Patrick Gourley to Receive Distinguished Service Award

Patrick Gourley, Portland, Ore., has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA).

The Distinguished Service Award is presented by the AJCA Board of Directors to living AJCA members and/or members’ families who, in the Board’s opinion, have rendered outstanding and unselfish service over many years and made notable contributions to the advancement of the Jersey breed in the United States.

Like many lifelong Jersey enthusiasts, Pat’s passion for dairy cattle began at a young age on his family’s dairy farm in Brownsville, Ore. At just six years old, he received his first Registered Jersey, providing a segue into active participation in 4-H and FFA. He went on to exhibit cattle at local, state and national shows—a passion he continues today.

Pat graduated from Oregon State University in 1985 with a degree in agricultural economics and an emphasis in dairy production. He began his professional career as the AJCA Northwest Area Field Representative, serving Registered Jersey breeders in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. In that role, he tirelessly supported Jersey breeders throughout the region before transitioning into corporate marketing and advertising. For the past 23 years, Pat has operated a successful real estate business serving Oregon and Washington.

Although his family sold the dairy farm when he was 18, Pat never stepped away from the Jersey breed. Instead, he dedicated his life to serving Jersey breeders and advancing the breed at the local, regional and national levels.

Pat’s influence extends well beyond the Pacific Northwest. Throughout his career, he has repeatedly answered the call to serve the national Jersey organizations, helping lead some of the breed’s most visible and impactful events.

Among his most notable contributions was serving as co-chair of the 2010 and 2022 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings hosted in Oregon. In those roles, Pat helped coordinate programs, tours and events that welcomed Jersey breeders from across the country while showcasing the strength of Oregon’s dairy industry. His leadership and attention to detail helped create memorable experiences for attendees and strengthened connections among Jersey enthusiasts nationwide.

Pat has also devoted significant time and energy to the All American Jersey Show and Sale in Louisville, Ky., one of the breed’s premier annual events. A member of the All American committee since 2005, he has served in numerous leadership positions, including All American Sale Association Chairman in 2012, Associate General Chairman in 2014, All American General Chairman in 2015 and Sale Chairman in 2023. As General Chairman, Pat oversaw the coordination of the entire event, helping guide the shows, sales and activities that bring together Jersey breeders from across North America each fall.

Beyond his leadership roles, Pat has been a steadfast financial supporter of the All American Jersey Show and Sale for many years. He continues to sponsor events and activities while actively participating as a buyer, consignor and exhibitor. His commitment to the All American reflects his belief in the importance of creating opportunities that celebrate Jersey cattle and connect breeders across generations.

“Pat has accepted each and every call to serve the national Jersey organizations,” said Paula England, former administrative assistant for the AJCA. “He has been a true supporter of all things Jersey, working for the betterment of the cows and their owners. Not only has Pat owned Jersey cattle, but he has always been helpful, accessible, an advocate and a positive face for everything Jersey.”

At the state level, Pat has long been a leader within the Oregon Jersey Cattle Association. He currently serves as secretary and has previously held positions as president and vice president.

“Pat is a constant advocate for the Jersey breed, taking on leadership roles locally and nationally,” wrote Oregon Jersey Cattle Association Treasurer Christy Hansen of Cascadia Farm and past Oregon Jersey Cattle Association President Julian Cowan of Green and Gold Dairy.

Pat is also the driving force behind the Western National Jersey Show, having served as chairman since 1996. Through nearly three decades of leadership, he has helped create opportunities for hundreds of youth exhibitors to network, compete and strengthen their passion for the Jersey breed.

“Pat works tirelessly behind the scenes to organize the shows and events and everything that comes with them,” wrote Jennie Seals of Legendairy Farms LLC, Tillamook, Ore. “He is driven, focused and always wants the best for the Jersey breed and the state and national breed associations.”

Supporting youth has long been one of Pat’s greatest priorities. As a Jersey youth member, he placed eighth in the 1981 National Youth Achievement Contest and later received an AJCA scholarship. He has since paid those opportunities forward by providing young people with cattle to exhibit, financial assistance to purchase their own animals and unwavering encouragement as they pursue their goals. Pat also served as chair of the Western Spring Youth Sale from 2012 to 2019.

In a letter of support, Amy Krahn of Royal Riverside Farm, Albany, Ore., summarized Pat’s impact: “His influence has shaped generations of breeders, strengthened national and state Jersey initiatives, and elevated the Jersey breed through service that extends far beyond expectation.”

Despite his many leadership responsibilities, Pat remains a passionate Jersey breeder. Together with Jacob Cansler, he continues to enjoy the Registered Jersey lifestyle through his involvement with Lady-Lane Farm, Mulino, Ore., where he owns Jersey cattle with Garry and Lacey Hansen. Pat remains active in the show ring, exhibiting Jerseys throughout the Pacific Northwest and annually at the All American Jersey Show.

Through decades of leadership, mentorship and service, Pat has left a lasting mark on the Jersey breed at the local, regional and national levels. From guiding AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings and leading the All American Jersey Show and Sale to supporting youth programs and exhibiting cattle himself, he has consistently invested his time, resources and passion in advancing the Jersey cow and the people who care for her. His commitment to service and his unwavering belief in the future of the breed make him a fitting recipient of the 2026 AJCA Distinguished Service Award.