Youth Take Awards in TalkJersey, Jersey Youth Challenge Contests


Junior members of the American Jersey Cattle Association displayed impressive depth of breed knowledge and engaging presentation styles, plus had a lot of fun, in two competitions held during the annual meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association, June 27 through 30 in North Conway, N.H.

Judging in the seventh national Jersey public speaking contest, TalkJersey, was conducted on June 27. Contestants could speak about any topic related to Jersey cattle or Jersey milk, including current affairs and dairy industry trends. Presentations were scored on content and organization, language, voice and presentation, and total effectiveness.

First place awards went to Tyler Bohnert, Silvis, Illinois; Payton Youngers, Scipio Center, N.Y.; and Gerret Boer, Dalhart, Texas. Second place awards went to Katarina Emerich, Mooers, N.Y.; and Reagan Emerson, Moravia, N.Y. A third place award went to Amy Stranger, Newfield, N.Y.

In addition to cash awards of $40 for first place, $30 for second and $20 for third sponsored by ABS Global Inc., each participant received certificates. Division winners received an Ideal Jersey duffle presented by the American Jersey Cattle Association.

On June 30, teams coached by an active Jersey breeder were organized to compete in the Jersey Youth Challenge. A total of 31 youth of different ages and from different states participated. Their challenge was to establish goals for a start-up Jersey dairy, then develop a management and marketing plan to achieve those goals. Team members then presented their proposal to a judging panel.

The champion team in the 2012 Challenge was "Money Making Acres." Members were Billy Grammer, Sebring, Ohio; Shelby Moss, Litchfield Park, Ariz.; Tyler Bohnert; Kim Kubosiak, Brimfield, Mass.; Tristan Phillips, Walpole, N.H.; and Meagan Bolen, Fremont, Ohio. The team was coached by Paul Stanley, East Fairfield, Vt.

"Big Money Jerseys" was the Reserve Champion team. Members were Allison Frerichs, La Grange, Texas; Kayla Carson, New Lebanon Center, N.Y.; Ben Grammer, Sebring, Ohio; Lydia Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Austin Zmrzlik, Fremont, Mich.; and Katarina Emerich, Mooers, N.Y. Alan Chittenden was team coach.

The Honorable Mention teams were:

"Jumping Jerseys": Brian Oster, Canastota, N.Y.; Cassie Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Sidney Avila, Dalhart, Texas; Gerret Boer, Dalhart, Texas; Kylie Lehr, Canastota, N.Y.; and Virginia Patz, Shoreham, Vt., coached by John Kokoski, Hadley, Mass.

"Super Cow Dairy": Sydney Endres, Lodi, Wis.; Meagan Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y.; Anneke Boer, Dalhart, Texas; Regan Moss, Litchfield Park, Ariz.; Jarrett Snow, Brookfield, Vt.; Keagan Carson, New Lebanon Center, N.Y.; and Tabitha Phillips, Walpole, N.H.; Jerry Emerich, Mooers, N.Y., coach.

"Live Free or Die Jerseys": Logan Karchner, Nescopeck, Penna.; Caitlin Avila, Dalhart, Texas; Sheridan Moss, Litchfield Park, Ariz.; Katelyn Poitras, Brimfield, Mass.; Ryan Lawton, Newark Valley, N.Y.; and Maxwell Chittenden, Schodack Landing, N.Y., coached by Moira Poitras and Scott Carson.

A total of 60 Jersey juniors participated in clinics held June 28 on calf and heifer management and also genetic selection at Harkdale Farms, Newbury, Vt. Steven and Vicky Carson and Family were the hosts.

About the National Jersey Youth Program

The American Jersey Cattle Association, founded in 1868, 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. The first of nine youth scholarship funds managed by the AJCA was established in 1965. The Maurice E. Core Jersey Youth Fund provides financial support for junior activities at The All American Show & Sale, the Jersey breed's showcase event for 58 years. Jersey Youth Academy was created in 2008 to expand educational programs for older Jersey youth.

Information about the national Jersey youth development program is available at www.usjersey.com/YouthProgram/juniors.pdf or by calling 614/322-4456. For more information on the association's complete line of services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or follow the news feed at facebook.com/USJersey.

07.17.2012