For Immediate Release
Ayrshire Breeders’ Association
1224 Alton Darby Creek Rd., Suite B
Columbus, Ohio 43228
Phone: (614) 335-0020 ~ Fax: (614) 335-0023 ~ E-mail: info@usayrshire.com
For more information, contact Becky Payne
ENNIS NAMED DISTINGUISHED SERVICE RECIPIENT
Columbus, Ohio -- The Ayrshire Breeders’ Association honored John Ennis of Brooklyn,
Connecticut, as the winner of the coveted Distinguished Service Award June 18, 2004, at the
National Ayrshire Convention in South Kingstown, Rhode Island.
Ennis got his start formally in the Ayrshire business at age 16 when he started shipping milk
while still in high school. His Kingswood Farm herd began with foundation animals purchased in
1970 from Wychwood, Elmknowl and Milaway. His family says he has been devoted to the
Ayrshire cow and farming ever since.
Today his farm consists of 110 acres of corn, 40 acres of alfalfa and 40 acres of grass hay. The
farm’s 90 milking Ayrshires was awarded Eastern Breeders’ top production award a couple of
times over the years. The Ennis’ currently raise 90 head of young stock. John farms in
partnership with his cousin, Fred Eggers, and is assisted by his wife Alice and two daughters,
Anne and Martha.
Ennis is committed to improving his herd’s genetics. The farm’s animals are bred 100% A.I. and
they use 40% young sires. They breed for medium sized cows with functional type with an
emphasis on feet, legs and udder. Their goal is to raise a more productive, profitable,
commercially acceptable Ayrshire cow.
Ennis has been a member of the Rhode Island Ayrshire Club since 1970 and has led that
organization as president for 15 years. He was a member of his county Commission of Farm
Service Agency for many years where he served as chairman for 7 years.