Gifts are accepted for any of these causes at any time during the year. The AJCC Research Foundation, the Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund and the Jersey Youth Academy are each 501(c)(3) permanent trusts. For more information on contributing to these endowments, contact the Development Department of American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362, or call 614/861-3636.

The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, maintains identification and performance records for dairy herd owners 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 its programs and services, visit www.USJersey.com.

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KIM WILSON, IVY ROBERTS RECEIVE
FRED STOUT EXPERIENCE AWARDS

Reynoldsburg, Ohio (May 19, 2010)—Kim Wilson, Neosho, Mo., and Ivy M. Roberts, Mount Berry, Ga., have been selected as the 2010 recipients of the Fred Stout Experience Awards.

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

Stout believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world. These awards honor that conviction by providing financial support for on-farm and JMS internship experiences.

Previous recipients of the Fred Stout Experience Award are Tara Bohnert, Illinois (2003), Allison Waggoner, South Carolina (2004), Dan Bauer, Wisconsin (2005), Aaron Horst, Pennsylvania (2006), Jacob Pieper, Maryland (2007); Katie Albaugh, Maryland (2008); and Brady Core (2009).

2010 Award Recipient Kim Wilson

Kim Wilson started her eight-week internship with Jersey Marketing Service on May 10 assisting with the Illinois Invitational Sale. Her experience will include herd visits with JMS Manager Dan Bauer, working in the national Jersey headquarters, and traveling to Oregon to work on the crew for the 53rd National Heifer Sale, June 26.

Wilson is a rising senior at Oklahoma State University, majoring in animal science with an option in livestock merchandising. She lives and works at the school’s dairy cattle center, is a student supervisor and has assisted with research trials to evaluate calf starters. She was a member of the OSU dairy judging team that placed ninth in the 2009 national intercollegiate contest, and also the Neosho FFA team that was national champion in 2006.

Since 2002, she has exhibited Jersey, Holstein and Guernsey cattle from her family’s herd at state and national exhibitions, plus The All American Jersey Shows. In 2009, she worked with the Mordale Jerseys show string at World Dairy Expo and the Royal Winter Fair.

Kim was recently elected vice president of the Oklahoma State Dairy Science Club, having served as secretary since 2008. She is also member of the student affiliate division of the American Dairy Science Association.

2010 Award Recipient Ivy Roberts

For her on-farm Stout Experience, Ivy M. Roberts will intern at the 700-cow Registered Jersey™ dairy owned by AJCA Director Bill Grammer and family near Sebring, Ohio.

Roberts will graduate in December 2010 from Berry College with a B.S. degree in animal science. She has a keen interest in genetics. Since 2006, she has worked with large animal and ET vets in different capacities, and also worked at Barham Jersey Farm in Tennessee and Waverly Farm in Virginia. From February 2009 through graduation, she was the student CEO of the Berry Farms Genetic Enterprise, helping create and execute its business plan. For the past three years she was been very involved in organizing the embryo flush program and marketing embryos at Berry.

Selected for the inaugural class of Jersey Youth Academy in 2009, Roberts was also a member of Platinum and Silver award teams at the Southern Regional Dairy Challenge, and received a number of scholarships during her college years.

About the National Jersey Youth Program

The American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, sponsors nine educational awards for Jersey youth. Scholarships are paid from permanent endowments administered by the association. Contributions to these funds are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) tax deductible charitable gifts and may be made at any time during the year.

Applications for 2010-2011 academic scholarships are posted online at USJersey.com and must be submitted no later than July 1. Deadline to apply for the 2011 Stout Experience Awards is February 1 of next year.

For more information, visit USJersey.com, or contact Dr. Cherie L. Bayer, Director of Development, at (614) 322-4456.

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JERSEY ORGANIZATIONS ALLOCATE $50,250
FOR JERSEY-SPECIFIC RESEARCH IN 2010

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, March 25, 2010—The AJCC Research Foundation, managed by the American Jersey Cattle Association, and National All-Jersey Inc. have committed a total of $50,250 to fund seven scientific investigations related to Jersey dairy cattle.

Five of the projects were selected from proposals received in response to the Foundation’s annual Request for Proposals. The others are directed research to develop a genome-guided computer-based mating program for Jersey cattle, and to update the Jersey Performance Index™ formula.

Since 2000, the USJersey organizations have invested $491,890 in Jersey-specific research. Financial support for 2010 from the AJCC Research Foundation was $40,750, with the remaining $9,500 allocated by National All-Jersey Inc. Projects funded are summarized below.

Influence of SARA on Milk Used for Cheesemaking

It is known that milk pH and urine pH respond to changes in diet and feed intake, and milk pH is a critical factor in cheesemaking, affecting coagulation time, speed of firming and maximal firmness. The relationships are, however, not well measured or understood.

This project will extend a recent finding that urine pH may serve as a practical diagnostic tool for subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA). Dr. Michael R. Murphy of the University of Illinois, Urbana, will induce SARA in mid-lactation Jersey cows, then measure effects by feed intake, milk yield, milk composition, milk stability, milk pH and urine pH. The anticipated findings are that SARA will adversely affect both urine pH and milk quality, and help assess the extent of nutritional effects on characteristics of milk used for cheesemaking.

Testing Colostrum Recommendations for Jersey Calves

Current recommendations for achieving passive transfer of immunity through colostrum intake are based upon studies with Holstein calves. The team of Dr. Aurora Villarroel, Oregon State University, and Dr. Gabriel Calderon, practicing veterinarian in Boardman, Ore., will undertake a field study with more than 1,200 calves to determine if that standard is correct for Jersey calves.

This follows previous research establishing that Jersey colostrum has higher levels of immunoglobulins compared to Holstein colostrum, and also takes into account inherent differences in calf size and metabolism between the two breeds. The team will determine whether, based upon calf morbidity and mortality, the concentration of IgG required for passive transfer of immunity is greater than current recommendations, thus potentially leading to new, Jersey-specific standards for colostrum management.

Testing Jersey-Specific Embryo Freezing Techniques

Work will continue at Dr. Sam Prien’s laboratory at Texas Tech University to improve the survival rate of frozen Jersey embryos.

Prien and co-workers have determined that Jersey embryos weigh approximately 25% less than those from other breeds, which led to the discovery that Jersey embryos have much higher inner-cellular lipid (fat) content compared to other breeds. The two findings suggest that cryopreservation media need to be modified in order to safely freeze Jersey embryos. Three strains of mice, one of which has naturally higher body fat content similar to Jersey cattle, will be used to produce 1,000 embryos for testing different formulations of cryoprotectants to be developed for this study.

Johne’s Disease Studies

Current estimates are that at least 68% of U.S. dairy herds are infected with M. avium sp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the bacterium that causes Johne’s disease. Financial and genetic losses from this infection are significant and can be devastating to the dairy business.

Dr. Eran Raizman of Purdue University will study MAP infection status in Jersey cows during late lactation or the dry period and relate this to the level of MAP bacterial shedding in their colostrum following calving. The study will determine if fecal culture and ELISA test results can be effectively used to predict shedding in cows’ colostrum, and help better understand calves’ risk of infection from colostrum ingestion.

Research by Dr. Holly L. Neibergs at Washington State University has identified genetic markers that can predict resistance to MAP infections in Holstein cows. In this study, she will use genomic tools to identify gene mutations in Jersey cattle responsible for susceptibility to MAP infection. Once identified, the presence or absence of these mutations could be used to select Jersey cattle that are less susceptible to Johne’s disease.

Development of Genome-Guided Mating Program

Accurate and inexpensive platforms for genotyping Jersey cows and heifers are now in development, with commercial availability on the near horizon. To enable owners to fully utilize this information, the American Jersey Cattle Association is beginning to develop value-added services useful for Jersey dairy herds of any size.

Dr. Kent Weigel, University of Wisconsin-Madison, will develop and evaluate alternative strategies for genome-guided mate selection in the next generation of JerseyMate™. His analysis will utilize genotypes and phenotypes now available from over 3,200 Jerseys, including approximately 1,800 bulls with progeny test information. Key issues that will be studied include methods for computing genomic inbreeding and its cost, along with selection and weighting of chromosomes based on their effects on production, herd life, udder health and fertility traits. Projected completion of this work is late summer 2010.

About the AJCC Research Foundation

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

• Nutrition of high-producing Jerseys, particularly practical feeding methods to maximize production of valuable milk components;

• Factors affecting management of Jersey calves;

• Factors affecting yield and/or quality of products manufactured from Jersey milk;

• Factors affecting economic impact of Jerseys: efficiencies, net income, longevity, and lifetime profit;

• Optimizing the genetic basis for improving animal health and/or enhancing product quality;

• Enhancing environmental impact associated with Jerseys;

• New technologies for safe and sustainable food production from Jersey cattle; and

• Feasibility of adding value to Jersey derived products through enhanced product quality, branding, etc. toward consumer acceptance.

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

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

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JERSEY ASSOCIATION EXPANDS RECORDING PROGRAMS

Board directs action to correct parentage and registry status
of Oomsdale Gordo Goldie Gratitude 111224922 and progeny

Updated to include Board action from March 25, 2010 conference call
amending requirements for recording GR-level males

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, March 15, 2010—The American Jersey Cattle Association will implement far-reaching changes in its services for the permanent identification of Jersey genetics after actions taken by the Board of Directors at its regularly scheduled meeting, March 13-14, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio.

The Board adopted rules for expanded recording of animals of both sexes in the Genetic Recovery Program, and for use of genomic technology to establish Jersey genetic inheritance in females enrolled in Jersey Expansion. All changes take effect immediately.

“Recording systems have been added by the AJCA as owner needs and technology have evolved since the association was created in 1868,” said association president David Chamberlain, Wyoming, N.Y. “Our purpose is to permanently record the inheritance of Jersey genetics. Our programs are designed so that the status of any animal is defined by the degree to which its Jersey ancestry is known and documented.”

The association has four systems for recording Jersey and Jersey-influenced animals: Herd Register (no prefix); Genetic Recovery (GR, PR and OA prefixes); Jersey Expansion (J1 prefix); and finally, identified but not eligible for the Herd Register, Genetic Recovery or Jersey Expansion (UR-prefix). Rules are established for descendants of Genetic Recovery and Jersey Expansion animals to progress to Herd Register status.

Registry Status Change Based On SNP Tests

A rule was adopted to allow use of genomic SNP technology in establishing the level of Jersey genetic inheritance as a basis for assigning registry status.

The association will re-assign the registry status of J1 females as OA, when genetic inheritance is determined to be at least 75% Jersey as tested with the BovineSNP50 DNA Analysis BeadChip.

As scientific advances are made to improve the confidence level of SNP technology for determining inheritance of breed-specific genes, the Board signaled that it will expand its use in AJCA identification programs.

Genetic Recovery Expanded

Procedures of Genetic Recovery were amended to provide for selective recording of males whose pedigrees qualify them for registry status as PR and GR, and then for continued recording of their progeny.

PR-level bulls will be recorded only when parentage qualified and after genomic testing using a methods approved by the AJCA Board of Directors. A male at the PR level will be recorded only when his OA dam is also genomically tested and qualified as at least 75% Jersey by an approved method.

Recording males qualified by pedigree for GR registry status will require parentage qualification by AJCA-approved method when the bull is not used for artificial insemination (A.I.). For those bulls used for A.I. purposes, GR registry status will be assigned only after they are both parentage qualified and genomically tested using methods approved by the AJCA Board of Directors.

Bulls that do not meet these requirements will be recorded by the association with UR registry status. At such time as these requirements are met, the registry status of the bull and all recorded progeny will be updated accordingly.

When required by the above rule changes, testing for parentage qualification for the bull and his dam will be priced at a discounted package rate of $60. This will apply only to those bulls with birthdates through January 31, 2011.

These changes will encourage the perpetuation of Jersey genetics, support breeding programs for conversion to Jersey herds, improve accuracy of Jersey genetic evaluations, and enhance the herd improvement services now provided by the association.
 

Corrections to the Registration of
Oomsdale Gordo Goldie Gratitude 111224922

The Board also reviewed information from the continuing investigation into the parentage of the cow Oomsdale Gordo Goldie Gratitude 111224922. Following notification to the industry on February 15, genetic material from “Gratitude” was located and submitted for genotyping. Based on the cow’s own DNA, AIPL research geneticists have estimated Jersey breed inheritance of 83%. The sire of the cow is as yet undetermined, although the discovery process is continuing.

The Board directed that the pedigree of Oomsdale Gordo Goldie Gratitude 111224922 be corrected to change the sire to UR Unidentified Unknown Breed Sire, resulting in a change in her registry status to J1. It further directed that her registry status be raised from J1 to OA, based upon her own DNA genotyping test.

The registry status of recorded progeny of “Gratitude” will be modified consistent with the rule changes made by the Board for the Genetic Recovery Program. The AJCA has begun the process of correcting the animal identification records and notifying the owners of these animals. Registry status will be changed for approximately 5,900 progeny now recorded by the association.

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

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JERSEY GENETIC TRENDS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR SELECTION
INDEXES TO BE FOCUS OF MARCH 13 SEMINAR

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, January 22, 2010—Changes that have occurred in the U.S. Jersey population because of breeders’ mating choices and their impact in an updated Jersey Performance Index™ will be discussed at a seminar, March 13 in Columbus, Ohio.

The program will be presented by Dr. Ronald E. Pearson, emeritus professor at Virginia Tech and developer of the Jersey Performance Index™ as well as the Functional Trait Index and Jersey Udder Index™.

The seminar, also to be broadcast as a live webinar, will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 13 at the Concourse Hotel and Conference Center in Columbus, Ohio. The program is being held in conjunction with the winter meetings of the directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and the 2010 planning meetings for The All American Jersey Show & Sale.

Since beginning his career in 1971 as a USDA research geneticist, Pearson has been a prolific scientific author and contributor to the success of the worldwide dairy industry. He has been honored by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) with the J.L. Lush Award for outstanding contribution in dairy genetics. He also received a National Association of Animal Breeders award for outstanding research and the AJCA-NAJ Meritorious Service Award in 2009 for his research focused on developing selection tools based on their impact on improving herd profitability.

Pearson received his bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, and a master's degree and Ph.D. from Iowa State University.

There is no charge to attend the program or the informal social afterwards. The Concourse Hotel is located at 4300 International Gateway, on the grounds of Port Columbus International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. For webinar log-in instructions, send email to info@usjersey.com before March 10.

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

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JERSEY PRODUCTION IN 2009 SETS
NEW RECORDS IN ALL CATEGORIES

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, January 14, 2010—The American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) announced today that new records for production by Registered Jersey™ cows were established in 2009.

The official Jersey lactation average increased to 18,498 lbs. milk, 859 lbs. fat, and 666 lbs. protein. On a Cheddar cheese equivalent basis, average yield is 2,248 pounds. All are new category records.

A record 87,911 lactations were processed by the AJCA. This was a gain of 9,687 records (12.4%) over the previous year, and also represents a 22% increase in records processed since 2007.

The lactation average is calculated on a standardized 305-day, twice daily, mature equivalent (m.e.) basis.

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

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USJERSEY REPORTS BACK-TO-BACK RECORD YEARS

Registrations post 50% growth for the decade,
with similar growth reported for other key services

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, January 1, 2010—The American Jersey Cattle Association today announced it had processed 95,557 registrations for 2009, topping the previous record of 94,774 set in 2008.

The AJCA also reported all-time records for total cows enrolled on performance evaluation programs; for total cows and herds enrolled in the comprehensive REAP service; and for cows scored in the Jersey functional type traits appraisal program. All replace category records established in 2008.

2009 caps a decade of dramatic Jersey breed growth:

• A 50% increase in registrations from 63,776 in 2000 to the December 31, 2009 final count of 95,557;

• A 42% increase in performance program enrollments from 92,369 cows in 2000 to 131,102 on December 31, 2009;

• A 51% increase in REAP cow enrollments from 84,448 cows in 2000 to 127,291 on December 31, 2009; and

• A 61% increase in cows scored in the Jersey type appraisal program, from 51,956 in 2000 to 83,431 in 2009.

In accounting for the organization’s record-setting performance, AJCA leaders gave credit first to the Jersey cow.

“This has been the decade when all of the efficiency factors of the Jersey cow and how these contribute to profitability have come to the forefront for dairy business owners,” said AJCA Executive Secretary and CEO Neal Smith.

AJCA President David Chamberlain, who milks 650 Jerseys at Hi-Land Farms in Wyoming, N.Y., noted, “When it comes to feed conversion into milk solids, our U.S. Jersey is number one.”

Smith also pointed to the breed’s advantages in reproduction and longevity, as well as the added value of Jersey milk. “Particularly this year, the value of higher protein and fat content made a real difference in revenue for Jersey producers.”

Finally, Chamberlain said, “2009 was also a year when the USJersey organizations reaped the results of decades of determination and hard work by our staff and leadership.”

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.

Its flagship program is REAP, a comprehensive service package that includes registration, Equity milk marketing support, type appraisal, and performance testing. For more information on USJersey services designed to increase commercial profitability with Jersey cattle, call 614/863-3636 or visit the web site at www.USJersey.com.

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• Enter the North American Jersey Cheese Awards
• TalkJersey Entries Due June 5  [entry form] [judges evaluation form]
• Scholarship Application Deadline is July 1
• Brady Core Receives Fred Stout Experience Award for 2009
• Judges Named for 2009 All American Shows
• Jersey Continues To Rank First for Productive Life
• 100,000th Calf Registered with Tag ID Campaign

To receive News Releases by email, click here. Click here for archives from 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005

Click here for Calendar of Dates (issued biannually for media) and USJersey Calendar

CALLING ALL JERSEY CHEESES: ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR
FIRST NORTH AMERICAN JERSEY CHEESE AWARDS

Reynoldsburg, Ohio (May 1, 2009)—North American cheese and butter makers are invited to showcase their all-Jersey milk products in the first North American Jersey Cheese Awards, July 2 in Syracuse, N.Y.

The competition is being held during the joint meetings of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau, the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. Awards will be announced July 3 during the “Jersey Worlds Combine” festivities at Sycamore Hill Gardens, Marcellus, N.Y.

The contest is modeled after the highly successful World Jersey Cheese Awards, the first breed-specific cheese competition

held last May in Jersey during the International Conference of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau.

Judges will provide an objective assessment of all entries, which must be made from exclusively Jersey cow milk. Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be given in 17 classes for cheeses, and a single class for Jersey cream butters.

Gold Award cheeses from each class will then go forward for the best in show class. A trophy plate designed by the artisans at Jersey Pottery, the world-renowned ceramics house, will be presented to the maker of North America’s Best Jersey Cheese.

There is no fee to enter the contest, or a limit on the number of varieties that a cheese maker can enter. Entries will be accepted through Monday, June 15, and products must be received at the contest location on or before July 1.

Heading the judging team will be maitre fromager Kathy Guidi, Dean of Cheese Education Guild and the founder and president of Artisan Cheese Marketing, Toronto, Ontario. With over 35 years of experience working with cheese mongers and producers across Europe, Canada and the United States, Kathy is known as a cheese industry leader and innovator. Her work includes business development consulting for numerous cheese producers and cheese agricultural agencies. Before establishing her company, she held top positions in sales and marketing for Ault Foods Limited, Balderson Cheese Company and Jewel Food Stores.

Members of the judging panel will include:

• Charles Lindberg, a Supervising Dairy Products Specialist with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets who has worked with cheese and other dairy products for 27 years. In addition to dairy product inspection and safety assurance duties, he is chief judge of the New York State Fair Dairy Products Competition. He has also served as a judge at several past United States and World Championship Cheese Contests.

• Eric Dutton, who worked for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Milk Control as a Dairy Products Specialist for 35 years. He retired as a Regional Supervisor. Along with his regulatory work, Dutton was a New York state cheese grader and one of the founders of the New York State Fair Dairy Products Contest. He also served as a grader and grading instructor for various Department cheese quality improvement programs over the years.

• Marcela Hanford, cheese enthusiast and wife of George W. Hanford, president and CEO of Hanford Pharmaceuticals, Syracuse, N.Y.; and

• Debbie Groom, agribusiness and farming writer for The Post-Standard, Syracuse.

Contest Rules

1.      The contest is open to any cheese or butter maker located in a World Jersey Cattle Bureau North American region country and producing a cheese or butter made purely with Jersey milk. The organizers will seek verification that the products entered are made using 100% Jersey milk.

2.      Each entry may be entered in the name of a person or group directly involved in making the product. A person or group may enter more than one class. A person or group may be named on more than one entry within a class if the entries are of different varieties.

3.      Each product must be entered in its original form, uncut, as whole wheels, loaves or blocks. Any cheeses and butter under one pound of weight will require one retail case of samples (minimum of 6 pieces). Product is to be sent in normal company packaging. Exceptions are made for cheeses normally cut during manufacture (e.g., feta, Swiss) or when fully formed pieces are blocks larger than 20 pounds, send a 20-pound sample.

4.      Contest organizers reserve the right to place entries into the class deemed most appropriate by the head judge.

5.       All products must be shipped overnight to Doubletree Hotel Syracuse, ATTN: Jersey Cheese Awards, 6301 State Route 298, East Syracuse, NY 13057, to be received by 10:30 a.m. on July 1, 2009.

6.      All products entered in the competition become the property of the American Jersey Cattle Association. They will be showcased at a tasting during the “Jersey Worlds Combine” festivities on July 3 at Sycamore Hill Gardens.

Classes

Detailed instructions for shipping will be provided after entries are made. Products must be received at the judging location on or before July 1, 2009.

For more information on the Awards competition and festival and to submit entries, contact Dr. Cherie L. Bayer, North American Vice-President for the World Jersey Cattle Bureau, at (614) 861-3636; Russell Gammon, Executive Secretary of Jersey Canada, at (519) 821-1020; or contest superintendent Sarah Mullen, Customer Service Coordinator with National All-Jersey Inc., at (614) 266-6916.

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JERSEY JUNIOR PUBLIC PRESENTATION CONTEST
ENTRIES DUE FRIDAY, JUNE 5

Reynoldsburg, OH, March 24, 2009—Friday, June 5, 2009 is the deadline for Jersey youth to enter the fourth edition of the national Jersey junior presentation competition, TalkJersey,

All AJCA junior or lifetime Members, ages 7 through 20 as of January 1, 2009, are invited to enter either the live public speaking contest or the recorded presentation division.

Judging will be held on Thursday, July 2 during the Annual Meetings of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc. at the DoubleTree Hotel Syracuse, Syracuse, N.Y.

Cash awards sponsored by ABS Global Inc. and prizes offered by the American Jersey Cattle Association will be presented in all divisions at the junior awards breakfast on July 4.

The contest entry form can be completed online from the USJersey web site. Applications may also be requested from the AJCA Development Department by calling 614/861-3636.

Live Public Speaking

Demonstrations or speeches are to focus on any phase of the Registered Jersey™ business, including current affairs and dairy industry trends. Judges will evaluate the speaker’s personal interest in the topic, as well as its appropriateness for a general dairy audience.

Participants will be divided into groups by their age on January 1, 2009 as follows: Division I, 7 to 10 years; Division II, 11 to 13 years; Division III, 14 to 16; and Division IV, 17 to 20 years.

Division I contestants present demonstrations between four (4) and six (6) minutes in length. Posters may be used in addition to demonstration materials.

Participants in Divisions II, III and IV present speeches between five (5) and seven (7) minutes in length. Visual aids are not allowed. Speaker notes are permitted. No more than four (4) 4" x 6" notecards may be used. Judges will ask questions after each presentation is completed.

Contestants will be scored on the basis of 50 points, as follows:  topic selection and content, 15 points; organization of speech, 10 points; vocal presentation, 10 points; presentation and effectiveness, 10 points; and response to questions, 5 points. Click here for detailed judge's score card.

One (1) point will be subtracted from the total point score for each 30 seconds over or under the required speaking time. 

Recorded Presentation Division

Entries are also invited for video or PowerPoint narrated presentations. This presentation must be the contestant’s own production and created between September 1, 2008 and June 1, 2009.

The topic must be a subject directly related to Registered Jerseys™. Entries must be between five (5) and seven (7) minutes long, and feature the contestant as the only speaker. No costumes may be used, and no interviews with other persons are allowed. Musical tracks or background music cannot be used in these presentations.

Entries will be divided into three groups by contestant age on January 1, 2009: Division I, ages 7 to 12 years; Division II, ages 13 to 16; and Division III, age 17 and older.

The finished presentation must be saved in PC format (not Mac) on either a CD/DVD, a flashdrive/thumbdrive, or as a VHS video. Entries must be received in the AJCA office by Friday, June 26.

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JULY 1 IS DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR JERSEY YOUTH SCHOLARSHIPS

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, April 22, 2009—Wednesday, July 1 is the deadline to submit applications for 2009-10 academic scholarships administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

The AJCA Scholarship Program provides over $15,000 in financial support for Jersey youth enrolled in colleges or universities or, in some cases, youth seeking hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle.

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

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

The William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship of $1,000 will be presented to a student who will begin a program of study at an accredited college or university in the fall of 2009.

The Cedarcrest Scholarship of $1,500 will be awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student seeking a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing.

Also to be awarded is the $1,500 Bob Toole Jersey Youth Award, which can be used for either college expenses or a well-defined practical experience related to breeding, developing and showing Registered Jerseys™.

The V. L. Peterson Scholarship and Paul Jackson Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to students who have completed at least one year of college or university work. The award amount for each scholarship is $1,000.

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

Applications for these scholarships are now posted on the USJersey website. 

In addition, a Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 will be presented to a youth selected from nominees for the 2008 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

These awards will be presented Saturday, November 7 at the annual Junior Banquet held during The All American Jersey Shows and Sales in Louisville, Ky.

About the National Jersey Youth Program

The American Jersey Cattle Association has made strategic investments in Jersey youth since 1958 when it created the National Heifer Sale to provide annual funding for educational programs and awards. Scholarships are paid from permanent endowments administered by the American Jersey Cattle Association. Contributions to these funds are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as 501(c)(3) tax deductible charitable gifts.

For more information, contact the American Jersey Cattle Association by writing 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362, or visiting its web site at USJersey.com.

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BRADY CORE RECEIVES FRED STOUT EXPERIENCE AWARD

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, April 27, 2009—Brady Core, Salvisa, Ky., has been selected as the 2009 recipient of the Fred Stout Experience Award.

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

Stout believed that the best learning experiences happen in the everyday world. This award honors that conviction. It will provide partial support for Core’s upcoming internship with Jersey Marketing Service, which will include working on the crew for the 52^nd National Heifer Sale, July 4, 2009 at the Empire Expo Center in Syracuse, N.Y.

Core was raised on his family’s farm, Keightley & Core Jersey Farm, and has been active in the daily management of the 60-cow and farming operation for the past nine years. He has been extensively involved in the marketing of genetics produced from the herd’s well-known show winners, most notably KJF Renaissance Lacy, shown by Brady to Grand Champion of The All American Junior Jersey Show in four consecutive years (1998 through 2001). In addition, Brady has worked as an independent fitter at shows and sales across the U.S.

As a member of the UK dairy judging team competing at the 2008 National Intercollegiate Dairy Cattle Judging Contest, Brady placed in the top 10 individuals in three breeds and was tenth high individual overall. As a member of Kentucky’s 4-H judging team, he was high individual at the 2004 Mid-South Fair in Memphis, Tenn.

Brady was also honored as Kentucky FFA State Star Farmer (2005), served as the Bluegrass Region FFA Vice President (2004-05), and was the state FFA Dairy Entrepreneurship winner in 2003.

Core is a senior at the University of Kentucky, majoring in agricultural communication with a public service and leadership option. He serves as vice president and planning/alumni relations chair for Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity, and is a member of the UK Dairy Club. He expects to graduate in December 2009.

Previous recipients of the Fred Stout Experience Award are Tara Bohnert, Illinois (2003), Allison Waggoner, South Carolina (2004), Dan Bauer, Wisconsin (2005), Aaron Horst, Pennsylvania (2006), Jacob Pieper, Maryland (2007); and Katie Albaugh, Maryland (2008).

Jersey Marketing Service, which is owned by the members of National All-Jersey Inc., posted its fourth best year in history in 2008 with $9.4 million in sales. Founded in 1971, JMS policies are established by an 11-member, nationally representative Board of Directors. Company offices are located at 6486 E. Main Street, Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068-2362.

The Fred Stout Experience Award is one of nine educational awards for Jersey youth sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Applications for 2009-10 academic scholarships are now available online at USJersey.com and must be submitted no later than July 1. Deadline to apply for the 2010 Stout Experience Award is February 1 of next year.

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JUDGES NAMED FOR THE 2009 ALL AMERICAN JERSEY SHOWS

Reynoldsburg, Ohio (May 1, 2009)—The judges have been selected for The 57^th All American Jersey Shows, sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

The largest exhibition of Registered Jersey™ cattle in the world, the three shows of The All American will be held November 7, 8 and 9, 2009 in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky.

Brian Sayles, Paris, Ontario, will officiate in The All American Jersey Show on Monday, November 9. This will be his second time in the open show ring, having previously served as its judge in 2001. Sayles also judged the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 1991. He has officiated at the World Dairy Expo, the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show and the Royal Winter Fair; numerous state fairs in the U.S.; and also the national shows of Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Japan, Mexico and the United Kingdom. His consultant will be Hank Van Exel, Lodi, Calif.

The judge of the 2007 All American Jersey Show, Wayne Sliker, St. Paris, Ohio, will return to Freedom Hall to place entries in the 56^th National Jersey Jug Futurity. Sliker is well known in the dairy industry as a judge and Brown Swiss breeder. Previous judging assignments include more than 40 national shows in the U.S. and Canada, plus exhibitions in Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Italy, Japan and Mexico. His consultant will be Chris Lahmers, Marysville, Ohio.

The National Jersey Jug Futurity is the oldest and richest class for dairy cattle. Premiums for the 2009 show are estimated at over $10,000.

The judge for The All American Junior Jersey Show will be Herby D. Lutz, Chester, S.C. Judge for the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2000, 2009 will be his debut in the junior show ring. Lutz has officiated at many state fairs and national shows in Australia, Brazil and Colombia. Lutz developed the Sunny Day Jersey and Guernsey operation, then in 2001 became manager of Jersey Marketing Service manager. He is now sire analyst with Select Sires Inc. Herby and his wife, Amanda, own and operate Her-Man Jerseys. Craig Padgett, Waynesburg, Ky., will be the consultant.

The first and second place winners in each class of these shows will become the All American and Reserve All American honorees for 2008 by the American Jersey Cattle Association.

The All American Jersey Show & Sale is an annual production of the American Jersey Cattle Association, Reynoldsburg, Ohio. Approximately 100 Jersey breeders from across the United States serve on the All American planning committees, which meet annually in March. For more information on sponsorship opportunities associated with The All American, contact the AJCA Development Department at 614/861-3636.

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UPDATED EVALUATIONS:  JERSEY CONTINUES
TO RANK FIRST FOR PRODUCTIVE LIFE

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, January 21, 2009—After the January 2009 USDA genetic summaries, Jerseys have a 180-day, or six-month advantage in Productive Life among the six dairy breeds evaluated in the United States.

For cows born over a five-year period—1998 through 2002—Jerseys have the longest average productive life of 33.6 months, or 1,025 days. A total of 204,383 Jerseys were included in the data published by the USDA Animal Improvement Programs Laboratory (AIPL) at Beltsville, Md.

By comparison, the weighted average for 3,290,970 cows of the other five breeds born in the same period is 27.7 months, or 845 days. By breeds, average Productive Life for Ayrshire is 967 days (11,672 cows); Brown Swiss, 930 days (29,311 cows); Guernsey, 803 days (16,223 cows); Holstein, 844 days (3,230,119 cows); and Milking Shorthorn, 948 days (3,645 cows).

The trait of Productive Life is defined as “time in the milking herd before removal by voluntary culling, involuntary culling, or death.”

Cows having opportunity to reach eight (8) years of age are considered a completed observation, but continue to add credits for productive life after this point.

Productive Life evaluations combine information from direct longevity (measured by DHI data on calving dates, disposal dates, reasons for disposal and lactation lengths) with correlated traits. Cows with multiple lactations are given more total credit for productive life than cows with just one long lactation. According to AIPL scientists, this is because “cows that begin a next lactation generally are more profitable than those that continue the previous lactation because a new peak yield is achieved.” As a cow's lactation is extended, the value credited to her production is diminished.

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

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. The flagship program is REAP, a comprehensive service package that includes registration, Equity milk marketing support, functional type appraisal, and performance testing. Over 125,000 cows are currently enrolled on all AJCA performance evaluation programs.

For more information on USJersey services designed to increase commercial profitability with Jersey cattle, call 614/863-3636 or visit the web site at www.USJersey.com.

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It’s the ultimate coffee table book, or a great gift for a Jersey enthusiast!

The 160-page World Jersey Journal was published to commemorate the International Conference of the World Jersey Cattle Bureau, last May in Jersey. The AJCA has a limited supply of the magazine, courtesy of the Royal Jersey Agricultural & Horticultural Society. Copies are $10.00 each, prepaid by credit card to cover the cost of shipping and handling. Call (614) 861-3636 and place your order now before the supply runs out!

CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY TO RECORD
THE 100,000TH JERSEY WITH TAG ID IN 2008

Tulare, California, February 12, 2008—The American Jersey Cattle Association, in tandem with animal ID leader Allflex, today announced a campaign to record the 100,000th Registered Jersey™ identified by double-matching approved ear tags.

The milestone, which coincides with the association’s 140th anniversary, will be marked by awarding the animal’s owner a year’s supply of Double Matched Pair sets of JerseyTags™ with HDX High Performance EID tags, up to a maximum of 500 sets, plus a stick reader from Allflex USA Inc.

According to Executive Secretary and CEO Neal Smith, orders for the AJCA’s line of JerseyTags™ manufactured by Allflex have grown at double-digit rates annually, with just under 100,000 sets sold in 2007.

“The primary reason AJCA members have adopted eartag identification,” Smith said, “is that the foundation for maximizing profitability with Jerseys is accurate, verifiable animal identification.”

Not only is positive ID a requirement for day-to-day herd management, the Jersey executive explained, it’s also vital for Jersey breeders who want to increase to their income by marketing Registered Jerseys™.

“High-visibility eartag ID and increasingly electronic ID is a requirement of the people who purchase through our cattle marketing company, Jersey Marketing Service,” said Smith. “Buyers are paying for pedigree and performance information and they expect it to be linked up through the animal’s identification number.

“The Allflex tag technologies, combined with the services available from the USJersey organizations, make it all possible.”

The American Jersey Cattle Association has recorded over 68,000 animals identified by approved eartags since its members overwhelmingly approved new rules for registration five years ago. The Allflex Tamperproof™ tag line is the only product approved by the AJCA for that purpose.

“Milk producers like the flexibility of tailoring our tags to meet their needs and reduce mistakes,” said Jon Becerril, national sales manager for Allflex USA, Inc. “That is why the Double Matched Pair set including an EID tag is particularly popular. It delivers a combined visual and electronic solution for identification that is visible from nearly every angle.

“Advanced animal ID doesn’t cost,” Becerril noted, “it pays. We are proud to be a partner with the USJersey organizations in bringing the number one livestock identification system in the world to its customers.”

About American Jersey Cattle Association

Organized in 1868, the American Jersey Cattle Association is the oldest dairy breed registry organization in the United States. The AJCA compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on over 120,000 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. More information about the USJersey organizations, including National All-Jersey Inc. and Jersey Marketing Service, is available at www.usjersey.com.

About Allflex

Backed by a global network of experts and more than 50 years of experience in animal identification, Allflex is the world leader in design, technology, manufacturing and delivery of animal identification for traceability systems across all production animal species and companion animals. The company brings cutting-edge, practical applications of visual, electronic and radio frequency animal identification technology to livestock industries across the world, contributing to a safer global food supply. Allflex has manufacturing and technology subsidiaries in the U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil and China with products are distributed in 80 countries. Visit www.allflexusa.com for more information.

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