Congratulations to Brian Bohnert of East Moline, Ill., for receiving one of six Young Jersey Breeder Awards given by the American Jersey Cattle Association.
The Young Jersey Breeder Award is presented to individuals or couples who are at least 28 years old and under 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 programs of the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., and leadership in Jersey and other dairy and agriculture organizations.
Brian has grown a two animal purchase into a 320-cow dairy that he operates with his parents, Jim and Wanda, and brother, Scott. The 2011 AJCA lactation average on 262 lactations was 21,404 lbs. milk, 1,081 lbs. fat and 819 lbs. protein, the equivalent of 2,799 lbs. cheese. Currently, seven cows in the herd rank on the Top 1.5% traditional Jersey Performance Index™ list.
Brian has sold eight bulls into A.I., and has utilized young sire programs. Using 25% young sires has enabled the Bohnert herd to have many first-crop daughters from prominent sires.
“Because of his youth development experiences and the many opportunities he received, Brian believes in the importance to ‘give back’ and help others,” said Dave Fischer, Extension Dairy Educator for the University of Illinois in a letter of support. “He eagerly contributes his time and his cattle to be used in 4-H and youth dairy judging contests. He conducts on-farm tours to help the general public better understand the dairy industry, and he volunteers his time to various organizations, both locally and statewide.”