The Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has named Brady Core of Salvisa, Ky., as one of seven recipients of the 2025 Young Jersey Breeder Award. The award was presented during the Young Jersey Breeders Banquet, held in conjunction with the AJCA–National All-Jersey Inc. (NAJ) Annual Meetings in Lexington, Ky., on June 25, 2025.

First presented in 1976, the Young Jersey Breeder Award recognizes individuals or couples under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional skill in dairy farming, breeding Registered Jersey cattle, participation in AJCA and NAJ programs, and leadership in Jersey and other agricultural organizations. With this year’s honorees, a total of 320 producers have received the award.

Core farms in partnership with his family at Keightley & Core Jerseys, home of the KCJF prefix. Managing his own herd of 40 Registered Jerseys alongside 190 cows in the main operation, Core’s focus remains on producing high-component milk and breeding elite cows.

The herd averages 16,000 lbs. milk, 805 lbs. fat, and 616 lbs. protein, with an average appraisal score of Excellent-90% as of January 2025. Under his leadership, the farm has adopted advanced technologies to optimize herd performance, enhance animal comfort, and improve labor efficiency.

“Among Brady’s key accomplishments is his focus on genetic improvement and herd management,” noted nominator Pearl Hamlin of Salvisa, Ky. “He has embraced innovation without losing sight of the strong cow families and proven sires that are the backbone of the herd.”

Enrolled in AJCA’s REAP program and a frequent advertiser in the Jersey Journal, Core has also served on the AJCA Type Committee from 2019 to 2024. His breeding philosophy emphasizes data-driven decisions backed by observation, with a preference for bulls with proven records.

KCJF is a household name in Jersey show circles, earning seven Premier Breeder and two Premier Exhibitor awards at the All American Jersey Show. The herd has produced one National Grand Champion, three National Jersey Jug Futurity Winners, and has exhibited three animals that have earned each of those prestigious titles.

Through the farm’s expanded in vitro fertilization program, Core has accelerated genetic progress, placing two bulls in A.I. and preparing to market two more. He has sold numerous females both privately and through consignment sales.

“These achievements reflect the quality of our breeding program, and our commitment to creating genetics that benefit the Jersey breed as a whole,” said Core.

Looking ahead, Core plans to develop a comprehensive succession plan, expand the farm’s freezer beef program, and improve forage production. He is also exploring renewable energy solutions, automated milking systems, and agritourism ventures.

Select Sires’ Jersey development manager Herby Lutz praised Core’s dedication: “Brady never wavered on his desire to be a dairy farmer milking Jersey cows. The cows have truly excelled under his guidance while he maintained an off-farm job in the dairy industry.”

Core and his wife, Shelby, are raising their two children, Asa and Adelene, on the family farm.

“Breeding exceptional animals, managing innovative programs, and maintaining our farm’s reputation for excellence are not just goals—they are my way of honoring the legacy my family has built,” Core reflected. “I am committed to continuing this tradition while forging new paths that strengthen our industry.”