Congratulations to Kevin and Cari Knapp of Larchwood, Iowa for receiving the 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.
The Knapps are the perfect example of what can happen when city meets country. Kevin worked with and owned dairy cattle off and on until he met Cari, who managed a 320-cow dairy herd. Cari received her bachelor’s degree in dairy science from South Dakota State University. When the couple married in 2002, they blended their knowledge and experiences to expand their herd to 50 cows.
“Kevin and Cari have a very strong interest in the genetic development of their herd and have the results to show that it is working,” said Eric Lyon, Lyon Jerseys, Toledo, Iowa, in a letter supporting their nomination. Today’s herd consists of 95 cows in milk with a 2010 AJCA lactation average of 19,202 lbs. milk, 928 lbs. fat, 673 lbs. protein with 2,313 lbs. cheese yield per cow. The couple has set a goal for their REAP herd to be at 20,000 lbs. milk with 5.0% fat and 4.0% protein.
As for the future of Knapp Time Dairy, Kevin and Cari have considered different avenues offered by being a Registered Jersey™ farm, including bottling their own milk under the All-Jersey® label. Kevin and Cari also hope to instill the same love and excitement they have for Jerseys into their five children, as they feel there is no better way to raise a family and teach valuable life lessons than on a Jersey dairy farm.