The Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has named six recipients of the Young Jersey Breeder Award for 2025. They are Brady Core, Salvisa, Ky.; Ryan Haines, Taneytown, Md.; William and Meagan Grammer, Fremont, Ohio; Kristin Killgore and Matthew Hogan, Tillamook, Ore.; Andy and Valerie Mason, Chestertown, Md.; and Jessica Stiles Hess, Boonsboro, Md.
The first Young Jersey Breeder Awards were presented in 1976. Since then, 320 producers have received this award, including this year’s recipients.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples younger than the age of 40 on January 1 of the year nominated who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in AJCA and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) programs, and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations. The honorees will be recognized at the Young Jersey Breeders Banquet to be held in conjunction with the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Lexington, Ky., on June 25, 2025.
Brady and Shelby Core
Brady Core
Brady Core has his eyes set on creating a sustainable future for the generations that follow him at Keightley & Core Jerseys. Brady continues to embrace the family farm’s mission of producing high-component milk while breeding top-tier Registered Jerseys with the prefix KCJF.
Core’s herd of 40 Jerseys is managed with the 190 cows at Keightley & Core in Salvisa. His cows average around 16,000 lbs. milk, 805 lbs. fat, and 616 lbs. protein. These leading ladies also have an average appraisal score of Excellent-90% as of January 2025.
“Among Brady’s key accomplishments is his focus on genetic improvement and herd management,” wrote nominator Pearl Hamlin also of Salvisa, Ky. “Under his guidance, the farm has adopted cutting edge technologies to optimize herd performance and innovation to improve animal comfort and labor efficiency.”
The Keightley & Core herd is enrolled in REAP and frequently advertises in the Jersey Journal. To further emphasize his dedication to the future of the Jersey breed, Core served on the AJCA Type Committee from 2019 until 2024.
In his application, he wrote, “We focus on maternal cow families and proven sires, ensuring each breeding decision is backed by data and observation; I prefer to use bulls with proven records.”
KCJF is well known in show rings around the world. Core and his family have claimed the Premier Breeder award seven times and Premier Exhibitor accolades twice at the All American Jersey Show. They have bred one National Grand Champion and three National Jersey Jug Futurity Winners and exhibited three cows that have earned each of those titles as well.
Through expanding the farm’s in vitro fertilization program, Core has been able to more quickly advance the herd’s genetics. He has placed two bulls in A.I. with another two promised in the near future and marketed numerous females privately and through consignment sales.
“These achievements not only reflect the quality of our breeding program, but also our commitment to creating genetics that benefit the Jersey breed as a whole,” said Core.
In a letter of support, Select Sires’ Jersey development manager, Herby Lutz of Chester, S.C., penned, “Brady never wavered on his desire to be a dairy farmer milking Jersey cows… The cows have truly excelled under his guidance while maintaining an off-farm job in the dairy industry.”
Core would like to develop a comprehensive succession plan, expand the farm’s freezer beef program and improve forage capabilities. He is also considering renewable energy solutions, automated milking systems and agritourism opportunities.
In conclusion, Core wrote, “Breeding exceptional animals, managing innovative programs and maintaining our farm’s reputation for excellence are not just goals—they are my way of honoring the legacy my family has built. I am committed to continuing this tradition while also forging new paths that strengthen our industry.”
Core and his wife, Shelby, have two young children: Asa and Adelene.
Billy and Meagan Grammer with their daughter, Nora.
William and Meagan Grammer
William “Billy” and Meagan Grammer each grew up on Registered Jersey farms in Ohio. Years later, they are making their own impact on the industry by milking 45 cows in Fremont, Ohio, with their young daughter, Nora, at Grammer-Time Jerseys.
The couple met at The Ohio State University–Agricultural Technical Institute and after bonding over their passion for the Jersey cow, decided to make things official by purchasing their first heifer together at the 2012 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meeting in New Hampshire. This heifer, along with other key purchases and foundation animals from their families’ original herds, have become cornerstones of their current breeding program.
“Our primary focus in our herd is functional type and pedigrees,” the Grammers wrote in their application. All cows must maintain a 60-pound average milk test to remain in the herd. Their current rolling herd average on 48 cows is 18,648 lbs. milk, 856 lbs. fat and 690 lbs. protein. Not only do their cows put in the work, they appraise well too with an average final score of Very Good-87.5%.
Billy and Meagan enjoy competing in the showring, most recently at the state and national level. They have shown three Reserve All Americans, one of them bred and owned. This is in addition to numerous champion laurels and other class winners at shows in Ohio.
“Billy and Meagan’s passion for breeding profitable Jersey cattle and for showcasing them on a national level is evident in their numerous accolades and accomplishments,” wrote James Herron of Cold Run Jerseys, Salem, Ohio. “I am proud to recommend them for the AJCA’s Young Jersey Breeder Award.”
Billy and Meagan are alumni of Jersey Youth Academy. They also served as the junior committee chairs for the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings hosted by Ohio Jersey breeders. The Grammers have their herd enrolled in the REAP program.
As a youth, Meagan was the Jersey Marketing Service intern through the Fred Stout Experience. Billy purchased multiple animals from the Pot O’Gold Sale during his junior career, many of which have descendants in their current herd.
In addition to farming full time, Meagan and Billy each hold off-farm jobs. Meagan is the district program administrator for Sandusky Soil and Water Conservation District and Billy is a package driver for UPS.
“The Jersey cow brought us together and every day revolves around the Jersey cow,” wrote the Grammers in their application. “Together we have built a life and milk cattle that we are proud of—our passion runs deep for this breed and industry. We will continue to develop cow families, improve production and hopefully land in the winner’s circle someday.”
Most importantly, Billy and Meagan cannot wait to share their passion with Nora and watch her love for the Jersey breed develop.
Ryan Haines
Ryan Haines
Ryan Haines was born and raised on Locust-Ayr Farm in Taneytown, Md., where he and his family still farm today. At 14-years-old, Haines purchased his first Jersey calf to add to the primarily Holstein herd, after being inspired by—and maybe a bit jealous of—his older brother. From here, Jersey numbers have grown within the herd.
After graduating from Virginia Polytechnic State University in 2009, Haines returned to the farm, where he focuses on modernizing the operation and elevating the marketability of their genetics. Haines and his brother have invested in proven cow families to improve their genetics, which is especially important as they sell 10-15 calves each year as show prospects.
“Ryan’s passion for showing cattle is evidenced through the time he prepares show heifers for both sales and the showring,” explained Tom Arrowsmith of Hillacres Jerseys in Peach Bottom, Pa. “Year after year, he sells heifers that go on to impress at the shows throughout the summer and into the fall.”
Today’s herd consists of 30 Registered Jerseys and 10 Holsteins. In addition to the milk cows, the Haines family manages 500 acres of farmland, which has grown quality crops to support an actual rolling herd average of 15,069 lbs. milk, 774 lbs. fat, and 565 lbs. protein on 31 cows. The herd is enrolled in REAP.
Haines is deeply involved in Maryland’s dairy community. He serves as treasurer of the Maryland Jersey Cattle Club, vice president of the Maryland Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, and is active in 4-H programs.
In a letter of support, Elizabeth Bosley, Westminster, Md., credits Haines with having helped develop numerous youth who are strong willed, with excellent work ethics and the constant drive to be better people than they were the day prior.
Haines is passionate about supporting the future of the dairy industry, which is obvious with his involvement in various organizations. He helps organize the annual Maryland All-Breed Field Day Show and is a member of the planning committee for the Show Like A Pro dairy workshop—a two-day workshop which teaches 75-year about preparing dairy heifers for the show ring. Haines also leases animals to young people interested in showing dairy cattle.
An active dairy judge himself, Haines has placed various fairs and other shows across Maryland and Pennsylvania. He uses these skills and abilities to coach the Carroll County dairy judging team, the largest dairy judging program in Maryland.
A highlight in 2025 for Haines will be escorting his Carrol County dairy judging team to compete in the International Dairy Judging Contest at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland, this summer.
Kristin (Hogan) Killgore and Matt Hogan, center, with their parents, Rita and Dave, second and third left, at The All American Jersey Show.
Kristin Killgore and Matt Hogan
When the sister-brother duo of Kristin (Hogan) Killgore and Matt Hogan were growing up, they lived and breathed dairy farming. In fact, many days they could be found playing “farmer and bull” in the dining room. Those memories and lessons learned on Misty Meadow Dairy in Tillamook, Ore., ignited the siblings’ passion for dairy farming and led them to their active roles on the farm today.
“From an early age, I knew I wanted to follow in my father’s footsteps as a dairyman,” wrote Matt in his application.
Today, he is responsible for the herd’s breeding and genetics program along with calf care on the 3,500-cow Registered Jersey farm. Kristin leads the show animal efforts and marketing, while their sister, Becky, oversees the farm’s financial and administrative responsibilities.
The duo’s parents, Dave and Rita Hogan, instilled in them the importance of being involved in agriculture organizations at a young age. Both participated in 4-H and FFA and exhibited animals at the Tillamook County Fair. Those moments were especially impactful for Killgore, igniting her passion for showing and working with Jerseys. Today, both Matt and Kristin hold leadership roles and volunteer for various agricultural and local organizations.
Kristin attended Oregon State University where she met her husband, Ryan. She was active in a multitude of organizations but is most proud of being named the high individual in the 2007 Intercollegiate Dairy Judging Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Ky. Kristin also served as the 2008 National Jersey Queen.
Matt graduated from Linn Benton Community College and then returned to the farm full time. In his genetic-focused role, Matt aims to breed Registered Jerseys that excel both in milk production and conformation.
Those efforts have paid dividends. As of January 1, the Misty Meadow herd had a rolling herd average of 18,115 lbs. milk, 1,036 lbs. fat and 686 lbs. protein. Their cattle are enrolled in the REAP program.
The Misty Meadow prefix “MM” is also gaining recognition in the show circuit. Animals they have exhibited or bred have claimed a multitude of blue and purple ribbons in recent years. In 2024, they brought home the Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor banners from the All American Jersey Show and the International Jersey Show.
“Our goal at Misty Meadow Dairy is to continue growing as a sustainable, family-centered farm while promoting the Jersey breed and giving back to the agricultural community,” wrote Killgore in her application.
“As young dairy farmers, we are committed to upholding the values our parents instilled in us—integrity, hard work and care for both our animal sand the people we serve.”
This sibling duo and the rest of the Hogan family are just beginning to make their mark on the Registered Jersey breed. One thing though is for certain, Kristin and Matt are committed to growing Misty Meadow Dairy, preserving the family legacy, and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in dairy farming.
Valorie and Andy Mason with their children, Margrit, Gladys and Abel. Photo courtesy Andrea Haines.
Andy and Valerie Mason
Andy and Valerie Mason’s love story began while attending Cornell University, where they both majored in animal science. One of their first conversations included a discussion about her family not having Jerseys. At that point, Andy was already extremely passionate about the Jersey breed.
Andy grew up on a Holstein farm that eventually started to have representatives of all breeds because he and his siblings had various 4-H projects. As a youth, he traveled to Europe as a member of the winning national dairy judging team in this country. Valerie’s family still milks Holsteins in Mexico, N.Y., which is where she developed her passion for dairy cattle.
Today, the Masons milk 800 Registered Jerseys, along with another 50 cows of various breeds on Fawnwood Farm. All carry the MFW prefix.
During college, Andy was not certain what his future looked like. However, after interning at Yosemite Jersey Dairy in Hilmar, Calif., he knew exactly where he wanted to go—back to his family’s farm to develop it into a large, progressive Jersey dairy.
In 2011, Valerie moved to Maryland and slowly eased into working full time on the farm with Andy and his parents. The family built a new parlor and freestall barn in 2012, which allowed them to expand the herd size from 80 to the current size of 850 milking cows. The Masons also farm 1,600 acres and started a trucking entity to haul their own milk. Recently they also expanded into harvesting their own crops.
“I attribute a lot of the growth of our herd to the efficiency of Jerseys,” wrote Andy in their application. “They easily outperform our other breeds in reproduction as well as productive life.”
Their Jerseys currently boast a rolling herd average of 19,742 lbs. milk, 980 lbs. fat and 703 lbs. protein on 826 cows. Over the years, Andy and Valerie have focused on using a high percentage of genomic sires and have sold multiple high genomic heifers and bulls privately and in various consignment sales.
The Fawnwood herd is enrolled in REAP and advertises in the Jersey Journal.
In a letter of support, Katie Epstein, senior vice president of ag lending at Horizon Farm Credit, wrote, “It is due to breeders like Andy and Valerie that the Jersey breed finds continued success and popularity. Not only are they passionate about Jersey cattle, but they have shown commitment through their herd growth, improvements in both production and type and have a willingness to step up and lead at both local and national levels.”
Andy serves as a corporate director for Land O’Lakes and sits on the board of the National Milk Producers Federation. Valerie is on the board for the Kent Agricultural Center.
In the future, the Masons hope to pass their love for agriculture and the Jersey cow on to their three children: Margrit, Abel and Gladys.
Jessica and JR Hess with their children, Luke and Cole.
Jessica Stiles Hess
Jessica Stiles Hess was gifted her first Jersey calf from her parents before she could even walk. Years later, she is continuing the legacy that Janet and the late Tracy Stiles created with their Registered Jersey herd, Shenandoah Jerseys in Boonsboro, Md.
As a youth, Hess’ parents helped her purchase animals to expand her herd, including animals from the Pot O’Gold Sale. Hess exhibited the 1998 Junior National Reserve Grand Champion, Hedgebrook B Lad Marie, Excellent-94%. Her legacy continues in Hess’ herd. She even gifted a direct descendent to her son, Cole, to begin his herd.
When Hess was a freshman in high school, her father passed away from cancer. Hess and her mother, Janet, forged forward and kept the farm thriving despite the loss. They continued improving and expanding the facilities and built a new parlor when Hess started studying at Virginia Tech.
She graduated with a degree in dairy science and capitalized on all the opportunities available to her, including the dairy club. After these experiences, it solidified the fact that the only place she wanted to be was on her family’s farm.
Today, the Shenandoah herd is milked with the DeLaval VMS robotic milking system. They were able to retrofit their freestall barn and parlor to make the system work in their current facilities. At the same time, they also installed an automatic calf feeder to further increase efficiencies. To make the farm more sustainable, they took advantage of grants and installed solar panels on the freestall barn.
The REAP herd has an actual rolling herd average of 24,045 lbs. milk, 1,102 lbs. fat and 931 lbs. protein on 99 cows as of September 2024.
Renée Norman-Kenny complimented Hess for being a “forward thinker who has embraced cutting-edge technology to improve her farm’s efficiency and adaptability” in a letter of support.
When talking about her breeding strategies, Hess wrote, “I have always tried to follow the model set by my parents: a good quality milk cow.” She concentrates on developing cows with ideal teat placement and size, along with desirable udder depth and good feet and legs. It is also important they focus on maintaining components.
Hess and her husband, JR, became majority owners of the farm in 2022. With that, they knew that they needed to start planning early to set up their two young sons, Cole and Luke, for success if they wish to farm in the future. They have purchased two additional farms to help expand their land base to increase the odds of that happening.
It will be exciting to watch what technologies and advancements Hess and her family make in the coming years. While there is much uncertainty in the dairy industry today, Hess is certain of one thing. To conclude her application, she wrote, “I don’t know what’s ahead for Shenandoah Jerseys, but I know that as long as I’m here, there will be Jersey cows.”
