The Jersey Canada Youth Committee was excited to name Melissa Sager of Campbellford, Ontario as the 2009 Royal Jersey Ambassador. Melissa is a passionate promoter of Jerseys and ably represented the breed during this year's Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Melissa was a tremendous helper with a multitude of tasks and Jersey Canada received a number of glowing compliments on the job she did!

Melissa is currently completing her final year of an Agriculture program at the University of Guelph's Kemptville College. Growing up with Jerseys on her family's dairy farm, she has also shown Jerseys for several years in 4-H. Melissa notes that Jerseys make great 4-H project animals due to their docility and size, but is also quick to tell others about the many other benefits of the breed, particularly the breed's high milk solids content. Melissa adds that she looks forward to a future in the dairy industry and with the Jersey breed.

Melissa has been involved with 4-H for several years and was recently the recipient of an Ontario Dairy Youth Scholarship from the Ontario Joint Dairy Breeds. She also exhibited the Honourable Mention Champion Calf at the 2009 Central Ontario Youth Rally, as well as being named the Grand Champion Showperson. Melissa has also exhibited Jerseys at several local Jersey shows and also served as a volunteer for the Hastings County Holstein Twilight meeting held at Avonlea Genetics in Brighton.

Our thanks to Melissa for helping us to promote the breed at the Royal this year and best wishes in her continuing studies.