Megan Hettinga from Orange City was recognized this week by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA), as one of the class members for the sixth Jersey Youth Academy, July 14 to 19 in Columbus, Ohio.
“The 36 young people from 17 states selected for this class exemplify the many talented, interested Jersey youth across the United States that our organization wants to encourage to pursue careers in the Jersey dairy business,” according to Jonathan Merriam, President of the American Jersey Cattle Association.
“Continuing the impact of the national Jersey youth programs offered by the association,” he continued, “the Jersey Youth Academy is an intensive educational program focused specifically on the Jersey cow and the many elements of the Jersey dairy business. Academy challenges participants to understand the long history and current growth of the Jersey breed in this country and shows them the opportunities and challenges of the dairy business in the future.”
Hettinga attends South Dakota State University. Selection was based on merit, motivation and preparation for the program as reflected in the written application and goal statement.
Presenters will include representatives of key support agencies and allied industry. The roup will also meet and interact with leaders from the Jersey community to gain their unique insights about the future of the dairy business with a specific focus on the Jersey cow.