Jersey worlds combine in upstate New York

We're keeping busy this summer bringing you coverage of each of the breeds' annual meetings. This week is no exception as we joined over 400 Jersey breeders and enthusiasts from around the country and world in Syracuse, N.Y. for the annual meeting of National All Jersey, the American Jersey Cattle Association, and the World Jersey Cattle Bureau. Activities started Wednesday and will continue through Saturday.

Wednesday evening highlighted the accomplishments of six outstanding young breeders who have developed well-established Jersey breeding programs in just their short time breeding Jerseys as all honorees were under the age of 40. Those winners included Roger and Cathleen Alexander of Liberty, Pa., Kimberly Clauss of Hilmar, Calif., Eric Daggett of Derby, Vt., Jake and Kate Hardy of Belleville, Pa., Shari Strickhouser of Elkhorn, Wis., and Ron and Nicole Wussow of Cecil, Wis.

Thursday started off with National All Jersey's annual meeting, as well as a seminar regarding Jersey beef research that was recently completed at Oregon State University. The afternoon included a visit to Silver Spring Farm, owned and operated by convention co-chairs Chuck and Sue Luchsinger. After lunch and tour, the farm was the site of the Jersey research auction which impressively raised over $18,000 for Jersey-specific research. Thursday evening showcased award winners of Jersey's top honors. This year's honorees included William and Carolyin Ahlem, Sabino Ahlem Herrera, and Ed Fisher, all of Hilmar, Calif., who were named Master Breeders. Robert and Helene Dreisbach of Mercer, Pa., were given the Distinguished Service Award and the Award for Meritorious Service was given to Ronald Pearson of Virginia Tech and Blacksburg, Va.

Be sure to watch for our August 10, 2009, issue which will have a full report of each convention, including association financial reports and convention sale reports.