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Jed and Laura Barnes, Mount Upton, N.Y., were recognized with the 2023 Young Jersey Breeder Award by The American Jersey Cattle Association on June 21 in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.
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 family’s love for the breed is thanks to Jed’s connection to Jerseys in his early years. After graduating from Cornell, Jed moved to Idaho to work for a commercial site with both Jerseys and Holsteins. This experience led him to believe Jerseys will always be a profitable breed. In 2010 the couple made the move to New York and opened CoBar Dairy, LCC. This is a 700-cow farm with 500 young stock. About 30% of the herd is made up of Registered Jerseys.
Two years ago, the family joined REAP to help manage their genetic progress within the herd. They use it to track genetics and see what traits they should be focusing on to create the best product. The family focuses on a strict beef-on-dairy strategy for the best results. They look for sires that create animals that produce high volumes of milk. High fertility and production is what maintains a profitable herd. After looking at the herd’s numbers, it is clear that this strategy is working. There is a rolling average of over 18,600 lbs. milk with 979 lbs. fat and 680 lbs. protein based on 178 cows.
There is no argument against saying this is a family business. The Barnes children all have an interest in the animals, specifically in the show ring. Laura also has a hand in the show ring by making mating decisions. Like the breeding decisions made for production, history will also prove the success of these mating decisions. The family has won multiple Junior and Reserve Junior Champion ribbons.
When he is not busy with farm chores or making breeding decisions, Jed is taking part in the Jersey community in other ways. He is a board member of the Delaware County Jersey Club and active with the New York Jersey Cattle Club. He helps the next generation find quality Jerseys to show and breed by also being a part of the State Sale Committee.
The American Jersey Cattle Association was organized in 1868 to improve and promote the Jersey breed. Since 1957, National All-Jersey Inc. has served Jersey owners by promoting the increased production and sale of Jersey milk and milk products. For more information on its programs and services, visit www.USJersey.com or call 614/861-3636.
