A day in the life of dairy farmers Turn to Second Section, pages 13 - 18!
DAIRY ST R “All dairy, all the time”™
Volume 24, No. 12
August 13, 2022
Celebrating a lifelong dedication to Jerseys Barlasses win breed’s Distinguished Service Award By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
JANESVILLE, Wis. – By combining their love for Jerseys with their passion for serving others, Bill and Marion Barlass have given selessly through the years to support and promote the dairy industry and their favorite breed. From working with their county’s 4-H to helping the breed in a national capacity, the Barlasses’ involvement in nearly every facet of the industry resulted in the couple winning the Distinguished Service Award from the American Jersey Cattle Association. This award is presented to a breeder who has rendered outstanding service for many years and thereby made a notable contribution to the advancement
of the Jersey breed in the United States. “It’s important to encourage your breed’s improvement, and we also have to keep the younger generation involved,” Bill said. These humble farmers shy away from taking too much credit for their work. “Lots of people have contributed to the industry,” Marion said. “We’re just one of many.” The Barlass family milks 450 Jerseys and farms 1,400 acres near Janesville. Surrounded by Jerseys their entire lives, Bill’s and Marion’s longstanding affection for the Jersey cow began on their families’ respective dairy farms. Each one developed a favor for
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STACEY SMART/DAIRY STAR
Bill and Marion Barlass, of Barlass Jerseys, milk 450 cows and farm 1,400 acres with their family near Janesville, Wisconsin. The couple recently won the DisƟnguished Service Award from the American Jersey CaƩle AssociaƟon.
Last rst day at the fair Martin family enjoys nal time showing in Rock County By Stacey Smart
stacey.s@dairystar.com
JANESVILLE, Wis. – For the Martin family, this year’s county fair was more emotional than most. It marked the end of an era as Evan Martin wrapped up his tenure in 4-H at the age of 19. After nearly 15 years of showing at the Rock County Fair, this year was his last, which also meant it was the end of the road for his family’s fair days as well. “This is our last rst day at the fair,” said Evan’s dad, Joe, on the day they moved their cattle in. “We’re really going to miss it.” Joe and his wife, Bonnie, own and operate a 200-cow dairy near Janesville with help from their children, Abigail and Evan. Evan will be a
PHOTO SUBMITTED
The MarƟn family – (from leŌ) Bonnie, Joe, Evan, Abigail and her husband, Calvin – pose at the Rock County Fair during the family’s nal Ɵme showing at the fair. The MarƟns’ 200-cow dairy is located near Janesville, Wisconsin. sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison this fall where he is studying dairy science with plans to return to the home farm after
graduation. His 26-yearold sister, a former Alice in Dairyland, also showed for many years, and in total, the Martin kids have exhibited at
the county fair for about 20 years. “My kids basically grew up at the fair,” Joe said. “Abigail and her husband
came for the last three days of the fair this year and were neck-deep helping in fair stuff. It’s a family undertaking, and there are a lot of hands involved. I farm with my brother, Tom, who is invaluable in helping me be able to do the fair thing with the kids.” Evan brought two heifers and two cows to show at the fair which was held July 2631. About 150 head of dairy cattle were exhibited. “This fair is a bit unique in that it’s located in an urban environment right in the middle of Janesville,” Joe said. “There’s zero parking, which is one of our challenges, but it’s also an opportunity for us to engage with an urban audience. Animals are a natural draw for the urban fairgoer. We want our kids to embrace that and share their enthusiasm for agriculture. It’s gratifying to see the next generation pick up that mantle of advocacy.” Because it was his last Turn to MARTIN | Page 7