Michael Heath Awarded the Max Gordon Recognition Trophy

Michael Heath, Westminster, Md., has been named the 20th winner of the Max Gordon Recognition Award. Heath was honored at a ceremony held during the National Jersey Jug Futurity in Louisville, Ky., on November 6, 2022.

The Max Gordon Recognition Award is given annually to an exhibitor who possesses the five key elements for which the award’s namesake stood: sportsmanship, ethics, professionalism, ability and promotion of the Jersey cow. Recipients are chosen by a committee of individuals who have previously received the Max Gordon Recognition Award.

Michael is described by his peers as a “walking encyclopedia of cows and pedigrees.” Rarely does he forget a cow he has seen. He is known for finding the “diamond in the rough” and developing her into a highly sought after individual. Because of this he has become a successful cattle marketer, both as an individual and with his partners, Nathan and Jenny Thomas, North Lewisburg, Ohio. The Triple-T and Heath partnership has managed some of the top averaging sales in the United States over the past decade.

His fellow Max Gordon recipient peers recognized Michael for dedicating his life to breeding, developing, finding and promoting the Jersey cow. He has used his excitement of the breed and pedigrees to encourage owners of other breeds to come into the Jersey family.

Michael is the son of Billy, long-time cattle photographer, and Betty (Stiles) Heath of Westminster, Md. He, along with his uncles, Wayne and Allen Stiles, own and operate Spring Valley Jerseys. The REAP herd is known for the high-caliber type animals they have bred and developed over the years. The 63-cow herd has an appraisal average of 89.2% with 38 Excellent cows and 25 Very Goods.

Five cows in the herd are currently scored Excellent-94% or higher. Appraised Excellent-95% is SVHeaths Hunter Mascara. SVHeaths Tequila Java, Avon Road Premier Jessica, and SVHeaths Harry Blondie are all scored Excellent-94%.

For five decades he and his family have been exhibiting at the All American Jersey Show. He has bred more than a dozen All American or Reserve All Americans to date.

His first National Grand Champion was in 1993 was a cow named Pensmith TJ Mindy. In 2020, he was one of the breeders of both the National Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion of the All American Jersey Show—Triple-T-Heath Getaway to Cancun and SV Velocity Rosie.
From 2004-2007, three daughters of Hollylane Jewels Jasmine, one of his foundation cows, were named Junior Champion or Reserve Junior Champion of the national Jersey show. All were bred by Heath and his partners.

Other Heath-bred cows include show champions SV Impression Holly-ET and Chili Nitro Cabo-ET. Both hail from a pair of foundation purchases for Heath—Pleasant Valley Prime Heather and Family Hill Connection Chili. Though these maternal lines have impacted the breed in the show ring, they are now making their mark through their sons, including SV Jade Hired Gun-ET and Chilli Action Colton-ET, both bred by Heath.

Heath has always worked with beautiful cattle. After college, he became a professional cattle fitter allowing him to hone his marketing skills, sharpen his eye for cattle and grow his network in the industry.

While he has exhibited cattle across North America, he has also been asked to judge around the globe. His colorful use of terms in his reasons set him apart from his peers—before it was popular to stray from the traditional set of reasons.

Heath has officiated The All American Jersey Show, World Dairy Expo, and Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Shows in addition to numerous state fairs. Internationally he has judged at the Royal Winter Fair in Canada, International Dairy Week in Australia, Royal Ulster Show in Ireland, the Mexican National Holstein Show, and also shows in Switzerland, Holland, Brazil, Argentina, and the United Kingdom.

The selection committee unanimously agreed, Michael’s enthusiasm for the Jersey cow and Jersey breed is second to none and propelled him to the top of their list as the 20th recipient.

Previous winners of the Max Gordon Recognition Award include: Ted DeMent, Kenney, Ill. (2021); Donna Greiwe, Sidney, Ohio (2020); Steve Bachelor, Angola, Ind. (2019)*; Kevin Williams, McConnelsville, Ohio (2018); Greg Bourne, Ansonia, Ohio (2017); Roger Riebe, Cumberland, Wis. (2016); Steve White, New Castle, Ind. (2015); Jeff and Alta Mae Core, Salvisa, Ky. (2014); Gene “Bambi” Henderson, Manchester, Iowa (2013); Norman Nabholz, West Union, Iowa (2012); George Barlass, Janesville, Wis. (2011)*, Jim VanBuskirk, Mich. (2010); Brian Sayles, Ont. (2009); Mike Stiles, Va. (2008); Harry Mykrantz, Ohio (2007)*; Ronnie Rider, Ky. (2006); Chuck Myers, Ohio (2005)*; Charles Luchsinger, N.Y. (2004); and Ron Mosser, Ind. (2003). * deceased