Q&A with Bonnie Cooper by Ontario Holstein Branch

Q&A WITH BONNIE COOPER BY ANDREA EMOND

CLASSY, SINCERE AND FULL OF INTEGRITY – ALL TERMS THAT DESCRIBE LONGSTANDING HOLSTEIN JOURNAL EDITOR BONNIE COOPER. BONNIE HAS ENTERTAINED READERS WITH HER ENGAGING STYLE AND DEEP APPRECIATION FOR COW FAMILIES AND THEIR BREEDERS FOR OVER FOUR DECADES. WHEN THE JOURNAL PUBLISHED ITS FINAL EDITION LAST MONTH, BONNIE’S OFFICIAL DUTIES AS ITS EDITOR CAME TO AN END. BUT AS YOU’LL READ BELOW, HER WORK IS FAR FROM FINISHED. How did you get started at the Journal?

I grew up on a registered Holstein farm near Madison, Wisconsin, and later went to study at the University of Wisconsin to get my degree in Ag Journalism. When I was getting ready to graduate, I was looking for a job. I contacted the Holstein World, but they weren’t hiring at the time. They told me about a gentleman who was planning to retire from the Canadian breed magazine. I mailed in an application to Hugh Colson, the Editor of Holstein Journal. A few weeks later, on the same day I was leaving for a trip to tour Canadian farms through the University of Wisconsin, I got a letter inviting me up for an interview. I had never even been to Canada before that! I flew up a few weeks after my initial trip for an interview and was offered the job of Associate Editor.

was the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto, two weeks after I started. I think Peter English or Bruce Murchison came with me to show me the ropes and introduce me to people. Since we were the official publication of Holstein Canada at the time – and up until 1990 – we used to be the only media invited in to cover their board and committee meetings. That really got me interested in the industry and its politics.

From there, it expanded into attending and writing about sales, working on the All-Canadian contest, attending industry meetings, and going out to do farm visits. We did a lot of county herd stories back then, too. You’d go into a county and do four or five visits in a day. You’d be at each farm for an hour or an hour and a half, come I maybe knew two or three Canadians at that point and had no back to the office and write the thing. Man, how did we do that?! family here. It was scary! Initially I thought I was only going to stay Now, you go in and spend two to three hours at each farm! a few years, but I plainly remember, sitting on an airplane five years in, coming back to Toronto after visiting family in Wisconsin and How have things changed since those early days? Before tape recorders, you’d visit a farmer, take manual notes, then thinking, ‘I’m not going back.’ come back to the office and type up the story on your typewriter. Tell me about your first assignment?

Technology in publishing has changed so much! When I came on in Back then, we used to write a lot of stories on production 1973, the Journal was in the process of switching from letterpress achievements and that’s the first thing I remember working on. We to offset printing. In 1987 we moved to desktop publishing and would cover the big producers, the top lifetime production animals, installed a Macintosh computer system to bring all our typesetting and Holstein Canada would supply us with the lists. My first show and layout functions in-house.

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Over the years, my role has evolved to being strictly editorial. In 1975, Hugh Colson named me as the Editor. Selling ads was never my thing; I couldn’t sell a candy bar! In more recent years, I’ve gone back to proofreading ads for the guys.

because in farm families, the wife is so vitally involved, especially today. Back in the 1970s, the wife was there, but she didn’t always sit in on the interview. Nowadays, it’s all about family farms – women are so involved!

The Holstein Journal has always been privately owned and managed. Back in 1938 when the Journal first started, it was the official publication of Holstein Canada. It remained so until March of 1990. Peter English, the Journal’s present owner and publisher who has been with the magazine since 1967, acquired sole ownership of the Journal in 1991. We’ve only had two editors in the magazine’s 81year run.

I’ve always felt so welcomed. There were never any prejudices and I never got any backlash because I was a woman. I was always very well-accepted.

In my second year of Ag Journalism at University, I wanted to switch to Dairy Science. When I talked to the Dairy Science Department Chairman, he discouraged me and wanted me to go over to the Home Economics Department instead. When I was young, it wasn’t really acceptable for girls to go back to the family farm. The only What is it that’s kept you there all these years? I’ve worked with some great people and I enjoy what I do. I love way I could stay in Agriculture was to write about it. So I did what going to shows, love going out to do herd visits and love following other girls my age did: I found other ways to stay involved. the politics of it. One of my fondest memories goes back to 1984 when we did a special edition of the Journal called Century of Achievement, in honour of Holstein Canada’s 100th anniversary. When I came to Canada, I didn’t know anything about Canadian Holsteins. When I did Century of Achievement, I read all the back issues of the Journal and went through a lot of Annual Meeting Reports. It gave me a really good feel for Canadian Holsteins. It gave me such an appreciation for the history, the people, and how they had got there. It was the best education I could have ever had! I have great respect for Canadian Holstein breeders. I love them, love their passion and dedication. It’s been a great experience to work with them and be able to share their stories. I’ve also worked with great owners and staff. The Journal has been a team effort; I didn’t do it alone. I wrote the editorial but I didn’t always have the ideas. We worked together to put out a first-class magazine. We have a big Journal family made up of a variety of people who have worked for us. They’re all part of our story.

You’ve done countless breeder interviews over the years. How did you prepare for them?

I’d do as much research as I could. I’d pull old ads, bring up Master Breeder stories, and of course, back then this was all manual. We did all these stories on top production cows and we always kept all those sheets. I’d look through the sheets and find out if the breeder owned one of those top cows. After that research, I’d draw up a set of questions. I always had a set group of questions that I’d expand on, depending on who the person was. When computers came along, I could go to Holstein Canada to pull up pedigrees and later I was able to Google their name or check their Facebook page and find out as much as I could. I would also read previous stories written on the family to gain as much background as possible.

1. Bonnie in the Holstein Journal office during her first year on the job in 1973 2. Bonnie is famous for her baking. She’s seen here, sharing it at the Royal with

former Eastern Field Rep, Kris MacLeod, and TD Classic Volunteer, Brian Slaughter. 3. At the 1987 West-Central Ontario Championship Show in Erin, Bonnie presented the Holstein Journal banners for Premier Breeder and Exhibitor to Walkerbrae Holsteins (l to r) Brent, Scott and Jim Walker, and Judge Glen McNeil.

What are some of the challenges you’ve faced over the years?

When I started, I was among the first females that were getting jobs in an industry that had previously been held by men. I started at the Journal in 1973, the same year that Patty Jones started in the photography business. Other people talk about facing obstacles as females in a male-dominated industry. But that’s one thing I’ve never found in the Ag business. And I think that’s

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“People have been so open with me, sharing their lives, stories and opinions. I’ve met some wonderful, wonderful people.” - BONNIE COOPER

1. One of the first shows Bonnie

covered was the 1973 Atlantic Winter Fair in Halifax, N.S., where she is seen, from left, with Judge Orton Eby, and showmen Peter Dickie and Walter Smith. 2. Bonnie in her Journal office in 2004

2019 COMPETITION GUIDELINES

Are there any particular interviews that really stand out?

What do you think is in store for print media relating to the dairy I’ve done so many. And I’ve done them over so many years. They industry?

were all great in their own ways. People have been so open with me, sharing their lives, stories and opinions. I’ve met some wonderful, wonderful people. They’ve shared meals with me, cups of coffee, some of them have even said to me at the end of the interview, ‘jump in the truck, I’d like to show you around the place.’ Whether it’s been the big name breeders to those just getting started, I’ve enjoyed them all.

This competition is effective for the 2019 Show Season and is open for members of Ontario exclusively. Animal must be a Registered Holstein, 75% purity or higher. To be eligible, animals must achieve at minimal one (1) of the qualifying show placings (as outlined below) while owned by or in partnership with an Ontario member. Qualifying show placings include the following:

We’re going to see fewer publications; we have to. We’re already seeing that. And more will be digital. The only thing I fear is when things are on the computer, they’re gone so quickly. I am afraid that when you lose some of that print material, you’ll lose some of that history, too. And maybe some of the personal side of the business.

• First (1) or second (2) prize at an Ontario County Show OR

What will your life look like post-Journal?

Only one entry for Junior Breeder’s Herd per exhibitor. Multiple entries per exhibitor may be submitted for Breeder’s Herd, but each herd must be comprised of three (3) separate animals and must qualify separately as per the requirements above. In the Breeder’s Herd and Junior Herd classes, only one substitute will be allowed per herd.

I’m a dual citizen and although my family would love to have me A lot of us were saddened to hear the news of the Journal closing. How come back, Canada is going to be my home. It has been for most of are you feeling? Did you know changes were coming? my life! I love the people; they’ve become my family. I kind of knew that it was heading that way. I’ve known since last I hope to stay involved in the dairy cattle business and perhaps do July so I’ve had some time to get my head around it. It’s still sad to some freelance work. I’d like to get more involved in some of the Ag see it end. The magazine has a great history and legacy. organizations. I want the Holstein industry to still be part of my life. When the Journal first started, George Clemons commented that I’ve worked so much, you don’t think much beyond that. I work a it should ‘reflect the pulse of the industry.’ And I think that’s what lot; twelve-hour days are pretty common for me. In the fall, there’s a we’ve tried to do - reflect what’s happening. We didn’t try to do a lot of weekend work. I don’t have children, I was never married, and lot of other things. Our goal was to provide the news as accurately as a friend recently remarked to Peter and me, the Journal has been as we could, with a lot of integrity. That was always very important. our life, our child. That’s why it’s going to be hard to walk away from Attention to detail and accuracy was always a mandate around it. Not having families, we could commit so much time to it. We did here and I think we’ve accomplished that. Fake news? That doesn’t it because we loved it. If you love something, you do it. happen here! We let the facts speak for themselves.

• Top five (5) at an Ontario Regional Show, including Ontario Spring Discovery, Maxville Holstein Show, Ontario Summer Show, EOWQ Championship Show, and Autumn Opportunity OR • Have been in top eight (8) Ontario-owned placings at the 2019 Black & White Holstein Show or Red & White Holstein Show at the Royal Winter Fair.

Senior animals (cow classes) must qualify while in milking form, including Milking Yearlings, and only show placings while in milking form will be considered relevant. Summer calves may qualify via a Junior Calf Class, but only if a Summer Calf Class is not available at the qualifying show. Production cows may qualify via a Mature Cow Class, but only if a Production Class is not available AND Production Qualifications of 60,000 KGs are met at the qualifying show. *Placings at shows outside of Ontario must be provided, but are not considered qualifying shows.

RED & WHITE CLASSES

• Animal must have been shown at any two (2) recognized Branch Holstein shows to qualify for entry.

4-H CLASSES

• You must be a member of a 4-H Dairy Calf Club. • You must have shown your project at your club achievement day • 4-H Members must lead their own calf in at least two (2) Ontario Holstein Branch recognized shows but the animal need only qualify in one (1) show to be eligible • Entry form must show calf’s actual placing in the class as well as 4-H placing in the class • Have been 1st or 2nd 4-H Calf (in its class) at an Ontario Holstein Branch county or regional show. • Have been 1st, 2nd or 3rd 4-H Holstein Calf at Ontario Summer Show, EOWQ Championship Show, Autumn Opportunity Show, Maxville Holstein Show or an Official 4-H Show with 75 or more 4-H members participating in the show. The date and location of these 4-H shows needs to be at the Ontario Holstein Branch office prior to the show date and a complete marked catalogue must be sent to the Branch office no later than 15 days after the shows. • Have been in the top eight (8) Ontario owned 4-H placings in the Holstein 2019 RAWF Show OR 2019 TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic. • All-Ontario 4-H entries require a separate entry form and photo, listing only those shows where the 4-H member led his/her own calf.

Here’s to

WEARING OUT YOUR WORK GLOVES We’re proud to finance the people, the dreams, and the future of Canadian agriculture. Here’s to Canadian agriculture. Here’s to you.

JUNIOR ALL-ONTARIO

fcc.ca

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Animal must be owned and led by a registered Junior member, or an individual under the age of 25. Animal must have placed 1st, 2nd or 3rd at the Junior All-Ontario Show or must have placed in the top 2 (two) Junior All-Ontario Owned at any recognized Ontario Holstein Branch Show • Junior All-Ontario entries require a separate entry form and photo, listing only those shows where the Junior member led his/her own calf.

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CLASSES

1. Summer Calf - born on or after Jun. 1, ’19 2. Junior Calf - born Mar. 1 ‘19 - May 31, ‘19 3. Int. Calf - born Dec. 1, ’18 - Feb. 28, ’19 4. Senior Calf - born Sept. 1, ’18 - Nov. 30, ’18 5. Summer Yrling - born June 1, ’18 - Aug. 31, ’18 6. Junior Yrling - born Mar. 1, ’18 - May 31, ’18 7. Intermediate Yrling - born Dec. 1, ’17 - Feb. 29, ’18 8. Senior Yrling, non-milking - born Sept. 1, ’17 - Nov. 30, ’17 9. Junior Breeder’s Herd, 3 animals bred by exhibitor 10. Milking Yrling - born Sept.1, ’17, to Feb. 28, ’18 11. Junior 2-year-old - born Mar. 1, ’17 - Aug. 31, ’17 12. Senior 2-year-old - born Sept. 1, ’16 - Feb. 28, ’17 13. Junior 3-year-old - born March 1, ’16 - Aug. 31, ’16 14. Senior 3-year-old - born Sept. 1, ’15 - Feb. 28, ’16 15. 4-year-old - born Sept. 1, ’14 - Aug. 31, ’15 16. 5-year-old - born Sept. 1, ’13 - Aug. 31, ’14 17. Mature Cow - born prior to Sept. 1, ’14 18. Longtime Production Cow - must have made 60,000 Kgs by show time 19. Breeder’s Herd, 3 animals bred by exhibitor 20. Junior 4-H Calf - born after Mar. 1, ’19 21. Intermediate 4-H Calf - born Dec. 1, ’18 - Feb. 28, ’19 22. Senior 4-H Calf - born Sept. 1, ’18 - Nov. 30, ’18 23. Summer Yrling 4-H Calf - born June 1, ’18 - Aug. 31, ’18 24. Junior Yrling 4-H Calf - born Mar. 1, ’18 - May 31, ’18 25. Junior All-Ontario animal - Junior Calf to Senior Calf 26. Junior All-Ontario animal - Summer Yrling to Senior Yrling 27. Red & White Calf - born Sept. 1, ’18 - Aug. 31, ’19 28. Red & White Yrling non-milking - born Sept. 1 ’17 - Aug. 31, ’18 29. Red & White Junior Cow - born Sept. 1 ’15 - Feb. 29 ’18 30. Red & White Senior Cow - born prior to Sept. 1, 2015

ENTRIES Owners must submit an official entry via Assist Expo for each animal they wish to enter. Go to https://www.assistexpo.ca/all-ontario-holstein-competition to enter by November 16, 2019. Note: Each entry for each class requires a photo (see photo requirements below). A fee of $50 per entry ($25 for 4-H and Junior All-Ontario) applies and can be used towards an ad in The Link. ENTRY DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 16, 2019. For Further Information contact: Ontario Holstein Branch 519-653-6180 www.ontario.holstein.ca/awards/allontario.

PHOTO REQUIREMENTS Your entry must be accompanied by a professionally-taken 5x7 side-shot photo taken in the current show season. Photos must show the stage of lactation the cow was in when she competed. A Senior Yearling may be entered in both the milking & non-milking class but a picture must be provided in both milking and non-milking form. Exhibitors must submit three (3) individual pictures of the members of your Breeder’s Herd and Junior Breeder’s Herd. Group shots will not be accepted. Digitally manipulated photos will not be accepted.

SELECTION All qualifying entries received by the deadline will be submitted to a panel of 18 judges who will place their top six in each category. Points will be assigned as follows: 1st (9 points), 2nd (6 points), 3rd (4 points), 4th (3 points), 5th (2 points), and 6th (1 point). Judges with qualifying entries in the class are blocked from voting on that class. Additionally, 12 randomly-selected voting results will be compiled from the 18 sets of results to determine the All-Ontario winner for each class. Top placing animals will be recognized as All-Ontario, Reserve All-Ontario, and Honourable Mention All-Ontario respectively, followed by 3 nominated animals (4 in the case of a tie). Prior to voting, an effort will be made to allow each entrant 24 hours to review the accuracy of their entry via a live link, as well as view others in the class. Entrants will be notified of the final results via email. Results will be published in the Winter 2020 issue of The Link Magazine. Presentation of awards will be made at the Ontario Holstein Branch Annual Meeting in Feb. 2020. Results will not be considered official and cannot be published by any other company until after presentations are made. THE

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