 |
|
|
|
|
DeMents Jerseys is a family farm that has been milking and breeding Registered Jerseys since 1955. Three generations of the DeMent family operate the farm - Don and Shirley DeMent and the families of their children: Rhonda and the late Steve Baum and their daughters, Rachel and Janell; Scott and Nancy Baum; and Ted and Cheryl DeMent. All work together to farm the 120-acre farm and care for the 80 head of cattle. A HUMBLE START DeMent Jerseys, which is located in Kenney, Illinois, has grown from humble beginnings. Don purchased his first Jersey at auction in 1947 for $67.50 and housed this heifer and a few other calves in his parents' garage. The herd quickly outgrew the accommodations and, in 1951, Don's parents purchased the farm that would become DeMents Jerseys.
But the dream of DeMents Jerseys wasn't Don's alone. In 1955, he married Illinois Jersey Princess, Shirley Smith, whose parents and grandparents milked Jerseys. With their union, DeMents Jerseys got its official start as the couple's combined 20 milking Registered Jerseys. Fifty years later, the herd stands at 40 milking head. DeMent Jerseys is enrolled on the American Jersey Cattle Association's (AJCA) REAP program. The herd is milked twice a day and housed in a 40-cow tie stall barn. In the spring and summer months, cows are grazed. In the winter, they are fed alfalfa hay and a complete grain ration. Calves are raised in a well-ventilated barn and older heifers in free stalls. ACCOMPLISHED BREEDING Over the years, the DeMent family has worked with and developed many outstanding Jersey cattle. After the June 2008 herd appraisal, DeMents Jerseys has an average appraisal of 88.1% and is home to 16 Excellent and 20 Very Good cows. The highest appraised cow is Stonecrest Prince Carlissa, Excellent-94%. Two other cows - DeMents Zukor Niola and DeMents Jade Dawn - are appraised Excellent-93%. In December 2004, the rolling herd average stood at 14,440 lbs. milk, 595 lbs. fat and 474 lbs. protein. The DeMents have attended the Illinois State Fair every year since 1948. As well, they are routine exhibitors at local county fairs, World Dairy Expo and The All American Jersey Show. This summer, DeMents exhibited three class winners at the Illinois State Fair and took home top honors in the group classes for senior best three females and breeders herd. For the second year in a row, the family exhibited the futurity winner and earned the prestigious Premier Breeder banner. The DeMents are also active participants in the sale arena, having consigned animals to leading sales such as the Illinois Invitational Sale, the Kentucky National Sale, the Top of the World Sale and The All American Jersey Sale. DAIRY INDUSTRY SERVICE Above all, the Dements are tireless promoters of the Jersey cow. When it comes to devoting time, talent and funds, few can match the contributions the family has made to the dairy industry over the years. Don has held every office of the Illinois Jersey Cattle Club and was a director for more than 30 years. Currently, Ted is the organization's vice president. Cheryl is the editor of the club's publication, The Illinois Jersey Journal. Ted has served on the AJCA Type Advisory Committee since 2003 and was an appraiser for the association for six years. The DeMents have long been committed to The All American Jersey Show. Don served on the Open Show Committee for many years and Ted followed in his footsteps, as a member of the committee from 1999-2003 and committee chair in his final year. Shirley, Cheryl and Rhonda have all served on the National Jersey Jug Futurity Committee and Rhonda has been a member of the Junior Show Committee. The All American open show's milking yearling trophy is sponsored by the DeMent Family and Jordan Jerseys.
Because of their keen eye for good cattle, the DeMents have been called upon to officiate many Jersey shows. Don has judged local, state and international shows, including a show in Argentina in 1995. Ted judged The All American Jersey Show in 2000, the Western National in 2001 and the National Jersey Jug Futurity in 2002. Such service has earned the family respect from their peers. In 2005, the AJCA recognized Ted and Cheryl with a Young Jersey Breeder Award. In 2003, Don was the
recipient of the Land of Lincoln Purebred Livestock Breeders' Award. This
past December,
he was
honored with the PDCA Master Breeder Award. |
|
|
DeMents Jerseys >HOME >FAVORITES >DOREEN >HONEY >WOOD BURNING >CONTACT US |
||
