Youth Corner
Get Involved: National Jersey Youth Programs
The American Jersey Cattle Association has sponsored educational programs and activities for young people interested in the Jersey breed since 1917. When youth become Junior Members of the AJCA, they have the same registration privileges as Lifetime Members until 21 years of age, and also the incentives of a comprehensive program leading to national recognition for their achievements with Jersey cattle.
An expanded Jersey youth program was implemented in 1958, funded by 10% of consignor proceeds from the annual National Heifer Sale. The association also manages scholarship and activity funds providing financial support for a wide range of educational experiences for Jersey youth, including Jersey Youth Academy.
Scholarships funded from permanent endowments managed by the AJCA are awarded each year. Application deadlines are July 1 for most scholarships offered.
The National Jersey Youth Achievement Contest was created in 1957. It honors outstanding achievement in four areas: work with Registered JerseysTM, related dairy activities, relative progress, and future goals.
The National Jersey Youth Production Contest is open to all Jersey juniors in the United States. Entry deadline is March 1 annually.
The educational Pot O’Gold Sale and Production Contest is held annually in conjunction with The All American Junior Jersey Show.
Class X will be held July 2027 in Columbus. An intensive educational program focused on the Jersey cow and the various elements of the Jersey dairy business.
Awards will be made for two paid internships, one with Jersey Marketing Service, Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and the other an on-farm, customized experience on a Jersey dairy operation.
The National Jersey Queen Contest is open to any female member of the American Jersey Cattle Association (Junior or Lifetime) who is not younger than 16 years of age and not older than 22 as of January 1, 2026.
If you are under the age of 21 and own at least one Registered JerseyTM, you are invited to become a Junior Member. There are no membership fees or dues.
As adopted March 2026 by the AJCA Board of Directors. Read carefully and comply with these rules.