The Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award is presented to an individual, aged 18-30 (on Jan. 1 of the award year), who exemplifies the qualities that Richard is remembered for. Nominators submit the nominee for consideration, providing details about the traits the nominee shares with the late Richard Caverly and citing examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities.
Katie Shultz, the inaugural winner of the Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award, maintains a small herd of Ayrshires and Milking Shorthorns with her partner, Dr. Jeffrey McKissick. She does not discriminate against breeds, having also owned Brown Swiss, Guernseys, Red & Whites, and Holsteins. Shultz has already compiled 32 Junior and Open All American nominations, and she showed her first Ayrshire at World Dairy Expo in 2014. In the 10 years since, she has worked as a cattle fitter doing sales, shows, and barn clipping. Shultz was mentored by Micheal Heath, learning much about breeding, developing, and showing the great ones while still maintaining integrity within the industry. She now works for Cowbuyer doing internet marketing, working with herds across the country. Katie lives in Chambersburg, Penn. with her fiancée, Brian Reichard, and their son Brock.
One nominator detailed Katie’s extensive knowledge of pedigrees and keen memory for where, when and how much cattle sold for, and who owns them now. It was noted that she shares Caverly’s strong belief that Ayrshire breeders need to be using genomic testing. All Ayrshire cattle that Shultz works with are genomic tested to add to the breed’s database while making sound breeding decisions. Another nominator said of Schultz, “Katie is a strong advocate for youth development in the dairy industry. She regularly hosts fitting clinics for young people, believing that it is crucial for them to gain the experience and confidence needed to fit their own cattle. Katie is committed to giving youth the opportunity to participate in shows, often taking them along and guiding them through the process. She provides hands-on instruction, allowing the kids to learn by doing, while always being available to offer support and answer questions.” Katie’s greatest contribution may be through one-on-one mentoring. She is currently working with Hannah Gingerich. Hannah traveled to World Dairy Expo and NAILE with her heifer to exhibit and learn, then joined the team as a paid member, traveling to the Western Spring National in Utah and the Maryland State Fair. Katie is teaching Hannah clipping techniques, bagging schedules, trouble shooting and more so that she is confident on her own. These traits and examples demonstrate why Katie Schultz is perfectly suited for this recognition. She is a breeder, caretaker, fitter, partner and mentor, and a promoter and advocate for the dairy industry.
Recipients of the Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award become the caretaker of a beautiful traveling trophy – a wooden carving of Glenamore Gold Prize EX-97-6E, created and donated by Scott Hussey, a close friend of Caverly. “Prize” was a five-time Grand Champion at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada. Richard worked with an extensive number of award-winning bovines during his career, but when asked to declare his favorite he would respond “Prize” without hesitation. Caverly award recipients also receive a commemorative plaque and embroidered item of their choice.
The 2024 Richard Caverly Memorial Award will be presented to Katie Shultz on Thursday, October 3 at 10 a.m. during World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, in front of the iconic globe near the Coliseum. In case of inclement weather, the presentation will move to the World Dairy Expo Media Room in New Holland Pavilion 1.
The Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Fund (RCMDF) was created as a way for family, friends and acquaintances of Richard to continue his memory. This Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award will be presented annually. The fund may also support youth activities to continue Richard's legacy of helping dairy youth. Individuals interested in donating to the fund can find details by visiting the RCMDF Facebook page or contacting Committee Chair, Jim Strout.
