A2O-Lancaster Fanning, Saturday, April 17, 1999 CAROLYN N. MOYER Bradford Co. Correspondent TUNKHANNOCK (Wyoming Co.) “These are exciting times in die Jersey breed," said Owen Bcwley, assistant manager of the Jersey Marketing Service, as he addressed Jersey breeders from Pennsylvania and surrounding states at the 1999 Pennsylvania Annual Jersey Meeting. “We’ve never had as much demand or excitement in the Jersey breed as we’re seeing today." The evening was also an excit ing time for Crystal Joy Rassau, Sarver, ;>s she was named the 1999 Pennsylvania Jersey Queen. Alter nates are Corissa Coolbaugh, Can ton, and Heather Yurkanin, Col umbia Cross Roads. In a meeting that combined junior and senior award presenta tions, fellowship and business updates, Bewley outlined where producers stand today as Jersey breeders and where the future might lead. “There were 55,000 Jerseys registered last year,” said Bewley. “Pennsylvania ranks number three in number of animals registered behind California and Ohio." Pennsylvania also ranks sixth in transfer activity and has the third Paul Chittenden highest participation in the REAP program, an all-inclusive registry program administered by the American Jersey Cattle Associa tion (AJCA). Bewley then outlined three objectives of the AJCA: To help increase production of Jersey milk, to help increase the value of Jersey milk, and to help increase the demand for Jerseys in the U.S. Other AJCA projects include the implementation of a powerful new computer system and the con sideration of an expansion prog ram which would provide a mechanism to register Jersey crossbreeds after five generations of Jersey matings. Paul Chittenden, AJCA presi dent, commented on the expansion program. He foresees an increase in crossbreeding among Holstein breeders who can’t find Jerseys to buy. “Component pricing is coming October 1. If these breeders can’t buy Jersey cows, they will buy Jersey semen and put it in their Holstein cows. Somebody has got to identify those animals. There’s a financial opportunity for the Jersey association and an opportunity to bring in new people. The question is, who takes advantage of this potential?" reported Chittenden. “The board didn’t take this ersey Message Positive For Youth, Adults At program lightly. But 10 to 12 years down the road we may see purebred Holstein breeders of today milking Jerseys because of our program.” On the lighter side, Pat Rassau handed out youth awards to several Jersey junior members. In the achievement contest, Theron LaTourette placed first in the junior division. Ciystal Rassau placed first in the senior division followed by Emily Norman and Katie Harwich. Lindsay Fischer took first-place honors in the scrapbook competi tion, and Theron LaTourette placed second. Amy Kaucher placed first in the senior division of the scrapbook contest. Paige Black garnered first place in the first-year award competi tion. Matthew Fischer placed second. Mark Norman topped the Jacob M. Brunges Production Contest with a five-year, three-month record on Normandell Skyline Wanda. In a 305-day lactation, she produced 19,790 pounds of milk, 932 pounds of fat, and 791 pounds of protein, a mature equivalent of 19,988 pounds of milk, 951 pound s of fat, and 808 pounds of protein. Emily Norman placed second in the production contest with Nor mandell Berretta Destiny. She pro duced 19,104 pounds of milk, 803 pounds of fat, and 719 pounds of protein at three years, six months, with a mature equivalent 0f20,059 pounds of milk, 827 pounds of fat, and 729 pounds of protein. The third place production con test winner was Ellen Norman with Normandell Brigadier Breanne. Her record at six years, five months was 18,265 pounds of milk, 927 pounds of fat, and 660 pounds of protein for a mature equivalent of 19,361 pounds of milk, 983 pounds of fat, and 702 pounds of protein. Rounding out the top five are Joy McConnell with JEM Andy Prancer Pumpkin and Jacob Chyle with Chyle-Land Dairy Dunker Shelly. The PJCA also awards scholar ships to deserving Jersey youth. Jonathan Campbell, Roberta McConnell, and Crystal Rassau Ym Ralaine Jerseys, represented by Lori Sollenberger, center, wi the Norman Genetic Award, presented by H. Duane Norman an nia DHIA Protein Award. ,_r- cfeas % ■»• ,v '4 * J > s 00% ajpfe !
Significant historical Pennsylvania newspapers