From humble beginnings in May 1974, Semex's 50-year history is a direct reflection of agriculture's evolution worldwide. Over five decades we have grown from a humble staff of six to over 1800 employees worldwide, proudly representing Semex in over 80 countries. And we have delivered. From the most Millionaire Sires in the industry to breed and trait leaders, and now supplying the real solutions our industry needs for long-term sustainability and profitability, we are stronger than ever. But we're far from done. We're investing, we're growing, we're expanding. WE HAVE BEEN AND ALWAYS WILL BE GENETICS FOR LIFE.
PROUD SPONSOR & YOUTH SUPPORTER
WELCOME TO THE 2024 TD CANADIAN 4-H DAIRY CLASSIC
PRESENTING OUR 2024 JUDGES
SHOWMANSHIP JUDGE
Curtis McNeil is from Goderich, Ontario where he operates Heather Holme Farms with his wife Cathy, their children Sam, Beth, James and Clark, along with his parents Glen & Vanda McNeil. The Farm consists of 115 kg of quota and 300 acres. Heather Holme is an entirely homebred herd with a current classification of 26 EX, 47 VG, 24 GP. Curtis has judged showmanship at the Western Canada Classic and World Dairy Expo. He has judged many breeders cups and county shows across Ontario, as well as internationally at the India National Show in Punjub, India. In 2005, Curtis was Champion Showperson at the TD Classic 4-H Show and the Holstein Canada Presidents Cup, being the first person to ever win both in the same week. He is Executive board member of the Semex Alliance & board member of Eastgen, 2x Past President of the Huron County Holstein Club, 4-H leader for 17 years and past president of the Huron County 4-H Leaders Association. Curtis is always happy to support 4-H or youth programs whenever possible.
ASSOC. SHOWMANSHIP JUDGE
Richard Osborne
Richard Osborne along with his wife, Teresa and children, Easton and Sienna own and operate their farm under the Willow Creek Genetics prefix. Here they milk approximately 100 Holsteins and Jerseys on a 200 acre farm in Hagersville, Ontario. While working towards the goal of owning a farm Richard worked for 12 years as a cattle fitter traveling across Canada, the U.S.A, Spain, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Brazil and Holland. Richard also worked full time in the A.I. industry for Alta Genetics as well as in the Dairy nutrition industry for Grand Valley Fortifiers for several years while establishing their current dairy operation. Richard has had the opportunity to officiate at multiple 4-H and Dairy breed shows and breeders’ cups throughout Ontario. As well as having the opportunity to place the conformation portion of the 2019 Western Canadian Classic in Alberta. Furthermore, Richard has had the opportunity to judge internationally in the Dominican Republic for their National Jersey and Brown Swiss Show. Richard has been selected to participate as a judge for the All Canadian and All- Ontario competition for both the Jersey and Holstein breeds.
CONFORMATION JUDGE
Jenny Thomas
Jenny Thomas along with her husband Nathan, and their three children - Colton, Kendall, and Camryn, along with Nathan’s family, own and operate Triple-T Holsteins in North Lewisburg, Ohio. Jenny has judged shows on the local, state, regional and national levels for both Holstein, Jersey, and several other component breeds. Jenny has officiated the Jersey and Red & White Shows at the UK Borderway Show, the Ayrshires at International Dairy Week in Australia, the All-American Holstein Jr Show at Harrisburg, the Jerseys at IN State Fair, the Jersey and Red & White shows at WI State Show, Holsteins at MD State Show, and has judged multiple breeds at state shows in Utah, Pennsylvania, New York, and in California. In addition, Jenny has served as associate judge for the All-American Jersey Junior Show and served as associate judge for the Eastern National Holstein Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. And Jenny’s busy judging schedule doesn’t slow down in 2024. She’ll be judging at Clemson Spring Jersey Show, South Carolina Southern National Jr Holstein & Jersey Show, Oklahoma Western National Holstein Show, Utah Indiana State Fair Holstein Show, Indiana.
ASSOC. CONFORMATION JUDGE
Jeff Brown
Jeff was born and raised on a registered Holstein farm in Wapakoneta, OH where he and his wife Megan and their 2 children Adley and Abbot now live today. The herd today consists of 30 head of Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss and they exhibit their cows at State and National shows. They have bred or owned an All American nomination in all 3 breeds and have bred 5 Brown Swiss class winners at World Dairy Expo which all 5 went on to be selected as All American. Jeff has judged in 9 states and 3 times internationally in Costa Rica, Brazil, and Columbia. He has also served as the associate judge at World Dairy Expo twice judging the Brown Swiss in 2011 and the Jerseys in 2014. He has also officiated the All American Jr Jersey show in Louisville and the Jr Jersey show at the PA All American. Jeff is employed at Select Sires Member Cooperative as the Dairy Programs Specialist covering southern and north east OH.
Curtis McNeil
Past Winners and Judges
The President’s Cup has a longstanding history dating back to 1953 when the inaugural show, known as the Lawara competition, was held. Since its inception, the competition has evolved; in 1990 the name changed to “President’s Cup.” Since 2011, it seems fitting to award the President’s Cup at the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic show to the Showmanship winner.
President’s Cup Winners
YEAR WINNER
JUDGE
2023 Taylor VanderMeulen, Northumberland, ON Kyle Rivington
2022
2019 Tyler Canning, Dufferin, ON Mariah Beckett, Durham West, ON Chad Ryan Steve Fraser
2018 Madison Dyment, Brant, ON Claire Swale
2017 Rachel Clow, Frontenac, ON Stephanie Murphy
2016 Ariane France, Prescott, ON John Werry
2015 Connor Mann, PEI Thierry Jaton
2014 Kenny McRae, Prescott, ON Jeff West
2013 Peter Leach, Kawaratha Lakes, ON Paul Hunt
2012 Dan Werry, Durham West, ON Mike West
2011 Rachel Jebson, Durham West, ON Carl Phoenix
2010 Jenna Haelzle, Harriston, ON Jeff West
2009 Ryan Crowley, Hastings, ON Pete Coleman
2008 Cristy Nurse, Georgetown, ON Nancy Beerwort
2007 Marie-Philip Brisson, Sainte-Barbe, QC David Crack Jr.
2006 Elise Cote, South Durham, QC Bruce Wood
2005 Curtis McNeil, Goderich, ON Bruce Sayles
2004 Jessica Edwards, Morrisburg, ON Bloyce Thompson
2003 Blair Weeks, Breadalbane, PE Roger Turner
2002 Julie Anderson, Vankleek Hill, ON Thierry Jaton
2001 John Werry, Oshawa, ON Brian Craswell
2000 Michael Phoenix, Greenbank, ON Callum McKinven
1999 Carl Phoenix,Greenbank, ON Dean Warner
1998 Mike Steele, Thamesford, ON Norm McNaughton
1997 Matt Phoenix, Greenbank, ON Dan Doner
1996 Jeff Merkley, Morewood, ON Scott Walker
1995 Barclay Phoenix, Greenbank, ON David Dyment
1994 Connie Bennett, Burlington, ON Paul Larmer
1993 Janice Charlton, Brantford, ON Elgin Craig
1992 Kelly Stewart, Hornby, ON Brent Walker
1991 Mark Morbrook, Brantford, ON Donald Johnston
1990 Donna Rowntree, Brampton, ON David Chalack
Lawara Competition Winners
YEAR WINNER JUDGE
1989 John Beerwort Jr., Knowlton, QC Ken Empey Jr.
1988 Bruce Sayles, Paris, ON Jeffrey Nurse
1987 Doug Livingston, Woodbridge, ON Mac Logan
1986
1985
Irene Velthuis, Osgoode, ON David Crack Sr.
Elaine Barkey, Blackstock, ON Glen McNeil
1984 Scott Walker, Guelph, ON Court Carmichael
1983
Jamie Dyment, Dundas, ON Brian Eby
1982 Brad Howsam, Seagrave, ON Lowell Lindsay
1981
David Evans, Castor Centre, ON Donald McIntosh
1980 Hank Hazeleger, Embro, ON Earl Osborne
1979 David Dyment, Dundas, ON Robert H. Brown
1978 Lynn Walker, Guelph, ON John Beerwort Sr.
1977 Jim Moore, Terra Cotta, ON John H. Gillespie
1976 Nancy Beerwort, Brome, QC Maurice Jebson
1975 Brent Walker, Guelph, ON Douglas Blair
1974 Lynn Stewart, Hornby, ON David H. Houck
1973 Ken Beerwort, Brome, QC R. J. Stewart
1972 David Knapp, Galt, ON
1971 Jim Dunton, Inglewood, ON 1970 Doug Brown, Paris, ON
1969 Don Eby, Ayr, ON
1968 Wayne Gregson, Hillsburgh, ON
1967 Suzanne Fletcher, Ilderton, ON 1966 Jack Fraser Jr., Streetsville, ON 1965 Margaret Hunter, Burlington, ON 1964 Brian Eby, Kitchener, ON 1963 Frank Meisner, Woodstock, ON 1962 Kenneth Fraser, Beaverton, ON 1961 Barbara Pickard, Olds, AB 1960 John Naylor, Maple, ON 1959 John Leask, Seagrave, ON 1958 Jacqueline Smyth, Hannon, ON 1957 Doug Wingrove, Campbellville, ON 1956 Shirley Jackson, Calgary, AB 1955 Sandy Snedden, Almonte, ON 1954 Ted Fraser, Rockwood, ON 1953 Jim Fraser, Streetsville, ON
Greetings from 4-H Canada
On behalf of 4-H Canada, it is my honour to welcome all 4-H members competing in the 2024 TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. I’d also like to extend a sincere welcome to all alumni who’ve come out to support the next generation of 4-H’ers.
It goes without saying, earning your spot at Canada’s largest 4-H dairy show is no easy feat. Through Learning To Do By Doing, and with support from your leaders, mentors, and fellow 4-H’ers, your hard work and dedication has led you here. Congratulations to each of this year’s competitors.
You may not realize it yet, but the skills you have developed along this journey are transferable beyond this very moment, and will help you succeed in whatever path you choose to pursue next. If you ask any past 4-H member around you, I’m confident they would say the same. We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you; but for now, along with the national 4-H community, we are cheering you on and celebrating your successes that brought you here.
To our amazing 4-H community, as you witness another generation of youth leaders compete in this year’s Classic, we ask you to take a moment to think about how 4-H has made an impact on your life. Reflect on the skills you’ve developed, the people you’ve met, and the events you attended. If 4-H has made a positive impact on you, we encourage you to give back to make that same impact on future generations of caring, contributing youth leaders. Our Tomorrow Needs 4-H campaign will support future national programming for senior 4-H members from across the country. Tomorrow needs 4-H, and today, 4-H needs you. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made at tomorrowneeds4h.ca.
We wish all competitors the best of luck, and extend our heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, organizing committee members, and supporters without whom, this prestigious event would not be possible. We hope you come away from this experience with memories to last a lifetime - and of course - have fun!
Sincerely,
David Hansen Chair, 4-H
Directors
JUNIOR SHOWMANSHIP, 12-14 years old - Heat #1
4 GRACIE WEITZEL PERTH CARLDOT SYNERGY ITALY
KARNVILLA SYNERGY 10 JUNE IBBOTSON BRUCE DIEMERTDALE ENERGY LATTE
BLONDIN ENERGY 11 HAYLEA MAITLAND GRENVILLE DELCREEK FATALLY FAMOUS
19 SARA WYMAN PRESCOTT YORELLEA MAJOR CRAVE
23 EMILY SMYGWATY RUSSELL KINGSWAY WARRIOR LOOKOUT
One word – FAMILY – epitomizes Altona Lea Farms, Blackstock, ON. Frank and Donna Barkey established Altona Lea Holsteins in the 1960s and relocated to their current location in 1978 after their Altona, ON, farm was expropriated by the government for an airport. While Frank died in 2011, he left quite a legacy for his family to build on. Today Altona Lea Farms is owned and operated by son Glenn and his wife Karen and daughter Carolyn and her husband Frazer Puterbough. The family has achieved Holstein Canada Master Breeder Shields in 1978, 1994, 2006 and 2020, making Altona Lea one of only four Holstein herds in Canada to ever win four Master Breeder awards.
At the heart of Altona Lea’s story is Altona Lea Starlite Harriett EX 9*, a Roybrook Starlite daughter born in 1971. Harriett became the Barkeys’ first Excellent cow in 1977, made 95,530 kg milk lifetime and had two EX, nine VG and five GP daughters. Currently 95% of this Durham County herd traces to Harriett. A Harriett descendant, Altona Lea Classic Jazz EX-91-2E, became Canada’s first homebred 10-generation Excellent Holstein in December 2021. She was followed a year later by a second 10-generation
homebred Excellent, Altona Lea Cinderdoor Glitz EX-91. Many more lines of Harrietts at Altona Lea now sport seven, eight and nine generations of Excellent with an 11th generation Excellent on the horizon. The Harrietts excel in the barn and showring. Altona Lea Stanleycup Gretzky was AllCanadian Intermediate Calf in 2013. Altona Lea Unix Herminie EX-95 was All-Ontario, Reserve All-Canadian and Honourable Mention All-American 4-Year-Old in 2023 and Grand Champion at Ontario Summer Show in 2023 and 2024 for Dalton Faris, East Gwillimbury, ON.
Showing has always been an integral part of the farm, with Altona Lea claiming many Premier Breeder banners and top awards at local and major shows. They can always be counted on for a Breeder’s Herd entry.
Altona Lea is a popular place for visitors and buyers. They have merchandised many animals to the United Kingdom and at one time had bred three different Grand Champions at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland within a ten-year period. Another animal, Altona Lea Warden Poppy VG86-2YR 2*, was All-Canadian and All-American Senior 2-Year-Old in 1986 for Jacques Fournier, Warwick, QC.
Altona Lea presently milks 60 Holstein and Jersey cows in a hybrid set-up of 30 tie-stalls and a four-cow milking parlour with
a straw pack. The herd includes an impressive 12 ME, 8 EX, 35 VG and 13 GP cows and averages 11,158 kg milk, 498 kg fat, 365 kg protein with a current BCA of 260-303-265. They work 1300 acres of land, 350 of it owned.
The Barkeys and Puterboughs are involved in a host of agriculture and community organizations, most focused on youth. It is a passion shared by Glenn and Karen’s four boys – Cameron, Grant, Ian and Reid – and Carolyn and Frazer’s three sons – Cooper, Callum and Sawyer. Matriarch Donna Barkey, 84, and grandmother to 21 grandchildren, remains vitally interested in everything her closely knit family does.
The family’s connection to the 4-H Classic runs deep. Frank Barkey was a member of the first Classic Committee in 1980. All six of Frank and Donna’s children, and now many grandchildren, have competed here. There has been an Altona Lea bred calf at the Classic 37 years.
Éleveur de distinction:
Altona Lea Farms
L’histoire d’Altona Lea Farms, à Blackstock, en Ontario, peut se résumer par un seul mot : FAMILLE. Frank et Donna Barkey ont fondé Altona Lea Holsteins dans les années 60, mais se sont installés sur leur site actuel en 1978 après que leur ferme d’Altona a été expropriée par le gouvernement pour la construction d’un aéroport. Décédé en 2011, Frank a laissé un héritage considérable à sa famille. Son fils Glenn avec sa femme Karen, ainsi que sa fille Carolyn avec son mari Frazer Puterbough sont aujourd’hui les propriétairesexploitants d’Altona Lea Farms. La famille a obtenu la plaque de Maître-éleveur de Holstein Canada en 1978, 1994, 2006 et 2020, ce qui fait d’Altona Lea l’un des 4 seuls troupeaux Holstein au Canada à avoir remporté cette reconnaissance à 4 reprises. Altona Lea Starlite Harriett EX 9*, une fille de Roybrook Starlite née en 1971, se trouve au cœur de l’histoire d’Altona Lea. Première vache Excellente des Barkey en 1977, Harriett a produit 95 530 kg de lait dans sa vie et a eu 2 filles EX, 9 TB et 5 BP. Elle est d’ailleurs à l’origine de 95 % du troupeau élevé dans le comté de Durham. En décembre 2021, une de ses descendantes, Altona Lea Classic Jazz EX 91 2E, est devenue la première Holstein Excellente de 10e génération née à la ferme au Canada. Elle a été suivie un an plus tard par une deuxième Excellente de 10e génération également née à la ferme, Altona Lea Cinderdoor Glitz EX 91. De nombreuses autres lignées
de Harriett à Altona Lea comptent maintenant 7, 8 et 9 générations d’Excellentes, et il y a même une 11e génération à l’horizon. Les Harriett excellent à la fois dans l’étable et dans l’arène d’exposition. Altona Lea Stanleycup Gretzky a été génisse intermédiaire All-Canadian en 2013, tandis qu’Altona Lea Unix Herminie EX 95 a obtenu les titres All-Ontario, Championne de réserve All-Canadian et Mention honorable All-American 4 ans en 2023 et a été couronnée Grande championne à l’Ontario Summer Show en 2023 et 2024 pour Dalton Faris, d’East Gwillimbury, en Ontario. L’exposition a toujours fait partie intégrante des activités de la ferme, Altona Lea ayant remporté plusieurs bannières Premier éleveur et des reconnaissances prestigieuses tant à l’échelle locale que lors de grandes expositions. On peut toujours compter sur sa participation dans la catégorie Troupeau d’éleveur. Altona Lea est également un endroit populaire pour les visiteurs et les acheteurs. La ferme a commercialisé de nombreux animaux au RoyaumeUni et il lui est arrivé d’avoir 3 Grandes championnes différentes de son élevage à l’expo Royal Highland Show en Écosse en l’espace de 10 ans. Un autre animal, Altona Lea Warden Poppy TB 86 2 ans 2*, s’est classé All-Canadian et All-American 2 ans senior en 1986 pour Jacques Fournier, de Warwick, au Québec.
Altona Lea élève actuellement 60 vaches laitières Holstein et Jersey dans une installation hybride à stabulation entravée composée de 30 logettes sur litière de paille et d’une salle de traite pour 4 vaches.
Le troupeau comprend un nombre impressionnant de 12 vaches EM, 8 EX, 35 TB et 13 BP et affiche une moyenne de 11 158 kg de lait, 498 kg de gras, 365 kg de protéine avec une M.C.R. actuelle de 260 303 265. La ferme cultive aussi 1300 acres de terres, dont 350 lui appartiennent.
Les Barkey et les Puterbough sont impliqués dans une foule d’organisations agricoles et communautaires, principalement axées sur la jeunesse. C’est une passion que partagent les 4 fils de Glenn et Karen, Cameron, Grant, Ian et Reid, et les 3 fils de Carolyn et Frazer, Cooper, Callum et Sawyer. La matriarche Donna Barkey, âgée de 84 ans et grand-mère de 21 petitsenfants, continue de s’intéresser de près à tout ce que fait sa famille très unie.
La famille entretient des liens très étroits avec la Classique 4 H. Frank Barkey était membre du premier comité de la Classique en 1980. Les 6 enfants de Frank et Donna, et maintenant de nombreux petits-enfants, ont participé à des compétitions dans le cadre de cette exposition, où on peut toujours voir un veau élevé par Altona Lea depuis 37 ans.
ALTONA LEA FARMS
2023 WINNERS
Showmanship Champions
Conformation Champions
Pictured l to r. Brian Slaughter, Kelly Fawcett-Mathers, Claire Stanton, Taylor Mathers, Ryan Smygwaty, Phil Topp, Reegan Charlton, Mike West
Pictured l to r. Troy Packett, Mike West, Curtis McNeil, Claire Stanton, Denise Sayles, Taylor VenderMeulen, Kyle Rivington, Reegan Charlton, Brian Slaughter
Best Exhibit, “Herdsman Competition” - Middlesex Premier County - Durham West
Best Group of Three - Prince Edward Island
HOLSTEIN SPRING HEIFER - Born March 1, 2024 to May 31, 2024
1 COLIN EPPS RUSSELL
2 JULIA BARKEY DURHAM EAST
SMYGWATYS LD BIKINI
HOCANF15050335 2024-03-18 FARNEAR DELTA-LAMBDA-ET
ALTONA LEA DLAMBDA TIM TAM HOCANF14866291 2024-03-16 FARNEAR DELTA-LAMBDA-ET
A sincere thank you to those who help make the TD Classic the great event that it is!
Committee: Murray Reissner (Chairman), Jason French (Vice Chairman), Ron Bird, Paul Cleave, Lowell Lindsay, Brad Sayles, Brian Slaughter, Doug Wagner, Alison West, Deanna Ringelberg, Pam Charlton, Ben Hennessey
Administrators: Martina Arth, Shelley Barfoot-O’Neill, Olivia Dunn, Jordan Eastman, Shannon Cartwright
TAYLOR MATHERS INTERMEDIATE HOLSTEIN WINTER HEIFER
HEIFER
SZTURM JUNIOR HOLSTEIN WINTER HEIFER
BROOKE SLEEGERS INTERMEDIATE JERSEY SPRING YEARLING
EMMA LEWIS SENIOR JERSEY SUMMER YEARLING
LINDSEY STANTON SENIOR HOLSTEIN SPRING HEIFER
KYLA LEWIS SENIOR JERSEY WINTER HEIFER
EMILY DEKLEIN SENIOR JERSEY FALL HEIFER
JULIA DEKLEIN SENIOR MILKING SH FALL HEIFER
336 ETHAN BLOOMFIELD SENIOR HOLSTEIN SUMMER YEARLING NEW BRUNSWICK
247 ELLIOT WEEKS JUNIOR JERSEY FALL HEIFER 78 NICHOLAS BOURQUE JUNIOR HOLSTEIN WINTER HEIFER 297
HANRAHAN INTERMEDIATE AYRSHIRE SUMMER YEARLING
YEARLING
PORTER WEEKS SENIOR HOLSTEIN SPRING YEARLING
QUEBEC SOUTH EAST
290 HAILEY DOLLOFF JUNIOR AYRSHIRE FALL HEIFER 164 OWEN BUZZELL-REDBURN INTERMEDIATE HOLSTEIN FALL HEIFER 207 DUSTIN MCVETY INTERMEDIATE HOLSTEIN FALL HEIFER
272 ALEKSA GOVEDARICA INTERMEDIATE JERSEY SPRING YEARLING 206 COLE MCVETY INTERMEDIATE HOLSTEIN FALL HEIFER QUEBEC SOUTH WEST
124 FÉLIX
SPENCER MASON JUNIOR
SPRING YEARLING
MAEVE MCINTYRE SENIOR JERSEY FALL HEIFER
ULRICK CAMPEAU SENIOR HOLSTEIN SUMMER YEARLING
Investing in today’s youth, to prepare tomorrow’s leaders!
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We’re supporting the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and 4-H Canada because we believe that participants like you are creating a world we can all look forward to with confidence. Congratulations on putting in the work to earn your place here.
Farming is a way of life that we’re proud to serve by providing flexible financial services that help farmers concentrate on what they were born to do.
To speak to one of our Agricultural Specialists about our unique services, visit tdcanadatrust.com/agriculture You’ve
