The Board of Directors of the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) has named Ryan Haines of Taneytown, Md., as a 2025 Young Jersey Breeder Award recipient. This honor recognizes Jersey breeders under the age of 40 who have excelled in breeding and managing Registered Jerseys, achieved notable production and type results, and demonstrated leadership in the Jersey breed and dairy industry.
Haines was born and raised on Locust-Ayr Farm in Taneytown, where he continues to farm alongside his family. At age 14, he purchased his first Jersey calf—adding the breed to the family’s primarily Holstein herd—after being inspired (and perhaps a little challenged) by his older brother. That single purchase marked the beginning of a steady growth in Jerseys on the farm.
After earning his degree from Virginia Tech in 2009, Haines returned home with a focus on modernizing the operation and enhancing the marketability of their genetics. With his brother, he has invested in proven cow families to improve performance and type—an important strategy as they market 10–15 calves each year as show prospects.
“Ryan’s passion for showing cattle is evidenced through the time he prepares show heifers for both sales and the show ring,” noted Tom Arrowsmith of Hillacres Jerseys, Peach Bottom, Pa. “Year after year, he sells heifers that go on to impress at the shows throughout the summer and into the fall.”
Today, the herd includes 30 Registered Jerseys and 10 Holsteins, supported by 500 acres of quality crops. On 31 cows, the herd posts a rolling herd average of 15,069 lbs. milk, 774 lbs. fat, and 565 lbs. protein, and participates in the AJCA’s REAP program.
Haines plays an active role in Maryland’s dairy community, serving as treasurer of the Maryland Jersey Cattle Club, vice president of the Maryland Purebred Dairy Cattle Association, and a dedicated 4-H volunteer. His commitment to youth development is evident through his work organizing the Maryland All-Breed Field Day Show and serving on the planning committee for Show Like A Pro, a two-day workshop that teaches youth how to prepare dairy heifers for the show ring. He also leases cattle to young exhibitors and serves as a dairy judge across Maryland and Pennsylvania.
In addition, Haines coaches the Carroll County dairy judging team—the largest in Maryland—sharing his expertise with the next generation of dairy leaders. In 2025, a highlight of his year was escorting his team to compete in the International Dairy Judging Contest at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland.
“Ryan’s influence goes far beyond his own herd,” shared Elizabeth Bosley of Westminster, Md., in her letter of support. “He has helped develop numerous strong-willed youth with excellent work ethics and the constant drive to be better than they were the day before.”
The Young Jersey Breeder Awards were presented at the AJCA-NAJ Annual Meetings in Lexington, Ky., on June 25, 2025. Since its establishment in 1976, the honor has been awarded to 320 producers nationwide.