Staffing Updates for USJersey Organizations

Neal Smith, Executive Secretary of the American Jersey Cattle Association, recently announced updates to the USJersey staff.

 

Rector Hired as Southern Plains Area Representative

The USJersey organizations are pleased to welcome Benny J. Rector as part-time Southern Plains Area Representative effective February 27, 2023.

In his role as area representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association, his responsibilities will include serving as a cattle marketing agent through Jersey Marketing Service, marketing AJCA-NAJ programs and services to potential customers and promotion of the Jersey breed and Jersey milk to dairy producers or other dairy industry support organizations.

His territory is comprised of Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.

Benny is a familiar face to many in the Jersey community. After studying dairy science at the University of Misssouri-Columbia, Benny owned and operated Rector Jersey Farm in Mountain Grove, Mo., for nearly 20 years.

Since dispersing the Rector Jersey Farm herd, his career path has allowed him to become familiar with the management programs and services of USJersey as they aided him in roles as dairy and marketing managers for prominent Jersey herds.

He has served as a dairy manager for Jersey farms across the country including Brentwood Farms, Orland, Calif.; D&E Jerseys, Hilmar, Calif.; Full Circle Dairy, Dalhart, Texas; and Epic Dairy, Hartley, Texas; handling daily herd management, employee supervision and record keeping.

He has also acted as a director of marketing for Avi-Lanche Jerseys, Dalhart, Texas, a consultant for Mills Jerseys, Fallon, Nev., an animal control officer for the City of Dalhart and a district sales representative for Accelerated Genetics.

Benny is a former president of the California Jersey Breeders Association, a former director of the American Jersey Cattle Association and a member of National Dairy Shrine.

He and his wife, Janice, reside in Rogersville, Mo. Benny can be reached at 614.313.5818 or brector@usjersey.com.

 

 

Gioiello and Krahn Join USJersey Communications Team

Executive Secretary Neal Smith recently announced two new part-time staffing updates for the USJersey Communications Department.

Joining the team on February 27, 2023, are Jolena Gioiello of Columbus, Ohio, and Gracie Krahn, Madison, Wis. Both positions will focus on the digital media platforms of the USJersey organizations.

Jolena is an August 2022 Cum Laude graduate of Ohio State University with a bachelors in communications. She has been employed as a marketing assistant with InnTown Homes and Apartments working with the company’s social media marketing. While at Ohio State she worked for PRactice as an account associate. Her focus was on public relations with clients and reaching out to media outlets to build publicity for the clients. She has also interned with L.A. Style Magazine creating content for the magazine’s Instagram account.

Gracie Krahn is a junior at the University of Madison-Wisconsin, studying Life Sciences Communications and Political Science.

Krahn served as the 2019 National Jersey Queen, alumni of Jersey Youth Academy and former second place winner in the National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest.

Gracie has vast experience with the Jersey breed and social media strategies through her various activities as National Jersey Queen and the Oregon Dairy Princess Ambassador. She is currently serving as an events assistant intern with the Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association. She is an American FFA Degree recipient and has won numerous public speaking contests through FFA.

She and her family own Royal Riverside Farm in Albany, Ore.

For more career opportunities with the organization visit the USJersey website.