Ohio Couple Honored as 2025 Young Jersey Breeders

The Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has named William “Billy” and Meagan Grammer of Fremont, Ohio, among the seven recipients of the 2025 Young Jersey Breeder Award. This honor recognizes individuals or couples under the age of 40 who have demonstrated exceptional skill in dairy farming, breeding Jersey cattle, participating in AJCA and National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) programs, and showing leadership within the Jersey and broader agricultural community.

The Young Jersey Breeder Awards were presented at the Young Jersey Breeders Banquet during the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Lexington, Ky., on June 25, 2025. Since its inception in 1976, 320 producers have received this award, including this year’s honorees.

Billy and Meagan each grew up on Registered Jersey farms in Ohio. After meeting at The Ohio State University–Agricultural Technical Institute, their shared passion for the Jersey breed led to their first joint purchase—a heifer bought at the 2012 AJCA-NAJ Annual Meeting in New Hampshire. This animal, along with foundation cows from their families’ herds and other strategic purchases, has shaped the breeding program at their farm, Grammer-Time Jerseys, where they milk 45 cows alongside their young daughter, Nora.

The Grammers prioritize functional type and pedigrees, while also demanding strong production. All cows must maintain at least a 60-pound average daily milk test to remain in the herd. Their rolling herd average on 48 cows is 18,648 lbs. milk, 856 lbs. fat, and 690 lbs. protein, with an average appraisal score of Very Good-87.5%.

In addition to producing quality milk, the Grammers are competitive in the show ring. They have exhibited three Reserve All Americans—one bred and owned—along with numerous champions and class winners at both the state and national level.

“Billy and Meagan’s passion for breeding profitable Jersey cattle and for showcasing them on a national level is evident in their numerous accolades and accomplishments,” wrote nominator James Herron of Cold Run Jerseys, Salem, Ohio. “I am proud to recommend them for the AJCA’s Young Jersey Breeder Award.”

Both Billy and Meagan are alumni of Jersey Youth Academy and have served the industry in various roles, including as junior committee chairs for the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings hosted by Ohio breeders. Their herd is enrolled in the REAP program, and they each bring unique youth program experiences—Meagan as a Jersey Marketing Service intern through the Fred Stout Experience, and Billy as a past Pot O’Gold Sale buyer whose purchases still influence their herd’s genetics today.

Outside the farm, Meagan serves as district program administrator for Sandusky Soil and Water Conservation District, and Billy works as a UPS package driver.

“The Jersey cow brought us together and every day revolves around the Jersey cow,” the Grammers wrote in their application. “Together we have built a life and milk cattle that we are proud of—our passion runs deep for this breed and industry. We will continue to develop cow families, improve production and hopefully land in the winner’s circle someday.”

For Billy and Meagan, the most rewarding part of their work is sharing their love for Jerseys with their daughter, Nora, and watching her interest in the breed grow.