CHERYL VEST AND EMMA VOS NAMED TO TYPE APPRAISAL STAFF
Reynoldsburg, Ohio (May 13, 2026)—Cheryl Vest, Clayton, Del., and Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis., have been named evaluators for the Linear Type Appraisal Program, according to Neal Smith, Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).
Cheryl Vest brings more than 30 years of experience in dairy cattle management, genetics and agricultural education to her role. A lifelong dairy industry advocate and partner/owner of Grand Slam Jerseys & Holsteins in Clayton, Del., Vest has built a career centered on herd management, genetic selection and youth mentorship. She previously worked with ABS Global as a dairy salesperson and GMS evaluator and managed dairy herds in Delaware before transitioning into agricultural education. Vest earned a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Delaware Valley University and later completed a master’s degree in educational technology through the American College of Education.
Vest spent more than two decades as an agriscience educator and FFA advisor in Delaware schools, where she helped develop nationally recognized FFA programs and teams. Her accomplishments include being named Appoquinimink School District and Middletown High School Teacher of the Year and serving as co-advisor to the National FFA President. Under her leadership, students earned numerous state championships and national recognition in dairy judging, veterinary science, milk quality, and meat evaluation competitions. In addition to her professional work, Vest remains active in the Jersey and Holstein communities and is dedicated to mentoring youth through 4-H, FFA and dairy cattle programs.
Emma Vos joins the organization as a Type Traits Appraiser, bringing a strong background in dairy cattle evaluation, herd management and Jersey breed involvement. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in agricultural and applied economics, Vos has gained hands-on experience through dairy herd work, industry internships and involvement in herd appraisal and breeder relations, while continuing to work on her family’s farm, Proud Heritage Jerseys. Her extensive dairy judging experience, including All-American honors with the Wisconsin 4-H Dairy Judging Team and participation on the UW–Madison Dairy Judging Team, has helped develop the keen evaluation skills and attention to detail essential for type traits appraisal.
Vos has also been actively involved in Jersey youth development programs through the AJCA, including serving on the Junior Activities Committee, participating in Jersey Youth Academy and earning the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement Award. She also completed a Fred Stout Experience internship with Jersey Marketing Service, further strengthening her knowledge of the Jersey business and breeder relations.
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.
Schedules for upcoming evaluations are posted on the Appraisal Schedule page on USJersey.com. Applications for appraisal services must be received 30 days prior to the scheduled start. For more information, contact the Appraisal Office Coordinator, Lori King, at 614/861-3636 or email lking@usjersey.com or Director of Field Services, Kristin Paul, at kpaul@usjersey.com.