California Jersey Youth Crowned National Jersey Queen
Kylie Konyn, Escondido, Calif., has been crowned the 64th National Jersey Queen.
Kylie was presented the Charlene Nardone Crown by 2020 National Jersey Queen Natalie Berry on November 7, 2021, at the start of the National Jersey Jug Futurity in Louisville, Ky.
She will represent Jersey breeders for the next year with participation in events such as the 154th Annual Meeting of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), World Dairy Expo and The 70th All American Jersey Shows & Sales.
Also serving on the national court of royalty are first alternate Caroline Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa., and second alternate Maria Joy Poock, Boonville, Mo.
The National Jersey Queen contest spanned three days with 11 outstanding young women from across the country competing for the coveted crown.
Kylie is a freshman at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She is majoring in dairy science and plans to double major with either life sciences communications or genetics and genomics. Following her undergraduate studies, she hopes to pursue a master’s degree in nutrition or genetics.
“My platform is aimed at promoting and educating others of the many programs available through the American Jersey Cattle Association,” commented Kylie. “I chose this platform as a means of educating others about the numerous programs available to youth today. Youth programs are the future of our industry and serve as an educational background for many aspects of the industry including marketing, research, and management of a dairy farm.
“I’ve always had an interest and passion for the Jersey industry. This passion has been fueled by the outpouring of support of mentors and programs through the AJCA. I want to “pay it forward” to the youth coming behind me.”
Kylie has served as the California Jersey Queen, Western National Jersey Queen and was a member of Class VII of Jersey Youth Academy. She and her family have shown Jerseys at the state, regional and national levels. She has volunteered at the California State Fair in the dairy education booth, teaching the public about the benefits of the dairy industry. Her herd, Aspire Jerseys, is enrolled on REAP and utilize many programs provided by the AJCA.
Caroline Arrowsmith is a sophomore at Penn State University majoring in animal science with a minor in agribusiness management. She plans to work for a large-scale calf and/or heifer raising facility as a young stock specialist to gain experience and credibility. Her long-term goals are to be a youngstock specialist for an animal health or nutrition company.
Caroline’s platform is, “Jerseys Do More for Less.” Caroline states, “Jerseys have long been known for their high butterfat and protein solids in their milk. Today this is extremely beneficial to farmers as more and more milk checks are including high component bonuses or using component-based pricing. This means dairy producers with Jerseys are often able to have a higher milk price than farmers with other breeds, even though they may produce an overall lower volume of milk.”
She is a member of the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association and the Penn State Dairy Science Club. She has held many leadership positions through the Lancaster County dairy 4-H program. She enjoys showing her Registered Jerseys at the local, state and national levels. Caroline was a member of Class VI of Jersey Youth Academy.
Maria Joy Poock is a senior at the University of Missouri. Maria states, “I want to help people understand that agriculture is a positive influence in our world and is a safe and effective way to feed people around the world for generations to come.
She is currently serving as the 2021 Missouri State Jersey Queen and was a member of Class VI of Jersey Youth Academy. Maria is a mentor at the University of Missouri’s farm working with students caring for the calves. She also helped this past year with Missouri 4-H Dairy Cow Camp at the Missouri State Fair.
The Queen and her court presented awards for the National Jersey Jug Futurity and The 69th All American Jersey Show. They also assisted with the clerking of The All American Jersey Sale.
The Charlene Nardone National Jersey Queen Fund provided scholarships of $500, $300 and $200 to the Queen and two alternates.
For more information, follow the National Jersey Queen program on Facebook @USJerseyQueen.
