Gregory M. Lavan, Gambier, Ohio, has been named an Area Representative for the American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc., effective December 1, 2012.

Lavan will provide on-farm service in Ohio, and also travel nationwide as an evaluator for the AJCA Linear Type Traits Appraisal program.

"Greg brings more than 20 years of experience as a Jersey dairyman and breeder and first-hand knowledge about the programs and services of the USJersey organizations," said Neal Smith, Executive Secretary and CEO. "His cowside knowledge and marketing experience will be valuable in serving the varied needs of our customers in Ohio."

With his wife Kendra, Lavan established Rosevale Jerseys in 1991 after completing a B.S. degree in dairy science at The Ohio State University and working four years at Buttercrest Jerseys, Croton, Ohio. Starting with 20 cows in a 42-cow tie stall barn, the herd was expanded to 50 cows enrolled on the AJCA REAP program with several bulls placed into A.I. sampling programs.

Since January of 2012, Lavan has worked as an AJCA linear type evaluator while maintaining the dairy operation until its sale in the spring. He was a recipient of the AJCA Young Jersey Breeder Award in 2000.

The American Jersey Cattle Association, organized in 1868, compiles and maintains animal identification and performance data on Jersey cattle and provides services that support genetic improvement and greater profitability through increasing the value of and demand for Registered Jersey™ cattle and genetics, and Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on the association's complete line of services for dairy business owners, visit the website at www.USJersey.com or follow the news feed at facebook.com/USJersey.

12.11.12