California Ag Network

Tag: Jersey Cattle

  • Applications Available for Class X of Jersey Youth Academy

    The tenth Jersey Youth Academy will be held July 11-16. The application period for the class is open until Dec. 1. 

    Jersey Youth Academy provides a unique educational experience that motivates youth of high school and college age to prepare for and succeed in their adult careers in some aspect of the dairy industry, but specifically working with Jersey cattle and/or Jersey products.

    Program Objectives

    The program is designed around three broad objectives for participants:

    • First, to learn why and how the Jersey breed has grown and prospered, and what the future holds for the Jersey business;
    • Second, to meet leaders from the Jersey community and from across the support industry, to gain their unique insights about the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow; and
    • Third, to learn about the range of career opportunities that involve the Jersey breed and Jersey products, and begin the journey that will take them to success working in the Jersey dairy business.

    The program is conducted every two years, with participants chosen from a national pool of applicants. Selection is based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in experiences, accomplishments and goal statement of the applicants. All program costs, including round-trip transportation for participants, are paid by the Academy.

    Eligibility

    Applications will be accepted from Jersey youth who are juniors and seniors in high school or enrolled in an accredited two-year or four-year vocational school, college, or university. Applicants under the age of 22 who have completed a high school degree or equivalent and are currently employed in dairy herd management will also be considered.

    Applications are accepted only from legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

    A youth can participate in Jersey Youth Academy only once. 

    — Story provided by the American Jersey Cattle Association 

  • National Jersey Leadership Named at Annual Meetings

    Leaders for 2026-27 were selected at this year’s annual meeting for the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), including two committee chairs from California.

    Alan Chittenden of Schodack Landing, N.Y., was elected to his fifth one-year term as President of AJCA on June 20. 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, are contract advertisers in the Jersey Journal and have contributed to Equity for 50 years. 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.

    Lynda Lehr, Canastota, N.Y., was elected to her first four-year term as AJCA Director from the First District. A third-generation Jersey breeder, Lehr operates Ky-Hi Jerseys with her family and brings decades of experience in dairy cattle breeding, herd management and agricultural education. Active at the local, state and national levels, she has served in numerous leadership roles within the Jersey community, including the National Jersey Jug Futurity Committee, the All American Junior Activities Committee and several New York Jersey organizations. Lehr is passionate about advancing the Jersey breed and supporting youth involvement in the dairy industry.

    Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill., was re-elected to a four-year term as Director from the Second 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.

    Kristin Hogan-Killgore of Tillamook, Ore., was elected to serve a four-year term as Director from the Third District of the AJCA. A lifelong Jersey enthusiast and second-generation member of Misty Meadow Dairy, Killgore combines experience in commercial dairy management, breed promotion and industry leadership. She oversees payroll, human resources and business operations for her family’s 4,500-cow Jersey dairy while also helping manage the farm’s nationally recognized show program. A graduate of Oregon State University, Killgore has served in leadership roles with numerous Jersey and agricultural organizations, including the National Jersey Jug Committee and the Western National Jersey Show and a former National Jersey Queen. She is passionate about building connections within the dairy community and promoting the value of the Jersey breed.

    Chairs of standing committees for 2026-27 are Cornell, Kasbergen, Tulare, Calif., Finance; Tyler Boyd, Hilmar, Calif., Breed Improvement; Ralph Frerichs, LaGrange, Texas, Development; and Jason Johnson, Northwood, N.H., Information Technology and Identification.

    Cornell Kasbergen was re-elected Vice President for the coming year. Kasbergen and his family milk 6,000 Jerseys and Holsteins on their Rancho Teresita Dairy in Tulare. — Story contributed by the American Jersey Cattle Association

  • Judges Named for 2026 All American Jersey Shows

    The All American Jersey Shows’ three shows will be held Nov. 6–9 in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky.

    Chris Lahmers (Marysville, Ohio), will judge the All American Jersey Show on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 8–9. This marks his second time officiating the open Jersey show in Louisville, having previously judged in 2013. He also judged the All American Junior Show in 2012 and the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2011. Lahmers has officiated nine shows in Louisville, six at World Dairy Expo and five at the Pennsylvania All-American across multiple breeds. His international experience includes judging Jerseys at International Dairy Week in Australia and at shows in Costa Rica and Japan. Chris and his wife, Elizabeth, exhibit a Brown Swiss herd with their daughters, Elaina, Ava and Audrey.

    Ryan Krohlow (Poynette, Wisconsin) was selected to judge the National Jersey Jug Futurity. Following his role at the 2025 All American Jersey Show, this will be his first time officiating the Futurity. He recently judged at International Dairy Week in Australia and has also officiated the World Dairy Expo Jersey Show (2024), Mid-Atlantic Jersey Show (2023), Midwest Spring and Fall National Holstein Shows, and the All-American Holstein Show, along with numerous state shows. Ryan and his wife, Haley, and their four children, Callie, Conway, Cooper and Case, operate under the HammerTime prefix.

    There are 457 three-year-olds currently eligible for the 2026 National Jersey Jug Futurity. In 2025, the class offered $11,730 in premiums, including $3,296 to the winner.

    Keith Topp (Botkins, Ohio) will judge the All American Junior Jersey Show on Friday, Nov. 6. This will be his third time officiating in Freedom Hall. He previously judged the All American Jersey Show in 2019 and the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2017. Topp has judged Jersey and colored breed shows across 27 states, including the 2022 World Dairy Expo Jersey Show, as well as the Milking Shorthorn and Brown Swiss shows in Madison in 2019 and 2017 respectively. He owns and operates On Topp Genetics with his wife, Kindra, and their children, Keaton and Kinley.

    First- and second-place class winners in these shows will be named 2026 All American and Reserve All American honorees by the American Jersey Cattle Association.

  • 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.