• 2024 Breeders’ Cup Results
• Delcreek Holstein Feature
• Youth Feature: Cody Armstrong
• National Holstein Convention Recap
30
30 YEARSSupporting & Educating Ontario’sDairy Youth!
In 1994, the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund began with just over $3500. Fundraising efforts, such as video dances, 50/50 draws, calf auctions, AGM auctions, and various other types of draws, all aided in building up funds to support more and more youth programs and events in the province. Along the way, memorial donations, bequests in wills, and recognition donations further helped the cause. It could not have been done without the support of other industry organizations, clubs, volunteers and many dedicated parents and friends. The Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund has expended almost 1.2 million dollars to the following programs: Scholarships, Junior Shows, Ontario Dairy Youth Award (formerly Ontario Distinguished Achievement Award), Inter-County Dairy Cattle Competition, Showmanship and Fitting Competitions, and a number of various grants for groups, events and individuals. The Trust Fund is inclusive of every dairy breed.
Current Trustees: Ken Empey (Chair), John Buckley, Brian Coleman, Lowell Lindsay, Phyllis MacMaster, Allan Miller, Heather Parkin, Murray Reissner and Karen Velthuis. The Trustees are committed to the development of programs and events that educate, encourage and assist young people who are the future of the industry.
PHYLLIS MACMASTER
“I was a 4-H leader in both Halton and Dundas County. The Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund was interesting to me because it’s a registered charity with the goal of helping to develop the youth in the dairy industry, and you get to see the youth benefit directly from donations. When I became a Trustee for the Trust Fund in the early 90’s, I began promoting and educating people on the Trust Fund, what it does, and how the youth can benefit. I thought that one of the best ways to promote is to be a donor and lead by example. I also give in memory of people who may have been involved in 4-H, or dairy farmers who I have known over the years that have passed away. This is a way of recognizing someone through a donation that has a lasting legacy, which will help somebody, rather than giving flowers, for example. It’s a real bonus to see the eight young people that are chosen each year to receive some financial assistance toward their education.
The Trust Fund also sponsors some of the 4-H Dairy Clubs through Investing in Youth grants to help offset some of the costs involved for conducting meetings, achievement days, workshops, field days, etc. However, it is more than 4-H that is supported, it is all young people involved in the dairy world. I encourage all youth and organizations to take a look into the many ways in which the Trust Fund can provide financial assistance.
I am a big proponent of the Trust Fund because it supports youth, and I believe that the dairy industry is one that we need to support and support the youth from within.”
BRENDA ROSZELL
“I won the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund Scholarship in 1996, and it led me to graduate with a degree in Animal Science from the University of Guelph. The Trust Fund was a big help financially to pay for school. The biggest benefit from winning the scholarship for me was when I was getting out and looking for jobs. The Trust Fund gave me recognition and credibility because it is such a prestigious scholarship within the agricultural industry. It adds so much credibility to your resume.
I am now back home on Feederlane Farms, milking 90 Holsteins and Jerseys with my dad and my son Matthew. Matthew and his fiancée Chloe have also both benefited from the Trust Fund, when Matthew won the trip to Madison in 2019, and Chloe won the trip in 2023. That trip is the opportunity of a lifetime for those kids. It is such an eye-opening experience to be able to travel and see all those farms, as well as the Madison Show. They are memories that will last a lifetime.”
“I am a big proponent of the Trust Fund because it supports youth, and I believe that the dairy industry is one that we need to support and support the youth from within.”
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PHYLLIS MACMASTER, ONTARIO DAIRY YOUTH TRUST FUND TRUSTEE
LEXI JOHNSTON
“I am truly honoured to have received the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund Scholarship in 2021. Receiving this scholarship allowed me to jump at opportunities to travel and be an active participant of extracurricular opportunities that expanded my knowledge and skills within Agriculture. It has allowed me to diversify my experiences within the agriculture industry without having to worry about the financial burden that comes with post-secondary.
I graduated from the University of Guelph this spring earning a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in Animal Science and have started my career in Agriculture Lending, currently employed at TD Agriculture Services. Throughout university I was heavily involved in extracurricular within the OAC and College Royal. I proudly represented College Royal in 2023/2024 as President when we celebrated the event’s 100th anniversary.”
AMANDA COWAN
“I applied for the 2020 Ontario Dairy Youth Award...right as the world shut down. So that was interesting! A little side story of why I applied... Despite knowing about the award and knowing others who have received it...I was inspired to apply only shortly after my dad had passed. We had a donation option upon his passing to go to the Trust Fund and I didn’t, prior to this, realize how much they do. I am very grateful for all that they do and honoured to have been chosen for the award! We were able to go on the trip in October of 2022. When I applied for the award, the trip was originally set to follow tradition and be a trip to Madison. However, it did change within these 2 years and we got to keep it Canadian with a trip to the Westerner Dairy Showcase in Alberta. And honestly, as awesome as Madison would have been...Alberta was amazing. I had never been through more than the airport in Alberta and it’s always been somewhere that I’ve wanted to explore....and this trip definitely delivered. “Mama Pam” was a great tour guide and our crew got along so well and were just so much fun to travel with. I can’t recommend applying for this trip more. It’s such a wonderful experience and you meet some pretty great people along the way.
I would say the biggest way that the trip impacted my professional growth is in the connections that you make throughout the couple days. Also - in touring the farms...anytime you go on tours, you always go home with new ideas that can be tried in your own operation. Not much has changed since the award. I am continuing to help out on my home farm as well as work full time for Select Sires Canada as a genetic consultant. But I have 3 young boys who are getting older and I love to watch them at the farm helping out or playing alongside their cousins...so similar to the way I was raised. So many things change and evolve in the agriculture industry but so much stays the same.”
PHOTOS 1. Bertram Stewart (right), a founding member of the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund and Trustee until his passing in 2018, presenting a platinum level donor certificate to Phyllis MacMaster. 2. From left to right, Chloe Grabell, Matthew Roszell, Brenda Roszell, Don and Linda Green, Emma and Jimmy Yungblut of Feederlane Holsteins at Niagara Dinner at the Dairy in 2023 3. The 2021 Inter-County Judging Team touring Hoards Dairyman Farm in Madison. From l to r: Matthew Roszell, Lexi Johnston, Alex McKay, and Cally Finley, 4. Amanda Cowan, 2020 Dairy Youth Award Winner with her husband, Tyler Cowan, and their 3 sons. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.
THE TRUSTEES THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OVER THE YEARS. WE ARE GRATEFUL TO EVERYONE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED TO HELPING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF OUR DAIRY YOUTH FOR YEARS TO COME!
Phone: (519) 653-6180 Fax: (519) 756-9982 www.ontarioholstein.ca GENERAL MANAGER Pam Charlton pamcharlton@ontario.holstein.ca (519) 861-9851
, Olivia Dunn communications@ontario.holstein.ca (519) 865-5207
OFFICE COORDINATOR, Martina Arth branch@ontario.holstein.ca (519) 653-6180
BRANCH & EVENT SUPPORT ADMIN, Shelley Barfoot-O’Neill admin@ontario.holstein.ca (705) 333-9690
2023/2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT, KYLE MACLEOD kyle_macleod@hotmail.ca 519-320-0729
PAST-PRESIDENT, COLE VERBURG way2succinct@yahoo.com 613-802-3604 VICE-PRESIDENT, ALAN HAWTHORNE bobmur.farms@gmail.com 519-291-5824
NATIONAL DIRECTOR, BRIAN SLAUGHTER bslaughter@holstein.ca 519-330-6062
ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBERS MONICA KAGI 63redlodge@gmail.com 613-577-1658 JEFF KRUL krulej@msn.com 519-848-2227 ROBERT KOLB mountkolbfarminc@hotmail.com 416-523-7937
MAGAZINE DESIGN
Jessica Willison AD DESIGN
Jessica Willison
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bonnie Cooper
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Bonnie Cooper, Claire Swale, Pam Charlton, Patty Jones, Vicki Fletcher
FFor my first Summer issue of The Link, we made a plan to highlight the judging system. It has been a learning curve for me, learning the intricacies of the judging program, and gaining a deeper understanding of the nuances that shape the dairy industry. On page 22, you will find Bonnie Cooper’s article, “What It Takes To Be A Judge”, where you will read about our judging program in Ontario, as well as an interesting take on judging on a national level, and how judging benefits our industry.
I would like to mention and give thanks to the members, the community, and anyone who may have said “hi”, struck up a conversation, or given me ideas for The Link while out and about at a show or event. At the National Holstein Convention back in April, I was delighted to put so many faces to names, and speak with you, the Members, about The Link, learn about the industry and hear about the parts that everybody plays within it. These interactions have not only broadened my understanding of the industry but have highlighted the support and community within the Dairy Industry.
As we gear up for the upcoming fall show season, I am looking forward to seeing the results of our breeders and owners hardwork, and highlighting the many show results in The Link. Many thanks to all the local Holstein Club directors and members that make these county shows happen as well as the many sponsors that continue to support these events.
Sincerely,
Olivia Dunn Link Editor communications@ontario.holstein.ca
Editor
Olivia Dunn
The Link reaches 4,000+ Ontario dairy producers quarterly, perfect for targeting a dedicated audience. Contact us to showcase your business to our readers! Advertise with us!
communications@ontario.holstein.ca
FALL 2024
• World Dairy Expo Results • County Show Results
• Junior Show Results
50 Years of Perth County Club Select Sale
David Carsons Farms & Auctions | October 16th, 2024
TThe Perth County Club Select Sale will mark its 50th sale on October 16, 2024. Since 1975, the Perth County Club Select Sale has been held at David Carsons Farms and Auctions, offering top consignments from perth county each year. The Perth County Holstein Club is excited to showcase the history that has contributed to 50 years of successful sales.
As the dairy industry evolved over the last 50 years, so did the climate for dairy sales and the ability to draw a crowd. This resulted in a Tri-County Sale for a few years, when both Bruce & Grey County Holstein Clubs held their annual sales in conjunction with the Perth County Sale. More recently, the Holstein Club has welcomed production sales or herd dispersals to follow their annual sale.
The sale has brought in many major herds and has made impressive sales over the past 50 years. Impressively, MARDONHOLM EMPRESS ANNA still holds the title for the highest priced cow that David Carson has ever had the pleasure to sell. She sold for $15,300 to Oak Ridges Farm Ltd, Richmond Hill, for whom she ultimately earned the 1975 All-Canadian 3 Year Old title. It has been rumored that MARDONHOLM EMPRESS ANNA, bred by Don Simpson, St. Marys, was discovered by a few “local boys” and shown successfully at the county/regional level before headlining the very first Perth County Holstein Club Select Sale in 1975. As the All-Canadian 3 Year Old in 1975, MARDONHOLM EMPRESS ANNA, is one of the cows featured in Ross Butler’s All-Canadian holsteins - “The Cattle Upon The Thousand Hills”, which shows the best of the breed in each class from 1975. It has been noted that Empress Anna was also the cover girl for the sale catalogue for many years.
CNOSSOME LEGEND GEMINI, a Blondin Legend daughter, was sold as a bred heifer in 2022 in the 48th Annual Sale. Her dam is a VG Sid from an EX 2E Fever daughter of PENLOW GEORGETTE OUTSIDE EX -96 2E 15*, next dams EX 3E 8* & VG-87. She sold for $3,500 that day to Corey Martin of Wallenstein and was subsequently sold to Trinal Holsteins. Fresh at 22 months, she completed a record of 365d 15,986 - 3.6% - 575 - 3.1% - 497 (365-349-352) kg. It was at Trinal that she was spotted by Blondin Sires representatives, and is currently a featured Legend
daughter in their Sales Catalogue.
In 2011 SQUIBBHAVEN RITA OUTSIDE, bred by Dave Squibb was sold as a GP-82 2yr old and purchased by Moy Hall Holsteins of St. Marys. Backed by a VG87 Lyster, EX 4E 5* Black Ice and a VG-87 6* Broker, she went on to score EX 2E 4* herself, produced 4 daughters for Moy Hall and completed a 10yr record of 365d 14,389 - 3.9% -563 - 3.4% - 482 (239249-255) kg. In 2020, her Bombero daughter was also consigned to the sale, purchased locally before heading to a herd in Illinois to continue her story.
For the last 20 years, descendants of VERDA B C TOYA EX 7*, with superior lactation & longtime production awards, have left their mark on the annual sale with numerous herds given the opportunity to develop their own brood cows from this prolific cow family. One such cow is VERDA SANCHEZ TALITA VG-87. She is backed by 4 consecutive generations of VG and EX dams, and years of proud Perth County breeding! She sold fresh as a 4-year-old in the 42nd sale.
Her dam is VERDA JASPER THYME VG-87, 1st senior yearling at Perth-Waterloo and Nominated All-Ontario in 2010 with 12,046 kgM - 3.8%F - 3.2%P (226-230221). Next dam is VERDA LL THERESA EX-94 2E 3* who was Nominated All-Ontario in 2006 after being 1st 5 Year Old and HM Grand Champion at PerthWaterloo and 3rd at Autumn Opportunity Show. Third dam is the one and only VERDA B C TOYA EX 7*
Year after year, the Perth County Club Select Sale demonstrates its success with results akin to those listed here. The Perth County Holstein Club invites all to attend on October 16th, 2024 at David Carsons Farms and Auctions, and be part of this tradition of excellence.
keeping youLinked in
LINKED IN IS YOUR PAGE – IT WAS CREATED FOR YOU TO SHARE YOUR FARM UPDATES, FAMILY MILESTONES, FUNNY STORIES, UNIQUE PHOTOS AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN WITH THE OVER 4,000 ONTARIO BREEDERS WHO READ THE LINK! WRITE US TODAY... WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU STAY “LINKED IN!”
SPIRIT OF 4-H WINNERS!
Congratulations to Prescott and York County’s Spirit of 4-H Winners!
Pictured (above) is Gary Pegg, York 4-H Leader, presenting Lily Beckett with the Spirit of 4-H award at the Holstein Club’s annual banquet on April 6th, 2024. This year the Prescott Spirit of 4-H Award went to Caitlin Allen - a graduating 4-H member. It was presented on April 9th at the Breeder’s Cup Banquet. Pictured (below) is Amanda Cowan (left), Prescott Holstein Club Secretary, presenting to Caitlin. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.
CALVES FOR A CAUSE >>
This year, Canadian Dairy Xpo hosted the annual “Calves for a Cause” sale. For the past four years, this sale has raised funds for the London Childrens hospital. This year, the sale was a huge success, raising $30,000 for the foundation. Pictured above is the amazing sales team who makes this noteworthy fundraiser possible. PHOTO SUBMITTED.
CONGRATULATIONS MURRAY!
At The Royal’s Annual General Meeting on April 14th, 2024, Murray Reissner was appointed an Honorary Governor of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Association of Canada. He is now a member of The Royal’s Board of Governors. “Murray embraces The Royal as the pinnacle of shows. His hard work and dedication have been instrumental in maintaining a world class show for the Classic.” - Shelley Peterson, Past President of The Royal. PHOTO SUBMITTED.
SUPPORTING 4-H ON THE GOLF COURSE! >>
On Thursday, May 23rd, Pam and Martina teed off for a great cause. The Holstein Ontario ladies golfed the day away at the Victoria Park East Golf Club in Guelph in the 2024 4-H Ontario Foundation Golf Tournament. Money raised at the event goes toward supporting youth and youth programming at 4-H Ontario.
JUDGING SCHOOL SUCCESS
Another round of Judging Schools! On May 25th, Karnview Farms hosted the West/ West Central Judging School (top photo). On July 12th, Winright Holsteins played host for the East/East Central Judging school (bottom photo). Thank you to the Karns and Enrights for being such great hosts!
Top Ontario Herds by LPI
THE RESULTS ARE IN FROM LACTANET ON THE TOP LPI AND PRO$ HERDS IN ONTARIO! LACTANET HAS CALCULATED THE TOP HERDS IN ONTARIO BY GENETIC INDEX BASED ON THE APRIL 2024 PROOF RELEASE AND GROUPED THEM ACCORDING TO SIZE. NOTE THAT BELOW, %G IS THE PERCENT OF THE HERD THAT HAVE BEEN GENOMICALLY TESTED. IN THE EVENT OF A TIE, THE HERD WITH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF COWS BROKE THE TIE.
Top 20 LPI
Top 20 LPI
20 LPI
Top 20 LPI
PHOTOS: 1. First place Sr. 3-Yr-Old, Intermediate & Grand Champion, DOUBLE-G LAMDA GOLD, 2. Reserve Champion and first place 4-Yr-Old, QUALITY MASTER RUTH, 3. Grand Champion Red and White SUGAR-C LN ELUDE-RED, 4. MILKWORTH KD ADELINE, Reserve Fall 2-Year Old, 5. Len Vis (L) and Eden Vis (R) present the Junior Champion Awards, Jr. Champion IN-STYLE JEWEL IN THE NIGHT, Reserve WINRIGHT SL SIDEKICK JADE and HM KARNVIEW CANDY OF SUMMER, 6. Grand Champion lineup, from l to r, Grand DOUBLE-G LAMDA GOLD, Reserve QUALITY MASTER RUTH and HM TUSC-VU AVALANCHE CALI , 7. Red & White Grand Champion lineup; Grand SUGAR-C LN ELUDE, Reserve EGLACRES JORDY LOVEJOY-RED and HM AIJA AVALANCHE KALA,, 8. Reserve Grand Champion Red & White EGL-ACRES JORDY LOVEJOY-Red, 9. Red & White Junior Champion WINRIGHT BELIEVE TALAHASSEE. PHOTOS 1-8 BY CLAIRE SWALE, PHOTO 9 BY LYNDSAY BERRY.
ONTARIO SPRING DISCOVERY
APRIL 24-25, 2024 • 237 HEAD • JUDGE - RIDLEY WIKKERINK
Winter Calf WINRIGHT SIDEKICK CHAMPAGNE
Brandon Almeida, Brian Joseph Enright, Frank & Diane Borba
Fall Calf HM JR KARNVIEW CANDY OF SUMMER
Candy Syndicate, Sun Prairie, WI
Summer Yearling UNIQUE RED-CARPET FLAIR
Clarkvalley Holsteins & Tristan Rae, Woodville
Spring Yearling WINRIGHT BELIEVE TALLAHASSEE
M & G Lintvelt, R. Shore, Verthein & Grifith, Winchester
Winter Yearling RES JR WINRIGHT SL SIDEKICK JADE
Brian Joseph Enright & Sunnylodge Farms Inc, Winchester
Fall Yearling JR CHAMP IN-STYLE JEWEL IN THE NIGHT
Jannalee Coleman, Isaac Folts & Riley Whisler, NY
Summer 2-Yr-Old FRAELAND BECKRIDGE LIL BUTTER
Beckridge Holsteins, Fraeland Farms, Keswick
Spring 2-Yr-Old MARTIN-VIEW DOC HOT SHOT
Dandyland Farm, Parallel Genetics, Schomberg
Winter 2-Yr-Old HM INT WALNUTLAWN LAMBDA BEYONCE
Hodglynn Holsteins, Walnutlawn Farms Limited, Kincardine
Fall 2-Yr-Old BLONDIN STARS ALICE
Hodglynn Holsteins, Little Star Holsteins, Kincardine
Junior 3-Yr-Old GLEANN DOC KISSYFACE
Bruce Thomson, Antigonish, NS
Senior 3-Yr-Old GRAND & INT CHAMP DOUBLE-G LAMDA GOLD
Hodglynn Holsteins, Joel Phoenix, Kincardine
4-Yr-Old RES GRAND QUALITY MASTER RUTH
Quality Holsteins, Vaughan
5-Yr-Old ERBCREST DOC MARILOU
Erbcrest Farm & Quality Holsteins, Milverton
Mature Cow HM GRAND TUSC-VU AVALANCHE CALI
Isaac Folts, NY
RED & WHITE JUNIOR CHAMPIONS: JR CHAMPION WINRIGHT BELIEVE TALLAHASSEE
M & G Lintvelt, R. Shore, Verthein & Grifith, Winchester
RESERVE MS KISS FINDME-RED-ET
Frank Barkey & Family, Kawartha Holsteins, Lindsay
HM STOLHAVEN JRD ALAINA-RED
Markhill Holsteins, Ingersoll
RED & WHITE INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONS:
INT CHAMPION
SUGAR-C LN ELUDE-RED
Agriber Societa Agricola Srl, Beckridge Holsteins, Lily Beckett, Quality Holsteins, Oscar & Eric Dupasquier and Patience Holsteins Ltd.
RESERVE J-FOLTS ARISTOCRAT JUMP-RED
Clarkvalley Holsteins & Pierre Boulet, Woodville
HM ARCROIX DEVOUR REANNA
Ferme Arthur Lacroix Ltée, Letarte Holsteins & Pierre Boulet, Saint-Michel-De-Bellechase
RED & WHITE GRAND CHAMPIONS:
GRAND CHAMPION
SUGAR-C LN ELUDE-RED
Agriber Societa Agricola Srl, Beckridge Holsteins, Lily Beckett, Quality Holsteins, Oscar & Eric Dupasquier and Patience Holsteins Ltd.
RESERVE EGL-ACRES JORDY LOVEJOY-RED
Rickhaven Holsteins, Drayton
HM AIJA AVALANCHE KALA
Agriber Societa Agricola Srl, Beckridge & Quality Holsteins
SHOWMANSHIP (sponsored by Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund)
CHAMPION BROOKE SLEEGERS
RESERVE KEATON PHOENIX
HM AMBER WARBOYS
JR AWARDS:
JR BREEDER’S HERD KARNVIEW FARMS INC
JR BREEDER KARNVIEW FARMS INC
JR EXHIBITOR KAWARTHA HOLSTEINS
JR PREMIER SIRE GOLDEN-OAKS MASTER-ET
SR AWARDS:
SR BREEDER’S HERD QUALITY HOLSTEINS
PREMIER BREEDER KARNVIEW FARMS INC
PREMIER EXHIBITOR KAWARTHA HOLSTEINS
2024 COUNTY SHOW CALENDAR
August 7
Middlesex Holstein Show Ilderton Agricultural Society, 6:30 pm.
August 9
Northumberland Holstein Show Campbellford Fair, 6:00 pm.
August 10
Glengarry County Show Williamstown Fairgrounds, 10:30 am.
August 10
Elgin County Holstein Show Aylmer Fairgrounds, 7:00 pm.
August 10
Northumberland County Heifer Show Campbellford Fairgrounds, 9:30am.
August 16
Prescott County Show Vankleek Hill Fair, 10:00 am.
August 19
Lambton County Holstein Show Forest Agricultural Society, 7:00 pm.
August 21
Niagara County Holstein Show Wainfleet Arena, 7:00 pm.
August 22
Simcoe County Holstein Show Essa Agriplex, 10:30 am.
August 22
Oxford County Holstein Show Woodstock Fairgrounds, 6:30 pm.
August 27
Bruce-Grey Holstein Show Walkerton Agricultural Society, 12:00 pm.
August 28
Brant-Wentworth Holstein Show Paris Fairgrounds, 6:15 pm.
August 30
Dufferin-Wellington County Holstein Show Orangeville Fairgrounds, 6:30 pm.
August 31
Stormont County Holstein Club Show Newington Fairgrounds
September 2
Ontario County Holstein Show 9:45 am.
September 2
Thunder Bay County Holstein Show Hymers Fair, 12:00pm.
September 6
Prince Edward County Holstein Show Picton Fairgrounds
September 6
Durham County Show Orono Agricultural Society, 10:00 am.
September 7
Lanark County Holstein Show Almonte Fairgrounds, 11:00 am.
September 13
Frontenac County Holstein Show Kingston Memorial Centre, 6:30pm.
September 13
Perth-Waterloo County Holstein Show Stratford Rotary Complex, 6:30pm.
September 15
Victoria County Holstein Show Lindsay Exhibition
September 27
Carleton-Russell County Show Metcalfe Fair, 12:00 pm.
October 3
York Holstein Club Show Markham Fairgrounds
October 8
Haldimand-Norfolk Holstein Club Show Norfolk County Fairgrounds
https://www.assistexpo.ca/results/ontario-spring-discovery/1/1
Top Ontario Herds by Pro$
THE RESULTS ARE IN FROM LACTANET ON THE TOP PRO$ HERDS IN ONTARIO! LACTANET HAS CALCULATED THE TOP HERDS IN ONTARIO BY GENETIC INDEX BASED ON THE APRIL 2024 PROOF RELEASE AND GROUPED THEM ACCORDING TO SIZE. NOTE THAT BELOW, %G IS THE PERCENT OF THE HERD THAT HAVE BEEN GENOMICALLY TESTED. IN THE EVENT OF A TIE, THE HERD WITH THE LARGEST NUMBER OF COWS BROKE THE TIE.
Top 20 Pro$
Top 20 Pro$
Top 20 Pro$
Cody Armstrong on Judging & Showing Cattle and Embracing Success in the Vegetable Market
STORY BY OLIVIA DUNN
HHailing from a dairy farm in Millbrook, Ontario, Cody Armstrong can be found helping with the family’s 250 acres of cash crops, running his vegetable business, as well prepping cattle for the show ring. Over the years, the Armstrong family has shifted from dairy farming and have diversified their approach. After selling their dairy herd in 2017, the Armstrong family began to rethink how they could make use of their barn and land, and in January of 2018, the Armstrong’s embarked on a new journey, freezer beef production and raising Jersey bulls for veal production.
A recent graduate from the Food and Agricultural Business Program at the University of Guelph, Cody is using his skillset to grow both the meat production business and his vegetable business that he runs along with his sister Kelsie.
VEGETABLE BUSINESS WITH SISTER KELSIE
Cody’s mom, Kelly Armstrong, has been a skillful gardener since Cody can remember. It was this hobby that influenced Cody to get into the vegetable business 17 years ago when he was just six years old. It all started when the Armstrong’s wanted to grow their own pumpkins for Halloween in their half acre garden, and they realized they had grown more pumpkins than they knew what to do with. The business began when Cody sold his pumpkins to his grade one classmates. What started 17 years ago with a small pumpkin patch has grown into a successful operation, under the name of Cody and Kelsie’s Veggy Patch. Now, their vegetable patch covers sixteen acres, producing sweet corn, pumpkins, and squash. Aside from Cody and Kelsie’s vegetable stand, the Armstrong’s supply fresh vegetables to their local grocery stores, including two Sobeys, a Foodland, local co-ops, and markets. Cody is excited to continue to grow Cody and Kelsie’s Veggy Patch beyond Peterborough County, and hopefully get into grocery stores and markets in surrounding counties as well.
SHOWING
Cody has been showing cattle since he was just three years old. His skills have earned him numerous accolades over the years. In 2016, he achieved Honorable Mention Showperson at Ontario Summer Show,
and has had continued success at numerous local county shows, as well as being named Reserve Champion Showperson at EastGen in Spencerville in 2023. Cody’s ambitions to remain competitive throughout the show season this past year were persistent, as Cody rounded out his 4-H career with a strong conclusion in showmanship at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic. Cody’s favorite aspect of showing cattle is the animal preparation. The satisfaction and fulfillment that comes with getting an animal to look its best gives Cody pride. The process of getting an animal ready and then getting to see the animal develop and perform on show day is a
“I love seeing the animal develop on show day and getting it into the ring. Whether it is an animal you own or someone else’s, the goal is to make sure the cow can do the best she can. Seeing it all come together is a huge accomplishment .”
- CODY ARMSTRONG
2024 Breeders’ Cup Results
Congratulations to the winners of Breeders’ Cup Competitions across Ontario! It was great to see so many competitions with various class offerings and so many farms participating! Thanks to all who took part and to the judges and coordinators who made this year’s competitions possible! Note below, (G) = Grand; (R) = Reserve and (HM) = Honourable Mention.
COUNTY CLASS 1ST PLACE
1st Lactation
BRANTWENTWORTH
Judge –
Richard Osborne
BRUCE
Judge –
Tyler Canning
2nd Lactation
3 + Lactations
Longtime Production
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3rd Lactation
60,000 kg+
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
DUNDAS
Judge –
Herb Henderson
60,000 kg+
Dam/Progeny
BRIDGEVIEW ALLEYOOP KOE
Bridgeview Farms
FENNEMA SIDEKICK DRIZZLE (G)
Jake & Janet Ringelberg
BRIDGEVIEW TONKA SUMMER
Bridgeview Farms
SUMMITHOLM FALCON JUDO
Joe Loewith & Sons Ltd
FLORBIL DELTA LAMBDA SAGE
Florbil Farms Ltd.
BELMORAL HANIKO PLACID
Belmoral Farms Ltd.
MEADOWBLOOM DEMPSEY WHITNEY
Meadowbloom Holsteins Inc.
BELMORAL SANCHEZ JOESEY
Belmoral Farms Ltd.
BURMANIA MIRAND ETSY
Burmania Farms
WINRIGHT SIDEKICK ENVY (R)
Winright Holsteins
WINRIGHT V DOORMAN BUBBLY (G)
Winright Holsteins
VRIESDALE DODGE LOVEBIRD
Vriesdale Farms
WINRIGHT DIAMONDBACK EBONY
WINRIGHT SIDEKICK ENVY
Winright Holsteins
2ND PLACE
HATCHLEY LAMBDA PEPPERONI 259
Talsma Farms Inc
BRIDGEVIEW IMPRESSION DOREEN (R)
Bridgeview Farms
ELM BEND GO CUCKOO
Elm Bend Holsteins
HATCHLEY BONUCCI CAMILLA 399
Talsma Farms Inc
BELMORAL MASTER NICKS
Belmoral Farms Ltd.
CARDINALCREEK RENEGADE 409
Cardinal Creek Holsteins
MEADOWBLOOM THOREAU APRICOT
Meadowbloom Holsteins Inc.
PROLIFIC JEDI MERCY
Prolific Genetics
VRIESDALE CHIEF COMPASSION
Vriesdale Farms
VRIESDALE DUKE BOXING DAY
Vriesdale Farms
VRIESDALE AVATAR EVEREST
Vriesdale Farms
MELNA PREMIUM SUNNYSIDEDOWN
Melna Holsteins
VRIESDALE FUEL ANTICS
VRIESDALE ALLIGATOR ANTIDOTE
Vriesdale Farms
3RD PLACE
BRIDGEVIEW SIDEKICK KAYA
Bridgeview Farms
LEGEND-MAKER JACOTRED MAPLE Don-Mair Farms & Legend-Maker Holsteins
ELM BEND MIRANDA LYNN
Elm Bend Holsteins
DON-MAIR DEMPSEY COCO Don-Mair Farms
CHAKELBURG KINGDOC MILLERTIME
Chakelburg Holsteins
CEDARPATCH ALLIGATOR JUMPBACK
Cedarpatch Holsteins, John Dortmans
DORAL SIDEKICK PANINI
Doral Farms Inc.
HARRISHAVEN KINGPIN JESS
RG Harris Farms
MELNA MIRAND MISSILE
Melna Holsteins
MELNA EXCALIBUR APPLE CRUMBLE
Melna Holsteins
WINRIGHT DIAMONDBACK EBONY
Winright Holsteins
BOBASYL ALEXANDER ANGEL
Bobasyl Farm
MELNA MONTROSS HALLO
MELNA MIRAND HALFTIME
Melna Holsteins
Premier Breeder VRIESDALE FARMS
WINRIGHT HOLSTEINS
PHOTOS 1. Hayway Chief Maeve - 3rd place in the 1st Lactation class for Renfrew County, 2. Waterloo County Breeders’ Cup 1st Lactation first place was Perrinridge Fuel Limpy, 3. New Liskeard 3rd Lactation winner and Grand Champion Lorneva Acrobat Pointsetta, 4. Haldimand-Norfolk Breeders Cup winners from left to right: Art De Boer, Jocelyn Kennes, Doug Peart and Marcel Backx 5. Oxford County’s 60,000 kg+ winner, Glenbert Dualane Doorman Skylar, 6. Judge Jon Kingdon made Heather Holme Alligator Magic the 1st Lactation class winner in Huron County, 7. Winright V Doorman Bubbly, Grand Champion of Dundas County, 8. Crater Cherish Ashby was the 1st Lactation class winner in Frontenac County, 9. Niagara’s Grand Champion Feederlane Sidekick Twix. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.
as Reserve Champion PHOTOS SUBMITTED. 1 2 3 4 5
COUNTY CLASS 1ST PLACE 2ND PLACE
1st Lactation
DURHAM
Judge –
Amy Darroch
ELGIN
Judge –
Devin O’Hara
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
1st Lactation
ESSEX-KENT
Judge –
Alan Hawthorne
FRONTENAC
Judge –
Jake Whitmore
2nd Lactation
WERRCROFT SIDEKICK MARTHA
Werrcroft Farms Ltd.
MAIFIELD RANDALL FREA
Maifield Holstein
ALTONA LEA FEVER JANELLE (G)
Altona Lea Farms
MAPLEKEYS LEGEND MAI-LING
Maplekeys Farms
SKIPPER TONKA FINN
Schipper Farms
MAPLEKEYS CRUSHABULL PIPPY (G) Maplekeys Farms
LILAC ROW SOLARPOWER HILARY
Lilac Row Farms
LILAC ROW PITBOSS FINA
Lilac Row Farms
3+ Lactations LILAC ROW JETT AIR KAYXEE (G)
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
Top BCA Award
1st Lactation
Lilac Row Farms
CRATER CHERISH ASHBY
Crater Farm
ORSERDALE RANDALL GRETA
Orserdale Farms & Catalyst Holsteins
ORSERDALE CONTROL GRAVITY
Orserdale Farms & Catalyst Holsteins
SUNNY PLAINS ADAGIO NATEL
Sunny Plains Farms
LORMARR LEA KINGDOC SATIRE
Lormarr Lea Holsteins
GREY
Judge –
Jenn Charlton
3+ Lactations
Longtime Production
1st Lactation
HALDIMAND NORFOLK
Judge –
Devin O’Hara
1st
BENRISE LAMBDA AFTERMATH
Benrise Farms
ALTONA LEA SIDEKICK HEATHER
Altona Lea Farms
LANDOMILLS MIAMI ABBY
Landomills Farms Ltd.
SKIPPER FUEL ELLA
Schipper Farms
SILVERRIDGE CRUSHABULL TRICIA Silverridge Farms
EASTEDGE RENEGADE 394 East Edge Holsteins
BRIGHTLITE SWIFT SHEA Brightlite Holsteins
BALLY BRIGHT SWIFT DARLING Bally Bright Farms Ltd
HOWSONDALE AVALANCH ANN Bally Bright Farms Ltd
WELOVALE ATEAM SPECKLES Welovale Farms
ENNISKILLEN ENGINEER MAMIE 609 Enniskillen Jerseys
WERRCROFT MCCUTCHEN GISSELLE Werrcroft Farms Ltd.
SILVERRIDGE STARS NIKKI Silverridge Farms
MAPLEKEYS ALLEYOOP LOLLIPOP Maplekeys Farms
MONOAK DEMPSEY AVA Monoak Farms
BALLY BRIGHT JOHNBOY IDK Bally Bright Farms Ltd
RCAT ALLIGATOR AILEEN Ridgetown College Of Agricultural Technology
BALLY BRIGHT JACEY SIENNA Bally Bright Farms Ltd
LOYALYN BAROLO JUNIPER
Rob & Alice Bumstead
GLENWIN KIPPER GINGER PET
Patti Alsop
GLENWIN TONKA JOEY
Patti Alsop
MARKHOEVE SIDEROAD CRAYON
Markhoeve Farms
PEARTOME PIPPA MIDDLETON
2nd Lactation
3rd Lactation
60,000 kg+
1st Lactation
HURON
Judge –
Jon Kingdon
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
LANARK
Judge –Ryan Crowley
Peartome Holsteins
HEATHERICK SIDEKICK RAGWEED
Frederick Topp & Son
DEBOER WICKHAM MITZY
De Boer Acres Holsteins
HEATHER HOLME ALLIGATOR MAGIC
Glen & Curtis McNeil
HEATHER HOLME UNIX MOONLIGHT
Glen & Curtis McNeil
HEATHER HOLME DOORMAN DISNEY
Glen & Curtis McNeil
BOALCREST CRUSHABULL STELLA
Elmer & Diana Boal
KNAPVIEW UNIX EDEN
Knapview Farms
3+ Lactations ZIEVIEW IMPRESSION MUMBAI
LOYALYN IMPRESSION TWILIGHT
Rob & Alice Bumstead
LOYALYN STANLEYCUP TRILLIUM
Rob & Alice Bumstead
WCG UNIX HYPNOSIS
Willowcreek Genetics
PEARTOME HONEY NUT CHEERIOS
Peartome Holsteins
DYKEMAVALE WICKHAM POP
Dykemavale Farms
KEYLAS KIAN LILA
Douglas Winger
DUTCHDALE IMPRESSION APPLE
Dutchdale Farms
THOMSVUE SIDEKICK JANE
Thomsvue Farms
GUBLEMAN PHIL DEBBIE
Gubelman Brown Swiss
PAULVIEW ALLEYOOP MOOLA
Paulview Farms Ltd.
TRI-YUILL ARTIST TALLEDAGA
Tri-Yuill
TIMCON DIABLO CONTROL
LIGHTMYFIRE GODIVA
BLAYJOY SIDEKICK VAVOOM Blayjoy Holsteins Ltd
LORMARR LEA BREWED STRONG Lormarr Lea Holsteins
WARCREST EPIC NELLA
Warren M. Becker
MARKHOEVE RANDALL JELLO
Markhoeve Farms
DEBOER SWINGMAN GLORY De Boer Acres Holsteins
MARKHOEVE BONFIELD
Markhoeve Farms
MARKHOEVE SHANNA Markhoeve Farms
ELIMVIEW BOEING RETA Elimview Holsteins
DUTCHDALE APTITUDE LULU
Dutchdale Farms
GUBLEMAN BIVER KATNIS
Gubelman Brown Swiss
TOPROCK DISTRICT GRINKLE
Toprock Farms Ltd.
PENLOW TRACIE MIRAND Penlow
NANDALE MIAMI INCREDIBLE Nandale Farms Longtime Production SYMCROFT DEMPSEY KNOCKOUT
Symcroft Farms
Nandale Farm
Elmer & Diana Boal
Holsteins
Farms
(G) Zieview Farms
Timcon Holsteins
PHOTOS 1. Tyler Canning named Florbil Delta Lambda Sage 1st place 1st Lactation in Bruce County 2. Glen Islay Merlot, Grand Champion of Wellington County, 3. Amy Darroch named Altona Lea Fever Janelle Grand Champion of Durham, 4. Grey County’s 1st Place 1st Lactation is Lormarr Lea Kingdoc Satire, 5. Prescott’s Yorella Paradise Vogue was 1st Place
Lactation, as well
LEEDSGRENVILLE
Judge –Chris Uhr
NEW LISKEARD
Judge –
Chris DeKlein
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
Dam & Daugther
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
2 Year Olds
2nd Lactation
ROOSBURG SUCCESS STORY
Roosburg Farms Inc
GERANN STAMKOS GAYLOR (R)
Gerann Holsteins
SNOWDAME DS SIDEKICK KEYHOLE (G)
Snowdame Farm
SNOWDAME DS SIDEKICK KEYHOLE
SNOWDAME DS LAUTRUST KARAMBA
Snowdame Farm
LORNEVA SIDEKICK DOMONIQUE
Freedom Farms Inc.
SCENIC RAIL LAMBDA AUTUMN
Scenic Rail Holsteins
LORNEVA ACROBAT POINTSETTA (G)
Freedom Farms Inc.
FEEDERLANE ALONGSIDE TAROT
Feederlane Farms
FEEDERLANE SIDEKICK TWIX (G)
Feederlane Farms
HILL VIEW GENIE ELEGANT
Dwyre Farms Ltd
LOCUS LANE OLIVIA MIDNIGHT
Locus Lane Farm Ltd
MAPLE-AIN DENIM SEQUEL (HM)
Maple-Ain Holsteins
RIDEAUSIDE ADVOCATE SKY 3977
RIDEAUSIDE MIDNIGHT 3666
Rideauside Farm Inc
DOUBLERIDGE STARS VOULA
Doubleridge Holsteins
LORNEVEA LAUTRUST PIPER
Freedom Farms Inc.
HIDDENCREST CONTROL RITA
Hidden Crest Dairy
SLEEPY HOLLOW CHARITY
Brett Alders
LUXURY IMPRESSION JOSIE
Luxury Holsteins
RIDEAUSIDE BRIDGESTONE 4005
Rideauside Farm Inc
HILL VIEW DOORMAN MORGAN
Dwyre Farms Ltd
GERANN DOORMAN KADABRA
Gerann Holsteins
GERANN ZOOMRED CRISPIE
GERANN STAMKOS CREAM
Gerann Holsteins
HIDDENCREST MILANO HOLLY
Hidden Crest Dairy
PARAJAY BREWMASTER SUZIE
Jackson Valley Farms
DOUBLERIDGE MCMARS SOPHIE
Doubleridge Holsteins
MOONSHINE MAIU AGNES
Moonlight Holsteins
SPIERDYKE ME IN CONTROL
Spierdyke Farms
NIAGARA
Judge –
Scott Walker
3rd Lactation
4th+ Lacation
Dam & Daughter
1st Lactation
NORTHUMBERLAND
Judge –Jason Millen
ONTARIO
Judge –Matt Forestell
3+ Lactation
1st Lactation
3+ Lactations
Progeny of Dam
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
OXFORD
Judge –Morgan MacMillan
3rd Lactation
60,000 kg+
1st Lactation
PERTH
Judge
Kyle MacLeod
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
60,000 KG +
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
PRESCOTT
Judge –
Julie McDonald
Progeny of Dam
Lifetime Production
ABBYLAYNE IMPRESSION TAEKWONDO (R)
Albert Fledderus
VELLHAVEN ALI BREW SANDRA
Vellhaven Farms Inc
MOONSHINE MAIU AGNES
MOONSHINE RAMBO ANGELA
Moonlight Holsteins
KINGSWAY ALTITUDE AIR
Kingsway Farms
OCONCREST SIDEKICK SUPERNOVA
Erincrest Holsteins
BECKHOLM UNSTOPPABLE STORM Beckholm Holsteins
ALIDALE AKITO RUBLE RED (G) Alidale Farms **Sam Dusty Memorial Trophy Winner**
MAPLEBROUGH DEMPSEY RHONDA Maplebrough Holsteins
HANALEE CRUSHABULL SNOWFLAKE
Hank & Nancy Lee Hazeleger
ROESBETT SK RISKY
Roesbett Farms Ltd
VONBURG CHIEF JAYMIE
C.W. Vondervoort
GLENBERT DUALANE DOORMN
SKYLAR
Glenbert Holsteins
TERRYLEA PICASSO BRAVO
Terrylea Holsteins, Beckerville Holsteins & Trevor
J Willows
MAPLEVUE ADAGIO BUGLE
Maplevue Farms
MAPLEVUE MARIUS PEACH (G)
Maplevue Farms
SQUIBBLAND RITA DEMPSEY
Impact Farms
YORELLEA PARADISE VOGUE (R)
Yorellea Farms
YORELLEA IMPRESSION VIVIAN
Yorellea Farms
MOUNT ELM JORDY TATTLE (G)
Mount Elm Farms Inc
DAM: BONNIE BRAE JORDY RED
DESTINY (ATTRACTION DESIRE & ATTRACTION APPLE)
Yorellea Farms
YORELLEA SUPERPOWER OCEANA
Yorellea Farms
VELLHAVEN ALI BREW ADDISON
Vellhaven Farms Inc
SPIERDYKE BRIAR IMPRESSION
Spierdyke Farms
BROOKTURN HISTORY VELVET
BROOKTURN MIRAND VALERIE P
Brookturn Holsteins
PINE GLEN UNIX HARLEN Pine Glen Farms
KINGSWAY UNIX A TULSA Kingsway Farms
DAPPLEDALE SUMMERFEST MARY Dappledale Holsteins
RUTI PAT GILLY Werner & Nicolas Renggli
CALBRETT KINGBOY MIRANDA P O’Connor Land & Cattle Co
KARNVILLA HANIKO RADIOACTIVE
D.W. Karn Farms Inc
MARKVALE DROPKICK VIENNA
Markvale Holsteins
HANALEE JACOBY DICEY
Hank & NancyLee Hazeleger
ROESBETT AFTERSHOCK REBA
Roesbett Farms Ltd
DOWNIEBROOK STEPHANIE SIDEKICK
Downiebrook Farms Ltd
KEVCREST KING DOC ABBY
Kevin G. Beuermann & Delaney Beuermann
JANHOLM SILVIO DIGNITY (R)
Janholm Farms
SKINHEIR BREW BELINDA
Skinheir Holsteins Inc
BURNACRES MASTER CHELSEA
Burnacres Farms
MOUNT ELM CRUSHTIME JIFFY
Mount Elm Farms Inc
OVERDALE SIDEKICK SKYE
Overdale Farms Ltd
DAM: FAYARDS SUDAN ZOOM (IMPRESSION ZELLA & COTTON ZERO)
Ferme Raynaud Ltee
REDSTONE JOLLYRANCHER ZOE
Redstone Holsteins Inc
MOONSHINE RAMBO ANGELA
Moonlight Holsteins
BROOKTURN HISTORY VELVET Brookturn Holsteins
VELLHAVEN ALI CHIEF ASTRO
VELLHAVEN ALI BREW ADDISON
Vellhaven Farms Inc
SKYLINE DOORMAN SAMBUCA PARTY Skyline Holsteins
SKYLINE CONTROL ARIAL Skyline Holsteins
STEVENLEA EXTRA IMPRESSION Stevenlea Holsteins
ELMCROFT HI OCTANE RIA Elmcroft Holsteins
ELMCROFT DOORMAN ALISON Elmcroft Holsteins
VALIANT SPERO LAMBDA LOTR 1343
Spero Holsteins Ltd & Valiant Dairy Genetics
LARENWOOD ALLIGATO HOMER 1123 Larenwood Farms
LARENWOOD ELECTRIC RITZ 1025 Larenwood Farms
MARKVALE CEO JASMINE
Markvale Holsteins
MAPLEVUE LAMBDA LAMP
Maplevue Farms
TERRYLEA BENTLEY BOPEEP P
Terrylea Holsteins & Trevor J Willows
DOWNIEBROOK LIANN CHIP
Downiebrook Farms Ltd
NEWMORNING BOOKEM PI 2211
New Morning Holsteins
YORELLEA DELTA LAMBDA ALLIE
Yorellea Farms
PERKINDALE ALBUM AIVA
Perkindale Farms
DUFFWIND VICTOR SALTY
Duffwind Farms
DAM: BURNACRES RECEIVE REMARK (JIMMY JAY & DURBIN RIVER)
Burnacres Farms
RAYD' OEX SILVER CHRISLYN
Ferme Raynaud Ltee
COUNTY CLASS 1ST PLACE
1st Lactation
PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY
Judge –Morgan McMillan
RENFREW
Judge –Justin Velthuis
SIMCOE
Judge –
Andrew Den Haan
WALTZ ACRE CARLENE
IMPROBABLEWALTZ
Acre Farms & Larry D. McComb
2nd Lactation NURSELAND DUKE SERENITY Nurseland Farm
3+ Lactations KUIPERSCREST SAVANNAH Kuiperscrest Holsteins
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
Dam & Daughter
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
3+ Lactations
1st Lactation
BARRVALLEY DARWIN MYRA
Barrvalley Holsteins
BARRVALLEY APPS HELEN (G)
Barrvalley Holsteins
GREENLARK CONTROL LAURA (HM) Greenlark Farms
CHANMAR ADONIS MISS RED CENTURY STAR OVERWING MISS ME Century Star Holsteins
FARISVIEW ATWOOD HELEN
Dalton J. Faris
SPENCROFT FUEL KRISPOSENE Roger Spence
SPENCROFT LAUTRUST GRETA (G)
Roger Spence
LIMBRA RAGER RED PRESS Huybregts Farms Ltd
2ND PLACE
KUIPERSCREST MIRAND BETTY
Kuiperscrest Holsteins
PRINZHAVEN LH FABULOUS MAL Prinzhaven Farms
NETHERCAN CHIEF PAULIE Kamink Farms Limited
GREENLARK ROSES BLING Greenlark Farms
SPRUCE BRIAR VELOCITY HAZEL (R)
Andrew & Anne Bromley
DONDEN ANEKA SMURF Donden Farms Inc
GREENLARK CONTROL LAURA GREENLARK SIDEKICK LEAH Greenlark Farms
SR LUXOR TOFFEE - RED
Jay S Robertson & Keaton Phoenix
CENTERFLOS UNIX RAMIRA Centerflos Holsteins
HARVDALE CRUSH PEPPER
Janefield Holstein & Harvdale Holsteins
REDLODGE LAMBDA ASCONA Redlodge Farms Inc
3RD PLACE
PRINSVILLE ALONGSIDE TORI
Prinsville Dairy Farms Inc
FAIRLEE ASHBY PANDORA Fairlee Farms
NURSELAND EXPANDER WYATT Nurseland Farm
HAYWAY CHIEF MAEVE Hay-Way Farms
GREENLARK OCTANE LIZA Greenlark Farms
CENTURY STAR OVERWING MISS ME Century Star Holsteins
DONDEN ADLEY MIDNIGHT
DONDEN TESSA SIDEKICK Donden Farms Inc
CENTERFLOS SOLARPOWER MISSA Centerflos Holsteins
OLDFORT RUBIHAZE JULES Old Fort Farms
HAANVIEW DOORMAN MARIGOLD Haanview Farms Inc
WENALLT AMERICA SWEETROSE Wenallt Holsteins Inc
STORMONT
Judge –
Craig Templeton
2nd Lactation KNONAUDALE MEGASTORM (G) Knonaudale Farms Inc
3+ Lactation
1st Lactation
TEMISKAMINGCOCHRANE
Judge –Grant Armstrong
2nd Lactation
3rd Lactation
1st Lactation
2nd Lactation
WATERLOO
Judge –
Colin Allardyce
3+ Lactations
60,000 kg+
2 Year Old
WELLINGTON
Judge –
Brent Walker
3+ Lactations
60,000 kg+
2 Year Old
YORK Judge –
Adam Hunt
3 Year Old
60,000 kg+
PRIMROSE APPLE CRISP EXTRA (R) Rosevine Farms
PARAJAY DORCY DIGGER Jackson Valley Farms
DAHMSVIEW DEMPSEY VANILLA Renald & Simon Gravel
NORTH HAVEN STEADY BIBIANE
North Haven Holsteins
PERRINRIDGE FUEL LIMPY (HM)
Perrinridge Farms Ltd
SAUDERHOLME KD GAIL (G)
Murrel & Martha Sauder
SAUDER HOLME IMPRESSION ROXETT
Murrel & Martha Sauder
GROOTENDORST YODA P 5142
Maryhill Holsteins
WEBHAVEN SHORTSTOP CRUMBLE
Webhaven Holsteins
GLEN ISLAY SIDEKICK MERLOT (G)
Andrew Den Haan
PAULROE CHELIOS CHARM
David Martin
BECKRIDGE CRUSHABULL DIVA
Beckridge Holsteins & Lily Beckett
QUALITY BECKRIDGE ART LUXURY (G)
Beckridge Holsteins, Quality Holsteins And Agriber Societa Agricola Srl
BECKRIDGE UNION LARKIN
Beckridge Holsteins
ROSEVINE UNIX PINOCCHIO (HM)
Rosevine Farms, Primrose Holsteins & Goldfield Holsteins
REDLODGE DEMPSEY SENNA Redlodge Farms Inc
RAILSIDE DRAGONHEART CHRISTIAN
Scenic Rail Holsteins
LORNEVA SIREN DEE Freedom Farms Inc
NORREP SUPRA SEAVER
Renald & Simon Gravel
SECRETSPRING ALONGSIDE DELIGHT
Secret Spring Holsteins
PERRINRIDGE CRUSHABULL AGNES (R)
Perrinridge Farms Ltd
MINTVALLEY LMF PAPARAZZI
Mintvalley Farm Ltd
QUIET OAK MAGNUS MISCHEIF
Quiet Oak Farm
GLEN ISLAY ALONGSIDE DEVITO
Andrew Den Haan, Mount Kolb Farm & Carldot Farms
CLAYHAVEN DENVER BETHANY
Melvin G. Martin
GLEN ISLAY SAMMY RAY
Andrew Den Haan
LOCKMAR WINDBROOK MAIZEY
Lockmar Holsteins
LOCKMAR DOORMAN MARIGOLD
Lockmar Holsteins
DANDYLAND BRAWLER REBA
Dandyland Farm
WENALLT DOC SMARTIES Wenallt Holsteins Inc
WENALLT JORDY REANNA Wenallt Holsteins Inc
NORREP MICHELINE
Renald & Simon Gravel
PINEHEIGHTS LUDVICK MONA Pineheights Farm Ltd
PARAJAY MEDFORD DENNY Jackson Valley Farms
EIXDALE LAZMIN ILLUSTRATOR Brian Eix
HAWDALE ALLIGATOR ASTER Hawdale Holsteins
BLUCRIK ALLIGATOR PAPOOSE
Blucrik Holsteins
LEBOLD CHIEF MAGIC Lebold Farms Inc
CANHOPE MASTER BRIANNA Canhope Holsteins
FRAELAND MIDNIGHT ACTRESS
Fraeland Farms
SILVERDREAM DOORMAN TERRIFIC Onias W. Martin
DANDYLAND CHEIF LORETTA Dandyland Farm
BELRIDGE BARDO BRINLEY
Belridge Farms
LOCKMAR DOORMAN KRISTINA
Lockmar Holsteins
NOTES:
Glengarry: No 2024 Breeders Cup
Middlesex County Breeders Cup will be held in the fall
Lambton: No results submitted.
Victoria: No results submitted.
Peterborough: No results submitted
NATIONAL HOLSTEIN CONVENTION 2024
HHolstein Canada celebrated 141 years of National AGM’s this year! “Experience the Escarpment” was the theme for this year’s host city of Hamilton. The 2024 Convention took place from April 23-27 at the Sheraton Hotel and the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. We’re pleased to showcase some highlights and accomplishments of Ontario Breeders who were recognized here. Congratulations to these winners and thank you to everyone who organized this memorable event!
DAY 1 – Visitors took in the Spring Show at Ancaster Fairgrounds on Thursday and attended the EastGen Toss and Taste event, also held at the fairground.
DAY 2 – Farm Tours! Visitors had the opportunity to tour some of the amazing herds in the area. An alternative tour was offered to those wanting to take in some views and High Tea at Abigails Teahouse in St. George. The day concluded with the Canvas and Cocktails Soiree at the Art Gallery of Hamilton.
DAY 3 – The 141st anniversary of Holstein Canada’s Annual General Meeting took place, followed by the highly anticipated Master Breeder Gala, which was held at the Warplane Heritage Museum.
PHOTOS 1. Master Breeder families at the Warplane Heritage Museum, 2. Good company at the Master Breeder Gala, 3. The Hazeleger family, new Master Breeder Shield winners, 4. Tour group “CAPTAIN” at Walnutlawn Farms in Tavistock, 5. Guests of the Canvas & Cocktails Soiree were invited to judge an art competition , 6. A gallery of archives
the Holstein Canada office on display at the Hamilton Art Gallery , 7. Ladies on the Alternative Tour taking in
views at Sherman Falls , 8. Tour group “JOHNBOY” tourning Doanlea Farms. PHOTOS SUBMITTED
ONTARIO’S MASTER BREEDERS
Holstein Canada is pleased to offer a National Holstein Young Leader Convention program to Holstein enthusiasts aged 19-30. The agenda for the program is developed around Holstein Canada’s Annual Holstein Convention which is held in a different province each year. The program involves presentations, farm tours, on-farm workshops, and participation in activities such as the Master Breeder Awards Banquet and the Annual General Meeting.
The Young Adult program offers an excellent opportunity for young leaders to network, learn from experienced and likeminded Holstein breeders and visit different regions of Canada.
PHOTOS 1. The Young Leaders Program tour commenced at Summit Station Dairy, 2. Huddle Up – the Young Leaders get ready for the final rounds of the Cornhole Tournament at the EastGen Toss & Taste, held at the Ancaster Fairgrounds, 3. Touring the barn at Bosdale, 4. Brian O’Connor (center) presents to the Cornhole Tournament winners.. PHOTOS
2023 CENTURY OF HOLSTEIN AWARD WINNERS
Ontario’s Recipients
Introduced in 2005, the Century of Holstein award recognizes the dedication and contribution of Holstein families through their long-standing membership with Holstein Canada. If a family’s relationship with the Association can be traced to 100 years of active, continuous membership, then it is eligible for this distinction.
The Descendants of Raymond Anderson
Raymond Anderson and wife Hattie established the Anderson Family Farm and the Reaford Herd of purebred black and white Holsteins, with the purchase of their first Holstein Cow in 1917. Raymond became a member of Holstein Canada in 1923. The herd number was 938, one of the earliest Holstein herds in Canada. Raymond was one of the first to bring black and white Holsteins to the Norfolk area from Quebec when he purchased the young bull, Raymondale Rag Apple Harry, son of Montvic Rag Apple Ajax.
Raymond was a Liberal MP for Norfolk County serving two terms from 1949 to 1957. During his time in Ottawa, he was responsible for formulating policies pertaining to Farm Marketing Boards, the benefits of which are still felt today.
Gold Certificate of Excellence for milk quality. Maple Leaf has had a total of 21 home bred Excellent cows including dam and daughter cows Maple Leaf Fever Cookie EX-93 7E and Maple Leaf Redesign Biscotti EX-93 3E. Maple Leaf Redesign Betty EX-92 6E won the Haldimand- Norfolk Breeder’s Cup for 3+ Lactations in 2014.
Kenneth and wife Evelyn continued the herd with his prefix, Kenndale. Ken produced many top-quality animals and sold their sons to local farmers for breeding. Kenneth and Wife Evelyn continued the herd with his prefix, Kenndale from 19491982.
ACHIEVEMENTS –
Two noteworthy animals received awards during Ken’s ownership, Reaford Ajax Patsy and Kenndale Royal Duke Penny. They were rated among the top dam and daughters of Canada during the late 1960s and 1970s for combined milk and fat production. Both went on to produce many top sires that have raised many local Ontario herds as the main sire.
Some of their current cattle can trace their pedigrees back to Raymond’s first herd, representing 100 years of home breeding of dairy cows on the Anderson farm. As a family they are proud to continue to be members of Holstein Canada and register their purebred cattle. The Century of Holstein award is an honour that only a few dairy herds achieve.
Kenneth’s son Gerald, and his wife Sandra, continued with the herd, under the prefix Bluhaze and were Holstein Canada members from 1973 to 2010. Gerald sold many heifers internationally, including Italy and Japan. MILLIE NED JOANIE was their first cow to be classified as Excellent. The Bluhaze herd was named the top type herd in Norfolk county for many years.
Gerald’s son Wade, and his wife Lisa, have continued with this herd and have been Holstein Canada members since 2002 with the prefix, Maple Leaf Holsteins. This herd has been awarded the
PHOTOS 1. Wyatt Anderson with his Great-Grandfather’s exhibit at the Norfolk County Agricultural Hall of Fame, 2. Wade Anderson on the farm, 3. Raymond Anderson trucking cream, 4. Kenneth and a young Gerald Anderson in
barn, 5.
The Descendants of C.O Peart
In 1921, C.O. purchased his first registered Holstein cow, Lyndenwood Gano Countess. Countess went on to produce 24 generations and two thirds of the current Peartome Holsteins herd.
In 1924 C.O. took out his first membership with Holstein Canada and by 1926, had built a state of the art 40’ by 100’ steel truss barn.
C.O.’s sons, Alvin and Frank took the reins in 1953, registered the Peartome prefix, and made sweeping changes to the main barn where they doubled the stall count and also added a calf barn.
In 1980, Doug Peart purchased Alvin’s share of the farm and the membership was transferred. Frank continued to help on the farm as management transitioned to Doug, his wife Mary-Ann, who herself came from a two-time Master Breeder Herd, Wykdale Holsteins, and daughters Jennifer and Heather.
ACHIEVEMENTS –
Twelve generations have been produced from that original cow purchase in 1921. The descendants rose to stardom with the birth of Peartome Thunder Joy who became their first Excellent cow, achieving 14 stars. Joy and her Cow of the Year finalist daughter Peartome Tony Joanie EX 2E 26*, became Canada’s first homebred dam/daughter pair to be both EX and have 10 or more stars. Joy’s family produced the Class Extra bull Peartome Jackpot, plus 5 Superior Production and 3 Superior Type sires. Thunder Joy’s family accounted for three quarters of the points for the 3 Peartome Master Breeder Shields.
The Peart family has continued to support the Holstein community by serving as judges, treasurers, 3 generations of Club Presidents, board chairs, and most recently; Doug’s 10 years on the Holstein Canada Board of National Directors.
It has taken 4 generations of the Peart family to complete this 100-year relay. The Peart family let us know it has been their privilege to be members of Holstein Canada and that they have benefitted from the outstanding programs Holstein Canada provides, and friendships built along the way. Their DeLaval robots, aptly named Joy and Joanie, are working hard in their 2023 retrofitted tie stall barn. Doug, Mary-Ann, Heather and husband Peter are enthusiastically beginning the quest to achieve the Bicentennial Holstein Canada membership award.
PHOTOS 1. An aerial shot of Peartome Holsteins in 2003, 2. Clockwise from bottom left; Heather, Jennifer, Doug and Mary-Ann Peart at the 2013 National Holstein Convention, 3. The Peart family accepting their Century of Holsteins Award at the 2024 Holstein Canada AGM, 4. Peartome Tony Joanie EX 2E 26*. 5. The Peart family, holding their Master Breeder Shields, 6. Views in the barn at Peartome Holsteins. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.
What it takes to be a JUDGE
Google the definition of “Dairy Cattle Judging” and here’s what you’ll find: “The evaluation of an animal’s characteristics and making a comparison to the other animals and the ideal standard of that particular class of animal.”
Canada is highly regarded around the world for its program of training and developing exceptional dairy cattle judges, talented, knowledgeable men and women who can assess and place animals at any show, be it a 4-H, county or championship show, or the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF).
Dan Doner, 66, of Whitby, ON, is one of this country’s most respected veteran judges. He grew up and farmed with his family at Donelea Holsteins, Cannington, ON. When the farm was sold in 2000, Dan carried on with a small nucleus of animals. In 2015, Donelea earned a Master Breeder Shield with the bulk of the points coming from the family of Altagen Jed Racy, a maternal sister to Startmore Rudolph. Over the years, Dan has partnered in many show winners including Donnek Pearl Skychief, 2000 RAWF and World Dairy Expo (WDE) Reserve Grand Champion; Walnut Acres Jolt Pandora, 2001 WDE Reserve Grand Champion; and Trent Canal
STORY BY BONNIE COOPER
Rudolph Teresa, 2001 RAWF Intermediate Champion. He also bred Donelea Alex Ballerina, 2011 All-Canadian and AllAmerican Junior Calf who is a great-granddaughter of Gen-IBeq Champion Bally, a sister to Braedale Goldwyn.
Dan started judging in 4-H. He credits the late Maurice Jebson (Elmcroft) and Bob Flett (Flettdale) with piquing his judging interest and being mentors to him. He became an Official Judge in 1993. “I remember the first show I ever judged,” he says. “It seems like yesterday. It was in Powassan and had about 50 head.” Dan judged the RAWF’s National Holstein Show in 2004 and National Red & White Show in 2011. In 2006, he judged WDE’s International Holstein Show and became the first person to judge KHW Regiment Apple-Red-ET when she competed as a Junior 2-Year-Old in the Black & Whites. That same year, he made Thrulane James Rose first 5-Year-Old and Reserve Grand Champion at Quebec Spring Show at her very first show outing.
Another judge who has come through the 4-H program is Neil Hunter, 48, of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins, Harrowsmith, ON. “I did lots of judging in 4-H and represented my home county of Haldimand at the Ontario Inter-County Judging Competition. In 1994, I was on the Ontario Judging Team that competed at the North American International Livestock
PHOTOS 1. This past spring Neil Hunter of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins, Harrowsmith, ON, exported several animals to the Dominican Republic, among them Windknoll Sidekick 607, bred by Trevor Martin, Elora, ON, and she went on to be Supreme Champion of the 2024 Dominican Republic National Holstein Show for new owners Jose Marti and Arismendy Rodriguez, 2. Veteran judge Dan Doner (left) of Donelea Holsteins, Whitby, Ont., talks with some young 4-H members about how he approaches judging a class, 3. Judge Neil Hunter of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins (fourth from left) is pictured in the Dominican Republic with one of the winners from the Brown Swiss Show he judged in that country, 4. Holstein Canada’s “You Be The Judge” brochure featured a picture of Dan Doner of Donelea Holsteins, Whitby, ON, on its cover as he judged one of the large milking classes at the National Holstein Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in 2004. 5. Judge Neil Hunter of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins, Harrowsmith, ON, gives this Holstein entry a good look while judging a show in the Dominican Republic, 6. Dan Doner is currently Chair of Holstein Ontario’s Judges Committee and was very instrumental in designing
Exposition in Louisville, KY,” Neil says. “I have been attending provincial Judging Schools since I was 14, going initially with neighbour Doug Peart (Peartome), my uncle Ralph Cherry (Chericrest), or my 4-H club. Discussing the True Type Model and how it compares to a group of animals at the Judging School is one of the best ways to assess if your own skills are improving and remain in sync with the changing dairy industry trends.”
During Neil’s five years as Extension Manager for Jersey Ontario, he assisted at the Judging Schools and continued to hand in a judging card but couldn’t be considered for the Judges List until his breed association role ended. He has now been on the Judges List for 12 years. “The first show I judged was the St. Lawrence Valley Jersey Club Parish Show in Newington, ON,” he recalls. Since then, he has judged several Jersey and 4-H shows with his biggest 4-H show being the All Ontario 4-H Dairy Show at Ancaster, ON, in 2010. Neil and his wife Melanie and their two children have a milking herd of 70-80 Jerseys, plus a couple Holsteins. One of the best cows they ever owned was Huronia Connectn Crystalyn, 2006 RAWF Grand Champion Jersey and dam of Rock Ella Impression, a bull they marketed semen globally from.
NatioNal a N d oN tario Judgi Ng P rograms
Canada’s ability to produce top quality judges is grounded in its national and provincial judging programs, programs which are seen as the “gold standard” around the world.
Holstein Canada maintains a National Judges List of Official and Aspiring Judges and works with provincial branches to ensure provincial judging programs are consistent and uniform across the country. Holstein Canada hosts a National Judging Conference every three years. At this two-day Conference, one day is for classroom presentations and discussion on matters related to judging and industry trends, followed by a day of practical judging. National Conferences are by invitation only with 20 judges invited from Ontario, 20 from Quebec, and 20 from the rest of Canada, with half of the participants being newer judges.
“Identifying and developing the next generation of judges is really important,” says Dan Doner, who is Chair of Ontario’s Judges Committee and a member of Holstein Canada’s Show & Judging Committee. In Ontario, that identification starts at the Ontario Inter-County Dairy Youth Judging Competition where four 4-H members are selected to represent Ontario at the National 4-H Dairy Cattle Judging Competition in Madison, WI, during WDE. These four, along with other youth, aspiring judges, and judges of all levels and all dairy breeds, can then attend one of Holstein Ontario’s Judging Schools where all participants build a history of scores and information on how well they did judging classes and giving reasons.
Holstein Ontario holds one-day Judging Schools annually across the province in the summer where participants judge and give reasons on several classes of animals. There is at least one full class of another breed and usually a mixed breed class of 4-H calves to judge. In addition, Holstein Ontario holds a one-day educational session for these same judges in February.
In 2017, Holstein Ontario introduced a “Level System” for judges to better identify, develop and promote their best judges. “It was modelled basically after how sports teams, like hockey, develop their people,” explains Doner, who helped design the program. In Ontario, judges are assigned a level, based on their experience and skill, from Level 1 to 5, with Level 5 being the very elite. A Judges Entry Program (JEP) monitors future potential judges from ages 20-24, with those meeting the necessary criteria advancing to Level 1 (or higher if warranted) at age 25. A “Mentoring System” is also a valuable part of the program. A Mentor will evaluate a judge during a show and then offer comments/recommendations after the show to them, plus file an assessment report with the Ontario Judges Committee. This Committee, in turn, monitors each judge’s development and then, based upon the judge’s qualifications, mentor assessments and an interview, will consider that person for future advancement. A key element of the program is matching the size and description of the show, i.e. county Holstein show, to the individual judge’s approved level. This
provides judges with a better development experience, plus gives shows a more helpful list to select judges from. “We feel this system is better preparing our judges and ensuring they are ready to go out into the judging field,” says Doner.
The national and provincial judging programs have been very instrumental in driving, and ensuring, that judges select winning animals at shows that reflect, and will do well, in the management and housing environments found on today’s dairy farms. “On-farm management has changed a lot and our cows have adapted to that. Those cows that are successful on a commercial basis are the ones that we are selecting for now at our shows,” says Neil Hunter. As Doner states, “We are trying to make judging more relevant today to producers in commercial dairy settings. That is why we have demonstrations and discussions at our conferences on the importance of selecting udders, and legs and feet, that will work and thrive in today’s housing systems because if a cow doesn’t have a mammary system that works in a robot that impacts the bottom line. If she can’t get around, or have the strength to compete at the bunk and consume enough feed, she won’t be there very long.”
The addition of more 2-year-old and milking yearling classes also reflects how shows have become more relevant to what is happening on dairy farms. As Hunter says, “Calving younger is a reality and our shows are reflecting that.”
What does a Judge l ook For ?
What are judges looking for in cow classes at shows today? While every judge has a slightly different perspective, Doner says for him, “You have to look for a balanced animal with a fantastic mammary system. Mammary system is the biggest trait on the scorecard so you look at that first. Then you look for mobility (legs and feet), dairy strength and rump. The difference between classification and judging is in judging you are trying to get an animal at the top of your class that fits the True Type Model mold.” Hunter answers, “I’m looking for a very balanced cow with angular, open ribs which start springing high near their backbone. The cow needs to move freely, have a well attached udder with a real focus on udder texture (which
usually goes with angularity/dairyness). She should have above average width throughout with a wide muzzle and big, flaring nostrils. Mobility, legs and chest are important for the cow to get to the feed bunk and have the capacity to consume more feed. Equally important is udder capacity. Udders have to be higher, wider and longer with ‘dishcloth’ texture in order to maximize capacity for milk production.”
And when judging heifers? “You have to have equal parts of dairy strength, capacity and mobility,” opinions Doner. “Mobility and feet and legs are very important now because as cows they have to be able to move around in all these different management scenarios. We used to look for tall front-ended animals but people like Dr. Gordon Atkins, respected Alberta veterinarian and member of the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, have determined that when animals are too tall at the point of their withers it puts pressure on the rump region, legs and feet, and thurl placement which impacts their mobility. So for heifers, you need a leveler looking animal, not tall, tall, tall. But let’s call a spade a spade, they still need to be big enough. At different shows you are going to maybe have a few placings different because of the size factor.” For Hunter, “Heifers have to be square, dairy, refined bone (but adequate to handle their frame size) and must possess an angular/open rib, loin strength and a little ‘style’. Heifers need to be at least above the average of the class to win. Feeding programs and age at first calving have changed so much that being on the larger side is almost a requirement to be able to perform in the new environment.”
Once a judge has lined up the class, what are the keys to giving good reasons? Doner, an Ontario Level 5 judge, says, “Practice, practice, practice! Start with a descriptive statement of what you are seeing in the class and convey that to the exhibitors and audience. Describe the winner and the reasons
she caught your attention. Then move down the line and emphasize the one or two main points of difference between the animals. Be very accurate so that your points mirror what everyone is seeing. Be confident, concise, professional and speak slowly.” Hunter, a Level 2 judge, agrees, saying, “Good reasons are clear, concise, comparative, and compliment the advantages of the higher placing individual. The audience needs to understand your reasons, even if they don’t agree.”
Canadian judges are highly in demand for international judging assignments. They are also often called upon to give presentations, or lead Judging Schools, while in these foreign countries. Why? “Canadians are very consistent in what they look for in animals,” replies Doner, who has judged shows in Australia, Argentina, Colombia, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and the United States. “Our Canadian judges are great communicators and bring knowledge to international situations.” Hunter, who has judged Jersey, Holstein and Brown Swiss Shows in Canada, the United States, and the Dominican Republic, says, “Canadian judges demonstrate the value of our judging program time and time again with clear, concise, comparative reasons which make it easy for interpreters to translate those reasons for the audience.”
the Be N e F its oF Judgi Ng
Attending a Judging School can be beneficial for people of all ages. As Hunter says, “The benefits are immense from simple confidence, positivity, clarity in speaking with others, and continuous improvement of your own cow knowledge which can be applied to your own farm improvement or dairy industry career. 4-H members can benefit by starting to look at their potential calves, clipping the best choices and seeing how they develop before selection day. That effort continues as you
analyze what changes to nutrition, hoof trimming, housing routine, etc. need to be made to have that heifer at her very best on show day.” As he says, “Being able to analyze the strengths and weaknesses is judging at its most basic level. What you do with those assessments comes with experience and lots of trial and error over a lifetime.”
If you are a young person wanting to become a judge, Doner advises, “Get involved with judging opportunities at the 4-H level and then go to the provincial Judging Schools. And most importantly, find a ‘mentor’, somebody who will give you honest feedback, invest in your growth, and answer the question ‘How can I get better?’.” Hunter suggests, “Start in your barn and talk about the parts of the cow and why you like them. There is always someone who will recognize your enthusiasm and encourage your interest. Then get out to every show, Judging School and breed event you can. Interacting with great Canadian cattle people is exciting. And put your enthusiasm to work by offering to help one of the many show teams exhibiting. This can be a great lesson for future judging assignments.”
Canada can be very proud of its judging program. As Neil Hunter says, “When I am looking at a list of judges on a ballot, I always ask myself, ‘Which one of these people would I trust to spend $100,000 of my money to buy me cows?’ That decision is then based on their ability to consistently analyze the animals, describe them to me concisely, and do so with integrity. That sums up the best Canadian judges we have today!”
PHOTOS 7. One of the best cows Neil Hunter of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins ever owned was Huronia Connectn Crystalyn SUP-EX-95-3E 6* who was Grand Champion at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Jersey Show in 2006 and Reserve Grand there in 2007, 8. Neil Hunter (right) of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins, Harrowsmith, ON, judged the Holstein, Jersey and Brown Swiss Shows on his first international judging assignment in the Dominican Republic. He is seen here with his interpreter, Oscar Peña, 9. Neil Hunter of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins can not only judge shows but can breed and sell some good ones too like Hometown Solomon Janessa, who was first Summer Yearling at the Mexican National Holstein Show in 2018 for owners Gerardo & Jose Gonzalez of Mexico and Select Farm & Export Services Inc., Hanover, ON, 10. Judge Neil Hunter (far right) of Hometown Jerseys & Holsteins, Harrowsmith, ON, is seen here with one of his milking class winners in the Holstein Show he judged in the Dominican Republic, 11. Dan Doner of Donelea Holsteins, Whitby, ON, is one of Canada’s most respected judges and is captured here briefly explaining to an exhibitor why he placed an animal where he did in the line-up before proceeding to the microphone to give his reasons to the ringside audience. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.
A Barn Full of Beautiful Cows at DELCREEK FARM
Show heifers sporting catchy names like Fatal Attraction, Naughty By Night, Lil Miss Muffet or Hipsy Dipsy may be the first thing you connect with Delcreek Holsteins, but it is the beautiful, longliving cows that fill the Rylaarsdam family’s barn that truly defines this two-time Master Breeder herd at Winchester, ON. With an impressive 41 EX cows (22 ME and 19 EX) currently, along with 48 VG and 12 GP, this Eastern Ontario farm definitely has much to be proud of.
A MASTER BREEDER HERD
Peter Rylaarsdam moved from Holland to Canada in 1969 when he was 19 years old. He saved up money to buy his own dairy farm by working on various farms. In 1976, Peter bought a farm and herd at Winchester where, along with some cattle he already owned, he established Delcreek Holsteins. It was a tough start, but he slowly made improvements to the buildings and herd. Sharing the journey with him was his wife Mala and their two children, Jonathan and Amanda.
The Rylaarsdams started showing when Jonathan and Amanda were old enough for the Pee Wee classes at Metcalfe Fair and then 4-H. They have been showing ever since at local and major shows. They have been Junior Premier Breeder and Exhibitor at Maxville Spring Show and the Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec Championship Show numerous times, in addition to breeding and/or owning many All-Canadian, All-American and All-Ontario nominees and winners.
In 1998, Peter realized his dream of becoming a Master Breeder. Contributing most of the points for that Shield was Delcreek
Sunshine VG-85 2*, a Northcroft Admiral Citation who lived to be 20 years old. “I really wanted to go with my Dad to accept that Shield, but he told me I was too young,” recalls Jonathan. “He said, ‘Maybe we will get lucky and get another one. Then you can go.’ But I said, ‘No, I want to go with you and have this memory with you.’” In 2015, Jonathan got that “memory” with his father as together they accepted a second Master Breeder Shield for Delcreek Holsteins.
“Growing up,” says Jonathan, “I always looked up to herds in our area like Apple Crest, Breeze Hill, Riverdown, Sunnylodge, Gillette and Hendercroft. My Dad would take me to all these places. The quality of the cattle was unbelievable. I told my Dad, ‘I want cows like this some day.’” Jonathan did his high school co-op placement, and later worked part-time, at Ferme Gillette, Embrun, where he learned a lot from Louis Patenaude and Alain Leduc.
Shortly after winning their first Master Breeder Shield, Peter was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. He eventually beat that, but five years ago suffered a serious stroke. The family knew Peter would be OK when the first words he uttered after his stroke were: “The weekend’s coming. We’re out of milk replacer for the calves.” Despite his physical limitations today, Peter, now 74, is positive and upbeat. He still handles a lot of the farm’s tractor work, remains keenly interested in the cows, and is involved in the decision making. “My Mom takes such good care of my Dad,” says Jonathan. “While she is not into the cows as much anymore, she’s a great Mother and does a great job of taking care of my Dad so he can still get around to see his cows.”
STORY BY BONNIE COOPER
Today Jonathan, 37, takes the lead role at Delcreek. His girlfriend, Logan Merrett, who has a full-time job at Agriculture Canada, puts in endless hours in the barn too making sure the cows and calves are happy and healthy. Also lending valued support is the farm’s hired man, Eranda.
COW COMFORT KEY
The Rylaarsdams currently milk 67 cows with 4.2% fat test and ship 4200 litres of milk every other day. “Cow comfort is number one” at Delcreek where the herd is stabled in a traditional tie-stall barn. “I sometimes feel tie-stall barns get attacked unfairly,” states Jonathan, “but if you take care of your cows, look after their needs, put them outside when they need exercise, and manage them properly, this platform does work. Our tie-stall barn is full of old cows. We currently have a 13-year-old Sanchez, Delcreek Last Barbie Doll EX-92-6E 1* with over 120,000 kg milk who has had nine calves, and a 13-year-old Windbrook, Delcreek Windbrook Zip EX-914E, who has calved seven times and has over 95,000 kg milk.” And how do the Rylaarsdams “spoil” their cows? “Bedding, bedding, bedding. Straw, straw, straw,” replies Jonathan. “Hoof trimming is very important. We hoof trim 2X/year. And if we notice any cows getting a little stiff, we get them outside for a bit of exercise. Our dry cows are pastured in summer on rented land we call ‘heaven’ because you can send an old cow there and she’ll come back looking like a 2-year-old.” And that cow care also extends to Logan washing each milk cow’s switch every night. As Peter always stresses, “If you take care of the cows, they will take care of you.”
The Delcreek cows are fed a TMR of high moisture corn, soya meal, corn silage, haylage and a commercial supplement. Corn, wheat, soybeans and hay are grown on the farm’s 350 acres of land, plus 100 rented acres. Calves are raised in outdoor, wooden hutches. A heifer barn, with an attached wash rack, houses their show heifers, while a rented barn across the road accommodates other heifers. Dry cows are also housed in this rented facility in the winter. “We actually calve out every cow over there because we don’t have any stalls at home for dry cows. They are all milking stalls. Not a stall is wasted,” says Jonathan.
The Rylaarsdams love big, deep, open ribbed cows with a wide chest and rump. “We want cows that will milk, breed on and make lots of big powerful calves and that nice show baby,” states Jonathan. They have utilized embryo transfer extensively and are grateful to the team at Embryobec, particularly the retired Dr. Roger Sauvé, and since his retirement, Dr. Guy Massicotte for their ET expertise. Peter’s use of top proven bulls like Gold Chip, Sanchez, Dundee, Lincoln (who once had six daughters here all over 10 years old), and Inspiration laid the foundation in the herd. In making mating decisions now, the Rylaarsdams still look for bulls from long living, high scoring dams.
SHOW SUCCESS BASED IN COW FAMILIES
While having a barn full of beautiful cows is Delcreek’s first priority, as Jonathan says, “Nothing makes us happier than to sell a nice calf and see her go on and do well for somebody in Canada or the United States. I love getting text messages from 4-H parents saying, ‘My kid just won our county show.’ Like in 2022, we sold Delcreek Half Passed Tipsy, a Master from an EX-91-3E 1* Braxton dam, who went on to be a junior show heifer in the U.S. and was second Fall Yearling in the open and junior shows at World Dairy Expo and then Reserve All-American and Reserve Junior All-American Fall
PHOTOS 1. Beautiful cows fill the barn at Delcreek Holsteins where cow comfort is a priority and the herd is “spoiled” with lots of bedding and great care, 2. Jonathan Rylaarsdam, a Holstein Ontario Level 3 Judge and Holstein Canada Official Judge, 3. When Peter Rylaarsdam’s 86-year-old brother, Jaap, came for a visit from Holland for the first time last year it was the perfect time for a family picture with some of his siblings and their spouses, from left: Coory, Mala, Mary, Peter, Bert, Harry and Jaap Rylaarsdam, 4. In 2011, the Rylaarsdams were thrilled when a heifer they bred, Delcreek Fatal Attraction, was tabbed first Senior Calf and Reserve Junior Champion at World Dairy Expo by Judge Gerald Coughlin Jr, 5. Peter and Jonathan Rylaarsdam and Logan Merrett of Delcreek Holsteins have a little fun at Christmas time as they send holiday greetings to their friends and family, 6. A two-time Master Breeder, Peter (left) and Jonathan Rylaarsdam accepted Delcreek Holsteins’ second Master Breeder Shield at the Holstein Canada National Convention in Alberta, 7. Peter (left) and Jonathan Rylaarsdam of Delcreek Holsteins accept the Junior Premier Breeder banner at the Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec Championship Show in 2017. PHOTO 2 BY SAM BUSHBECK, PHOTO 4 BY HOLSTEIN WORLD, PHOTO 7 BY COWSMOPOLITAN; ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.
Yearling in 2023.”
The first show animals that really put Delcreek on the map were Delcreek Naughty By Night VG-88 8* and Delcreek Fatal Attraction who the Rylaarsdams sold as calves in the spring of 2011.
Naughty By Night was a December 2010 Dundee out of Delcreek Blueberry Crumble VG-87 9*, a Storm who had three EX and 10 VG daughters. Naughty By Night was acquired by Matt & Tyler Yates and Aleah Farms, Beaverton, ON, and Millen Farms, Omemee, ON, for whom she was first Intermediate Calf at both Ontario Spring and Summer Shows and Autumn Opportunity and second at World Dairy Expo before becoming Reserve All-American and Honourable Mention All-Canadian Intermediate Calf in 2011. Naughty By Night became quite a brood cow too with five EX and 11 VG daughters, several of whom were also show winners.
Fatal Attraction was a Dusk out of a Gibson, Delcreek Royal Ruby VG-89 8*. “As a calf, my Dad said Ruby was so pretty she’s going to win the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, so he named her Royal Ruby,” says Jonathan. “For some reason, we couldn’t get her pregnant as a heifer, so we sold her to Marbri Farms, Russell, ON. Months later they messaged me saying, ‘We bred her with a bull and she’s calved out. She’s pretty nice. Do you want to come look at her?’ I did. We ended up trading a heifer and giving them some money to get Ruby back. We bred Ruby to Dusk hoping to get a Red calf, but she calved with an all black calf in September 2010.” That calf was Fatal Attraction. The following spring, Fatal Attraction was bought by Rick Allyn & Partners, Canaan, CT, and then acquired that fall by Butlerview Farms & Partners, Chebanse, IL, for whom she was first Senior Calf and Reserve Junior Champion at World Dairy Expo and first and Honourable Mention Junior Champion at the Royal Winter Fair enroute to being All-American and All-Canadian Senior Calf. The Rylaarsdams still have the 2011 video from World Dairy Expo where Naughty By Night and Fatal Attraction were announced, one right after the other, in the parade for Junior Champion. It is a moment they will never forget! Ruby
eventually had five EX and seven VG daughters including Delcreek Sneaky Sneaky VG-85-USA, nominated All-American Senior Yearling in 2015, and Delcreek Spank The Monkey VG-87, second Junior Calf at the 2014 Royal Red & White Show.
The brood cow having the great impact in the herd presently is West River Allen Laguna VG-89 6*, an Allen from the same family line that produced Lylehaven Lila Z EX-94 25*. Jonathan was still in high school when he fell in love with this big, open ribbed 4-yearold at Marbri Farms in 2010. Despite having no money, he asked for a price on Laguna. “The man wanted $10,000, but said I could pay him in hay. So I worked all summer and just kept bringing him loads of hay,” laughs Jonathan. Flushed extensively, Laguna had five EX and five VG daughters at Delcreek leaving Sanchez daughters like Delcreek Lil Miss Muffet EX-90 9* who had six EX and 11 VG daughters, and a Gold Chip daughter, Delcreek Doodle Bug EX-93 who is the grandam of Delcreek Hipsy Dipsy, a Doorman nominated for All-Canadian Spring Calf in 2023. “Laguna did everything. She could make a nice show heifer and a wicked barn cow,” says Jonathan. “We have flushed three of her daughters and they now have family branches of their own,” adds Logan.
And where do all these interesting cow names come from? “Sometimes we’ll be listening to a song, or a phrase will come up on a TV commercial or in an ad, and we find them catchy,” explains Jonathan. “We love racehorse names so tend to go that route when naming our calves. You have to have some fun.”
A PASSION FOR SHOWMANSHIP
Jonathan showed his first 4-H calf in 1999 and quickly became hooked on showing. His second 4-H calf, however, in his words, “Was horrible. I was last in showmanship and last in conformation all year. My Dad called up Terry Smygwaty of Smygwaty Holsteins, Russell, ON. ‘Terry, can you please come over and teach my son how to show?’ Terry came over night after night. I remember him constantly telling me, ‘You are not done showing until your calf is in the box stall and the halter is off of her.’ He taught me a lot.”
a Holstein Ontario Level 3 Judge and Holstein Canada Official Judge, has a passion for judging showmanship classes and loves being able to help and work with kids and their 4-H projects, 9. Jonathan Rylaarsdam and Logan Merrett (third and fourth from left) of Delcreek Holsteins are pictured with their team at the Eastern Ontario/ Western Quebec Championship Show in 2023 where their winnings included the Junior Premier Exhibitor banner, 10. It was an exciting day at Delcreek in August 2022 when Delcreek Dipsy Doodle became one of Canada’s maximum scored 2-year-olds at VG-88 and sharing in that moment, from left, were Logan Merrett and Jonathan Rylaarsdam with Holstein Canada classifiers Chris DeKlein and Dave Weitzel, 11. “Spoiled” cows at Delcreek, 12. Regular exhibitors at the Carleton-Russell Club Show, Jonathan Rylaarsdam and Logan Merrett (second and fourth from left) of Delcreek Holsteins celebrate with their team after winning both the Overall and Junior Premier Exhibitor banners, as well as clinching Reserve Junior Champion with Delcreek Hipsy Dipsy, 13. Jonathan Rylaarsdam lines up the Delcreek Junior Breeder’s Herd entry, comprised of from left, the first prize summer calf, Delcreek Lil Spanish Fling, along with Delcreek Hipsy Dipsy and Delcreek Green Jello, who competed at the 2023 Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec Championship Show, 14. Delcreek Dipsy Doodle VG-89, a sixth generation VG/ EX Sidekick and a granddaughter of West River Allen Laguna VG-89 6*, is a favourite in the Delcreek herd and the dam of Delcreek Hipsy Dipsy, nominated All-Canadian Spring Calf in 2023, 15. One of Jonathan’s favourite shows to judge so far has been the 2023 EastGen Challenge East Showmanship Competition in Markham, ON, 16. Delcreek Holsteins enjoys welcoming visitors into their herd and here Jonathan Rylaarsdam and Logan Merrett (left) share a special selfy picture with the late Dr. Tim Henshaw when he came to see the herd on a tour.
PHOTOS 8. Jonathan Rylaarsdam,
PHOTO
8 BY CLAIRE SWALE, PHOTO 13 BY COWSMOPOLITAN, PHOTO 14 BY VICKI FLETCHER, PHOTO 15 BY SAM BUSHBECK, PHOTO 16 BY TIM HENSHAW; ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.
The lessons paid off. The following year, Jonathan showed Delcreek Cheescake VG-88 7* in the showmanship class at Maxville Spring Show. He continues, “The judge was Ken Rose. I got pulled in last with my heifer. Ken Rose finally came up to me and said, ‘I like that you are still trying. I was going to put you in first, but I wanted to see what you were going to do here in last.’ Then he wheeled me into first. I ended up being Honourable Mention Champion Show Person that day as a Junior. That year proved incredible. It was my first year to go to the Scotiabank Hays Classic at the Royal (now the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic). I finished second in my showmanship class at the 2001 Classic.” Jonathan would continue to place high in Classic showmanship classes many times.
Jonathan is now a Holstein Canada Official Judge and a Holstein Ontario Level 3 Judge. While he has judged county Holstein shows in Ontario and a 4-H show in New York, his real passion is judging showmanship. “I love judging everything, but what got me into judging was showmanship and that is what I really get excited about. Working with kids is my favourite. Everybody can compete in showmanship. It doesn’t matter if you have a good calf or not. The most fun for me is being able to talk to the kids in line after the class is placed about what they need to change or do differently because I have been there. I have been last and I have been first. It’s exciting when you tell a kid something and then judge them a year, or even months, later and you are like ‘Wow you listened and now you’re up 10 spots’. That for me is really rewarding.” Jonathan’s favourite show thus far has been judging showmanship at the 2023 EastGen Challenge East in Markham. He also helps out each year at the Eastern Ontario Junior Show in Spencerville where he shares showmanship tips with the young participants.
The Rylaarsdam family has achieved a lot, but what matters most to this humble, hard working family at the end of the day is breeding and taking care of nice cows. For them, walking into the Delcreek barn and seeing their cows well bedded, clean, tails brushed and eating nice smelling, fresh hay is the best feeling in the world.
Top Classifying Herds in Ontario
Holstein Canada calculated the average final score of first lactation Holsteins classified in 2023 by herd size and province. Based on the number of female Holstein registrations for the year, the herds were then categorized into seven groups according to Master Breeder Program parameters. We have featured the top 20 Ontario herds in each category. Where do you stack up?
AVERAGE FIRST LACTATION SCORES IN 2023 BY HOLSTEIN REGISTRATIONS (7+), WITH OVER 5 CLASSIFIED
20
ontario Holstein Happenings
AUGUST 2024
August 3
West-Central Summer Showdown Youth Dairy Show
Paris Fairgrounds.
August 5
Lucknow 4-H Dairy Invitational Show, Lucknow Fairgrounds
Judge: Markus Helhi
August 7
Middlesex Holstein Show
Ilderton Agricultural Society, 6:30 pm.
Judge: Markus Hehli.
August 7
Renfrew Twilight Meeting Frepro Farm (Klaesi’s), 7 pm.
August 9
Northumberland Holstein Show Campbellford Fair, 6 pm.
August 9
Haldimand-Norfolk Holstein Club
Twilight Family Social Night 1328 Concession 13 Townsend (Ryan Heeg’s farm), 7 pm.
August 10
Glengarry County Show
Williamstown Fairgrounds, 10:30 am, Judge: Kevin Jacobs
August 10
Elgin County Holstein Show Aylmer Fairgrounds, 7 pm.
August 10
Northumberland County Heifer Show Campbellford Fairgrounds, 9:30am. Judge: John Werry
August 15
Eastern Ontario Invitational Show, Spencerville Fair, 9:30 am, Judge: Stephanie Warner.
August 16
Prescott County Show
Vankleek Hill Fair, 10 am. Judge: Jonathan Rylaarsdam.
August 17
Inter-County Dairy Youth Judging Competition
Campbellford Fairgrounds.
August 19
Lambton County Holstein Show Forest Agricultural Society, 7 pm.
August 21
Niagara County Holstein Show Wainfleet Arena, 7 pm.
August 22
Simcoe County Holstein Show Essa Agriplex, 10:30 am.
August 22
Oxford County Holstein Show Woodstock Fairgrounds, 6:30 pm, Judge: Kyle Rivington.
August 22-23
West-Central Junior Show
Grand River Raceway, Elora, 9 am.
August 24
Summer Spotlight Junior Dairy Show Chesterville & District Ag Society 10:30 am, Judge: Richard Osborne.
August 27
Bruce-Grey Holstein Show
Walkerton Agricultural Society, 12 pm, Judge: Glenn Barkey.
August 28
Brant-Wentworth Holstein Show Paris Fairgrounds, 6:15 pm Judge: Kyle Rivington.
August 30
Dufferin-Wellington County Holstein Show
Orangeville Fairgrounds, 6:30 pm.
August 31
Stormont County Holstein Club Show
Newington Fairgrounds Judge: Devin O’Hara.
SEPTEMBER 2024
September 2
Ontario County Holstein Show 9:45 am, Judge: Jon Kingdon.
September 2
Thunder Bay County Holstein Show Hymers Fair, 12:00pm
September 6
Prince Edward County Holstein Show Picton Fairgrounds Judge: Bobby Jarrell.
September 6
Durham County Show
Orono Agricultural Society, 10 am, Judge: Curtis McNeil.
September 7
Lanark County Holstein Show
Almonte Fairgrounds, 11 am Judge: Adam Hunt.
September 10
Mintoglen & Glenlodge Farms Dispersal 6662 4th Line, Palmerston, Auction by Brubacher’s.
September 13
Frontenac County Holstein Show Kingston Memorial Centre, 6:30pm
September 13
Perth-Waterloo County Holstein Show Stratford Rotary Complex, 6:30pm Judge: Richard Osborne.
September 15
Victoria County Holstein Show
Lindsay Exhibition Judge: Jon Kingdon.
September 27
Carleton-Russell County Show
Metcalfe Agricultural Society/Metcalfe Fair, 12 pm.
OCTOBER 2024
October 1-4
World Dairy Expo Madison, WI.
October 3
York Holstein Club Show Markham Fairgrounds.
October 8
Haldimand-Norfolk Holstein Club Show Norfolk County Fairgrounds.
October 15
Autumn Opportunity Showmanship, Orangeville Fairgrounds, 6:30pm.
October 16
Perth County 50th Anniversary Club Sale David Carson Farms & Auction Services Ltd., 10 am.
October 16
Autumn Opportunity Holstein Show Orangeville Fairgrounds, 9 am, Judge: Molly Sloan.
October 17
Eastern Ontario/Western Quebec Championship Show
Metcalfe Agricultural Society/Metcalfe Fair, 9 am, Judge: Pat Lundy.
October 25
Perth County Holstein Club Banquet 6 pm.
DARE TO DREAM 4 SALE
MARCH 16, 2024 - BESLEA FARMS, YARKER, ON TOP SELLERS
PIERSTEIN ASHBY AVADEEN
Buyer: Clarkvalley Holsteins, ON
KA-BRAT UNSTOP LONA RED
Buyer: C &T Bratcher, KY
MS BRATCHERVU DL BERKELEY........................................
Buyer: C &T Bratcher, KY
CALVES FOR A CAUSE SALE
APRIL 3, 2024 - CANADIAN DAIRY XPO, STRATFORD, ON TOP SELLERS
$8,200
$7,000
SPRING SELECT TAG SALE
APRIL 8-9, 2024 - SMYGWATY HOLSTEINS, RUSSELL, ON TOP SELLERS
SMYGWATYS SKICK ELLIE $15,000
Buyer: Duckett Holsteins & Kingsway Farms, ON SMYGWATYS DOORMAN TRIX E .................................... $10,000
Buyer: Kennedy Stock Farm, ON GREENLARK UNIX LINCOLN ........................................... $10,000
Buyer: Velthuis Farms Ltd., ON 24 LOT AVG........................................................................... $6,213
SPRING STYLES AT KARNVIEW SALE
APRIL 12-14, 2024 - KARNVIEW FARMS, WOODSTOCK, ON TOP SELLERS KARNVIEW CANDY OF
..................................... $20,600
WALNUTLAWN PG BULLSEYE BEVERLY ........................ $17,000
Buyer: MMH Vaessen, ON
OCONNORS LOGIC MYRA P .............................................. $12,500
Buyer: Stanton Bros Limited, ON
KARNVILLA MAJOR SERENITY
Buyer: Clarkvalley Holsteins, ON
KINGSWAY TAG SALE 2024
APRIL 5-6, 2024 - KINGSWAY FARMS, HASTINGS, ON TOP SELLERS
MS TANG DL A TALKER
Buyer: Josh Obert, ON
$31,000
MS ALLIGATOR AMETHYST-ET ........................................ $30,000
Buyer: Velthuis Farms Ltd., ON
MS TANG EC A TAKEOVER .................................................. $28,000
Buyer: Glamourview and Walton, NY
Ad
Subscription Rates
Buyer: Matt Lintvedt, WI
ALLIGATOR BABY RUTH $20,300
ONTARIO SPRING DISCOVERY SALE
APRIL 23, 2024 - ANCASTER, ON TOP SELLERS
PERRENIAL GETAWAY FROSTY.......................................... $15,700
Buyer: Clarkvalley Holsteins, ON D2 JAGGER EAGLE EYE ....................................................... $15,500
Buyer: Howard-View Holsteins, ON SHADYWILLO RANDALL CAJUN $15,200
Buyer: Mount Kolb Farm, Plum Valley Holsteins & Andrew Den Haan, ON 43 LOT AVG ............................................................................ $5,527
feeling like no other. Whether working on his own cattle or someone else’s, Cody is dedicated to ensuring that every animal shows at its highest potential. “I love seeing the animal develop on show day and getting it into the ring. Whether it is an animal you own or someone else’s, the goal is to make sure the cow can do the best she can. Seeing it all come together is a huge accomplishment.”
JUDGING
Over the course of Cody’s showing career, he developed a strong interest in judging through 4-H. He gives lots of credit to his 4-H leaders for sparking his interest in judging. This interest led him to compete in the Inter-County Judging Competition, where he earned the title of Top Junior Judge in 2016. With encouragement from his girlfriend Kyla Lewis, Cody continued to achieve success at the University of Guelph Intercollegiate Judging Competition in March, where he competed against participants from across the country and ended up as Top Overall Judge of the competition. In May of this year, Cody also participated in the judging school hosted by Karnview Farms and is hoping to start judging some Junior 4-H shows in the future to gain experience and work towards becoming an official judge.
While he works full time as a seed research manager, he continues to spend time working towards his goal of becoming a judge and continuing his work in the beef/veal business alongside his dad, Glen, and family. He is also excited to keep working with different show crews, keeping up his showmanship and animal preparation skills.
where he was named Reserve Champion Showperson
2.
from left in front row) with the Karnview Crew at the 2024 Ontario Spring
5.
after winning
Holstein Ontario is excited to launch a new initiative aimed at helping to ensure that the next generation of dairy producers have the knowledge and tools needed to transition the farm operation.
DAIRY FUTURES SUMMIT will be held in Guelph on November 29-30, 2024.
Open to young producers aged 19-30, classroom sessions will include discussion on communication styles, succession, and financial literacy with an on-farm practical portio as well.
More details will be available in the coming months with registration opening mid-September.
Watch our Social Media for updates.
PHOTOS 1. Cody with his final 4-H calf, Golden Vivific Valentine, at the 2023 Spencerville EastGen Showcase
,
Cody and his sister Kelsie at their vegetable stand, Cody & Kelsie’s Veggy Patch, 3. Cody (third
Discovery Show where they won Premier Breeder, 4. Cody showing Valentine at the 2023 Spencerville EastGen Showcase,
Cody accepting the award
the Canadian Intercollegiate Judging Competition. PHOTO 3 BY CLAIRE SWALE, ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.
A
A REPORTS
pursuit ofExcellence
NEW EXCELLENT COW OR A VERY GOOD TWO-YEAR-OLD IS A BREEDING ACCOMPLISHMENT. These cows are the highlight of any herd visit and a source of pride for their breeders and owners. From the 15th of March through to the end of June 2024, there were 602 1st time Excellent cows and 815 Very Good 2-year-olds classified in Ontario. Those classifying EX-91 and above and VG-87 and above are listed here - a complete list can be found under the Awards-Lists tab at www.holstein.ca. Congratulations to the owners and breeders of these fine animals!
MARCH - JUNE EX’S
C V F KING DOC SUNSET EX-93
D alton J Faris, E ast G willimbury
CLAYHAVEN DELTA LAMBDA TAIYA EX-93
CLAYHAVEN DENVER BETHANY EX-93
M elvin G M artin, Wallenstein
COXLYN FOX FINDLAY EX-93
C oxlyn Farms L td, U xbridge
H-BRIDGE ALTITUDE JES RED EX-93
High B ridge H olsteins L td, Parkhill
JORAL MAGGIE MAPLETREE 2024 EX-93
T ibben Farms, B rinston
MAPLEBROUGH ARTIST ROXELMA EX-93
M aplebrough H olsteins, U xbridge
STADE CRUSHABULL ENIGMA-ET EX-93
Vale-O-Skene H olsteins, L ittle B ritain
WOODBRIDGE DEMPSEY WINNIE EX-93
Woodbridge H olsteins, N eustadt
BOBMUR CORONADO MAGESTY EX-92
B obmur Farms, L istowel
BROOKTURN HISTORY VELVET EX-92
B rookturn H olsteins, St. A nns
CHERRY CREST DOORMAN GEOGRAPHY EX-92
C herry C rest H olsteins, M artintown
CROVALLEY SOLOMON SPOT LIGHT EX-92
C rovalley H olsteins, H astings
DILLMAN IMPRESSION LOLA EX-92
M aple-ain H olsteins, S miths Falls
ELAMARY SLATER JUDY EX-92
E lam & M ary M artin, M ount Forest
ERBCREST LAUTRUST MARCEE EX-92
E rbcrest Farm, Milverton
FLOMAR LIVEWIRE 573 EX-92
F lomar H olsteins, M t. Forest
GORELAND MIS VICKIES HEMINGWAY EX-92
G oreland Farms, C arrying P lace
HARTHAVEN TATOO BETTY EX-92
W illiam D e J ong, M orrisburg
H-BRIDGE RUSS JANELLE RED EX-92
High B ridge H olsteins L td, Parkhill
HODGLYNN OCTANE DELTA EX-92
K arnview Farms Inc., Woodstock
M egan Atkinson, Woodstock
HOLTBYHOLME MISS MIRAGE EX-92
H oltbyholme H olsteins, Port Perry
KIRKLEA DOORMAN BUTTERTART EX-92
K irklea H olsteins, A lEXandria
LAIDLAWN DIAMONDBACK FLAIR EX-92
W Paul L aidlaw, N orval
LOCHDALE EMILIO BARIE EX-92
L ochdale H olsteins, A lEXandria
LOYALYN IMPRESSION TWILIGHT EX-92
Rob & A lice B umstead, O wen S ound
LUXURY IMPRESSION FAIRY EX-92
L uxury H olsteins, Wellandport
MAPLEVUE MARIUS PEACH EX-92
M aplevue Farms, L istowel
NEW GALMA MCDOUGAL FOREVER EX-92
N ew G alma D airy, M t. E lgin
OVERDALE ENZO YOLO EX-92
O verdale Farms L td, L’orignal
PRIMROSE APPLE CRISP EXTRA EX-92
Rosevine Farms, B erwick
QUIET OAK ALVAREZ MILLIE EX-92
Q uiet O ak Farm, N ew H amburg
QUINNDALE ARTIST JOYRIDE EX-92
Q uinndale H olsteins, G reely
ROTHOLME IMPRESSION MARSLIE EX-92
Rotholme H olsteins, B aden
SEELBY ACROBAT SARAH EX-92
S eelby H olsteins L td, S eeleys B ay
Two-to-Tango Farms Inc., S pencerville
SILVERDREAM DENIM MARILLA EX-92
O nias W M artin, Wallenstein
SMYGWATYS SOLOMAN DAPHNE EX-92
Star & D Farms Inc., Russell
STEENBEEK CAPTIVATE 154 EX-92
M arkhill H olsteins, Ingersoll
WENALLT KING DOC RELISH EX-92
Wenallt H olsteins Inc., C rysler
WYCREST SIDEKICK MIRACLE EX-92
L ester M W ideman, M ount Forest
AIJA DOORMAN GEMINI EX-91
Vriesdale H olsteins, M ountain
ALTONA LEA SIDEKICK JINGLE EX-91
Frank B arkey & Family, B lackstock
ANDITA SIDEKICK SAPPHIRE EX-91
A ndita H olsteins Inc., B elwood
ANDROSE RUMMY TIANNA EX-91
A ndrew Eby, D rayton
ASH LINE DOORMAN KERSTEN EX-91
N ew M orning H olsteins, M onkton
ATOZ DOORMAN DONG EX-91
A To Z Farms, Mildmay
BENREYMO MIDNIGHT BACCHI EX-91
Reynald B B enoit, St. A lbert
BIRDOLM BOMBERO DELORIS EX-91
B irdolm H olsteins, Rockwood
BOBASYL MONTROSS MOLLY EX-91
B obasyl Farm, W inchester
BOBMUR PRIME MARDI GRAS EX-91
B obmur Farms, L istowel
BOSDALE UNIX LANNA EX-91
B osdale Farms Inc., C ambridge
BRIDGEVIEW DENVER ICE CUBE EX-91
B ridgeview Farms, B rantford
BROADHILL JACKPOT JACKIE RED EX-91
Roy B road, S chomberg
BRUVIEW MIRAND CANDACE EX-91
B ruview H olsteins, E lmira
CEDARPATCH KINGBOY DRAGONFLY EX-91
Cedarpatch H olsteins, Mildmay
CHAKELBURG CDOOR RENEE EX-91
C hakelburg H olsteins, Mildmay
CHERRY CREST IMPRESSION SUPRA EX-91
C herry C rest H olsteins, M artintown
CHRISTHILL BENTLEY LOLLY EX-91
CHRISTHILL IMPRES MARY EX-91
C hristhill Farms, Tara
CNOSSEN DETOUR PALACE EX-91
C nossen H olsteins, E lora
CORNITA DELTALAM PETAL EX-91
C ornita Farms L td, Parkhill
COZY HAVEN KINGPIN TRISH EX-91
C ozy H aven H olsteins, E lmira
CREBROEK CROSS VERENA EX-91
CREBROEK HANIKO PAULA EX-91
E ric Van D en B roek, M ountain
CROVALLEY DOORMAN RAIN SLICK EX-91
C rovalley H olsteins, H astings
DAIRYDALE MACNUT ANNETTE EX-91
D airydale Farms L td, E mbro
DIEMERTDALE MISSION CAMPFIRE EX-91
D iemertdale A cres L td, Ayton
DOANLEA DOORMAN EMALYN EX-91
D onald I D oan, N orwich
EBYLANE SIDEKICK TACKLE EX-91
Ebylane H olsteins, D rayton
ELM BEND QUICKSTAR EX-91
E lm B end H olsteins, B rantford
ERIEVIEW UNIX CASSIDY EX-91
E rieview Farms L imited, J erseyville
FARISVIEW DOOR WINDY EX-91
D alton J Faris, E ast G willimbury
FIELDHOUSE CRUSHABULL CRAVELOU EX-91
F ieldhouse Farms, A riss
FLORBIL DOORMAN LIGHTYEAR EX-91
F lorbil Farms L td, Mildmay
FRAELAND DOORMAN BOURBON EX-91
Fraeland Farms, Fergus
GLENGARRY UNIX AMITY EX-91
GLENGARRY UNIX RUBY EX-91
G lengarry Stock Farms Inc., A pple Hill
GLENVUE IMPRESSION RILEY EX-91
Rovelon Farm, Paris
HARVDALE PRINCE CHERRY EX-91
H arvdale H olsteins, Stayner
HATCHLEY PISTON LATTE 138 EX-91
Talsma Farms Inc., H arley
HAZELCREST LAUTRUST CHARLENE EX-91
H azelcrest H olsteins, E mbro
H-BRIDGE ALTITUDE JABA RED EX-91
High B ridge H olsteins L td, Parkhill
HIGH POINT ROX VELVEETA EX-91
High Point Farms, Port Perry
HILLMARK D-BACK LAUGHTER EX-91
Verlane Farms Inc., C aledonia
HOL070 LAMBORGHINI EX-91
D avid Templeman, Mitchell
M cLagan Farms, Mitchell
JEFFRED FAIRVIEW RAMBOW EX-91
Fred J effs, Stirling
KARNVILLA UNDENIED JUGERNAUT EX-91
D.W. K arn Farms Inc., Woodstock
D erek K arn, Woodstock
KIRKLEA TATOO REWARD EX-91
K irklea H olsteins, A lexandria
KNONAUDALE DENVER MILEHIGH EX-91
K nonaudale Farms Inc., C rysler
LAIDLAWN MIDNIGHT MALENA EX-91
W Paul L aidlaw, N orval
LAWRENCEHOLME JENNIFOR EX-91
A ndrew L awrence & S ons, S pencerville
LIMBRA CHELIOS SMURFETT EX-91
Huybregts Farms L td, C rysler
LOCHDALE EXCALIBUR RACHEL EX-91
L ochdale H olsteins, A lEXandria
LUXURY ENDURE BANDIT EX-91
L uxury H olsteins, Wellandport
MAPLE BANK THOREAU STARBEAM EX-91
M aple B ank H olsteins, Wallenstein
MAPLE-AIN DOORMAN STORMY EX-91
M aple-ain H olsteins, S miths Falls
MARFLOACRES UNIX SULTANA EX-91
Wayne & K aren M artin, M ount Forest
MARKVALE SIDEKICK ELECTRIFY EX-91
M arkvale H olsteins, B eachville
MOONSHINE DELTA QQ7 EX-91
M oonlight H olsteins, C aistor Centre
MOUNT ELM TATOO LOVEBOAT EX-91
M ount E lm Farms Inc., Vankleek Hill
NEWMORNING WICKHAM LACEY 3395 EX-91
N ew M orning H olsteins, M onkton
OCD-I BRONZE MEDAL EX-91
D.W. K arn Farms Inc., Woodstock
D erek K arn, Woodstock
OSCROFT AWESOME LIVIN RED EX-91
O scroft Farms, S hannonville
POTLUCK SWINGMAN MISSY EX-91
B rian A rmstrong, Millbrook
RALANES SAGERBRAE DRMN AURORA EX-91
D alton J Faris, E ast G willimbury
RAYD’ OEX IMPRESSION ZELLA EX-91
Ferme Raynaud L tee, Vankleek Hill
T F O N euenschwander, Vankleek Hill
ROOSBURG KIPPER WHIPPERSNIPPER EX-91
Roosburg Farms Inc., Athens
ROTHOLME UNIX SALLY EX-91
Rotholme H olsteins, B aden
SCHERPENZEEL CONTROL 1633 EX-91
SCHERPENZEEL RANDALL 1694 EX-91
S cherpenzeel Farms, Ingersoll
SHADYHAVEN IMPRESSION DAWN EX-91
S hady H aven H olsteins, A lma
SHADYRAIL DENVER KORY EX-91
Randy & Lynette M artin, H arriston
SKINHEIR APPLECRISP HILLY EX-91
S kinheir H olsteins Inc., Mitchell
SKINHEIR THOREAU NEVE EX-91
S kinheir H olsteins Inc., Mitchell
SOMERSET SIDEKICK LIBERTY EX-91
S omerset A cres L td, B runner
SPENCROFT SOCHI KYRIE EX-91
Roger S pence, E lmvale
SPIERDYKE BRIAR IMPRESSION EX-91
S pierdyke Farms, Wainfleet
S-S-I RENEGDE 8700 10784-ET EX-91
N ew M orning H olsteins, M onkton
SUMMERSTIME MACADAM BAKE EX-91
S ummers Farms L td, Fonthill
TANGLIN WICKHAM MAGGIE EX-91
C oote Farms, Frankville
TEDLIZ SIDEKICK MARYJO EX-91
Tedliz H olsteins, Poole
TERRYLEA TATOO BINGO EX-91
B eckerville H olsteins, G adshill Station
Terrylea H olsteins, St. Pauls
Trevor J W illows, St. Pauls
TORPEDO SALT LORRETTE EX-91
Fairview A cres, M oorefield
TUNECROFT MIDNIGHT HAZLETTE EX-91
Jim & Teresa Teune, C lifford
ULMAR UNIX DORINA EX-91
ULMAR UNIX ELISE EX-91
P fister D airy, Mitchell
UP-RIDGE IMPRESSION DISNEY EX-91
UP-RIDGE SIDEKICK GESTURE EX-91
UP-RIDGE THUNDER STORM APEX EX-91
U p-Ridge H olsteins, E mbro
VELLHAVEN ALI BREW ADDISON EX-91
Vellhaven Farms Inc., S mithville
VIEW LAND CAMARO TINKER EX-91
V iewland Farms L td, T hamesford
VOGUE BIGHIT ALLIE P EX-91
Fraholme Farms, E mbro
MARCH - JUNE VG’S
BLONDIN LEGEND CARAMILK VG-87
B enbie H olsteins L td, S K
P rospect H olsteins, Port Perry
Robella H olsteins, S K
BROOKTURN MIRAND VALERIE P VG-87
B rookturn H olsteins, St. A nns
CHERRY CREST DIGIT VG-87
C herry C rest H olsteins, M artintown
DREWHOLME CONWAY FREEDOM P VG-87
D rewholme H olsteins, G owanstown
EVERGROW ALONGSIDE GAMBLER VG-87
D elcreek H olsteins, W inchester
FRICOSONS SIDEKICK LASENZA VG-87
Weeksdale H olsteins Inc., PEI
GLENIRVINE DROPKICK HEADSCOUT VG-87
G lenirvine Farms, Fergus
JOEL BRIANNA TATTOO VG-87
Michel B eaulieu, Ste. A nne D e P rescott
Ferme N ormlyne, A lfred
KARLINROCK MIRAND MAGIC VG-87
M arlin R M artin, Palmerston
KARNVILLA DL SONATA 101 VG-87
D.W. K arn Farms Inc., Woodstock
KAWARTHA DOC DANALI VG-87
K awartha H olsteins, L indsay
KINGSWAY CAUGHT A VIBE VG-87
K ingsway Farms Inc., H astings
Velthuis Farms L td, O sgoode
KINGSWAY LAMBDA JOJO VG-87
Ferme J.P. Poulin & F ils, Q C
KINGSWAY LAMBDA JUSTICE VG-87
K arnview Farms Inc., Woodstock
KIRKLEA K BURGUNDY BARREL VG-87
K irklea H olsteins, A lexandria
K nonaudale Farms Inc., C rysler
EX-94
MAIFIELD LAMBDA MAINA VG-87
Weeksdale H olsteins Inc., PEI
MARFLOACRES LEGEND KATELIN VG-87
B londin S ires, Q C
MARTIN-VIEW DOC HOT SHOT VG-87
D andyland Farm, S chomberg
Parallel G enetics, E ast G arafraxa
MS TANG DL ALL THAT-ET VG-87
Ferme J.P. Poulin & F ilsQC
NEW GALMA SIDEKICK EDAIR 1878 VG-87
N ew G alma D airy, M t. E lgin
QUALITY LEGEND HOSANNA VG-87
H olywell H olsteins, G rand Valley
Q uality Farms Inc., Vaughan
SKINHEIR DOC RAPUNZEL VG-87
S kinheir H olsteins Inc., Mitchell
SMYGWATYS SIDEKICK LAZY J RAE VG-87
Star & D Farms Inc., Russell
SUGAR-C LN ELUDE-RED VG-87
A griber S ocieta A gricola S rl, Piacenza
B eckridge H olsteins, Keswick
L ily B eckett, Keswick
O scar & E ric D upasquier, G uelph
Patience H olsteins L td, Mildmay
Q uality Farms Inc., Vaughan
WINRIGHT DOORMAN ECLIPSE VG-87
Ferme B londin, Q C
Ferme Yvon S icard, Q C
YORELLEA PARADISE VOGUE VG-87
Yorellea Farms, St. Eugene
& HIGHER / VG-88 2 YEAR OLD & HIGHER
EMBRDALE JILLIAN UNIX EX-94
J oel P hoenix, C annington Trent Valley H olsteins, Peterborough Wendon H olsteins, A B
KAWARTHA CONTROL DESTINY EX-94
E aton H olsteins, N Y K awartha H olsteins, L indsay
LIDDLEHOLME TKELAH EX-94
Two-to-Tango Farms Inc., S pencerville
first-time
CSOEVISTA WILDCAT RED EX-94 3E
D avid Potter, C hatsworth
Rock Hill Farms, D obbinton
JM VALLEY CHIEF ACAPELLA EX-95 2E
K arnview Farms Inc., Woodstock
Breeders of Excellents
CONGRATULATIONS to the breeders listed here who bred their first Excellent cow between March 15 and June 2024. May there be many more Excellent cows in your future! Thank you to Holstein Canada for making the information available. Please note, in order to appear on this list, the animal must have been bred and owned by the breeder at the time of classification.
APPLERIDGE LEILA EX-90
C hristopher C larke, N orth G ower
BARWILLOW MERRICK DALIHA EX-90
B arwillow H olsteins, Wallenstein
BOOMERCREST THOREAU ODDLES EX-90
H awkcrest A cres, Wallenstein
CAISTORVIEW BREW BIANCA EX-90
E liview Inc., D rumbo
CEDAR DRIVE DEMPSEY 385 EX-90
Cedar D rive H olsteins, H arriston
DES VENTS ELECTRIC GLUCIDES EX-90
Ferme D es Vents Inc., Ste. A nne D e P rescott
EVLAW CREST 72 EX-90
L averne & E va M artin, Kenilworth
GIFTOFGRACE CONTROLLER 121 EX-90
G ift O f G race Farms, A rthur
HARTLENE JETT AIR CAROL EX-90
H artlene H olsteins, Wallenstein
JADE QUINCEE MARIO EX-90
D eborah B rown, S pencerville
JORAL MAGGIE MAPLETREE 2024 EX-93
T ibben Farms, B rinston
BRANCH NEWS
WELCOME BACK MOLLY!
Molly is back for another summer with the team at Holstein Ontario! She recently completed her 1st year of the Bachelor of Agriculture Technology degree program at Lakeland College in Vermilion, Alberta and looks forward to finishing her practicum placement in Ontario. Molly is spending the summer with friends, family and the few beef cows at home on the farm. She is also working on a neighboring dairy and may or may not be making pets out of all the Jerseys...but, don’t worry – Holsteins are still her favorite! She is happy to be back for another busy summer travelling to shows and events with Holstein Ontario and is looking forward to learning new skills and making more memories and connections across the province. Don’t be afraid to say hi and strike up a friendly conversation with Molly if you bump into her!
KARNVIEW SIDEKICK ANTICIPATION EX-90
K arnview Farms Inc., Woodstock
LETHBRIDGE HIGH OCTANE JULIA EX-90
L ethbridge Farms, N orth A ugusta
MAURANNA LIGHT MY FIRE PETAL EX-90
M aurice M artin, M t. Forest
MORNINGTON RUMMY HALF PINT EX-90
M ornington H olsteins, Milverton
NEWDALE EPIC TOKEN EX-90
N ewdale Farm Inc., N ew H amburg
NORLINE LIGHTHOUSE VARNI EX-90
N ormand & Celine Franche B runette, St. Eugene
RIDDELL LAUTRUST 1040 EX-90
Riddell H olsteins, Atwood
SANDYLAND LAUTRUST CASEY EX-90
S andyland H olsteins, M ount Forest
TOMALIE ARMY FABIENNE EX-90
Tomalie H olsteins, M artintown
WILLCHER SUPER RITAS EX-90
W ill-cher Farm, B ranchton
WE WELCOME YOUR IDEAS!
DO YOU HAVE A FARM YOU WOULD LOVE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT, OR THAT YOU THINK WOULD BE PERFECT FOR A FEATURE IN THE LINK?
WE ARE ALWAYS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR NEW IDEAS! FARMS BIG OR SMALL, NEW OR OLD, ROBOT OR TIE-STALL - WE LOVE THEM ALL!
CALL OR TEXT THE EDITOR TODAY WITH YOUR IDEA: 519-865-5207.
Best of the Breed
kilograms of Milk (Milk Per day of Life)
P superiorProduction
PRODUCTION = PROFIT. JUST AS WITH THE TYPE CLASSIFICATION, IT IS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THE COWS THAT GET THE JOB DONE. Congratulations to all of the breeders and owners of the top five superior production records in each age division from March 15 through to the end of May, 2024. Please note that only cows that are scored are included in our listing.
Karnview Farms Inc., Woodstock
Farms Inc., Woodstock
Mcintosh Holsteins, Embro
2 YEAR OLDS
3 YEAR OLDS
4 YEAR OLDS
Hyland Holsteins, Kippen
Oshadenah Holsteins, Tehkummah
IN BLACK & WHITE
Pfister Dairy Farms Inc.
NAME: HANS, MARLISE, MARCO AND ASHLEY PFISTER
HERD SIZE: 100 MILKING
OPERATION TYPE: FREE-STALL
LOCATION: MITCHELL, ON
In 1991, Marco’s parents, Hans and Marlise Pfister, immigrated from Switzerland, initially purchasing grade cows due to their tight budget. They quickly recognized the value of pedigreed animals, and purchased better cows as dry cows, as they were what they could afford. Today, Marco and his wife, Ashley, farm with their five children, currently milking 100 cows in a new hybrid ventilated free stall operation. They are thankful and fortunate to have the daily help and support of Marco’s parents to continue the farm for the second generation.
1. What are your breeding goals?
Marco and Ashley expect elite production performance from every cow in their herd. This requires animals with ideal leg set, wide chest width, proper rump angle and of course, high quality udders. Our goal is to have as many excellent cows, as they exhibit the traits necessary to achieve this. We also put emphasis on slower milking speed to correct leaking in stalls. While this must be used cautiously, we have noticed significantly less leaked milk in our stalls of our 1st and 2nd lactation group versus our mature cows, as we have selected bulls with slower milking speed.
2. What genetic tools are most important in your breeding program?
Marco critically analyses bull proofs to select 5 sires that are included in our breeding program. While our Eastgen breeder will create a mating program to help us manage inbreeding, Marco individually selects the sire based on conformation and performance corrections necessary for each animal and family. Regular and mid-round classification allows us to correct any negative conformation patterns that could impact our herd longevity. An example of this is front leg view, in which we saw the development of corkscrew hooves. Thanks to Holstein Classifier Willimke’s advice, we were able to find specific proven bull information to help correct this problem.
3. Describe the ultimate/ideal cow for your operation:
A cow that consumes a high amount of feed; has fluid locomotion to travel to the parlour and the stall; chest width to withstand the physical stresses of life; proper rump angle; and of course, a wide, high attached rear udder with a strong ligament. There is nothing nicer than watching such a cow perform in your barn and walk into your parlour twice a day! These are the animals that can fill your quota efficiently.
4. What cow in your barn is currently the “Heart of the Herd”?
If we are forced to choose: Ulmar Wickham Evita EX-92 3E 2*. She is a powerhouse that impresses all. She has filled 700 kg her last three lactations and is on schedule to perform the same in her 5th current lactation, currently at 74 036 kg Milk, 4.6% Fat and 3.4% Protein. More astonishing is her breeding power. She gave us our dream: Ulmar Sidekick Eva VG-893YR. We are so proud to have her in partnership with Quality Holsteins, Beckridge Holsteins, Agriber and Eric Dupasquier, in which together we helped her achieve Best Bred and Owned and 3rd place Senior 3-Year-Old at the National Show 2022.
5. What are you most proud of in your herd/operation?
Our passion for our cows drives us to be better breeders, better managers, and better people everyday. We work as a team and are never afraid to face our weaknesses or challenges. We look forward to seeing how the third generation could possibly continue the momentum that we are so thankfully continuing from Marco’s parents.
6. If you could improve one thing in your operation, what would it be?
We have been very cautious to invest in technology to avoid added operational costs. While we feel this has helped us defer funds for better investments, we feel our operation is at the point where herd recording, heat detection, and potentially rumination monitors would now provide a respectable return.
7. How do you use genomic information in your herd and what are your thoughts on the future of genomics?
While we use 20% Genomic bulls, we currently choose proven sires due to the increased reliability.
8. How many cows do you flush each year? How do you market your embryos that are for sale?
Due to success with Ulmar Sidekick Eva, we have flushed her dam, Ulmar Wickham Evita, as well as her Doorman Sister, Ulmar Doorman Esprit VG-893YR. We were able to market some embryos from Ulmar Wickham Evita. We will only perform a flush again if we feel there is a market for the embryos, or a significant value for our farm to develop the family.
9. Which bull do you feel has had the most impact on your herd over the years and today?
Outside, Windbrook, Wickham, Sidekick, and Randall have been the bulls where we find have produced the best foundation cows and the best performers in our herd.
10. What are the management practices in place on your farm that you feel contribute the most to the success of your operation? Why?
Communication and hard work are critical in our team to achieve our management goals. We also strongly believe that- regardless of the holiday, day of the week or the workload in the fields, the cows are lookedafter with the same integrity every day.
L TO R: HANS, ASHLEY, MARCO AND SHANIA (MARCO & ASHLEY’S ELDEST DAUGHTER).
BULLSEYE x JACOBS HIGH OCTANE BABE EX-96-2E-CAN 1*
STRENGTH +11
+10
IMMUNITY +105
Dam: JACOBS HIGH OCTANE BABE EX-96-2E-CAN 1*
• RES. GR. CHAMPION NATIONAL HOLSTEIN SHOW, 2022
• 1ST 5 YR-OLD & 1ST BRED & OWNED NATIONAL HOLSTEIN SHOW, 2022
BULLDING’s remarkable dam, Jacobs High Octane Babe, is now EX-96-2E 1* with a 96-MS. Her dam is none other than the Holstein Canada Cow of the Year 2017 and tanbark favourite, Jacobs Goldwyn Britany EX-96/96-MS-2E 36*! BULLDING brings artful breeding to a whole new level!
Photo: Carl Saucier
Photo: Holly McFarlane