USJERSEY REPORTS BACK-TO-BACK RECORD YEARS

Registrations post 50% growth for the decade,
with similar growth reported for other key services

Reynoldsburg, Ohio, January 1, 2010—The American Jersey Cattle Association today announced it had processed 95,557 registrations for 2009, topping the previous record of 94,774 set in 2008.

The AJCA also reported all-time records for total cows enrolled on performance evaluation programs; for total cows and herds enrolled in the comprehensive REAP service; and for cows scored in the Jersey functional type traits appraisal program. All replace category records established in 2008.

2009 caps a decade of dramatic Jersey breed growth:

·        A 50% increase in registrations from 63,776 in 2000 to the December 31, 2009 final count of 95,557;

·        A 41% increase in performance program enrollments from 92,369 cows in 2000 to 130,810 on December 31, 2009;

·        A 50% increase in REAP cow enrollments from 84,448 cows in 2000 to 127,023 on December 31, 2009; and

·        A 61% increase in cows scored in the Jersey type appraisal program, from 51,956 in 2000 to 83,431 in 2009.

In accounting for the organization’s record-setting performance, AJCA leaders gave credit first to the Jersey cow.

“This has been the decade when all of the efficiency factors of the Jersey cow and how these contribute to profitability have come to the forefront for dairy business owners,” said AJCA Executive Secretary and CEO Neal Smith.

AJCA President David Chamberlain, who milks 650 Jerseys at Hi-Land Farms in Wyoming, N.Y., noted, “When it comes to feed conversion into milk solids, our U.S. Jersey is number one.”

Smith also pointed to the breed’s advantages in reproduction and longevity, as well as the added value of Jersey milk. “Particularly this year, the value of higher protein and fat content made a real difference in revenue for Jersey producers.”

Finally, Chamberlain said, “2009 was also a year when the USJersey organizations reaped the results of decades of determination and hard work by our staff and leadership.”

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.

Its flagship program is REAP, a comprehensive service package that includes registration, Equity milk marketing support, type appraisal, and performance testing. For more information on USJersey services designed to increase commercial profitability with Jersey cattle, call 614/863-3636 or visit the web site at www.USJersey.com.

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