Seals Wins 2024 Jersey Youth Achievement Contest
Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore., has been named the 70th recipient of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Award and will be recognized in November in Louisville, Ky.
Each year, on March 15, the most active Jersey youth from across the country submit their applications to the office of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). 2024 brought 12 applications from nine states.
A committee of judges evaluated and ranked each applicant to determine this year’s top 10 individuals. The contest recognizes Jersey youth for their leadership, activities, participation in Jersey functions, and success in breeding and managing their own Jersey cattle.
These 10 youth will receive cash awards totaling $4,500 at the Youth Awards Ceremony on Sunday morning, November 9, 2025, during the All American festivities in Louisville.
First
Coltan Seals, Tillamook, Ore.
Legendairy Farms LLC
The 2024 winner of the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest is Coltan Seals of Tillamook, Ore.
Unlike many of this year’s applicants, Seals has already returned to his family’s Registered Jersey farm, Legendairy Farms, LLC, operated by his parents, Tom and Jennie Seals.
Before returning to the dairy, Seals attended Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wis., where he completed an internship with Wiese Brothers Farm, a progressive dairy operation in America’s Dairyland.
His herd of 58 heifers and 72 cows boasts an average type appraisal score of Very Good–85% and a 305-day M.E. production average of 21,514 lbs. of milk, 1,202 lbs. of fat, and 831 lbs. of protein. His breeding philosophy centers on developing “a functional cow that is pretty to look at.”
Seals has been actively involved in Jersey breed activities for the past 11 years. He has attended multiple AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings, participated in the National Youth Production and Pot O’Gold Production Contests, exhibited his animals at numerous shows, and graduated from the Jersey Youth Academy in 2023.
That same year, Seals joined the CRV Experience tour, traveling through the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium. The trip broadened his perspective on future agricultural regulations in the U.S., including those related to animal welfare, nutrient management, and agricultural policy. He also participated in the European Jersey Forum annual meetings, touring Jersey farms and connecting with breeders from across Europe.
In both 2023 and 2024, Seals standout cow, Pacific Edge VIP Tessah-ET, remained undefeated in the showring as a junior two-year-old and junior three-year-old. In 2024, she earned Supreme Champion honors at both the World Dairy Expo and the North American International Livestock Exposition Junior Shows.
Second
Nicole Arrowsmith, Peach Bottom, Pa.
Penn State University
Forging her way from a fifth-place finish in 2023 to second in 2024 is Nicole Arrowsmith. A junior at Pennsylvania State University, she is studying agribusiness management.
From Peach Bottom, Pa., Arrowsmith has been a dedicated contributor to her family’s dairy farm, Hillacres Jerseys. Her versatility shines through in her daily responsibilities—feeding calves, milking cows, and caring for the show herd. Recently, she began helping make mating decisions which has been an exciting new challenge.
Arrowsmith’s passion for the Jersey breed is evident in her active participation in youth programs and dairy industry events. She has competed on several winning dairy quiz bowl teams and claimed victory in the junior dairy jeopardy contest at the 2017 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meeting.
With a herd that boasts an average appraisal score of Excellent-90% on 14 cows, Arrowsmith takes pride in exhibiting her cattle at local, state and national shows.
A 2021 Jersey Youth Academy graduate, Arrowsmith continues to build connections throughout the industry and challenges herself to grow. In fact, she was selected as the recipient of the 2023 Mike Hellenbrand Lasting Legacy Award.
Looking ahead, Arrowsmith plans to return to Hillacres Jerseys after graduation to help expand the farm’s value-added ventures. The family currently processes much of their milk into cheese, sold at local stores and farmers markets, and markets beef raised on the farm. Arrowsmith understands the importance of diversification for long-term sustainability and is committed to continuing the tradition of showcasing the beautiful Jersey cows that call Hillacres home.
Third
Sara Reed, Columbia Cross Roads, Pa.
Penn State University
In what some might call a three-peat, Sara Reed has once again secured third place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
The daughter of Leonard and Erin Reed, Reed established her farm, Ravineside Farm, in Columbia Cross Roads, Pa., after falling in love with the Jersey breed through showing cattle. Her herd of seven heifers and six cows boasts an impressive average appraisal score of Very Good–89.7%, with a 305-day M.E. production average of 17,720 lbs. of milk, 856 lbs. of fat, and 681 lbs. of protein.
Throughout her youth career, Reed has exhibited at numerous local, state, and national shows. In 2024, she showed the Reserve Intermediate Champion at the Premier National Jersey Show in Harrisburg, Pa.
Reed credits the Jersey cow with introducing her to youth agricultural organizations, which inspired her to pursue leadership roles and become a vocal advocate for agriculture. She has used these skills to deliver presentations and refine her dairy cattle evaluation and reasoning abilities.
A member of the American Jersey Cattle Association for 10 years, Reed is also active in the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association. She served as the Pennsylvania Jersey Queen and was a top five finalist in the 2022 National Jersey Queen contest. Additionally, she is a graduate of Class VIII of the Jersey Youth Academy.
Reed is currently pursuing a degree in Animal Science at Pennsylvania State University, with aspirations of becoming a genetic analyst for a bovine genetics company. Her goal is to work closely with dairy farmers—especially Jersey breeders—to help improve herd genetics and support producers in achieving their individual goals.
Fourth
Clancey Krahn, Albany, Ore.
Oklahoma State University
Clancey Krahn has climbed from a seventh-place finish in 2023 to fourth place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.
She grew up on her family’s vertically integrated Royal Riverside Farm in Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley, alongside her parents, Ben and Amy, and sister, Gracie. The family bottles premium Jersey milk and distributes it to local stores. Krahn diligently manages her show animals and has developed multiple All Americans over the years.
The year 2023 was a standout for Krahn. Among her many accomplishments, she exhibited the Junior Champion at the All American Junior Jersey Show, served as the Western National Jersey Queen, was later crowned National Jersey Queen, and placed first in the National FFA Dairy Production–Entrepreneurship Proficiency competition.
Krahn is currently pursuing degrees in agricultural communications and animal science at Oklahoma State University. On campus, she competes on the Dairy Challenge and Dairy Judging teams and is actively involved in Chi Omega Sorority, Student Body Council, and a variety of other campus and community organizations.
Passionate about bridging the gap between consumers and agriculture, Krahn uses her communication skills to educate others about the Jersey breed and the dairy industry. She has delivered numerous speeches and hosted farm tours to promote transparency and understanding.
Looking ahead, Krahn hopes to advocate for American dairy farmers by promoting and marketing their products while helping consumers better understand where their food comes from.
Fifth
Jessica Hewitt, Acampo, Calif.
South Dakota State University
Jessica Hewitt of Acampo, Calif., has advanced to fifth place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, improving from her eighth-place finish in 2023. A graduate of South Dakota State University (SDSU), she aspires to become a large animal veterinarian and has just began veterinary school at Louisiana State University.
Hewitt’s herd consists of six cows and six heifers. Her milking cows reside at Lady Lane Farm in Oregon, where they hold an impressive average type appraisal score of Excellent–91%. Over the years, she has actively contributed to cattle care and the farm’s milk bottling business. Her heifers are housed in California on her mother Jill Thomas’ farm.
She has exhibited her cattle at various shows throughout Oregon and has been a member of the Oregon State Jersey Cattle Club and the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) for the past 14 years. Hewitt served as the 2022–2023 Western National Jersey Queen, attended Jersey Youth Academy in 2021, and was the Fred Stout On-Farm Experience intern in 2023.
Hewitt believes in breeding Jerseys for maximum efficiency. She advocates for combining the breed’s natural efficiency with niche market traits like A2A2 milk to help producers maintain profitability.
At SDSU, she is actively involved in the Pre-Vet Club, Swing Dance Club, Dairy Club, and has participated in both the artificial insemination school and the equine hoof trimming and showing course. She has also earned numerous scholarships, including the 2024 Brentwood Farms Scholarship and the 2022 Jack Nisbet Scholarship presented by the AJCA.
Sixth
Cassie Bohnert, East Moline, Ill.
Iowa State University
Cassie Bohnert of East Moline, Ill., made an impressive debut in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest, earning a sixth-place finish.
Raised on her family’s 700-head Registered Jersey farm, Bohnert’s Jerseys, Bohnert learned the value of hard work and balance early on. She played an active role in cattle care and equipment operation, contributing to both feeding and harvesting efforts.
Her herd of 25 Registered Jerseys cows has an average 305-day M.E. of 21,120 lbs. milk; 1,029 lbs. fat; and 800 lbs. protein. She also routinely exhibits her cattle with her family at local fairs.
Bohnert ‘s commitment to agriculture is matched by her involvement beyond the farm. She is active in the Iowa State Dairy Club and, during high school, served as captain of her basketball team while holding leadership roles in several organizations.
Her dedication to the Jersey breed is evident through her participation in youth programs. A 2025 graduate of the Jersey Youth Academy, she has also taken part in multiple AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings, the Pot O’Gold Production Contest, and the National Youth Production Contest.
Now a freshman at Iowa State University majoring in dairy science, Bohnert has a clear vision for her future: to return home and become the next generation of leadership on her family’s farm. To prepare, she plans to gain hands-on management experience as a herdsman in the Midwest and is committed to improving her Spanish-speaking skills.
Seventh
Lee Taylor, Booneville, Miss.
Mississippi State University
Placing seventh in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest is Lee Taylor of Booneville, Miss., son of Bradley and Carla Taylor of Taylor Jersey Farms Inc.
On the farm, Taylor plays an active role in daily operations, including milking cows, feeding calves, and handling whatever chores need to be done. Currently, the family is embarking on an exciting new venture—establishing a processing facility near their farm.
Taylor’s personal herd of 22 milk cows averages a Very Good–87% appraisal score and a 305-day M.E. production of 18,960 lbs. of milk, 798 lbs. of fat, and 698 lbs. of protein. He has competed at local, state, and national shows, and in 2016, placed second in Division II of the National Youth Production Contest.
He acknowledges that building a herd to meet his high standards takes time, careful planning, and hard work. Taylor is committed to that journey.
In 2023, he attended the National 4-H Dairy Conference, where he served as master of ceremonies for one of the evening events. He has also participated multiple times in the “Give Us Your Best 60 Seconds” competition at the All American Jersey Events and AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings.
This fall, Taylor will begin his first semester at Mississippi State University. While in school, he plans to return home frequently to assist with farm operations and help prepare the processing facility for launch. Above all, he is focused on continuing to learn, grow, and expand his network within the dairy industry.
Eighth
Sarah Diehl, McVeytown, Pa.
Virginia Tech University
Sarah Diehl, daughter of Joe and Kristin Diehl of Musser Run Jerseys, earned eighth place in the 2024 National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. With over 12 years of involvement in Jersey youth projects, she currently owns a herd of seven heifers and 11 cows.
On her family’s farm, Diehl plays a pivotal role in calf care, overseeing their health and development from birth. Her responsibilities also extend to other essential farm operations, including milking, herd checks, and cattle movement.
A junior at Virginia Tech University majoring in dairy science, Diehl plans to pursue veterinary school with
the goal of becoming a large animal veterinarian. She is passionate about helping farmers improve herd health and performance.
On campus, Diehl is actively involved in several organizations. She serves as the intramural sports chairperson for the Dairy Club, is an ambassador for the School of Animal Sciences, and a shift leader for H.E.I.F.E.R.S. She’s also a member of the Block and Bridle Club and Baptist Collegiate Ministries.
Recently, Diehl traveled to the Isle of Jersey with the Virginia Tech Dairy Club, where she was inspired by the balance Jersey breeders there maintain between physical traits and milk production and components. She believes U.S. breeders should strive for similar excellence in their herds.
A graduate of Class IX of the Jersey Youth Academy, Diehl credits her involvement with the Pennsylvania Jersey Cattle Association for teaching her the value of hard work, strong public speaking skills, and the importance of embracing new opportunities.
Ninth
Regan Johnson, Northwood, N.H.
Lakes Region Community College
For the second year in a row, Regan Johnson has earned ninth place in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest. A ninth-generation dairy farmer, she and her parents, Jason and Heather, own and operate Johnson Acres in Northwood, N.H.
The Johnsons’ herd includes two cows and two heifers, bred with a focus on high type show quality cattle.
In July 2023, Johnson launched an on-farm business, The Olde Farmstand, where they sell raw milk, butter, yogurt, beef, and homemade ice cream under the brand Big G, named in honor of their herd matriarch, “Gonzo.”
A dedicated showman, Johnson has exhibited cattle at local, state, and national levels throughout her youth. In 2022, she showed the Reserve Junior All American Winter Yearling and, in 2021, exhibited a bred-and-owned entry in the National Jersey Jug Futurity. She also was the recipient of the 2023 Jack C. Nesbet Memorial Scholarship presented during the All American Events.
Johnson currently serves as a director for the Vermont Jersey Breeders Association and is a graduate of Class VIII of the Jersey Youth Academy. She credits her involvement with Jerseys for giving her lifelong friendships and life skills have carried into her career and personal life.
She recently earned an associate degree in fire science from Lakes Region Community College and plans to work full-time as a firefighter/paramedic. Alongside her career in emergency services, she remains committed to her dairy cattle and farmstand business. Passionate about giving back, Johnson also hopes to mentor the next generation of Jersey enthusiasts and serve as a 4-H leader.
10th
Jamie Gibbs, Rollingstone, Minn.
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Rounding out the contest is Jaime Gibbs of Rollingstone, Minn., a sophomore at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, where she is double majoring in animal science and kinesiology.
Gibbs credits her Jersey herd with shaping her leadership skills and providing life-changing experiences. She manages a herd of 10 heifers and 45 cows within her family’s 200-cow dairy operation. Her responsibilities include animal care, breeding decisions, and the buying and selling of cattle, along with daily tasks such as milking and feeding calves.
An avid show enthusiast, Gibbs has exhibited her cattle at local, state, and national levels. In 2024, she earned second place in the senior division of the World Dairy Expo Youth Fitting Contest.
When not showing her own animals, she enjoys assisting other farms at shows across the country.
Her involvement with the Minnesota Jersey Cattle Association sparked her passion for agriculture and dairy farming. As the Minnesota Jersey Queen, Jaime expanded her professional network, connected with youth in the industry, and educated schoolchildren about the Jersey breed.
On campus, Gibbs is a member of the Gopher Dairy Club, Crops and Soil and Beta of Clovia. She was also a 12-year member of the Winona County 4-H Club and was on the Winona County Dairy Judging team.
A 2023 graduate of the Jersey Youth Academy, Jaime continues to build on her experiences. She plans to become an occupational therapist focused on serving farmers and rural communities, while remaining actively involved in her family’s dairy farm.
The Jersey youth programs have been a core part of Jersey youth development since 1958. Nominations for the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest are made by state Jersey organizations, which can nominate up to two individuals each year. The competition was open to members of the AJCA who were between the ages of 16 and 20 on January 1, 2023, or placed among the top 10 in the previous year’s contest.
