Grigson Receives Jersey Meritorious Service Award

Dan Grigson, Stanford, Ky., has been named winner of the Award for Meritorious Service presented by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ).

This award is given annually to a living individual(s) who, in the joint opinion of the Boards of Directors of the national Jersey organizations, has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry.

In every great tradition, there are individuals whose steadfast dedication and behind-the-scenes leadership create the foundation for success. This year, the AJCA and NAJ proudly present the Award for Meritorious Service to Dan Grigson, whose four decades of service have profoundly shaped the success of The All American Jersey Show and the broader dairy exhibition community.

“Dan has worked tirelessly to make the All American Jersey Show the premier event for Jersey exhibitors, driven by his passion for agriculture and the dairy industry,” wrote Jeff and Alta Mae Core of Salvisa, Ky., in their letter of support. “Thanks to his efforts, the Jersey show continues to be an event we all eagerly anticipate each year. Dan treats every exhibitor like family, and his leadership and dedication truly deserve recognition.”

A native of Kentucky, Dan Grigson’s roots in agriculture run deep. Raised on a family farm where dairy cattle, beef, and tobacco were part of daily life, Dan developed an early appreciation for the hard work and values that define rural America. He carried those values with him to the University of Kentucky (UK), where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriculture and crop science. He then launched a 42-year career as a UK county extension agent for agriculture and natural resources—turning down administrative positions to remain where he believed he could make the most impact: working directly with farmers.

While Dan’s professional life includes numerous accolades, it is his extraordinary commitment to the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) and the Kentucky State Fair that distinguishes him as a truly meritorious servant to the Jersey community. For 40 years, he has served with excellence as superintendent and assistant superintendent of the dairy show, becoming a central force in ensuring the prominence and quality of the All American Jersey Show, the national championship for the breed.

“As a lifelong University of Kentucky extension agent, he has served our state through agriculture with passion and integrity,” wrote Warren Beeler, general superintendent of NAILE. “Mr. Grigson also serves as superintendent of dairy shows at the Kentucky State Fair—again proving his love of the families that exhibit dairy here in Kentucky and around the world. The most impressive thing about Dan is his endless effort. He attends every meeting related to dairy at NAILE, which happens year-round. He does so much extra for the dairy shows when he really doesn’t have to. He’s open to listening to any ideas that will make the shows more successful and accommodating for the exhibitors—then he fights for those ideas as they work their way through NAILE’s staff and executive committee. Mr. Grigson is the strong voice for dairy as planning meetings progress.”

Dan has advocated tirelessly to ensure the Jersey breed takes its rightful place in the spotlight—pushing for schedule improvements, supporting show expansions, and welcoming new initiatives that keep the event vibrant and competitive. His thoughtful leadership, responsiveness to exhibitor feedback, and unshakable fairness have earned him widespread respect. Those who’ve worked alongside him describe Dan as “fair and objective,” “passionate and friendly,” and “dedicated and diligent”—a reflection of the values he brings to every role he undertakes.

“Dan’s tireless efforts to provide the best possible experience for all exhibitors at NAILE have made a lasting impact on the event,” wrote Roger Sparrow, assistant dairy superintendent at NAILE. “Whether it’s dealing with last-minute changes, coordinating logistical challenges, or resolving any number of exhibitor concerns, no issue is ever too small or insignificant for Dan to address. He approaches each challenge with a level of professionalism and care that has earned him the respect and admiration of Jersey exhibitors from coast to coast, as well as the staff and breed associations that collaborate with him. His reputation as a fair, approachable, and dedicated leader precedes him, and it’s clear that his influence has shaped NAILE into the world-class event it is today.”

Mike Stiles of Waverly Farm in Clear Brook, Va., reflected on his years of experience with Dan: “My personal association with Dan goes back many years because of our exhibiting at the show. He has always been the person that, in his position, listens to the thoughts of others and tries to accommodate when possible. His title as superintendent is a job that comes with many hats—and he wears them well. From the time the first entries start to come in until the last animals leave the fairgrounds, he can be counted on to be of service to the exhibitors.”

Joe and Sarah Rocha of Tillamook, Ore., shared, “Every year he goes out of his way to make our 2,500-mile trip as easy as possible. He goes the extra mile to coordinate with ground staff to have tie-outs set up and ready, so that we can arrive and recover before moving into the barn. Dan always takes the time to go through the barn, engaging with the exhibitors and taking suggestions to make the All American Jersey Show the success it is today. Dan has spent a lifetime promoting the Jersey breed and is well deserving of this award.”

Beyond the show ring, Dan’s devotion to agriculture, his community, and his family—his wife Linda, their children David and Jennifer, and their five grandchildren—has defined a life of purpose and quiet leadership. The Jersey breed has found in him not just a supporter, but a true champion.

In grateful recognition of his lasting contributions to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of its breeders and exhibitors, we are honored to present Dan Grigson with the 2025 Award for Meritorious Service.