Getting to Know AJCA President Jonathan Merriam
Jonathan Merriam, Hickman, Calif., President of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) 2018-2022, has been involved with the dairy industry his entire life.
He grew up on a 400-cow dairy that included 250 Registered Jerseys and 150 grade Holsteins. Merriam developed a strong work ethic from his first responsibility on the farm, raising calves, which then led to herd management and sire selection. Through his life he grew in passion and in education. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in dairy science and master’s in dairy genetics, to managing a vocational dairy herd management program at Utah State University. He also worked as an Extension Specialist for the University of California and was the genetics manager for Ahlem Farms Partnership.
Through various leadership roles in the dairy industry, Merriam has been able to share his passion with others. He has served in positions with the California Agricultural Leadership Program Class 33, AJCA President, All American Chair, 2016 National Heifer sale Co-Chair, California Jersey Cattle Association Board Member, Jerseyland Sires Board Member, Hughson Agriculture Boosters, Hughson High School Agricultural Advisory Committee President, and community 4-H leader.
Merriam states, “Agriculture feeds the world, and we are being challenged more and more every day by those who do not understand the importance of agriculture.”
He believes it is important to keep agriculture alive in the younger generation. Merriam’s four children were involved in 4-H and Future Farmers of America, also known as the FFA organization, showing dairy, along with several other projects and all have obtained their state FFA degrees. 4-H and FFA played a key role in Merriam’s life. As an active 4-H member, he learned responsibility for taking care of his animals and also became involved in public speaking. This involvement benefitted him throughout his agricultural career. FFA taught him leadership skills through officer positions, dairy judging, and public speaking through giving oral reasons. He was recognized by the AJCA in the late 1980s as second place winner in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
How did growing up on a dairy influence your decision to become a genetics specialist?
I currently work for Semex holding the role of Jersey Program Manager. In this position, I manage the Jersey program from bull and heifer acquisition to matings of all donors. I have always been interested in genetics through selective mating to produce the next generation which will hopefully inherit the best genes to improve on the previous generation. Although it requires patience, it is fun to make a mating today that can potentially make genetic impact in the future. Now with genomics, you don’t have to wait as long to see the results of these matings and the positive impact that can result.
Why is agriculture important to you?
It is our responsibility to set a good example and educate the public on the importance of agriculture and the benefits it provides. We must educate the public on the benefits of agriculture through nutrition but also environmental stewardship.
What made you interested in running for President of AJCA? What are your duties in this role?
There have been several AJCA employees and Jersey breeders who have had a major impact on my involvement and successes with the Jersey breed. Serving as President has allowed me an opportunity to return that service. I listen to members, bring concerns to the board, lead the board in making decisions to benefit the breed and work with the AJCA staff.
What have been some highlights during your service?
Highlights of my service have been to improve communication between the members and the board. I listen to the members and bring their concerns to the board and act on those concerns. I also continue to move the breed forward by promoting the benefits that she has to offer and to increase her purity through identification and registrations.
What has been your favorite memory as President?
My favorite memory as President was traveling with the Jersey Youth Academy participants and listening to their questions and insights. The youth are the future of our breed and our breed has a bright future.
Why is it important for dairy producers to maintain communication with elected officials?
The members of the AJCA board are familiar with their operations and some others in the areas that they represent. Some territories are very large and very diverse so the only way for them to know what issues are of concern is to hear from the membership.
Where do you see the future of the Jersey breed? What are some challenges that lie ahead and advantages?
The future of the Jersey breed is bright if we keep the Jersey cow with the advantages she has, i.e., efficiency, more nutrient dense milk, better reproduction and more environmentally friendly. The challenge will be to keep these advantages while continuing to increase production since we will have to continue to produce more food with less space.
What are you looking forward to within the dairy industry in the next several years?
Watching the Jersey breed continue to increase in popularity because of her benefits. She continues to improve most traits at roughly the same pace as the Holstein breed, but from a far less diverse population. Just think of the progress she can make as the Jersey population grows!
