Jersey groups recognize meritorious service

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio – Two Ohio residents won Meritorious Service awards from American Jersey Cattle Association and National All-Jersey Inc.

Charlene Nardone of Orient, Ohio, and auctioneer Merlin Woodruff of Urbana, Ohio, received the awards June 28.

This award is bestowed annually upon a living individual who has made a notable contribution to the advancement of the Jersey breed and the livelihood of Jersey owners in the United States through research, education, development, marketing, or other significant activities of the allied dairy industry.

Hired just three days after she interviewed, Nardone, known as the “voice of everything Jersey,” served the Jersey organizations for 47 years.

She is still credited to this day for developing the reputation of the longest-running and richest dairy breed futurity in the United States.

Woodruff. Woodruff graced the auction box of many Jersey sales over the years, including more than 40 years at the All-American Jersey Sale where he donated his time.

One of the most sought-after auctioneers in the United States, Woodruff not only has been honored by the Jersey membership, but has also been inducted into the Ohio Agriculture Hall of Fame.