-Year-Old Cow, shown by Kamryn Kasbergen of Tulare, CA

    Twenty-eight (28) Jersey youth between the ages of nine and twenty, representing 13 states, have been recognized by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) as the 2025 Junior All American winners. A total of 175 youth exhibited 295 Registered Jerseys during the 73rd All American Junior Jersey Show, held November 7, 2025, in Louisville, Kentucky.

    2025 Junior All American Winners

    Spring Heifer Calf

    • Junior All American: HC-Rader KRock Hanna, Shelby Rader, Conneaut Lake, Pa.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Freedom Lane KR Gabriella-ET, Eli Arp, Norwalk, Ohio

    Winter Heifer Calf

    • Junior All American: Roc-N-Roll Keep My Sanity, Karlie Suplee, Mount Morris, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Discoverys Ghost Janessa, Grace Sauder, Tremont, Ill.

    Fall Heifer Calf

    • Junior All American: Mead-Manor Joel Cinnamon-ET, Kailey Guilette, New Franken, Wis.
    • Reserve Junior All American: WOCC Nestle Chocochip, Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.

    Summer Yearling Heifer

    • Junior All American: Lost-Brooke CF Kid Rock Faith-ET, Makayla Osinga, Hico, Texas
    • Reserve Junior All American: Miss Triple-T Blayks Vixen, Noel Peters, Danville, Ind.

    Spring Yearling Heifer

    • Junior All American: Kash-In Veronas Vignette-ET, Eleanor Hanehan, Mount Upton, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Freedom Lane VIP Gabby-ET, Hailey Drescher, Preble, N.Y.

    Winter Yearling Heifer

    • Junior All American: Haybail VIP Edelweiss, Sophia Delude, Machias, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Roc-N-Roll Satisfaction, Peyton Wright, Mount Morris, N.Y.

    Milking Winter Yearling

    • Junior All American: Graybill Lollalala Adalyn, Emily Graybill, Freeport, Ill.
    • Reserve Junior All American: MM Chocolatier Aveda-ET, Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.

    Milking Fall Yearling

    • Junior All American: Locust-Ayr Victorious Hot Sauce, Kaitlyn Dowling, Taneytown, Md.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Kilgus Askn Gelato, Carla Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill.

    Summer Junior Two-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: BVSF Nuance Catalina, Camryn Crothers, Pitcher, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Echos Victorious Elegant, Eli Graybill, Freeport, Ill.

    Junior Two-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Discoverys Victorious Jujuba, Ava Kolodzienski, Beldenville, Wis.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Z-Class CC & Cranberry Juice-ET, Mason Ziemba, Durhamville, N.Y.

    Senior Two-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Victorious Cinn-Star Bentley, Brielle Helmer, Half Way, Mo.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Roggua Kid Rock Naela, Grace Sauder, Tremont, Ill.

    Junior Three-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Meadowridge Vitality Karlee, Alexa Anderson, Cumberland, Wis.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Gordons Joel Gracious, Abigail Gordon, Syracuse, Ind.

    Senior Three-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Kilgus Victorious Glitter-ET, Carla Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill.
    • Reserve Junior All American: WF Golddust Angelina, Regan Jackson, Clear Brook, Va.

    Four-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: LC Reckless Armadillo, Sophie Leach, Linwood, Kan.
    • Reserve Junior All American: MM Joel Rowyn-ET, Kamryn Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif.

    Five-Year-Old Cow

    • Junior All American: Hillacres Chrome Hibiscus, Nicole Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Kilgus Victorious Rylee, Carla Kilgus, Fairbury, Ill.

    Aged Cow

    • Junior All American: Kevetta Colton Delilah, Kyra Lamb, Oakfield, N.Y.
    • Reserve Junior All American: Barnabas Elsa of SLJ, Treasure Clark, Mountain Grove, Mo.

    Complete show results for the 73rd All American Junior Jersey Show are available at www.usjersey.com.

    Profiles of the Junior All American and Reserve Junior All American winners can be viewed at:

    https://theallamerican.usjerseyjournal.com/2025-junior-all-americans-reserve-junior-all-americans/

    The All American Junior Jersey Show is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association. For information on sponsorship opportunities or to contribute to the Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund, supporting Jersey youth exhibitors, contact the AJCA Communications Department at (614) 322-4451.

  • Tulare Dairyman Joins National Jersey Leadership

    Officers and directors of the USJersey organizations were elected during the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) held on June 23 and 24, 2023 in LaCrosse, Wis., including Tulare dairyman Cornell Kasbergen.

    Alan Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., was elected to his second one-year term as President of AJCA on June 24. He is a fourth-generation breeder and owner of Registered Jerseys at Dutch Hollow Farms LLC. He owns and operates the farm with his parents and two brothers. They milk 900 Registered Jerseys and have the herd enrolled in REAP. In 2012, the family was honored with the AJCA Master Breeder award. In addition, he has served as General Chair of The All American Jersey Shows & Sales in 2018, and chair of The All American Sale Committee in 2016. He served two terms as AJCA Director from the Second District from 2014-2020.

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

    Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., was elected to a three-year term as Director from the Sixth District. Ted and his family own and operate DeMents Jerseys, a 260-acre dairy farm established by his parents, Don and Shirley, in 1955. Ted was an appraiser for the AJCA for six years before returning to the home farm. In 2009, he and his wife, Cheryl, assumed management of the dairy. DeMents Jerseys is enrolled on REAP and uses JerseyTags for permanent identification. Ted and Cheryl received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award in 2005. Ted was named the winner of the Max Gordon Recognition Award in 2021. He succeeded Karen Bohnert, East Moline, Ill., after she completed two consecutive terms as director.

    Cornell Kasbergen

    John Maxwell, Donahue, Iowa, was elected for his second term as AJCA Director from the Eighth District. He and his family own and operate Cinnamon Ridge Dairy, a 190-cow Registered Jersey herd. The herd is enrolled on REAP. The farm has diversified through the years, adding a large agri-tourism business that hosts an average of 7,000 visitors a year. The tours aim to educate visitors on practices of a modern dairy and row crop operation. John received the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award in 1997. He is currently serving as dairy superintendent of the Mississippi Valley Fair, a supervisor for Scott County and fire commissioner for the Donahue Volunteer Fire Department. He is a past president of DHIA and the Outstanding Young Farmers Organization. As well he sat on boards for Dairyland Jersey Sires Inc., Iowa State University Extension Council and River Valley Cooperative. He serves on the AJCA Finance and Development committees.

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

    Chairs of standing committees for 2023-24 are Bradley Taylor, Booneville, Miss., Finance; Joel Albright, Willard, Ohio, Breed Improvement; Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore., Development; Donna Phillips, Newton, Wis., Information Technology and Identification.

    National All-Jersey Inc.

    John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass., was re-elected as president by the Board of Directors for National All-Jersey Inc., on June 23, 2023. Kokoski has been a member of the NAJ Board since 2007. He and his family own and operate Mapleline Farm LLC. The enterprise includes a 135-cow Registered Jersey herd enrolled on REAP and a dairy plant that processes and distributes a full line of Jersey milk products to grocery retailers, restaurants and university food service. Kokoski is a past director of the Massachusetts Cooperative Milk Producers Federation and has served more than 25 years on the New England Dairy Promotion Board.

    James S. Huffard III, Crockett, Va., was re-elected as Vice President of National All-Jersey Inc., and will continue to serve as Finance Chair. He owns and operates Huffard Dairy Farms, an all-Jersey herd enrolled on REAP, with his family.

    Jason Cast, Beaver Crossing, Neb., was re-elected for his third four-year term as Director from District One to the NAJ board. Cast owns and operates JJC Jerseys with his wife and six children. The herd was been enrolled on REAP since 2013.

    Appointed to the NAJ Board of Directors as an at-large director by AJCA President Chittenden was Tom Seals, Beaver, Ore. He succeeded retiring director Walter Owens, Frederic, Wis. Tom served on the AJCA board from 2013-2019. Along, with his wife Jennie and son Coltan, Tom operates Legendairy Farms LLC, a 300-cow Registered Jersey™ herd enrolled on REAP. Tom was a member of the AJCA Type Advisory Committee from 2006 to 2010. He has served on the board of the Oregon Dairy Farmers Association and as president of the Oregon Jersey Cattle Association. Tom is currently a board member of Tillamook County DHIA and Tillamook County Creamery Association.

    Ex officio directors on the NAJ Board for 2023-2024 are AJCA President Alan Chittenden and AJCA Board committee chairs Bradley Taylor, Finance, and Garry Hansen, Development.

    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. Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has provided services that increase the value of and demand for Jersey milk and milk products and Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics. For more information on AJCA and NAJ services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or connect at facebook.com/USJersey.

    Cutline: The Board of Directors of National All-Jersey Inc., for 2023-24 is pictured following its 65th Annual Meeting in LaCrosse, Wis., on June 23. Pictured, front row, from left: Neal Smith, Executive Secretary & CEO; President John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass.; and Vice President James S. Huffard III, Crockett, Va. second row: John Marcoot, Greenville, Illinois; Corey Lutz, Lincolnton, N.C.; Bradley Taylor, Booneville, Miss.; and Jason Cast, Beaver Crossing, Neb.; back row: Sam Bok, Defiance, Ohio; Alan Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Garry Hansen, Mulino, Ore.; and Roger Herrera, Hilmar, Calif. Not pictured: Tom Seals, Beaver, Ore.

  • California’s Kylie Konyn Crowned National Jersey Queen

    Kylie Konyn of Escondido, California has been crowned the 64th National Jersey Queen.

    Kylie was presented the Charlene Nardone Crown by 2020 National Jersey Queen Natalie Berry on November 7, 2021, at the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity in Louisville, Ky.

    She will represent Jersey breeders for the next year with participation in events such as the 154th Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), World Dairy Expo and The 70th All American Jersey Shows & Sales.

    Also serving on the national court of royalty are first alternate Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa., and second alternate Maria Joy Poock, Boonville, Mo.

    The National Jersey Queen contest spanned three days with 11 outstanding young women from across the country competing for the coveted crown.

    Kylie is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is majoring in dairy science and plans to double major with either life sciences communications or genetics and genomics. Following her undergraduate studies, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition or genetics.

    “My platform is aimed at promoting and educating others of the many programs available through the American Jersey Cattle Association,” commented Kylie. “I chose this platform as a means of educating others about the numerous programs available to youth today. Youth programs are the future of our industry and serve as an educational background for many aspects of the industry including marketing, research, and management of a dairy farm.

    “I’ve always had an interest and passion for the Jersey industry. This passion has been fueled by the outpouring of support of mentors and programs through the AJCA. I want to “pay it forward” to the youth coming behind me.”

    Kylie has served as the California Jersey Queen, Western National Jersey Queen and was a member of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. She and her family have shown Jerseys at the state, regional and national levels. She has volunteered at the California State Fair in the dairy education booth, teaching the public about the benefits of the dairy industry. Her herd, Aspire Jerseys, is enrolled on REAP and utilize many programs provided by the AJCA.

    Caroline Arrowsmith is a sophomore at Penn State University majoring in animal science with a minor in agribusiness management. She plans to work for a large-scale calf and/or heifer raising facility as a young stock specialist to gain experience and credibility. Her long-term goals are to be a youngstock specialist for an animal health or nutrition company.

    Caroline’s platform is, “Jerseys Do More for Less.” Caroline states, “Jerseys have long been known for their high butterfat and protein solids in their milk. Today this is extremely beneficial to farmers as more and more milk checks are including high component bonuses or using component-based pricing. This means dairy producers with Jerseys are often able to have a higher milk price than farmers with other breeds, even though they may produce an overall lower volume of milk.”

    She is a member of the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association and the Penn State Dairy Science Club. She has held many leadership positions through the Lancaster County dairy 4-H program. She enjoys showing her Registered Jerseys at the local, state and national levels. Caroline was a member of Class VI of Jersey Youth Academy.

    Maria Joy Poock is a senior at the University of Missouri.  Maria states, “I want to help people understand that agriculture is a positive influence in our world and is a safe and effective way to feed people around the world for generations to come.

    She is currently serving as the 2021 Missouri State Jersey Queen and was a member of Class VI of Jersey Youth Academy. Maria is a mentor at the University of Missouri’s farm working with students caring for the calves. She also helped this past year with Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp at the Missouri State Fair.

    The Queen and her court presented awards for the National Jersey Jug Futurity and The 69th All American Jersey Show. They also assisted with the clerking of The All American Jersey Sale.

    The Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund provided scholarships of $500, $300 and $200 to the Queen and two alternates.

    For more information, follow the National Jersey Queen program on Facebook @USJerseyQueen.

    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 the association’s complete line of services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or connect at Facebook.com/USJersey.