Jersey Youth Earn Scholarships Totaling $31,600
Fifteen Jersey youth continuing their education will receive scholarships from the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) totaling $31,600. They will receive their awards on November 9, 2024, at the Youth Awards Ceremony in Louisville, Ky., during the All American Jersey events.
The 15 recipients are pursuing higher education at universities and colleges in 11 states—Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Wisconsin. They are pursuing degrees in agricultural business, agricultural communications, agriculture science, animal science, crop and soil science, dairy production and veterinary medicine.
Thirty-two students applied for scholarships from the AJCA this year. Youth can apply for as many scholarships as they are eligible to compete for.
Support for the AJCA scholarship program comes from eight different funds managed in perpetuity by the AJCA. In order to make available larger scholarship amounts, Jersey breeders can contribute to the funds at any time by contacting the AJCA at 614/322-4451.
Russell-Malnati Scholarship for Advanced Studies
Matthew Holton
Athens, Ga.
This scholarship is available to graduate students seeking degrees in dairy science, animal science, large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product processing.
Matthew Holton, Athens, Ga., will receive the $5,000 scholarship for his third-year studies at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon graduation he will pursue a career as a food animal veterinarian.
Holton and his twin brother, James, own and operate H2 Jerseys with their parents Ed and Patty Holton in Dawsonville, Ga. The herd consists of 22 Registered Jerseys which the brothers continue to select high-end Jersey sires to better their herd base.
While Matthew aims to pursue opportunities in bovine reproduction as a veterinarian, he also plans to expand his herd of Jerseys and establish a milk processing facility in the long-term. He writes in his application, “Once I’ve achieved a sustainable herd size and secured adequate capital, the facility will specialize in vat-pasteurized, non-homogenized milk production, aligning with my commitment to quality and innovation in dairy farming.”
Holton attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2015 and has received scholarships from the association previously including the Reuben Cowles Youth Award.
He is currently serving as president of Omega Tau Sigma veterinary fraternity, president of the Theriogenology Club, treasurer of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and captain of the Bovine Palpation Team. He is also a student ambassador for the College of Veterinary Medicine Food Animal Emphasis.
The Walter and Joyce Owens and Family Scholarship
Emma Vos
Maribel, Wis.
The award in available to incoming or current students enrolled at an accredited two- or four-year college or university in a dairy related major. It is based on financial need, leadership skills, and academic performance.
Emma Vos, Maribel, Wis., will be presented with the $5,000 scholarship in Louisville. She will also be recognized as the 2023 National Jersey Youth Achievement winner at the ceremony.
Vos is the daughter of Ben and Amy Vos of Proud Heritage Jerseys. This farm is where her first experience in the Jersey Industry started and where her love for the breed formed. The farm has 120 registered Jerseys with 15 of her own. She and her family work together when it comes to daily responsibilities and genetic decision making.
Emma is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and majoring in agricultural and applied economics. After receiving her bachelor’s degree she plans to pursue a master’s degree in agricultural business management or find work in the agriculture industry for a time before returning home to the family farm.
Throughout her youth, Emma has taken many opportunities to show her leadership and passion for the dairy industry. She served as the 2022 Wisconsin Jersey Queen, was active in the Wisconsin Junior Jersey Breeders Association where she currently serves as president, and participated in programs offered through the American Jersey Cattle Association including being honored with the Fred Stout Experience Award with Jersey Marketing Service and a graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. In 2023, she was named second alternate National Jersey Queen.
In addition, she has also spent time in leadership positions through high school, college and community. She served as treasurer, secretary, and received the 2021 James W. Crowley 4-H Leadership Award through her 4-H group. She was secretary of her high school’s National Honor Society. During her time as the 2020-2021 Manitowoc County Dairy Princess, she was able to represent dairy producers at a variety of events, some of which had an audience of approximately 5,000. She has continued her involvement at the University of Wisconsin-Madison by holding multiple positions in multiple organizations including the Association of Women in Agriculture where she served as Sunshine Coordinator, Treasurer and Breakfast on the Farm Set-Up chair. She is also active in the Badger Dairy Club.
The Lineweaver Scholarship
Sara Reed
Columbia Cross Roads, Pa.
This award is available to students who have completed at least one year at an accredited four-year college or university in a dairy, animal science, or dairy products department. It is based on financial need, leadership skills, and academic performance.
Sara Reed, Columbia Cross Roads, Pa., will receive the scholarship award of $2,750.
Reed is a sophomore at Pennsylvania State University studying animal science with a minor in agricultural business management. Her mission for the future is “to mesh consumer education with the distribution of agricultural produces with an on farm agritourism center” she writes in her application.
Sara grew up on her family farm, Ravineside Farm, owned by her parents Leonard and Erin Reed. Her responsibilities range from daily care, to customizing nutrition programs, and researching genetics. She and her sister have participated at the local, state and national levels with their show string.
In addition to her involvement on her family farm, she has been active in Pennsylvania State Jersey Association and served as the Pennsylvania Jersey Queen in 2021.
Her leadership does not stop after serving as queen, she has held positions in the Troy FFA Chapter, Bradford County FFA and LeRoy Community 4-H Club. She was also an advocate for dairy farmers as the Bradford County Dairy Ambassador from 2018 to 2022. Her titles range from president to reporter with each position holding a wide range of responsibilities.
Reed is an alumni of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy and received the William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship in 2023. She is an avid dairy judge, and has set personal goals for herself in the ring.
At Penn State, Sara has embraced the activities on campus. She is active in the Nittany Lion Dairy Club, serving as the 2024 co-chair of the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale. Through the club she also assisted with junior activities at the 2024 Pennsylvania State Holstein Convention.
Reed placed third in this year’s Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
Morris B. Ewing ABS Global Genetic Performance Scholarship
Jacqueline Mudd
West Lafayette, Ind.
Junior or senior undergraduate students seeking a career in genetics, dairy production, large animal veterinary medicine or milk marketing are eligible for this scholarship.
Jacqueline Mudd, West Lafayette, Ind., is the recipient of the $2,500 Ewing Scholarship. Mudd is a senior at Purdue University studying animal sciences, with a concentration in production and industry. After graduation Jackie has plans to start her own creamery with 30-40 head of Registered Jerseys. This will allow her to connect consumers with the benefits of nutrient-rich Jersey milk. In addition to the creamery she hopes to create an on-farm agritourism sector focusing on a fall festival.
The 2022 National Jersey Queen and graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy has accepted many leadership roles during her time at Purdue University. She has served as the president of the Purdue Dairy Club and showmanship chair as well. She is on the Standards Board of Purdue’s chapter of Sigma Alpha.
She has also shown her dedication to agriculture by taking office in organizations she has participated in such as FFA, 4-H and the Indiana Holstein Association. Office positions range from president to reporter and from 2023 to 2017. She has also been a member of the Christian-based Sunshine Society and National Honor Society in high school.
Jackie received the Robert Bignami Memorial Scholarship in 2023 and also served on the Junior Activities Committee of the All American Jersey events.
Brentwood Farms Scholarship
Jessica Hewitt
Brookings, S.D.
This scholarship is for students who have attended Jersey Youth Academy and are enrolled in an accredited four-year college or university majoring in an agriculture-based degree. The award is based on financial need, academic performance, and leadership skills.
Jessica Hewitt, Brookings, S.D., will be presented with this scholarship of $2,000. She is a junior at South Dakota State University (SDSU) majoring in animal science with a specialization in pre-veterinary medicine. Her goal is to become a large animal veterinarian specializing in bovine medicine and work with large scale production farms and ranches after graduation.
Jessica is the daughter of Jill Thomas and grew up in Oregon and housed her Jerseys at Lady-Lane Farm in Mulino. She was the 2022 Western National Jersey Queen and a member of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. This past summer she was awarded the Fred Stout On-Farm Experience and worked at Misty Meadow Farm in Tillamook, Ore., with their veterinarian.
She was active in showing at the local and regional shows in the west. She was also involved heavily with her FFA chapter serving as secretary and reporter and received the Star Chapter Farmer award.
While at SDSU, Hewitt has participated in study abroad program in Cambodia and Vietnam as well as received numerous scholarships. She is a member of the SDSU dairy club, pre-veterinary club and swing dance club.
One of her favorite leadership positions has been working with the State-A-Thon club at SDSU. Members of the club volunteer their time throughout the year to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network, assisting families with ill children.
Previous work experience for Hewitt includes a farm hand at the SDSU Equine Research and Teaching Unit; intern with R.S. Milk Transport; and Lady-Lane Farms where she worked with the Registered Jersey herd, milk-processing plant and worked farm markets for the dairy selling their products.
William A. Russell Memorial Scholarship
Cassie Bohnert
East Moline, Ill.
This scholarship is available to high school graduates accepted into a college or university for the fall program of the school year (entering freshmen).
Cassie Bohnert, East Moline, Ill., will receive the scholarship award of $2,750.
Bohnert is the daughter of Scott and Karen Bohnert of Bohnert Jerseys. She is a freshman at Iowa State University, where she is majoring in dairy science. Bohnert plans to return home to her family farm upon graduation.
Growing up on Bohnert Jerseys, a 650-cow Registered Jersey herd, has helped to shape Bohnert into the young lady she is today. From an early age, she could be found in the barn tagging along with her dad and uncle. Today she works alongside them in vital tasks such as vaccinations, genomic testing, registrations and nutrition of the herd.
She has participated for many years in the youth programs of the AJCA, such as the production contest and Pot O’Gold program. She has also shown her Jerseys on the local, state, and national levels. Through the showring connections, she has worked for herds such as Kilgus and DeMent Jerseys. In addition she did a mini-internship at Dutch Hollow Farm in Schodack Landing, N.Y.
In high school, Cassie was active in basketball, National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society and the Fellowship of Student Athletes Club. She was awarded leadership awards in basketball and also was named the John Deere Student Award Winner for her high school in 2024.
Cassie recognizes the many challenges facing the dairy industry and the challenges she could encounter. However, she is determined to persevere, work hard, and bring her best to every situation.
V. L. Peterson Scholarship
Kylie Konyn
Madison, Wis.
Awarded to students who have completed at least one year of college work are eligible for this scholarship.
Kylie Konyn, Madison, Wis., will receive the $2,000 Peterson scholarship. Konyn is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she is studying dairy science with certificates in ag business management and life science communications. Her goal upon graduation is to secure a position in the dairy nutrition sector of the industry as a nutritionist, consultant or member of a technical support team, assisting other nutritionists in identifying opportunities, formulating new research, and working with available resources to benefit Jersey producers.
Konyn has extensive leadership qualities through countless committees, clubs and programs she has participated in. She was president of the California Junior Jersey Cattle Club for three terms, the 2021 National Jersey Queen, and a graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. In addition she has participated in the National Jersey Youth Production Contest, Pot O’Gold Production Contest and received numerous scholarships from the AJCA.
Her involvement in agriculture continued to bloom once she reached the college level. She is a member of the college’s dairy judging team, a member of the Badger Dairy Club, elected as the 2022-2023 Outreach Officer and chair member of the 21st Badger Invitational Sale. She also took part in the Association of Women in Agriculture and a member of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Collegiate Farm Bureau.
To prepare for these organizations and develop her original interest in the agriculture industry, Konyn was gifted a Jersey heifer of her own in 2013. Her herd has now grown to more than 100 animals and is still increasing. Her cattle have been recognized at the local, state and national levels for both show and production. Even away at college, Kylie still has control over all decisions related to her herd from finances to marketing and everything in between.
Jack C. Nisbet Memorial Scholarship
Nicole Arrowsmith
Peach Bottom, Pa.
This scholarship is presented to an eligible candidate in the 2021 National Youth Achievement Contest.
Receiving the $2,000 scholarship is Nicole Arrowsmith of Peach Bottom, Pa. She is a junior at Pennsylvania State University majoring in agricultural and extension education. She is looking forward to getting into the classroom and helping interested students access the many opportunities available in the agricultural community and FFA. She plans to share her love of the show ring with her students through a lease program to teach them more about the dairy industry.
Arrowsmith was born and raised on a 100% Registered Jersey herd by her parents Tom and Mandy Arrowsmith. Her family has participated for many years at the local, state, regional and national level with their Jersey herd. In 2023, Nicole fulfilled a long-time dream. Her bred and owned cow Hillacres Chrome Hibiscus was named Junior All American Senior Three-Year-Old and Reserve All American Senior Three-Year-Old at the national show in Louisville, Ky.
Nicole is a graduate of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. She has been active with the Pennsylvania Junior Jersey Association and attended national AJCA meetings. In high school, she was a member of her high school’s musicals, National Honor Society and also her local 4-H club.
Arrowsmith gives many thanks to the Jersey cow for the opportunities she has received with travel, friends and memories.
Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship
Logan Lancaster
Tillamook, Ore.
This award is for an undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in a program to earn a degree in large animal veterinary practice, dairy production, dairy manufacturing, or dairy product marketing. Through completed coursework and a goal statement, the student must demonstrate significant progress towards the degree and clear intent for a career in agriculture.
Logan Lancaster, Tillamook, Ore., has been chosen winner of the $1,250 Cedarcrest Farms Scholarship.
Lancaster is the son of Ryan and Freynie Lancaster of Royalty Ridge Jerseys. He is a freshman at Oregon State University and pursuing a degree in crop and soil sciences with a minor in animal science.
Logan has worked on the family farm for nearly his entire life. For the past year, he has worked on a local farm that utilizes a full robotic feeding and milking system. In the summer of 2025, he will be interning with Threemile Canyon Farms in Boardman, Ore., in the fields where they grow grain and vegetables and have an innovative irrigation system in place. Upon graduation he aspires to be a Farm Zone Manager, supervising employees, inspecting fields, machinery, training employees and working with agronomists and management teams.
In high school, Logan was active on the basketball and cross country teams. He also coached fourth and fifth grade students in the Ultimook Track Club for two summers.
In 2024, Logan traveled to Europe to participate with the Oregon 4-H dairy judging team in an international competition. He has exhibited his Registered Jerseys at the Western National and Tillamook County Fair for the past 10 years. He is an alumni of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy.
Paul Jackson Scholarship
Emory Bewley
Susquehanna, Pa.
This scholarship is available to students who have completed at least one year of college work. It has been awarded since 1965 to honor Paul Jackson’s service to the Jersey breed.
Emory Bewley, Susquehanna, Pa., will receive this year’s scholarship of $1,000.
Bewley is the daughter of Owen and Cathy Bewley. She is a senior at Pennsylvania State University majoring in animal science with a business option and focus in dairy science. She is looking at attending graduate school after receiving her bachelor’s degree and focusing on transition cow management and nutrition and how the two areas work together.
This past summer Emory interned with Cargill Animal Nutrition as a nutrition and sales intern. She was able to travel with a consulting team and learn how to provide dairies with nutrition and management practices to better cow comfort and productivity. The experience has helped to propel her desire to continue on in the dairy nutrition field.
Bewley has seen much success in the show ring. While showing her animals at the local, state and national levels, she was honored to win Junior Champion of the All American Junior Jersey Show in 2022. She has won countless showmanship contests and she is now finding her way as an accomplished dairy judge. She is a member of the Penn State Dairy Judging team this year.
While at Penn State, Emory has also been active with the Nittany Lion Dairy Science Club. She was a co-chair of the Spring Dairy Expo and helped teach non-dairy students how to prepare and exhibit a dairy heifer. She also has been heavily involved with the Nittany Lion Fall Classic Sale serving as Wash and Cattle Prep chair.
Bewley was also active in the Susquehanna County Junior Holstein Club where she held the offices of president, vice-president and treasurer.
Bob Toole Youth Award
Hartley Silva
Modesto, Calif.
The Bob Toole Youth Award is designated for a high school graduate to fund either college expenses or a clearly defined practical educational experience related to breeding, developing, and showing Registered Jerseys.
Hartley Silva, Modesto, Calif., has been named winner of the $1,500 scholarship.
She is a senior at Oklahoma State University majoring in agriculture communications and minoring in agricultural economics and agribusiness. After graduation she plans to focus on her family’s Registered Jersey herd and create a line of flavored coffee creamers with the rich cream from their dairy.
Silva did not start in the Jersey industry, but knew she was destined to from the age of five. She has been able to grow her herd to 175 Jerseys while also holding leadership positions at the California Junior Jersey Association, was California Jersey Queen, and participated in Jersey Youth Academy.
Her other involvement and leadership positions date back to 2008 when she became a member of the Shiloh 4-H. Most of her activities are Jersey and agriculture based, but she was also involved in groups she connected with a personal interest. In high school, she was a member of the varsity golf team and yearbook staff.
At Oklahoma State University, she is a member of the dairy science club, President’s Honor Roll, a member of Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow’s club, and a member of Sigma Alpha.
Silva has had an interest in judging and has even been an inspiration to others. Her father had been a dairy judging coach, so she has been a part of this activity since the sixth grade. Her favorite part of judging comes from watching the success of others and the joy that washes over them when they reach their goals.
AJCA Director’s Scholarship
Grace Dunham
Richmondville, N.Y.
This scholarship is awarded to a student (undergraduate or graduate) based on academic performance, activities and accomplishments with Jersey cattle and commitment to continued involvement in the Jersey dairy business.
Grace Dunham, Richmondville, N.Y., is the recipient of the $1,000 AJCA Director’s Scholarship.
She is a senior at Cornell University, majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences with a minor in agriculture business. Upon graduation Grace hopes to incorporate her passion for agriculture to educate the general population about their food sources and how to make informed dietary decisions.
She is the daughter of Jason and Deanna Dunham and grew up exhibiting Jersey cattle at the Delaware County (N.Y.) fair through 4-H. It taught her many life lessons and brought opportunities for leadership into her life.
When Grace began her college career she had the intent of being a doctor. However, she quickly learned how deeply rooted she was in the agriculture industry. It wasn’t long until she learned that supporting the people that grow the food for the population and how that food is distributed was her true calling.
“Being at college has helped me realize that it is essential that we educate consumers about the positive nutritional benefits of milk in an age when all sorts of milk replacements are being sold,” said Dunham in her application.
Dunham is the social chair for Christian Union Vita at Cornell. She serves as the secretary for the Cornell Farm Bureau Chapter and is a Meinig Leadership Scholar and completes 150 hours of community service a year and participates in leadership development.
Grace has held several internships including work at the Tata Cornell Institute for Nutrition and Agriculture, a business management intern at Lincoln Dairy LLC, and the digital marketing director and day camp coordinator at Fairmont Farms LLC.
Anne E. Perchard Challenge Award
Isabella Wilbur
Orwell, Vt.
This scholarship recognizes accomplishments, abilities, and leadership potential and challenges the recipient to achieve full potential through continued Jersey activities.
Isabella Wilbur, Orwell, Vt., will receive the $350 Perchard Challenge award.
She is a freshman at Cornell University majoring in animal science with a concentration in dairy management. She grew up on a mixed herd of Jerseys, Ayrshires, Brown Swiss and Lineback cattle. While at home, Isabella’s tasks centered around the care of calves and young stock. She monitored daily growth and responds to changes by adjusting grain rations, changing hay types, or a larger pen to move around in if they are gaining weight too quickly.
She also cares for the show string at her home farm and has been successful at many of the local fairs including Addison County Fair, Vermont State 4-H show and the Champlain Valley Exposition 4-H Show.
In high school, Isabella was active in soccer, softball and figure skating. She attended National 4-H Dairy Conference and credits it with an event that shaped her life and directed her to major in agriculture in college.
Reuben R. Cowles Youth Educational Award
There are two recipients of the Reuben R. Cowles Youth Award—Lauren Graves and Regan L. Jackson. Both young ladies will receive $1,250 towards their schooling.
Lauren Graves, Talbott, Tenn., graduated from Berean Christian School and now attends Walters State Community College in Morristown, Tenn., where she is a freshman. She will transfer to a four-year college to obtain her bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and a minor in equine health and nutrition.
Her journey with Jerseys began as a fourth grader with youth projects. Her herd today numbers 23 head. As a member of 4-H and FFA, she has held offices in the organizations. She also is active with June is Dairy Month in her local community. At the event she has worked to promote dairy products, recorded Public Service Announcements for radio citing dairy facts and information for the dairy industry.
Lauren also donates time for community service through her youth group at Lebanon Baptist Church providing yard clean up for the elderly and sick in the community. She has also assisted with Vacation Bible School.
Lauren has exhibited at the All American Jersey Show for many years. In addition, she and her sister Alison have placed in the top 10 of the Pot O’Gold Production Contests and the National Jersey Youth Production Contest.
Regan L. Jackson, Clear Brook, Va., is a junior at Louisiana State University where she is on a pre-med path studying Nutrition and Food Science in the College of Agriculture and minoring in Biology. Jackson believes there is a need for agriculture spokespeople and the best ones would be those who have an agriculture background along with a medical degree.
Jackson’s connection to dairy starts at home, Waverly Farm. She started by assisting her grandmother with feedings then her responsibilities slowly increased. She now helps with calf care management, vaccinations and entering information into her family’s DHIA program. In addition to farm work, she was also active in shows such as the Pennsylvania All American for 10 years.
After being extremely active in high school, she has taken the same drive to college where she is serving as president of the LSU Dairy Science Club.
Regan was the 2022 National Jersey Youth Achievement Winner for the AJCA and is a graduate of Class VIII of Jersey Youth Academy. In addition she serves on the Futurity committee for the All American events. She is currently serving as a student director for National Dairy Shrine and is the national president of the American Dairy Science Association-Student Affiliate.
Awards for 2025-2026
Applications for 2025-2026 Reuben R. Cowles Youth Educational Fund and other Jersey Youth Scholarships will be accepted from April 1 through July 1, 2025, and forms will be available closer to deadline at www.USJersey.com/YouthProgram/scholarshipinfo.html.
For more information, contact Kim Billman, Director of Communications for the American Jersey Cattle Association, 6486 E. Main St., Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-2362, or call 614/322-4451.
