REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio —David and Beth Ertl, Edison, Ohio, received one of six Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association in ceremonies during the association’s annual meetings in Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Young breeder
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples between 28 and 40, who merit recognition for their expertise in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participation in programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
How they met?
David and Beth met at the Ohio State Fair in 2000 and bonded through their love for the Jersey breed. A month after taking their marriage vows in 2004, David accepted a position as manager for a 200-head commercial dairy operation in northern Ohio and after a year, incorporated their Jersey herd into the farm.
His knowledge of the breed eventually influenced the farm owner to change his breeding and soon they were using only high JPI Registered Jersey sires.
Partnership
In 2009, David and Beth entered into a partnership with the farm’s owner and have increased their Jersey cattle holdings to 295 head, of which 170 are in milk.
The 2010 AJCA lactation average on 134 lactations was 20,512 pounds milk, 1,027 pounds fat and 745 pounds protein with a cheese yield of 2,560 pounds.
David and Beth’s herd ranks among the top 25 percent herds in the U.S. for herd average Jersey Performance Index (JPI).
During the past year, six bulls, representing four different cow families, were sent to A.I.
Many other Jersey breeders from across the country were recognized for their accomplishments as well.
