The award is given in memory of Arthur B. Klussendorf, who was considered an outstanding showman of his time and a model for all those who have followed him. This year’s selection was made by members of the Klussendorf Memorial Association, formed in 1937, at its annual meeting held earlier this week in Madison, Wis. Core received the silver trophy designed by Tiffany Jewelers of New York City.Jeff Core of Salvisa, Ky., was presented the 79th Klussendorf Award, the highest recognition given to a dairy cattle showman in the United States during the 54th World Dairy Expo. Core embodies every great quality of a great dairyman.
Born and raised on an Iowa Jersey farm, Core traveled to Kentucky four decades ago to see some of the best Jersey farms in the world. It was on that trip that he met his wife, and they went to create the Keightley and Core Jersey Farm.
Throughout the years, this dairyman and his wife have bred and exhibited multiple National Champions, placed bulls in A.I. studs, and have bred production award winners. The farm has been a regular exhibitor at both World Dairy Expo and the All American Jersey Show.
Not only has the 79th Klussendorf winner worked to build an excellent herd of Jersey cattle, but Core has judged both nationally and internationally including serving as the associate judge at the 2019 International Brown Swiss Show; as associate judge of the 2004 All American Jersey Show; and as an official judge at shows in both Canada and Mexico.
The Klussendorf Award was developed to recognize those who exemplify a person with great character, sportsmanship, ability, and endeavor to dairy cattle shows. There is no more dedicated individual to caring for and exhibiting Jersey cattle than Jeff Core. In addition to these great attributes, Core is a loyal friend to many in the industry and he is always willing to lend advice and help to anyone who takes an interest in the industry.
Jeff Core joined his wife, Alta Mae, as the first husband-wife duo to receive the Klussendorf Award. Alta Mae Core won the same honor in 1999.
Hoard’s at Expo is sponsored by Agri-Plastics Group of Companies
The author is the managing editor, and he brings over 23 years of industry leadership to our readers overseeing all editorial content and production of the magazine. His degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison combined dairy science and agricultural economics.