Adam Vance, Alverton, Penna., will receive one of seven Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies on June 27, 2014, during the association's Annual Meetings in Alexandria, Virginia.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.Since 1982, the Vance Family has milked Registered Jerseys. Working with his parents on the home farm helped Adam realize he wanted to do something in the dairy industry. After graduating with a degree in dairy science from Delaware Valley College, Adam returned to work with his father. In 2007, they were able to purchase a neighboring farm providing 180 additional acres of cropland and facilities for dry cows, calves, and heifers. Adam now has complete responsibility at Cotton Spring Farm, from cropping to management and breeding of the 100-cow herd.
"When Adam performs his sire selections, he has a knack for accentuating the positive in a cow while still selecting carefully to improve each cow family generation after generation," noted Dr. Laurie Joseph, the farm's veterinarian. "His cows remain true to the breed and are the epitome of what all young breeders should strive for." Adam currently breeds nearly 50% of the herd to young sires.
Adam and his wife Kelly have have three children, Austin, Lane, and Brooke, and hope they will grow up to share the same love of Jerseys that Adam demonstrates.
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.
6.16.2014