Spring 2023 Link

SPRING

2023

Capturing Hearts at Maplebrough Farm

District Tour Time!

Nurseland: Making Strides in The County

Ontario’s 2022 Master Breeders

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, DR. TIM

Like so many of you, our hearts were broken upon hearing the news of Dr. Tim Henshaw’s passing on April 6, 2023. In some senses, it seemed as if Dr. Tim would live forever. Though twice retired, he never slowed down. We in the dairy community were so fortunate to be the recipients of his many talents and gifts. Dr. Tim’s ability to put people at ease and make everyone feel like they belonged was a skill that came so naturally to him. We will miss his big smile, his giving heart and his larger-than-life spirit. He was an incredible person, and we are all better for having known him. Our deepest condolences to Dr. Tim’s wife, Jane, his children Christe, Jarrett and their families. Thank you for sharing him with us.

“Love God and Bless and Serve People.”

- TIM HENSHAW

“Tim always noticed the unnoticed. He was always helping the under-helped. His vet skills were just an excuse to get around and care for people.”

- PASTOR STEVE PAUL

Fax: (519) 756-9982 www.ontarioholstein.ca

GENERAL MANAGER Pam Charlton pamcharlton@ontario.holstein.ca 519-861-9851

EDITOR, Andrea Emond aemond@ontario.holstein.ca (519) 209-5553

OFFICE COORDINATOR, Martina Arth branch@ontario.holstein.ca (519) 653-6180

DATA AND INFORMATION SPECIALIST, Molly McMillan admin@ontario.holstein.ca (705) 333-9690

2023/2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT, COLE VERBURG way2succinct@yahoo.com 613-802-3604

PAST-PRESIDENT, JAMES CRANSTON cranstonbackup@hotmail.com

905-719-0196

VICE-PRESIDENT, KYLE MACLEOD kyle_macleod@hotmail.ca 519-320-0729

DIRECTOR-AT-LARGE, 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 ADAM HUNT trekili77@gmail.com

613-329-2649

ROBERT KOLB mountkolbfarminc@hotmail.com

416-523-7937

MAGAZINE DESIGN

Jess Willison

AD DESIGN

Jess Willison, Leanna Lowry

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bonnie Cooper

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Bonnie Cooper, Bruce Sargent, Claire Swale, Holly McFarlane, Patty Jones, The Bullvine, Through My Lens Photography, Tim Henshaw, Vicki Fletcher

PHOTO BY THE BULLVINE

EcoLac® Dairy premixes have been developed to maximize cow health, milk production and feed intake all while reducing the cost of producing a liter of milk. These milking cow premixes are carefully formulated with selected ingredients for higher absorption and improved animal performance.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

2023 - A POTENTIALLY STUNNING YEAR

E

Every four years something rare happens in February. It’s a celebration for some, an inconvenience for others. It’s not the leap year, (although that IS my birthday) and I’m not talking about an historic snow or ice storm. Every four years a director from the East becomes President of Holstein Ontario! And in the words of the ever-wise James Cranston, “I am honoured to have been elected President of Holstein Ontario” because this year, that President is me!

All kidding aside, it truly is a tremendous honour and privilege to have a part in the leadership of this amazing organization. With so many uncertainties and unknowns in the world, it’s exciting to wake up every morning and have cows. Cows will always be there for us, and Holstein Ontario is the organization that embodies the passion that we all have for cows. It was this passion for cows that originally drew me to Holstein Ontario and the people that were involved with it, and it is this passion that lures me back time and time again. This is such a phenomenal breed of cattle that we have the privilege of working with, and I’m so happy to be surrounded by people who feel the same way.

Speaking of people that I’m surrounded by reminds me that our board is not quite complete. We are still looking for another Director from East-Central. You shouldn’t need any more encouragement than the words in this magazine to convince you that being a Holstein Ontario Director is an opportunity that you don’t want to miss. Why not reach out to one of the current Directors listed on our Branch News page to find out more?

We have an extremely exciting year awaiting us. Shows, social events and educational opportunities are gearing up, promising to make this year a time of renewal for our community of farmers. At the Branch level, we are anticipating this year to bring new vision and opportunities to extend our horizons as we strive to bring an ever-widening demographic of breeders together under a common desire. That is, the desire to continue breeding amazing cows and passing the passion and knowledge on to future generations.

If you haven’t seen our new website yet, please go check it out (www.ontarioholstein.ca). Molly McMillan has done a tremendous job putting it together, and trying to navigate our website no longer turns your hair grey! Also make sure to listen to our podcast, the HOPCast which is the fastest-growing dairy adjacent podcast in the world! You can listen on any podcast app or find us on Facebook or the new website.

The future is bright at Holstein Ontario. If we work together, I feel very certain that 2023 will be a stunning year in many respects, and “I saw a YouTube video of a puppy riding a motorcycle this morning, so my bar for stunning is pretty high!” - Michael Scott - Cole Verburg

I apologize for quoting Michael Scott, as I do realize that not everyone is a fan of The Office. If you aren’t, I’m also sorry that we don’t share that commonality. But worry not, we all still love cows! As you ride the ups and downs of farming, and life in general, know that when times are tough you aren’t alone! “Look to the Lord and His strength. Seek His face always.” - 1 Chronicles 16:11

Sincerely,

Cole

Verburg, Holstein Ontario President 2023-24

way2succinct@yahoo.com • 613-802-3604

VISION

Passionate Farmers. Prosperous Breed. Progressive Industry.

MISSION

Providing outstanding service & exceptional opportunities to our members to ensure longevity and excellence in the Holstein Breed.

CORE VALUES

Passion. Integrity. Teamwork.

CORE PILLARS

Youth Activities. Education. Breed Promotion. Industry Advocates.

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!”

THE 200,000KG CLUB

Earlier this year, Holstein Canada announced that Hyden Blitz Pizza joined the exclusive group of Canadian cows who have produced over 200,000kg of milk. In her lifetime, Pizza made 214,674kg of milk over 10 lactations with a BCA of 338-308-302, making her the 6th highest producing cow of all time! She was scored EX-92-7E-CAN 3* and was Holstein Ontario’s provincial Heart of the Herd winner in 2018. Though Pizza passed away last March, she was a once-in-a-lifetime cow who left her mark at Hyden Holsteins in Milverton, ON. Congratulations to Bryan and Heidi Zehr and family on breeding Pizza and allowing her to reach this remarkable milestone.

PHOTO BY CAITEY MACLEOD.

2023 ARBOR AWARD WINNERS

Congratulations to Brian Anderson, appearing above, middle, who was a recent recipient of 4-H Ontario’s distinguished Arbor Award. Brian, who is a 4-H alumni and has been a volunteer with the organization in Perth County for over 30 years, was recognized alongside Patty Lasby (l) and Carol Pollock at an awards banquet on March 23. He owns and operates Athlone Farms in Tavistock, Ontario, and over the years has lent out countless 4-H calves to kids from town who may not have otherwise had the chance to participate. “Teaching new skills to young people is incredibly satisfying,” he says. “I enjoy being able to watch them grow into wonderful adult members of the community.” PHOTO SUBMITTED.

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

DAIRY CARES 4 SD&G

Dairy producers, industry partners and friends in Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry counties (SD&G) gathered on March 25, 2023 to have some fun and raise money in support of three local eastern hospitals. A fun auction, table sales and donations raised a total of $187,488.12, which was divided between Hopital Glengarry Memorial – HGMH, Cornwall Community Hospital Foundation, and Winchester District Memorial Hospital.

Congratulations to all who made this evening a success!

PHOTOS BY THROUGH MY LENS PHOTOGRAPHY.

Bonnie Cooper, who was recently named World Dairy Expo’s 2023 International Person of the Year! The award is presented annually to a person living primarily outside of the United States who has made positive contributions to the international dairy industry. Since 2019, Bonnie has been a regular contributor to this magazine. She has visited with breeders across the province and shared your stories, much the same as she would have in her distinguished career with the Holstein Journal. We consider ourselves so fortunate to work with such a gifted and humble human being.

PHOTO SUBMITTED.

AND THAT MAKES 17! >>

Congratulations to Ronbeth Holsteins of Hastings, ON, with their recent classification of Ronbeth Jacoby Nell VG-85 (pictured) and Ronbeth Sidekick Nina VG-86. Nina’s and Nell’s classifications complete 17 generations of homebred Very Good or Excellent cows, respectively. According to Holstein Canada, Ronbeth is the only herd in Canada to ever accomplish this! During the same visit, another cow, Ronbeth Damion Sandra, went EX-94-10E. Sandra is one of only 13 cows (and one of only six in Ontario) to receive 10E status or above. That’s what we’d call a successful round! PHOTO SUBMITTED.

Best Managed Dairy Herds

CANADA’ S 2022

RANK FARM OWNERS

Congratulations to Canada’s top managed dairy herds for 2022, as recently recognized by Lactanet based on Herd Performance Index (HPI).

1 Ferme Karibel Inc

Luc & Isabelle

2 Sunny Point Farms Ltd

3 Stewardson Dairy Inc

Phillip & Lori

Jeff, Brenda

4 Pfister Dairy Farm Pfister Family

5 Heidi Farms Inc

The following six indicators make up the HPI, as obtained through customer milk recording: milk value, udder health, age at first calving, herd efficiency, longevity and calving interval. According to Lactanet, this information tells a story about the sustainability and health of each respective dairy operation. Ontario herds placing in the top 25 across Canada were as follows:

6 Faralary Hill Farms Ltd

3 STEWARDSON DAIRY INC.

J eff, B renda & D ylan Stewardson

7 Heerdink Farms Ltd

4 PFISTER DAIRY FARM

P fister Family

8 Ferme Drahoka Inc

5 HEIDI FARMS INC.

Paul O eggerli & Family

9 Summitholm Holsteins (Joe Loewith & Sons)

6 FARALARY HILL FARMS LTD.

Paul Oeggerli

Emily & Braden

Albert & Hans

Francis & Sylvain

Dave, Carl

E mily & B raden B ertens

10 Larenwood Farms Ltd

7 HEERDINK FARMS LTD.

11 Ferme Beljacar Inc

A lbert & Hans B orgijink

9 SUMMITHOLM HOLSTEINS

12 Mars Dairy

J oe L oewith & S ons

10 LARENWOOD FARMS LTD.

13 Ferme Louis, Kristian et Alain Forget

C hris & H eidi M cLaren

15 ROSENHILL FARM INC.

14 Ferme Collette et Fils Inc

A ndré & J udith Hildbrand

15 Rosenhill Farm Inc

19 WIKKERINK FARMS LTD.

Roger & S ue W ikkerink

16 Ferme Séric Inc

20 HILLMANOR FARMS

Frank & H eather L ouwagie

17 Ferme Y Lampron et Fils

21 ALEXERIN DAIRY INC.

Ron, J udy, Todd & E rin Nixon

18 Estermann Farm Inc

23 SUMMERS FARM LTD.

Jake S ummers

19 Wikkerink Farms Ltd

24 FRIEDRIDGE DAIRY INC.

D arrell, L isa & Avery Fried

20 Hillmanor Farms

25 LEGACY HOLSTEINS

Chris & Heidi

Carmen, Jacques

Gert & Sonja

Louis, Kristian

Nicole Boulet,

André & Judith

Éric Grégoire

Pierre, Daniel,

Martin & Regula

Roger & Julie

Frank & Heather

Steve D olson, K aren G albraith, S ally & G eoff M cMullen

21 Alexerin Dairy Inc Ron, Judy, Todd

22 Martin et Renaud Boutin Inc

Maxime Boutin

Jake Summers

Darrell, Lisa

Steve Dolson,

Source: Ranking is based on 2022 Herd Performance

Returns in Person!

TThe Eastern district played host to this year’s AGM, marking the 41st time Holstein Ontario has held the event. This year also marked the first time the annual meeting has been held in person since February 2020, before the COVID-19 pandemic forced virtual online versions of the meeting in 2021 and 2022. The overwhelming number of tour-goers visiting farms in the Ottawa area, as well as the large crowd that gathered to celebrate the 2022 Master Breeders at the EastGen Evening of Excellence, demonstrated how excited everyone was to return to the regular in-person format. The organizing committee were wonderful hosts and did a phenomenal job of extending Eastern hospitality to all in attendance!

TOURS On Tuesday, hundreds of visitors enjoyed stops at nine area farms, spread across the counties of Carleton and Dundas. Host farms included Hendercroft, Hillisle, Velthuis, Riverdown, Smygwaty, Delcreek, Winwood, Jaquemet and Winright. Snowstorms aside, it was a wonderful day touring these immaculate farms! See the highlights on our Tour Page Gallery on page 28.

EASTGEN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE The EastGen Evening of Excellence was on the program for Tuesday evening and included a Wine & Cheese, Banquet dinner, presentations to Host farms, Master Breeder Awards and a live Fun Auction in support of the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund. The evening was emceed by Dr. Tim Henshaw and Committee Chair, Karen Velthuis. Several All-Ontario winners were also on hand to accept their awards.

MEETINGS & BUSINESS During the meeting, 2022 Holstein Ontario President James Cranston presented his report, as did General Manager, Pam Charlton. Company financials were presented and discussed and a report from Holstein Canada was presented by National Director Nancy Beerwort. The business portion of the meeting adjourned just before noon and was followed by a series of special presentations.

RESOLUTIONS & BY-LAW CHANGES

One resolution was put forth by Brant-Wentworth and was carried. It was as follows:

RESOLUTION SUBMITTED BY BRANT-WENTWORTH – WEST-CENTRAL DISTRICT

GENOMIC TESTING Whereas, the number and percent of animals genomically tested in Canadian Holsteins is low;

Whereas, Holstein Canada members need to see more value in having their animals genomically tested;

Whereas, young animals, especially heifers, often have the highest genetic merit and the most revenue generating potential in a herd;

Whereas, Holstein Canada members doing genomic testing need Holstein Canada to provide more value for their animals, similar to what is done for members whose animals are show winners; and

Whereas, potential domestic and foreign buyers need to have a source for being aware of top genetic Canadian Holstein animals;

Therefore, be it resolved, Holstein Ontario requests that Holstein Canada allocate resources in 2023 to develop a service whereby at the time of registration and genomic testing of animals (females and males) a list be created and published monthly, on it’s website, for at least the top 1% of tested animal listing by LPI, Pro$ and other traits that Holstein Canada sees as key to the future success of Canadian Holsteins. Note: Such a service will be of benefit to animal owners, bull breeders and owners, all divisions and levels of Holstein Canada (including Holstein Canada’s Genomic Testing Service) and the Canadian dairy cattle breeding industry.

The 2022 provincial Heart of the Herd winner was announced and Mike Risebrough of Maplebrough Farms was present to receive the award. Maplebrough Ashlar Rhoda EX-92-9E-CAN 1* was the deserving winner, having made 161,416 kgs of milk over 11 lactations. This star brood cow is the recipient of many Longtime Production awards and was Ontario County’s winner in 2021.

Board Member Kyle MacLeod presented the 2022 Gay Lea Production Awards, which were awarded to the top producing cows ranging in age from 1 year to Mature. Details on these animals can be found on page 42.

Holstein Ontario’s 41st AGM

A presentation was enthusiastically provided by two of the Ontario Dairy Youth Award Winners from 2020, whose initial trip was delayed due to the pandemic. Last year, for the first time, the group traveled to out West to tour area farms and take in the Westerner dairy show. The group also introduced their respective farms and shared with the group some highlights of their “oncein-a-lifetime” trip.

One of the most highly anticipated awards presented each year is the Dairy Women’s Service Award. This year, the well-deserving recipient was Phyllis MacMaster. Karen Velthuis, the 2015 winner, presented the award and recipients from previous years were on hand to congratulate Phyllis.

The meeting was followed by lunch, before those in attendance braved the weather to return home.

An invitation was extended for everyone to attend the 2024 Convention, hosted by Middlesex County. It will take place in London, Ontario from February 27-28, 2024.

EastGen

Cooperators General Insurance Company

Dundas Agri-Systems

Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

Pioneer/Corteva

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)

Scotiabank

TD Canada Trust

Dr. Luc Besner Professional Corporation

Lawrence’s Dairy Supply Inc.

BDO Embrun

Carlmar Holsteins

DeLaval DMD Picard

Dundas Feed and Seed Ltd.

Embryobec

Grand Valley Fortifiers

Knapview Farm

Master Feeds

McGahey Insurance

O’Farrell Financial Services Inc.

Riverdown Holsteins

Select Sires/Genervations

Veterinaire Embrun

Agri-Partners

Blondin Sires

Cooperators - Philip Ryan

Cooperators - Charles J. Doran

Cooperators - Carmichael Insurance

MacEwan Agricentre

McDiarmid Electric

Navan/Rideau St. Lawrence

Veterinary Services

ST Genetics

Quality Seeds

Byers Farm Equipment

Ottawa Valley Seed Growers

Dairy Distillery

GayLea Foods

St. Albert Cheese

PHOTOS 1. President James Cranston presents Wilf Strenzke with a Past-President’s pin, 2. Thank you, Winright, for hosting! 3. Mike Risebrough receives the 2022 Heart of the Herd Award from Holstein Ontario General Manager Pam Charlton, 4. The Annual General Meeting kicks off, 5. EastGen’s Jamie Howard presents an All-Ontario Award to Kingsway’s Molly McMillan, 6. Some of the stunning decor for the evening, 7. Christhill receives Master Breeder honours. From l to r, Courtney Henderson, James Cranston, Brittany McIntosh, Jim & Helen Christie, 8. Phyllis MacMaster was this year’s recipient of the Outstanding Dairy Women’s Service Award! Congratulating her are past winners Karen Velthuis, Barb Fraser, Deb Knapton, Ruth Vogel and Nancy Beerwort, 9. Outgoing President James Cranston receives thanks for his time on the Board from incoming President Cole Verburg and General Manager Pam Charlton, 10. Some beautiful smiles from our enthusiastic guests, 11. Karen Velthuis shares a story during the Master Breeder presentation to Vriesdale, 12. Paul and Steve Velthuis were the high bidders on Alligator semen donated by EastGen in this year’s Fun Auction. PHOTOS BY KYLEIGH JAMPEN AND ANDREA EMOND.

OUTSTANDING DAIRY WOMEN’S SERVICE AWARD

Phyllis MacMaster

Congratulationsto Phyllis MacMaster, this year’s winner of the Outstanding Dairy Women’s Service Award!

The following speech was prepared by Committee Chair, Deb Knapton, to honour Phyllis at the Holstein Ontario AGM in February.

The Outstanding Dairy Women’s Service Award was created to recognize Ontario women who “have devoted their lives to serve, promote and enhance the dairy industry.” This year’s winner is someone who truly exemplifies the spirit and intent of this award. She has been a lifelong contributor to the dairy industry in so many different capacities.

Like many, her journey in the agricultural world took her off the family farm to the University of Guelph where she completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and Consumer Foods; she was also awarded the Alumni Medal of Honor in 1985. Upon graduation, she began a 36-year career with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food where she served in a variety of roles, notably demonstrating her strength and leadership by becoming the first female Agricultural Representative in Ontario. In the words of the OAC newsletter, “she has been readily accepted by farmers, farm leaders and the community because of her diligence and dedication”.

The agricultural community in Eastern Ontario will be forever grateful that her career ultimately led her back to us in 1990 where she has since become an invaluable volunteer in so many different organizations.

Locally, she is a 30 year 4-H leader and acts as the screening co-ordinator for Dundas County 4-H. She is a member of the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec Championship show committee and was inducted into the Glengarry Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2015. Beyond the agricultural community, she enjoys curling and volunteers at her local curling club, she is a volunteer driver in the Wheels of Hope program for the Canadian Cancer Society and she sits on the board of directors for a local senior’s non-profit residence. She is an active volunteer at St Paul’s Presbyterian church in Winchester, acting as both an elder and treasurer.

Provincially, she is a member of the committee that developed the Inter-County Dairy Judging Competition, a trustee for the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund (as well as a Platinum Sponsor), a member of the Ontario Dairy Youth Scholarship Selection Committee and was awarded an OAAS Ontario Ag Service Diploma by Williamstown Fair. She was pleased to act as a judge for the International Plowing Match “Queen of the Furrow” competition held in Kemptville in 2022. And she has been a valued member of the 2023 Ontario Holstein convention planning committee, acting as our Treasurer. Nationally, she is a long-time member of the committee that developed the Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic and has been an accredited Holstein Canada judge since 1991.

And while you will see her in so many volunteer roles, I have to mention that she is also the “voice” of many dairy shows locally and across the province, including the Eastern Ontario-Western Quebec Championship show, the Eastern Regional 4-H Championship show and in 2022, the TD 4-H Classic at the Royal Winter Fair.

Even with the endless volunteer activities that she is a part of, she still managed to play a very active role in her family farm helping with breeding, milking, herd health and looking after the accounting side of things. Although the milking herd has been dispersed, she still maintains an active role in the business side of the farm operation.

A quote from her letter of support: “Phyllis’s whole life has been dedicated to service to others within her extended family, the communities where she has lived, the 4-H program and wider Agricultural community and she does it all with her trademark smile and calmness. You know those people who bring joy to your heart and a smile to your face, when you meet up with them? Phyllis is one of those magnificent people! She is an icon, a legend and a rockstar without ever trying to be any of them!”

Though you have to wonder how she finds enough hours in the day for anything else, a close friend has confirmed that she also loves to travel, shop, play golf and bridge and enjoy an occasional glass of wine (or two).

In recognition of all that she has done for dairy and the agricultural community in Ontario, we are extremely pleased and thankful to recognize this year’s Outstanding Dairy Women’s Service Award recipient – Phyllis MacMaster.

“She is an icon, a legend and a rockstar without ever tyring to be any of them!”

2022 ONTARIO

The Master Breeder Shield

is the most coveted award presented annually by Holstein Canada.

Since its beginning in 1929, the Master Breeder Award recognizes the breeding achievements of Holstein Canada members. Recipients are recognized for building herds with the complete package – high production and outstanding conformation with great reproduction, health and longevity.

This year, 20 breeders from across Canada were designated with the honour, with nine of them coming from Ontario. Congratulations to all 2022 honourees!

CHRISTHILL

YORELLEA

2022 Shield

RJF RJF

CORBYVILLE | MILKING 95 COWS | TIE-STALL

Robert and April Jarrell; Bobby and Jennifer, Charlotte, Sidney and Felicity

At RJ Farms, diversity has always been the name of the game. This second-generation farm, located in Corbyville,Ont., is known far and wide for its ability to succeed at a high level with two of Canada’s most popular dairy breeds: Holsteins and Jerseys. In fact, it’s the diversity the Jarrell family has built into all levels of their business, they say, that has been key to their success.

Robert Jarrell grew up on a dairy farm where his father, Lorne, instilled a love and passion for breeding great cattle. In 1977, Robert and his wife April started RJ Farms with a mix of both Jerseys and Holsteins, at a ratio of about 75% and 25%, respectively. “It wasn’t really the ‘in’ thing to have two breeds,” Robert explains, “but at the time, there was tremendous demand for both breeds internationally.” Furthermore, he adds, the two breeds complimented each other well and brought twice as many people through the barn.

Today the farm is operated by Robert and April, their son, Bobby, daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and granddaughters Charlotte, Sidney and Felicity. They house around 220 head and milk approximately 95 cows in an older tie-stall barn with the same ratio Robert started with in the 1970s. The Jarrells believe very strongly in the importance of cow families and balanced breeding and have always used the best genetics available at any given time.

Many All-Canadian, Star Brood Cows and Champion Show Cows have been developed at RJ Farms and led the family receiving a Master Breeder Shield from Jersey Canada in 2008. On the Holstein side, sires with strong production and exceptional type have yielded such notable cows; as RJF Lee Dora VG-87, a 3* brood cow whose family contributed 20% of the points; RJF Goldwyn Melody EX-90-3E, a 2* brood cow whose family contributed 15% of the points;

Jarrell

and RJF Terrason Nikki EX 90 3E, a 2* brood cow whose family contributed 44% of the points toward this shield. Also from that “N” family at RJ Farms are two noteworthy red cows the Jarrells showed at the Red & White Show in 2008: RJF Red Nacho VG-87 and RJF Chip Red Nina VG-88. They were taken to Toronto on a whim, the same year Robert was judging the Jerseys at the Royal and ended up earning enough points for the family to win Premier Breeder of the show!

Several purchased cows have been influential at RJ Farms over the years, including two time All Canadian Nominated Delcies Prestige Delight VG85, who was bred in the US and bought with partners in 1978. “It’s amazing the impact of 2-3 good cows,” says Robert. “It never hurts to add some outside genetics.”

Both Robert and Bobby have had the pleasure of being surrounded by a lot of great cows through their involvement as official judges with Jersey Canada. Bobby is also an official judge with Holstein Canada. While Bobby has focused his judging on shows in Ontario and Quebec, Robert has had the opportunity to judge internationally in Brazil, Guatemala, Mexico, Australia, the US and the UK. While in the UK, he was treated to the experience-of-a-lifetime: a visit to the Queen’s famous Jersey herd at the Royal Dairy. Looking back, the Jarrell family wouldn’t change much about the way they’ve done things. They are grateful for all the help they have received over the years from their immediate family and reliable staff members. Much of their success, they believe, stems from this strong family dynamic and work ethic. The advice they offer to young breeders is to invest in good genetics and build diversity into your business. And, they add, “you don’t always have to follow trends in the industry.”

“It never hurts to add some outside genetics.”

- ROBERT JARRELL

PHOTOS 1. RJF winning the Premier Breeder banner at the Red & White Show in 2008, 2. The herd is made up of a mix of Holsteins and Jerseys, which the Jarrells find compliment each other well, 3. The Jarrell family from l to r (back): Donnie, Erica, Robert, April, Jackie, Jennifer and Bobby; (front): Charlotte, Dylan, Felicity and Sydney, 4. Visitors are always welcome at RJF, 5. Many All-Canadian, Star Brood and Champion Show Cows have been developed at RJF and this calf has a bright future ahead, 6. RJF Chip Red Nina VG-88, 7. RJF Red Nacho VG-87, 8. Blue skies over the tie-stall and calf barns in Corbyville. PHOTO 1 BY ELLA WRIGHT, PHOTOS 6 AND 7 BY VICKI FLETCHER; ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.

SPRUCE LAWN

DRAYTON | MILKING 55 COWS | TIE-STALL Cleon, Laura, Dwayne, Merlin, Doreen and Lawrence Gingrich

If you had told Cleon Gingrich of Spruce Lawn Holsteins in Drayton, Ont., a few years ago that he would be a Master Breeder one day, he may not have believed you. This relatively young herd started in 1996 when Cleon’s father purchased a farm along with a herd of grade cows. Having always appreciated good cows, Cleon took over four years later and worked hard to transition it to a 100% purebred operation.

Spruce Lawn 2022 Shield

Today, Spruce Lawn Holsteins is run by Cleon and his wife, Laura, and their four children, Dwayne, Merlin, Doreen and Lawrence. Looking back on just over two decades as a Holstein breeder, Cleon has few regrets. There are some minor changes he’d like to make to his operation (a bigger manure pit would be nice, he says) but for the most part, he is content with the way things run and works hard to keep his cows happy.

Cleon understands the importance of building a herd from the ground up, and five years ago when his brother Jason started milking cows, 32 head - from cows down to calves - came from Spruce Lawn breeding. Jason’s herd has seen a good deal of success in a short period of time and 13 cows from this herd have contributed points to Spruce Lawn’s shield.

Some of the more prolific cow families at Spruce Lawn today include Spruce Lawn Goldwyn Jessica EX-90-2E 3*, who has made over 109,000 kgs of milk in nine lactations. Her Lou daughter carries the same score and is following in her mother’s footsteps, yielding over 100,000 kgs in just six lactations. She has two EX daughters by Pirate and Rambo and one VG-88 daughter by Lumineer to carry on this family’s superior genetics. Perhaps most impressive and promising, to date, is Spruce Lawn Chief Sandra, an EX cow who does two things exceptionally well: she fills the bulk tank, having produced an astounding 13,831 kgs of milk in 305 days as a second-calver; and she breeds back easily. Cleon is excited about her 2021 and 2022 Alligator daughters and looks forward to their future on the farm.

Cleon wishes to acknowledge the influence that fellow breeder Andrew den Haan has had on his herd. “I appreciate his honest, unbiased opinion, regardless of what the cow is sired by,” he says. As for the key to Spruce Lawn’s success, Cleon stresses the importance of hard work stating, “The only place success comes before sweat is in the dictionary!”

PHOTOS 1. A small sampling of the 55 milking cows at Spruce Lawn, 2. Some curious cows enjoying a meal at Spruce Lawn, 3. Spruce Lawn Impression Cara VG-88-3YR, 4. Spruce Lawn Randall Lynn in the calf barn, 5. Spruce Lawn Pirate Janelle, at right, is an EX-90 4E beauty who goes back to Spruce Lawn Goldwyn Jessica EX-90-2E, 6. A wintry shot of the farm from overhead. PHOTOS BY BRUCE SARGENT.

“The only place success comes before sweat is in the dictionary! ”

- CLEON GINGRICH

2022 Shield

ELM BEND

Elm Bend

BRANTFORD | MILKING 55 COWS | FREE-STALL Terry and Pam Charlton; Raechel, Reegan, Cailyn and Kelsey Charlton

Elm Bend Holsteins, located in Brantford, Ontario, is a completely homebred herd dating back to the late 1940s when Terry’s grandfather joined Holstein Canada and started registering animals. Today it is run by Terry and Pam Charlton and their four daughters, Raechel, Reegan, Cailyn and Kelsey.

The Charltons milk 55 Holsteins in the free-stall barn they built in 2016, equipped with a DeLaval V300. While they love their new facility, they wish they would have made it bigger to accommodate the young stock. The moving of heifers back-and-forth between the old facility and the new barn requires some effort, but on the plus side, it does allow animals free access to pasture. The family farms 400 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, and feed corn silage, baleage, and high moisture corn in a TMR system.

Cow families are important at Elm Bend, and Terry and Pam are proud of the deep pedigrees they’ve developed in their homebred herd. A large majority of the points contributing to this shield trace back through the families of Elm Bend Giselle EX-90-3E 2* and Elm Bend Gemstone VG-87-3YR 5*. These two cows form the basis of most of the animals in the barn today.

Sired by McCutchen and nearing her 10th birthday, Elm Bend Go Crazy EX-91-4E 6* is a cow that transmits well and lasts. She is the 10th generation in her family to score VG or EX, has made over 86,000 kgs of milk to date and was Reserve Grand Champion at the Brant-Wentworth Holstein Show in 2017. All eight of her daughters have scored VG or EX and have contributed greatly to this shield as well.

Other herd favourites include Elm Bend Gemcutter EX-91-4E, a 10th generation VG or EX full sister to Elm Bend Go Crazy who has produced over 83,000 kgs over six lactations; and her Brenland Denver daughter, Elm Bend Go Cuckoo VG-89-3YR, whose ideal frame, feet and legs, well-balanced udder and high fat production make her the complete package.

This the Charlton’s 2nd Master Breeder shield, with the first one being awarded in 2004. Terry appreciates the willingness of those who have purchased Elm Bend animals to continue to classify and milk record. Roughly 20% of the points accumulated for this shield, he says, were from animals sold over the years. These efforts, combined with his own work to build long-lasting family lines with good feet and legs and well-balanced udders, is what helped the Charltons achieve their second shield.

The Charltons have appreciated the connection they’ve had with their fellow Brant-Wentworth producers over the years, including Valmar, Bridgeview, Blue Bird, Browndale and Fradon. “We share a common vision of the ideal cow and we have always enjoyed the camaraderie at our local show,” says Terry. “Our kids are now in 4-H and are building connections with the next generation of these farm families,” he adds.

Terry’s advice to young breeders hoping to one day achieve a Master Breeder Shield is to stick to your vision but be prepared to make subtle changes along the way. Genetic progress takes time, he adds, and patience. And finally, don’t be afraid of failure.

-

“If you don’t ever struggle, you can never appreciate the win.”

TERRY CHARLTON

PHOTOS 1. Morning sunrise at Elm Bend, 2. Elm Bend Go Cuckoo VG-89-3YR is the complete package, with her ideal frame, feet and legs, well-balanced udder and high fat production, 3. Barn Crew at the BrantWentworth Holstein Show 2021, l to r, Raechel, Kelsey, Terry, Cailyn and Reegan, 4. Grandma Ruth Ann and the grandkids at Rockton World’s Fair 4-H Show 2018, l to r, Ruth Ann Charlton, Kelsey, Cailyn, Reegan and Raechel, 5. Terry with Elm Bend Glycerine at the Brant Wentworth Holstein Show 2021, 6. Elm Bend Go Cuckoo grabbing some dinner, 7. Elm Bend Go Crazy, Reserve Grand Champion, Brant Wentworth Holstein Show 2017, Breeder’s Herd 2017, l to r, Cailyn, Pam, Kelsey, Raechel, Terry and Reegan. PHOTOS 2 AND 7 BY PATTY JONES, PHOTOS 3 AND 5 BY CLAIRE SWALE, PHOTO 4 BY LAUREN EBY PHOTOGRAPHY, ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED

TEESWATER | MILKING 100 COWS | FREE-STALL Mitch and Dana Kieffer and Family

The Kieffer family of Teeswater, Ont. have learned a lot about patience in the last year and a half. After making plans for their new sand-bedded free-stall and moving the herd to the newly constructed barn in January of 2022, Mitch says they’ve had to make some changes. “We’ve had to change the way we manage,” he says, “and the way we do things.” Making those changes was the easy part; waiting and watching to see the results has taken some perseverance. But it hasn’t slowed the Kieffers down. If anything, it’s made them push harder. “Everyone always told us that after a move like this, it’s a lot easier to fall than to climb up,” Mitch acknowledges.

Even with the slight decline in production they’ve faced since switching to their 100-head free-stall with two DeLaval V310 milkers, the family has realized an incredible amount of success in the last few years on which they can confidently build. In 2021, Belmoral was the top managed tie-stall in Ontario. The same year, they bred the 2nd 4-YearOld at World Dairy Expo, Belmoral Control Jezebel EX-95, who was also Nominated All-American. This past year brought more accolades with the breeding of Belmoral Apple Crisp Nediva, who was 3rd Sr. 3-Year-Old at World Dairy Expo and 4th in her class at the Royal. She was also Reserve AllAmerican and nominated All-Canadian. Belmoral Kamasutra Master, bred by the Kieffers in 2021 and now owned by Quality, Beckridge, Agriber Societa and Marcello Ladina, has done well in the

show circuit and was 6th Spring Yearling at World Dairy Expo last year and 1st in her class at the Royal. Rounding out a phenomenal year came the family’s Master Breeder announcement in January. Mitch attributes such success to the attention to detail he and his parents devote to the farm each and every day. “We don’t skip steps,” he says. “Whether it’s making feed and keeping it at the bunk, looking after the calves, keeping an eye on the fresh cows or getting animals back in calf in a timely manner, we try to do everything right.”

The four main families contributing to this shield include the “A” family, going back to Belmoral Astre Allie EX-3E 9* (who also contributed to their first shield), the “J” family, going back to Belmoral Goldwyn Juno EX-92 2*; the “N” family, going back to Belmoral Lee Nikole EX-94-6E 8*, and the “T” family, going back to Belmoral Allen Tisha EX-92-2E 6*. The families have produced generations of functional cows, excelling in both production and type and have led to a few famed stars in the show ring.

Mitch’s advice to young breeders is to be a good manager and surround yourself with people you trust. He wishes to thank his vets and nutritionists, with whom he has built long-term working relationships, as well as his parents.

“They’ve worked hard their whole lives,” he says, “and made a big decision to reinvest in the next generation.”

“Whether it’s making feed and keeping it at the bunk, looking after the calves, keeping an eye on the fresh cows or getting animals back in calf in a timely manner, we try to do everything right.”

- MITCH KIEFFER

PHOTOS 1. The Kieffer family from l to r, Huck, Mitch, JD, Dana, George, Annamae, David Kieffer, 2. l to r, Solomon Jess EX-93-2E, Solomon Peaches EX-92-2E, Solomon Priscilla VG-87, Control Kokomo EX-93-2E, 3. George, JD and Huck Showing at the 2022 Bruce Grey Holstein Show, 4. Belmoral War Lorde with Mitch and Dana at the Royal Winter Fair, 5. A look inside the sand-bedded free-stall the Kieffers built in 2022, 6. Canadian pride shines through at Belmoral. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.

Christhill

CHRISTHILL

TARA | MILKING 82 COWS | PACK

Jim and Helen Christie; Trevor and Mike Christie

2022

Shield TOP POINTS CONTRIBUTORS

CHRISTHILL OUTSIDE ANNA

EX-90 7E

CHRISTHILL REDMAN SHEILA EX-91 3E

CHRISTHILL SHOTTLE JOAN EX-91 7E

CHRISTHILL SEPT STORM LILLY EX-91 4E

CHRISTHILL WINDBROOK MARG EX-90 5E

Christhill Holsteins is a family-run operation now in its 6th generation. Jim and Helen Christie purchased the farm in 1980 from Jim’s parents and worked together with their three children, Trevor, Mike and Jennifer for 25 years, building the herd and expanding over time. Since 2010, their sons have been extensively involved, with Trevor focusing on the dairy and Mike concentrating on cash cropping the farm’s 1800 acres with their treasured green tractors, old and new, near Tara, Ontario.

When Jim and Helen took over the farm, they were milking a herd of mostly grade cows in a renovated 100-year-old barn and farming 200 acres. They worked hard to make steady improvements, and in 2014, moved 55 registered Holsteins to a new pack barn with a robot. A second robot was added in 2017. In 2020, after 35 years of housing calves in hutches, calves were moved to loose housing and a calf feeder. Today they are milking 82 cows and raising all heifers in naturally-ventilated pack barns.

The Christie family tries to expand and/or improve a bit every year, always looking for labour efficiencies, and new things to try. For over ten years, they have been pressing their own soybeans on farm to provide protein in the ration. The cows love the homemade Soybean meal, Jim says, it gives them a nice shine on their coat from the oil left in the meal and saves a lot on their feed bill.

Cow comfort is the name of the game at Christhill and the family breeds for longevity and milk. Close to half of the herd originates from a cow purchased in 1982 as a bred heifer from the Perth County Club Sale. Murland Sheik Mary VG-87 2* was the matriarch of the prolific “M” family, leaving 6 VG and 4 GP daughters, including Christhill Roland Merna VG-86 3*, who was 1st Sr 2-Year-Old at

the Royal in 1989 and Reserve All-Canadian; and Christhill Lyster Marnie VG-87 8*, whose Mogul daughter made up 10 generations of VG or EX cows. The M family left many fancy 4-H calves and two Junior Champions along the way.

Other herd favourites include Christhill Outside Anna EX-90-7E 3*, who has seven generations of VG or EX going back to Donfield Astro Admiral EX 20*; and Christhill Shottle Abigail EX-92-2E, a 7th generation Excellent with several promising daughters such as Christhill Ammo Alivia who just scored EX-92

“I would be amiss,” Jim adds, “if I didn’t mention the cow we were given as a wedding present from Helen’s father, Gerry.” Dunfield Ina Sheik VG 1* gave the Christies their first Shottle, an EX-92 3E 4* cow that Gerry loved to come and visit. Several EX and VG daughters followed, and this family contributed over 100 points toward the Master Breeder shield.

The Christies are grateful for the opportunities their kids had, being involved in 4-H, attending many fairs, shows and the Royal. It gave them an appreciation for quality cattle. They wish to thank their family, Holstein field reps and fellow breeders for their support over the years, as well as the many industry specialist like their nutritionists and vets. As for advice, they have a few pointers to share: Find a cow family that works and leaves heifers, look outside your herd to see what’s working for other breeders, keep classifying and milk recording. Becoming involved with your county Holstein Club is important, as well as building a team of good advisors to help you. Treat others the way you would like to be treated, and lastly, set some goals.

PHOTOS 1. Four generations of the Christie family, 2. Helen with two descendants of Christhill Shottle Abigal EX-92, 3. Christhill Shottle Joan EX-91 7E with over 100,000 kg M lifetime; behind her is Christhill Shottle Abigail EX-92 2E, 4. Feeding time, 5. Helen, Jim, Trevor and Mike Christie, 6. Seventh generation in training, 7. The Christie farmstead in 2017. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.

“Treat others the way you would like to be treated.”

- THE CHRISTIE FAMILY

WALLENSTEIN | MILKING 65 COWS | TIE-STALL James and Erla Brubacher and family

Havenvalley

At Havenvalley Holsteins in Wallenstein, Ont., farming is a family affair. James Brubacher, his wife, Erla, and their six children are all involved in this 65-head homebred operation.

James’s parents bought the 150-acre farm back in 1968 and farmed there until he took over in 1997. James began with 33 tie-stalls and 28 kg of quota, and has steadily expanded things over the years, adding onto the barn, building numerous silos, installing a manure pit and tiling the land to improve drainage. If it were up to him, family farms would thrive for many generations into the future and a priority would be allocating quota to young, motivated and energetic individuals with a desire to keep the industry alive and well.

James, himself, is grateful for the opportunity his parents gave him as a teenager, to start making breeding decisions on the farm. “It motivated me,” he says, “to improve the herd to where we are today.”

Some of his more prominent cow families that have helped earn this second shield include the Havenvalley Leading Bridget family. Scoring EX90-4E 3*, this star brood cow was responsible for almost one third of the points for this Master Breeder. She earned a Superior Production award in 2004 and produced a remarkable 106,084 kgs of milk over seven lactations. Her dam, Havenvalley

Britese James EX-93-4E 7* was prolific in her own right, leaving such daughters as Havenvalley Button Samuel EX-91-3E, Havenvalley Baxter Beverly EX-91-6E and Havenvalley Steady Brianna EX-90. Topping another leading cow family popular at Havenvalley is Samuelo Redone VG-88 6*. Redone’s three EX daughters (Remark EX-92; Redid EX-91 and Refinish EX-90) and other members of this family tracing back to PineTree Luke Robin-ET VG-88 make up half of the current herd at Havenvalley and represent the kind of cows the Brubacher family enjoys working with every day.

Over the years, James has appreciated the opinions of such movers and shakers in the industry including Andrew den Haan, Jason French, Brian Carscadden and Lowell Lindsay. These knowledgeable individuals, he says, were always available to lend advice one which bulls would work well on his herd.

As for advice to share, James stresses that while it’s not always easy to do, you need to make management decision with your head and not your heart. He adds that although a Master Breeder shield is a nice goal to have, you need to remember the importance of having profitable cows to pay your bills. Lastly, he adds, “Try to take good care of your cows and they will take good care of you.”

“Try to take good care of your cows and they will take good care of you.”

- JAMES BRUBACHER

PHOTOS 1. An overhead shot of the farm in Wallenstein, 2. Havenvalley Raintrust Latrust VG-2YR, fresh with her second calf, 3. Some of Havenvalley’s finest, 4. From l to r, Havenvalley Impression Rainpress EX-90, Havenvalley High Octane Manners EX-90-3E and herdmates, 5. Havenvalley Light Bobbyhoe was 1st Sr. 3 and Reserve Grand Champion at the Quebec Spring Show in April. She is owned by Ferme Blondin and Blondin Sires. PHOTOS 1-4 BY BRUCE SARGENT; PHOTO 5 BY THE BULLVINE.

Yorellea

YORELLEA

ST. EUGENE | MILKING 110 COWS | FREE-STALL Tim and Kelsey LeRoy; Ralph and Jeff LeRoy

Shield TOP POINTS CONTRIBUTORS

2022

Generations of hard work and dedication have been the keys to success at Yorellea Farms, based in St. Eugene, Ont. The farm is owned and operated by Tim LeRoy and his wife, Kelsey, along with Tim’s dad, Ralph, and Uncle Jeff. While Tim manages the herd, everyone is involved in its day-to-day operation.

The LeRoys milk 110 cows in a sand-bedded freestall they built in 2013. The facility is equipped with two Lely robots and emphasizes cow comfort, with a focus on production and longevity. The new barn’s construction, they say, has had a major impact on the herd’s production and has played a big part in the family earning this Master Breeder shield. Since moving in, production is up by 30% and half of the herd is 3rd+ lactation. Additionally, almost a third of the milking herd cows have achieved various Longtime Production awards, with the herd averaging 13,300 kgs of milk per lactation.

The family pays close attention to the details and strives to manage the herd to their best ability every day. Whether its making breeding decisions, raising their young stock, maintaining a healthy herd or producing top-quality forages, the LeRoys set the bar high and aim for success.

The LeRoys are justifiably proud of their cows and make note of several standouts who have contributed points toward this shield. A purchased cow from Harold K. Nixon, a local dairy farmer in their county, followed by some embryos purchased from her sister, have yielded kind of cows the LeRoys like to work with and have contributed 28% of the points toward this shield. They include such herd favourites and County Heart of Herd Winners as Yorellea Champion Coconut EX-90-3E 2* (11

lactations with 124,842 kgs lifetime) and Yorellea Fever Kiss EX-91-6E 6* (9 lactations with 117,743 kgs lifetime). Yorellea Fantasy Ivory VG-87 3* (currently in her 9th lactation with 174,895 kgs to date) and Yorellea Dempsey Octavia EX-93-2E (currently in her 4th lactation with 84,625 kgs to date) are also standouts. Not to be missed are the Yorellea Inquirer Angela family, responsible for producing the farm’s first Excellent cow, and the Yorellea Blitz Goldylocks family, which has left many problem-free productive cows that transmit well from generation to generation.

They would like to thank their parents, grandparents and the local breeders in the county who have been so willing to share insight and answer questions over the years. Learning from their experiences has helped them get to where they are today. The family always enjoyed talking cows with the late Jamie Cunning. Two other Prescott breeders who are always willing to help when needed are Yvon Ravary and Kelsey’s dad, Bruce Mode. “It’s hard to find someone who truly cares for your cows as much as you do,” says Tim, “and we owe them both a big thank you!”

Tim’s advice to a young breeder hoping to one day achieve a Master Breeder shield is to set goals and keep them top of mind every day. He also stresses the importance of knowing your cows and focusing on the families that are transmitting best for you.

Extreme cows may not always give you the best daughters, he cautions, but if you breed for a wellbalanced, long-lasting cow, you will succeed. Lastly, he adds, a Master Breeder shield doesn’t happen overnight. It takes years of perseverance and dedication.

PHOTOS 1. The LeRoy family from l to r (front): Braelynn and Rylee (back): Tim, Kelsey, Dorothy, Ralph and Jeff, 2. Yorellea Superpower Oceana EX 93-3E 3. Calves resting in the group housing nursery, 4. Feeding time, 5. The sand-bedded free-stall robotic milking barn was built in 2013, 6. The pretty sign, welcoming visitors to Yorellea, 7. Move-in day at the new barn PHOTOS 1, 3 AND 4 BY VONROE PHOTOGRAPHY; ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.

“Set goals and keep them top of mind every day.”

- TIM LEROY

BRUSSELS | MILKING 170 COWS | FREE-STALL Roger and Karen Haag and family

The past five years have been a whirlwind for Roger and Karen Haag of Haag Farms, to say the least. In 2017, the Brussels-based farm ranked first on DHI’s list of top managed robot herds in all of Canada. The same year, they were the top managed herd, generally, in all of Ontario. There have been several accolades, interviews, and new family members thrown into the mix since then, followed, of course, by the exciting announcement of their Master Breeder win earlier this year.

Breezy BREEZY

sound mating decisions and carefully build a herd of high-producing animals spread across two separate farms. Today, Roger carries on that tradition with his own family, continuing to focus on proven sires with very few negatives and putting emphasis on production and longevity.

Haag Farms, carrying the “Breezy” prefix, is run by Roger and Karen Haag and their four young children. One full-time and two part-time employees are also instrumental to the success of this meticulously-run operation. The family milks approximately 170 cows in a sand-bedded, free-stall barn built in 2015. Countless visits made to barns in neighbouring counties over several years helped the Haags gain insight into their build, and these days, Roger is quick to agree to such tours on his own farm. Key comfort components in the new barn such as sand-bedding, increased ventilation and wider alleys have collectively contributed to happier, healthier cows and the results speak for themselves. The wider alleys have the added bonus of allowing the kids with more space to ride their bikes and play while their parents work with the cows.

Roger came to Canada from Switzerland with his parents, Viktor and Silvia, and siblings Eveline and Erwin, when he was seven years old. He watched his father and brother put in the time to make

Many different cow families are present in the herd today and the Haags continue to use sires that have the potential to produce their next barn favourite. Two notable cows that contributed many points to this shield include Breezy Toystory L660 EX-91-7E 3*, who made 135,255 kgs of milk over 12 lactations; and Breezy Goldwyn R724 EX-92-7E, who made 117,130 kgs of milk over nine lactations. These cows were back-to-back Heart of the Herd winners for Huron County in 2018 and 2019, respectively. A third cow from their farm, Breezy More 834F, was Huron’s winner in 2021.

Roger will be forever grateful to his late parents and late brother for all they taught him through the years. Although they passed away too soon to share in the farm’s latest success, he carries with him the lessons they taught him and the strong work ethic they helped instill. “Breeding a good herd is a marathon,” he says, “not a sprint. There is no tool to replace hard work and dedication.”

Roger’s advice to young breeders, hoping to one day achieve a Master Breeder is to focus on the efficiency of your entire option, manage all aspects of the farm with positivity, and work hard; the rest, he says, will follow.

“Breeding a good herd is a marathon, not a sprint. There is no tool to replace hard work and dedication.”

- ROGER HAAG

PHOTOS 1. An aerial shot of the home farm, taken in 2017, 2. The Haag family from l to r: Sam, Anita, Nate, Roger and Leah, 3. The three oldest Haag kids show off some awards and their new baby brother, Erik, 4. The family enjoys a summer stroll through their field, 5. Checking seed depth with dad, 6. Three generations (Viktor, Roger and Sam) breaking ground for the new barn in 2015, 7. Tour time at Breezy. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.

2022 Shield

TOP POINTS CONTRIBUTORS

VRIESDALE

Vriesdale

MOUNTAIN | MILKING 150 COWS | FREE-STALL Henry and Rita Velthuis; Robert and Katherine, Emily, Ethan and Liam Velthuis

At Vriesdale Farms, functional cows that produce, classify well and have great longevity are the kind of cows the Velthuis family loves to have in their barn. Located in Mountain, Ontario, the 150-cow milking herd was started by Henry and Rita Velthuis and is now managed by their son Robert and his wife Katherine with added help from their kids Emily, Ethan and Liam.

The Velthuis’s are milking in a 3 Lely robot 6-row perimeter-fed sand-bedded barn they moved into in 2014. Calves are raised in hutches before being weaned and moved to group pack pens where they stay till 9 months, then moved into the main barn onto sand free-stalls. Close-up cows calve on a large pack pen giving them lots of space to get a solid start to their lactation. Fresh cows have time to transition on a fresh cow pack behind the robots before being let out into the milking herd usually withing 2-3 days.

Since their first Excellent cow in 2008, there have since been 62 EX cows bred. In addition, 17 animals have reached over 100,000 kg’s lifetime production. Today’s herd consists of 29 EX, 69 VG, 57 GP and 2 G while being awarded the Lactanet top managed herd in Dundas County four of the last five years, showing the level of devotion to breeding and developing a great herd.

Robert and Katherine are always looking for ways to increase efficiency and improve the herd and use experiences, good and bad, to serve as learning opportunities. They appreciate the diversity within their herd, noting over 20 different deep pedigreed families contributed to their shield. “Every cow has

positive traits to contribute within the herd” Robert says, “and we like to provide the environment for the cows to excel and express those traits.” They make a point of focusing on each animal’s strengths and breeding to improve upon them. One of Robert’s favorite cows is Vriesdale Shottle Budweiser EX93-7E 2*. She contributed the maximum number of points to this shield, had 2 EX daughters completing four generations of Excellent and was Dundas’s Heart of the Herd winner in 2020 and a cow of the year candidate the last two years. Another rising family favourite is Vriesdale Dude Arcadia EX-90-3E 4* who, at ten years of age, has the honour of being the oldest cow in the barn. Prior to that, her dam was the oldest at 16 years and made 160,000 kgs of milk lifetime. Two other cows, Vriesdale Wickham Claire EX-90-3E, who produced a super 5, and Vriesdale Hero Lady Gaga EX-90-3E 5* are prolific and have left many Excellent descendants in the herd.

Robert and Katherine would like to thank their vet, Dr. Henry Ceelen, for encouraging critical thinking. “It allowed us to build confidence in our abilities,” they say, “and become better cow people because of it.” Robert is also thankful for his parents, who let him manage things at a young age and learn from his mistakes along the way.

As for words of wisdom, Robert’s advice is to surround yourself with perceptive people, including your vet, nutritionist, agronomist, family and friends because they are all part of the team. Get good at keeping cows healthy and manage your herd well and the rest will come. “The little details will get you there,” he says.

“Get good at keeping cows healthy and manage your herd well and the rest will come.”

- ROBERT VELTHUIS

PHOTOS 1. Vriesdale Shottle Budweiser EX-93 7E, 2. Henry, Rita, Robert, Katherine, Emily, Liam and Ethan with Vriesdale Dude Arcadia EX-90 3E ready to calve for the 8th time,3. Ethan and Philsopher, 4. Emily and Lavina’s first show, 5. They make great paper weights when covering the bunks, 6. Vriesdale Control Bethany EX-94 3E, 7. Vriesdale Fuel League VG-87 (right) at WDE 2022. She was sold to Blondin in August 2022 and goes back to Sunnylodge Prelude Spottie. PHOTOS 3 AND 4 BY THE BULLVINE, ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.

MAPLEBROUGH ASHLAR

Heart Herd OF THE 1

RHODA

EX-92-9E

1*

11 LACTATIONS AT 13 YRS. OLD

162,604 KGS. LIFETIME MILK

LIFETIME BCA 280 249 274

MAMMARY: 93; DAIRY STRENGTH: 93; FEET & LEGS: 92; RUMP: 88

Currently in her 14th year, this star brood cow has captured many hearts with her high production and ability to breed back easily. Rhoda is a herd favourite at Maplebrough and it’s no wonder, with her gentle demeanor and problem-free calvings and lactations. Rhoda hit EX90 status in February 2014 while in her 3rd lactation and won a Superior Production Award in 2018. She was Ontario County’s Heart of the Herd Winner in 2021, and the overall provincial Heart of the Herd Winner in 2022. Congratulations to everyone at Maplebrough Holsteins! Rhoda is still going strong in her 11th lactation and living “the good life” at Maplebrough, in a deeply bedded straw box-stall, according to her owners.

2022 WINNERS BY DISTRICT & COUNTY

WEST

COUNTY ANIMAL & OWNER

BRUCE STARBRITE GOLDWYN DANYA EX-92-7E

Starbrite Holsteins

ELGIN NARWOOD DEMOLISH SPARKY EX-91-7E

Don & Diane Catt

ESSEX-KENT RCAT LIMELIGHT AGRIS EX-90-2E

Ridgetown College Of Agricultural Tech

HURON BREEZY OUTSIDE 811V EX-90-6E

Haag Farms Inc.

LAMBTON BRUSHDALE BARCREST VISTA EX-90-5E 3*

W.S. Brush, Mike & Becky Barnes

MIDDLESEX CAVANALECK GOLDWYN BAZOOKA EX-91-7E 1*

Cavanaleck Farms Ltd.

OXFORD HAZELCREST JASPER LULU ALEXIA EX-92-9E

Hazelcrest Holsteins

PERTH SQUIBBLAND RITA WINDBROOK EX-92-4E 4*

K. Dean & Debbie Squibb

WEST-CENTRAL

COUNTY ANIMAL & OWNER

BRANT-WENTWORTH SUMMITHOLM DESPATIE NIKITA EX-91-4E 3*

Joe Loewith & Sons Ltd.

DUFFERIN KENTVILLE BRAXTON GIGGLES EX-91-5E

Kentville Holsteins

GREY BENCREST GOLDWYN JOSIE EX-92-5E 4*

Fred & Marian Hopkins

HALDIMAND-NORFOLK RICHVALE JETT AIR PRETTY EX-92-4E 3*

Richvale Holsteins

HALTON-PEEL CHRISLAND GOLDWYN DAYLIGHT EX-91-6E

Chrisland Holsteins

NIAGARA ABBYLAYNE GOLDWYN NADINE EX-91-5E

Albert Fledderus

WATERLOO BOSDALE FEVER LIBERTY B EX-92-4E 2*

WELLINGTON

Bosdale Farms Inc. & John Hunyday

CNOSSEN LAUTHORITY KARINA 625 EX-90-6E 1*

Cnossen Holsteins

“For all she’s done for us over the years, it’s the least we could do for her.“

- MAPLEBROUGH FARM

1. Jamie (l) and Mike Risebrough with 2022 Heart of Herd winner, Maplebrough Ashlar Rhoda EX-92-9E 1*.

Maplebrough Farms is operated by Mike and Jamie Risebrough, who make up the 5th and 6th generation on the farm. The Uxbridge-area farm was started by Mike’s great-great-grandfather and registered with Holstein Canada in 1951. Today, the family milks 41 cows and crop 250 acres of hay, corn, soybeans and wheat.

The Risebroughs received a Master Breeder Shield in 2019 and are very proud of their families deep-rooted tradition of farming.

THE HEART OF THE HERD COMPETITION WAS RELAUNCHED IN 2018 TO CELEBRATE LONGEVITY AND STRENGTH IN THE BREED, AS WELL AS PRODUCTION. THIS COMPETITION RECOGNIZES THOSE ANIMALS THAT PRODUCE YEAR-AFTER-YEAR, BREEDING BACK WITH EASE, HITTING EXTREME LACTATION NUMBERS AND RACKING UP MULTIPLE EXCELLENT SCORES. IN 2022, A TOTAL OF 6,051 ANIMALS QUALIFIED FOR THE COMPETITION.

BREAKDOWN OF COMPETITION

All animals Bred & Owned by an Ontario Member are eligible, no entry required.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Animals meeting the below minimum requirements are assigned points as per the formula, with the top number of points awarded being declared the winner.

1. Must be classified 85 or higher.

2. Must have produced at least 60,000kg lifetime.

3. Must be alive in the year of competition (determined by lactations and/or calvings occurring in the year in question).

FORMULA:

• Classification: 5 points awarded for scoring 85, with 1 point added for every point above 85, and 1 point added for every ME.

• Longtime Production: 6 points awarded to a cow that has 60,000kg, one extra point awarded for every 10,000kg over 60,000kg.

• Lactations: awarded 1 point per lactation.

• Superior Lactations & Progeny: awarded 1 point per superior lactation and 1 point for every son/daughter that has scored VG/EX, to a combined cap of 10 points.

• All-Ontario: 1 point for every All-Ontario nomination in milking form.

COUNTY ANIMAL & OWNER

DURHAM ALTONA LEA STEADY AMEN EX-93-4E

Frank Barkey & Family

HASTINGS RICHLAND CIRCUIT RICHMOND EX-91-5E

Richland Holsteins

EAST-CENTRAL EAST

LENNOX-ADDINGTON SELBYVALE GOLDWYN LYNELLE EX-90-4E

Selbyvale Holsteins

NIPPISSING-SUDBURY BLUEBERRY WINDBROOK DUTCHESS EX-92-4E

Blueberry Holsteins

NORTHUMBERLAND MILVALEA SID ESKIMO EX-92-6E 1*

Milvalea Holsteins

ONTARIO DAPPLEDALE M L BETTY EX-90-9E 2*

Dappledale Holsteins

PETERBOROUGH EMBRDALE CHANEL FEVER EX-93-5E

Embrdale Farm

PRINCE EDWARD GORELAND SABRETOOTH TOYOTA VG-85 1*

Goreland Farms

SIMCOE CENTERFLOS SHOTTLE MIRACLE EX-90-5E 4*

Centerflos Holsteins

TIMISKAMING-COCHRANE LORNEVA SPIRIT PAM EX-90-4E Freedom Farms Inc.

THUNDER BAY CHRISHAR DEMPSEY SELMA EX-92-6E

Chrishar Farms

VICTORIA MILLEN LAVAMAN CAROLINE EX-90-6E 3*

YORK

Millen Farms

DANDYLAND GOLDWYN HANNA EX-90-8E 1*

Dandyland Farm

Tie-Breaker: Most kgs. Lifetime Butterfat.

COUNTY ANIMAL & OWNER

CARLETON-RUSSELL VELTHUIS SG SUPER ARCTIC EX-92-6E 1*

Velthuis Farms Ltd.

DUNDAS HARTHAVEN K B NICHE STANLEYCUP EX-96-4E 1*

Harthaven Farms Inc.

FRONTENAC SUNREST JUNGLE FEVER EX-90-4E 3*

Sunrest Farm

GLENGARRY SILVEROAK LUCKY STAR CHANT EX-93-8E

Silveroak Farm Ltd.

LANARK ELM CREFT WINDBROOK MAUDE EX-91-6E 2*

Elm Creft Farm Inc.

LEEDS-GRENVILLE HILL VIEW SHOTTLE PARADISE EX-93-8E 4*

Dwyer Farms Ltd.

PRESCOTT YORELLEA FEVER KISS EX-91-6E 6*

Yorellea Farms

RENFREW GOULDHAVEN ALCHEMY LORRAINE EX-90-4E 4*

Gouldhaven Farms

STORMONT REDLODGE SHOTTLE JIMMI EX-90-7E 2*

Redlodge Farms Inc.

2. Rhoda surrounded by her biggest fans, Jamie’s daughters, Alexa, Lauren and Elaina. PHOTOS BY HOLLY MCFARLANE.

CALLING ALL COLLECTORS!

After 70 years of collecting the largest and best collection in North America of Holstein artifacts and memorabilia, it is time to sell. Included, but not limited to, collection of hundreds of North American Farms and Exhibitors (eg. Pabst, Prescot, Pidgeon, Vis, Sheffield (12), Rosafe (9), Stewart, Bartel, Stewarthaven, Reid, McKibbon, Hetts, Agro, Hastings and many more. Also hundreds of ribbons from 1899 and on and 1907 CNE. To be sold as one lot. For a viewing appointment, please write to: 409-245 King George Road Brantford, ON N3R 7N7

2023 DISTRICT FARM TOURS

PHOTOS 1. The line up at Colmont Holsteins, 2. Lely Vector dropping feed at the farm of Philip Rentsch, 3. Happy cows at Parallel Genetics, 4. Clean and comfy cows at Markay Holsteins, 5. Morning feeding at Kentville Holsteins and Jerseys, 6. Marsville Holsteins’ new sand-bedded addition, 7. A look into the barns at Goldstar Genetic, 8. Seven Hills Holsteins – home to the Overgaauw Family, 9. A little back scratch at Seven Hills Holsteins. PHOTOS BY PAM CHARLTON.

PHOTOS 1. The view from above at Walnutlawn, 2. Glen Sim with his daughter, Olivia, making sure their cows are clean and comfortable on tour day, 3. The welcoming committee at Darcroft, 4. The lineup at Markvale, 5. Thank You Up-Ridge, 6. A beautiful display at the entrance to Glenbert, 7. Parking was at a premium at Hazelcrest, 8. All-Ontario banners looking sharp at Karnview. PHOTOS 2 AND 5 SUBMITTED; ALL OTHERS BY PAM CHARLTON.

CARLETON & DUNDAS

PHOTOS 1. The dams of Delcreek, 2. A view of the tidy parlour at Velthuis Farms Ltd., 3. An afternoon snowstorm didn’t stop visitors from touring Winrights, 4. Gerald and Alana Jaquemet at Aija Holsteins, 5. Holly (l) and Emily Smygwaty pose for a shot in the barn, 6. Logan Merrett and Jonathan Rylaarsdam welcome Steve and Jackie Fraser to Delcreek, 7. Hendercroft Dempsey Durango EX-94, in her fifth lactation and looking great at Hendercroft, 8. Justin Velthuis (r) chats with Ari Ekstein (l) and Don Schwartz during the tag sale at Riverdown, 9. Riverdown, ready for visitors, 10. Curious calves at Aija, 11. A day off school and yummy french fries at Delcreek brought smiles, 12. One of many displays at Smygwatys, The Hendercroft herd, always ready for guests, 14. A welcome sight for visitors to Smygwatys, 15. Erica A well-attended tag sale at Riverdown, 17. Logan Merrett chats The Scheepers family gather for a shot at Winwood, 19. Connor, Aiden and Cameron

A fine-looking cow at Velthuis says hello, 21. Full feed alleys and Welcome to Velthuis Farms Ltd., 23. The pristine barn and wow24. Raymond Smygwaty, centre, is flanked by friends Roy Westlake PHOTOS 7 AND 13 BY DR. TIM HENSHAW; ALL OTHERS BY ANDREA EMOND.

Nurseland Farms MAKING STRIDES IN THE COUNTY

STORY BY BONNIE COOPER

Prince Edward County may garner a lot of press because of its wineries, restaurants and world class beaches, but it is also home to some mighty fine Holstein herds. Nurseland Farms, the Hillier, Ontario operation owned by Lee and Mal Nurse, who moved to The County eight years ago, is definitely one of those outstanding Holstein herds whose adoption of the latest management and breed improvement tools is allowing them to make strides in production and health traits.

Lee Nurse, 41, is a third-generation dairy farmer. His grandfather, Fred Nurse, established Nurseland Holsteins & Jerseys near Georgetown, Ont., in 1940. Lee’s father, Jeff Nurse, a widely respected judge and 2013 Curtis Clark Achievement Award winner, was 16 when he established his own Monteith prefix. Jeff took over the family farm and together with his wife Kenda bred and developed the Monteith Holstein herd which earned a Master Breeder shield in 1994.

Lee, who was the top junior showman at the Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic while in 4-H, worked off the farm until he was 29 as an automotive and diesel mechanic. The farm, however, drew him back in 2011. When it did, he assumed the farm’s original Nurseland prefix. Lee and his parents farmed together, while his wife, Mal, worked full-time as a law clerk. They had 150 acres of land at Georgetown, rented another 200, and were milking a small herd of cows in a tie-stall barn. Living in the shadow of Toronto, with its rising land values, busy traffic and diminishing agriculture infrastructure, however, had made expansion or renovations at the Nurses’ Halton County farm all but impossible. With Lee’s parents looking to retire, the time came about a decade ago to start looking for a new farm and putting the farm’s succession plan into action.

The Nurses were looking to buy a farm in Western Ontario until Walter and Valerie Miller’s 2006 Master Breeder “Ourown” Holstein herd and dairy farm at Hillier went on the market. On January 5, 2015, Lee and Mal took ownership of this ongoing dairy operation and 73 kilos of milk quota and began Nurseland Farms. “What made area code 613 better than 519 was how much land was worth,” states Lee. “It was exponential, with land prices in Western Ontario four to five times higher than in Prince Edward County.” The Miller farm came with almost 500 acres of land. The Nurses purchased another nearby 100 acres a few months later. While the land is not as good as that at Georgetown, they now have “more of it” and “it makes good feed for the cattle”. Several other factors attracted Lee and Mal to The County. “It was a very rural area and rural minded,” says Lee. “There were a lot of rural kids that wanted to be involved in the farming industry which made finding part-time employees easier, at least initially. At the time, Prince Edward County had the youngest ownership age of dairy farms per capita of any county or region in Ontario and the highest BCA of anywhere in Ontario. And it was a very inviting community. They were happy to have people stay in farming or expand farming here.”

When they relocated, Lee and Mal had already decided to build a new barn and replace the Millers’ aging tie-stall barn. Exactly one year later, on January 5, 2016, they moved into a new 400 X 85-foot dairy barn with two Lely A4 robots and a compost pack for the milk cows. “We were one of the first robot and compost pack barns in the county,” says Lee. The barn has automatic wall curtains for crossventilation as well as big fans on the cathedral ceiling. Dry cows and heifers are housed at one end on a regular sawdust straw pack. Calves and heifers are in hutches and group pens in a dedicated room. The

farm office is just three steps higher than the main floor and its large windows give the Nurses a view of the entire barn.

Why a compost pack barn? Cow comfort and health benefits are the big reasons. “Big cows are comfortable,” replies Lee. “There are no blemished hocks and no knee or brisket injuries because there are no stalls. The pack is beneficial for showing heats and reproduction. We have virtually no foot problems. We don’t even do a foot bath. We hoof trim 2X/year.”

The Nurses use two-thirds sawdust to onethird recycled dry wallpaper in their compost. While there is a “bit of an art” to working with a compost pack, Lee says, “Managing moisture is key. We work the pack up 2X/day. I have a rototiller and 3-point hitch cultivator that I use at different times. We add to the compost every 7-10 days in summer and 2-3X/week in winter depending on how cold it gets and how much air movement we have. The more air, the more moisture you can get out of the pack. We clean it out 2X/year.” The Nurses saved financially when they built because they didn’t have to put in stabling and extra manure handling equipment. Their barn is more labour efficient and there is no stall maintenance required. It

also provides a bit of synergy with the robots because when the pack is being worked up, or the cattle are being fed, the cows use that time to make more visits to the robot. On the con side, the cost, amount and availability of bedding can be disadvantages for a compost pack barn. Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) regulations require 120 square feet per cow in a pack barn. “I would argue that we need more space than that if your cows are really feeding and milking well,” says Lee. “The bigger you can build the better. But building costs are so crazy now that a lot of people are opting to go with free-stalls, despite the additional cost, because ironically the regulations say you can actually fit more cows in the same square footage in a free-stall than a pack barn.”

The Nurses currently milk 85 Holstein cows. About 10% of the herd is Red & White. They milk record and classify 3X/year. They like really healthy butterfat numbers and are at 1.7 kilos butterfat/cow/day. They continue to buy milk quota and hit 133 kilos in January. Cows are fed a TMR of 60% alfalfa grass haylage and 40% corn silage and high moisture corn, plus a purchased concentrate. “We pay real close attention to feeding and putting up

PHOTOS 1. A closer look at the attractive Nurseland Farms, Hillier, ON, where Lee and Mal Nurse are milking 85 cows in a robot barn, 2. The Nurse family of Nurseland Farms, Hillier, ON, are seen together in this photo taken a few years ago. From left: Leah, Mal holding Ellie, Lily and Callie with Lee Nurse in the back, 3. A compost pack, made-up of sawdust and recycled dry wallpaper, is used for the milk cows in the barn at Nurseland and has been great for cow comfort, health and reproduction, with virtually no foot problems, 4. The home of Nurseland Farms, Hillier, ON. Lee and Mal Nurse moved into this new dairy barn with two robots and a compost pack for their milk cows in January 2016, a year after buying this Prince Edward County farm, 5. Lee Nurse pays close attention to feeding and putting up good feed for his Nurseland herd and it has resulted in healthy butterfat numbers of 1.7 kilos butterfat/cow/day, 6. Prince Edward County became home to Nurseland Farms in January 2015, 7. Leah Nurse, the oldest daughter of Lee and Mal Nurse, loves to show and has already won some grand champion showmanship awards in the county, 8. Lee and Mal Nurse’s four daughters enjoy a farm moment together. From left: Callie, Lily, Ellie and Leah, 9. Nurseland’s compost pack barn. PHOTOS 1, 5 AND 6 BY BONNIE COOPER; ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED.

“Farming is more technical. It is more skilled than manual labour.

Mal and I plan to milk more cows in future while continuing to find more efficiencies in our operation.”

- LEE NURSE

good feed,” says Lee. The Nurses grow alfalfa, corn for grain and silage, winter cereals like winter wheat which they sell as a cash crop but use the straw, and cereal rye as a spring forage to feed the cows. Because of the proliferation of wineries nearby they are also able to access perennial grasses from some of these acreages which works great for dry cow feed.

Lee and Mal handle basically all the farm workload themselves now. “Mal is a natural at seeing cow behaviour even though she didn’t grow up on a farm,” says Lee. The couple are the proud parents of four daughters: Leah, 13, Callie, 10, Lily, 7, and Ellie, 4. The family is very active in their community. The oldest girls are in 4-H or Cloverbuds and already have their calves picked out for this year’s Prince Edward County Holstein Show at Picton Fair. Leah has won grand champion showmanship honours a couple times in the county. Lee is President of the Prince Edward County Holstein Club and on the county milk committee, and Mal is cochair of the school council. In their free-time, they enjoy slipping just eight minutes away to West Lake where they can launch their boat and swim. Lee’s parents, Jeff and Kenda, moved here in July 2016 and built a new house on the farm. Jeff still comes to the barn every day and helps with the crops, while Kenda is very involved with the county Federation of Agriculture, 4-H and the Holstein show.

“The management of making milk and making good crops to make good milk, and breeding good cows, is what gets me excited,” says Lee. When it comes to breeding goals, he says, “I am trying to have virtually everything equal. But the main things for me are health, production and longevity traits because I want healthy, reproductive cows.” For the last few years, Lee has really focused on the “health traits” like mastitis resistance, daughter fertility, etc. Having a cow “robot ready” is also key. “Robots can milk just about any cow, but if a cow doesn’t have great teat placement it can really slow down the robot and the flow of cattle through the robot. I won’t breed to a bull that is coded 5 or more close on teat placement or 5 or more short on teat length.” Lee genomic tests some animals and utilizes various industry breeding and management programs, while still relying on his innate cow sense and knowledge to make the final decisions. As he says, “There is more nuance to it than just looking at the numbers. You have to be able to interpret and understand them.”

While Lee sampled a lot of genomic bulls in his breeding program at one point, he has gone back to using more proven bulls at the top of the lists because of their consistency. He has had good success of late with Alligator and Delta-Lambda. The Nurses run a 23-25% pregnancy rate. They breed all their heifers to sexed semen and are now up to using 45-50% beef semen on their lowest end cows. In

“Consisency and quality are the ultimate goals here at Nurseland. We want to consistently breed for healthy cows that stay in the herd, milk off the robots and convert feed well.”

- LEE NURSE

2020 and 2021, they sold 30 heifers a year, but since going heavier on beef semen Mal says, “We are just breeding basically for what we need for replacements and keeping the very best ones that are performing the best and are from proven cow families.”

Cow families are important at Nurseland. There are several wellestablished families who continue to play a role here like Monteith Ashlar Dixie EX-91-5E 1* who made 98,465 kg of 4.2% milk lifetime and has left several generations of good offspring. You will find pedigrees tracing as well to cows from the Ourown herd like Ourown Brawler Taffy EX-90 1*, an 11th generation EX/VG from the Westkal Inspiration May EX-3E 19* family who made 65,259 kg milk lifetime, and Ourown Sid Urbana EX-91 1*, 2017 Prince Edward County Show Reserve Grand Champion who made nearly 75,000 kg milk lifetime and descends from the Braedale Gypsy Grand VG-88 37* line.

Lee and Mal got their first two homebred Excellent cows in the same round in October 2020. One of those, Nurseland Doorman Jem EX-90-2E, is still here and has records to 14,177 kg milk, 3.9% fat, 3.5% protein (272-282-293). Before Covid, they had 10 EX cows in the herd.

The Nurse family enjoys showing at the local fairs. They were Premier Breeder and Exhibitor in 2019 and 2022 at the Prince Edward County Show and last year had Grand Champion with Nurseland Sidekick Jellybean VG-86-2YR, a ninth generation VG/EX.

Prince Edward County has always attracted tourists because of places like Sandbanks Provincial Park, but its popularity has soared in recent years, and particularly since Covid, with many people relocating from the Greater Toronto Area and Quebec to live and work here. Many wineries, restaurants and Airbnb’s now dot the landscape resulting in even more tourists and higher real estate and land prices. While the Nurses had little trouble finding part-time help when they moved here, that is no longer the case.

“We made this farm low manual labour,” says Lee, “but it is also more sophisticated and detailed oriented,” which, when combined with the area’s now higher living costs, has made finding employees

a greater challenge. “The County is really encouraging Agritourism,” says Mal, “with that big ‘Farm to Table’ movement. In the wineries, the person pouring your glass of wine is also the person that helps make it, so that gives it a more intimate ‘farm to table’ feel. We have nine wineries within 2 kms of the farm.” Lee adds, “We always laugh that we are going to set up a farm market, but in reality it is something we are looking at and might do when our girls get older so we can take advantage of the local tourism economy.”

While things are busier now in The County, the Nurses have no regrets about their move here. “In eight years, we have gotten beyond where I thought we would be in that period of time with our farm,” says Lee. “Farming today is more technical. It is more skilled than manual labour. Mal and I plan to milk more cows in future while continuing to find more efficiencies in our operation.” Lee is proud of the production and genetic gains in their herd. “I have really capitalized on trying to bring up the health traits, improve reproduction and get a lower Somatic Cell Score,” he remarks. “A long living cow is the most economical and I know from running the numbers that my fourth lactation animals are the most profitable.”

As Lee concludes, “Consistency and quality are the ultimate goals here at Nurseland. We want to consistently breed for healthy cows and cows that will stay in the herd, milk off the robots, and convert feed well.” Lee and Mal Nurse have certainly done that and more already at Nurseland and we look forward to what the future holds for them!

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: 519-209-5553.

SHOW ETHICS IN CANADA

A lot of effort goes into preparing a cow for a show. It’s hard work for the fitter and exhibitor, and admittedly, not always easy on the cow. With a focus on animal welfare, the Show Associates responsible for carrying out the Show Ethics Program in Canada work hard to ensure compliance.

Holstein Ontario recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Pascal Lemire, Registrar with Holstein Canada. Pascal explained the role of the Show Associate and to share many examples of how his team of Show Associates has worked to mitigate show misconduct since the Show Code of Conduct was refreshed in 2014. We found it an interesting, eye-opening conversation and we hope you do, too!

WHO The Ethics Program in Canada is enforced at shows by a group of Show Associates, more commonly referred to as the “Green Jackets” who attend in both the lead up to and the day of the show. Depending on the size of the show, as well as the set up of the barns, a team of three to four individuals donning the recognizable green jacket are on hand. They work to enforce compliance of the Canadian Code of Show Ethics and address any infractions that occur both from the point of preparing the animal or on the part of the exhibitors.

WHAT WHEN WHERE WHY

The Code of Ethics is a set of rules by which all exhibitors are bound. It is organized in three parts: Conduct rules, Standard procedures and Infraction & Penalties.

The Show Ethics Program was created in 1998 in response to requests from Show Exhibitors, Holstein Canada and fellow Canadian Dairy Breed Associations. It began as a Code by which all dairy exhibitors were bound. Since 2014 when the program was refreshed, the role of the Show Associates has evolved to them taking more of an educational approach at shows and working with and for the exhibitor to ensure compliance.

The Program applies to all Shows held across Canada. A total of 13 major shows across Canada (one in British Columbia and Alberta, respectively, three in Ontario and Quebec, respectively, and one in each of the Maritime provinces) have benefitted from the program.

Animal welfare is paramount. The need to ensure animals are treated well at home, as well as away from home while preparing them for shows, is of the utmost importance. A Code of Ethics is the common set of rules and regulations under which all competitors must compete. Show Associates work with and for the exhibitors by:

• Answering questions

• Explaining the rules and consequences

• Offering a choice: “Show or No Show”

• Completing all necessary investigations

Q: How did you first become involved as a Show Associate and what has been your involvement to date?

A: In 2013, after I became Registrar, Ann Louise Carson approached me and felt that Show Ethics was a good thing for a registrar to take on. A few uncomfortable situations had arisen at past shows and it was difficult to police things from a National perspective when some breeders were under the jurisdiction (at shows) of the provincial branch. That changed in 2014 when the Show Code of Conduct was refreshed. Since then, 13 shows across the country have benefitted from the management, support and financial subsidisation of the program from Holstein Canada.

Q: How were show ethics policed prior to the creation of the National Vision in 2014 and before the role of Show Associates came into play?

A: It used to be the job of the classifier and that would put them in a very awkward position. They could be at the producer’s barn the week prior scoring an animal, and then have to disqualify them from the show a few days later.

(l to r) Dr. Gordon Atkins, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Calgary, Tom Byers, Assessor of Canadian Dairy Code at Holstein Canada, and Dr. Sheila M. McGuirk. PHOTOS SUBMITTED.

Pascal Lemire, Registrar

Spot the “Green Jacket”!

“Always in the background, never at the forefront. “

Q: Who are the Show Associates and what is their role?

A: When I started in the first three to four years, I wanted to teach some people in each of the provinces about how to patrol the shows. But that proved difficult. It’s complicated – people are friends, they own animals together and in this kind of a role, it’s important to stay open and neutral. Now I work with a security company; I sometimes have one person without a strong agricultural background. But sometimes they are the best at picking up things with fresh eyes and asking questions when things don’t seem right. I have only missed one show in ten years and work with a group of two to three Show Associates at each show, depending, of course, on the setup of the barns.

The role of the Show Associate is to work with the exhibitor and try to stop any problems before they become problems; we never wait too long to intervene. Ninety-nine per cent of the time, the exhibitors will work with us in a friendly manner. If we see something that doesn’t look right, we often will approach them to ask questions. For example, if we see an imbalance in a cow’s udder, we’ll ask, “How will you balance her out?” and that is often enough to alert them that we’ve noticed the problem and prevent them from taking any questionable measures to fix it. We try to always take that approach with barn surveillance – pointing out when we notice something out of the ordinary and making the exhibitor aware that we’ve noticed it.

Q: How do you handle infractions?

A: We always talk with the owners of the cow, meeting with them privately in the barn. We don’t ever want to make a big deal. Once we’ve noticed the infraction, we give them two choices: show or no show. If you don’t show her, there’s no penalty attached. If she enters the ring, you get a penalty. After the system was formalized in 2014, we could take it to the next level and apply penalties ranging from a year’s probation and a fine of $500 all the way up to a five-year suspension and a fine of $5000, depending on the infraction. Once an infraction has been observed and communicated, confidentiality is extremely important. No one, aside from the committee, is made aware.

Q: What have you learned along the way?

A: It’s important to stay very calm, to have the right approach when leading discussions. Sometimes it’s a matter of understanding, “Why did you do that?” It’s also important to get the judge on board from the start. Tell them what you were looking for and what they should be watching for in the ring.

A TIMELINE OF CANADIAN SHOW ETHICS

1998 – Canadian Dairy Breed Association created the Code of Ethics in Canada.

2014 – The Code was refreshed, with the focus being shifted to bringing an educational approach during shows. The highly visible green jackets were introduced at shows to identify Show Associates responsible for administering the Code of Ethics across Canada.

2017 – Since this year, two eminent North American Professors and Holstein Canada’s most senior Animal Welfare Assessor have been examining and scoring all animals at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for body condition score, swelling of fore, rear and ligament udder and tracking. Clear improvements have been observed in the areas of over-uddering and tracking, and body condition scores increased and held steady from 2017 to 2019.

2018 – Addition of guidelines pertaining to white spots, noting that when the white spot is more than 6 inches, it cannot be painted.

In the past three years, things have changed a lot and judges are more accepting of a regularly filled udder. We’ve done a lot of studies on overbagging using ultrasound examinations. With the new technology, the image is clear and it’s very easy to detect if a cow’s udder has been unnaturally filled.

When we first started to appear in the barns, people believed we were there to shut down the shows, but that was never our intent. In fact, it’s unbelievable the amount of thanks the Ethics Team receives. We never promise to catch everything, but we do our best and exhibitors have the feeling that things are more fair.

Q: We’ve heard some changes are coming to the way the program is supported. Can you explain?

A: A program like the Show Ethics Program, while very beneficial, is expensive to run. A show with 250 head takes up to four people and costs around $4,000 to execute. Up until this year, Holstein Canada has covered that cost for the major shows. Holstein Canada will ensure that the service remains available; however, due to the significant cost of running the Ethics program - which historically has amounted to approximately $83,000 - we are now asking the various Show Committees to work with Holstein Canada on cost recovery. Maintaining Show Ethics will still be a priority, but shows will now be required cover the expenses associated with compliance (travel, lodging and wages). Holstein Canada will still cover the costs for the two National Shows (the National Convention Show and the National Holstein Show at the Royal) at a budgeted rate of $40,000.

Q: How do you feel this will affect the level of compliance?

A: Since 2014, Holstein Canada has supported shows across Canada. This time has served to build, educate and explain that we must maintain a seamless and transparent relationship with our fellow dairy farmers, co-exhibitors, and most importantly, our dairy consumers.

I believe that some shows have financial support and will continue the service this year and other shows will plan for subsequent years. Interestingly, some exhibitors are requesting that an ethics team be at the event before they invest time and money into coming to the show. Shows are an important way to showcase our industry, but they represent a small percentage of our association’s membership. Holstein Canada will favour a user-pay approach in the future, most likely at varying levels depending on availability.

2023 – Changes announced with regards to Holstein Canada’s financial commitment.

Some Examples of Infractions

*taken from “Infractions and Penalties” under Show Rules & Regulations found at www.holstein.ca

Excessive uddering (too much milk)

Excessive painting

Excessive alternation of hair beyond 1.5 inches from the skin

Misrepresenting an animal’s age

Balancing udders by any means other than leaving naturally-produced milk in any or all quarters

Unnaturally filling an animal’s rumen with liquid (tubing), except as prescribed by a vet

Jason Watke – Writing his own Story

HHanover’s Jason Watke can remember going to the barn to help his parents (Dale and Donna) since he was old enough to walk and talk.

“I was sometimes in the way, I’m sure, but it was all in good fun,” the 23-year-old says, looking back fondly. Those early years formed a strong foundation for a future in farming and fostered a growing passion in Jason for the Holstein breed.

As soon as he was old enough, Jason’s dad encouraged him to take out a prefix with Holstein Canada. Dale, himself, registered the Watdale prefix with Holstein Canada in 1978 and worked with his parents under the Keywat name before that. “He encouraged me to create my own story, to write my own history like he had,” Jason says. Today Jason owns 50 head under the Watstar prefix, 20 cows and 30 heifers, with a classification of 5 EX, 12 VG, and 3 GP. His first acquisition came rather unexpectedly when he was just six years old.

“I won her in the Bruce County Club Calf Draw!” Jason explains. “My parents bought each of us three kids a ticket and mine was the winning one.” The calf, Borthview Goldwyn Avril, was donated by Bruce County’s President at the time and once served as a fundraiser for the Holstein Club.

He fared well with his lucky ticket and Avril went on to become VG85-3YR. Though she’s no longer in the herd, Jason recently bred his sixth generation of homebreds going back to Avril last December. Four of these are Very Good and he’s excited about their future in the herd.

Jason joined 4-H when he was 11 and has mostly focused on dairy calf clubs in nearby Mildmay. He values the program for the connections it has allowed him to make, many of which he still has today. One highlight from his 4-H years includes being part of the Bruce County Classic Team for five years and showing a homebred heifer each time. His final year at the Classic in 2022 was one to remember, ending with a fourth-place finish in the Fall Calf Class with homebred Watdale Ashby Boom Lou.

Boom Lou’s dam, Watdale Jacoby Bonavista Lou EX-90-2E, was one of 20 cows Jason purchased from his dad when he graduated from Ridgetown two years ago. Backed by nine generations of VG or EX animals, Jason eagerly awaited her September 2021 arrival. “She was this big, long, stretchy calf,” he recalls. “I was really excited about her.” Boom Lou got off to a slow start during show season and Jason was disappointed when she finished near the bottom of her class at the Ontario Spring Show. He dusted himself off and tried again at EastGen Challenge in Woodstock, this time placing much closer to the top in 7th place. By the time Summer Show rolled around, he was still on the fence about whether she was good enough to go. But his dad insisted. ‘Go! Have a good time with your friends!’ he told him.

With the pressure off, Boom Lou did better than either Jason or his dad could have ever expected. She created a lot of interest in Lindsay that day, placing first in the Fall Calf Class and being named Champion 4-H Calf of the show. She’s currently bred to Bullseye and due with a heifer calf in June.

PHOTOS 1. Jason showing Watdale Ashby Boom Lou, 1st Sr. Calf, 1st 4-H and Junior Champion at Summer Show 2022, 2. Jason with Borthview Goldwyn Avril, the first acquisition under his Watstar prefix. He is flanked by Jeff Borth (l) and his father, Dale Watke. 3. Jason with first EX, Watstar Goldchip Glamor, 4. Jason, at age 8, with the first Watstar prefixed calf, Watstar Talent Ava, 5. Jason’s first show calf, Watdale Talent Crystal. PHOTO 1 BY BULLVINE, ALL OTHERS SUBMITTED

Success in the show ring aside, Jason is proud of the herd he and his family are developing. He’s breeding for that “all-around animal” who will not just do well in the ring, but will work hard at home, too. The end goal is a cow who will live a long time, make a lot of milk, look good and show up to work every day, he says.

In 2019 he bred his first Excellent cow, Watstar Goldchip Glamour EX 2E. Glamour traces back to Hicklee Storm Gemma VG 4*, an 8-year-old cow Jason bought from his neighbour and mentor, Cameron Hickling, when he was just nine years old. “We had a feeling Glamour could go Excellent, but I had school and didn’t stay home for the classifier,” Jason explains. He checked and re-checked Holstein Canada’s website for the verdict around the time he expected the classifier to be done, but that wasn’t bringing him any satisfaction. And neither was a call home to dad. “Oh, I don’t know…” his dad stalled just long enough for her new EX-score to finally pop up for Jason to see himself. It was a moment he won’t soon forget.

Jason holds local breeders Cameron Hickling (Hicklee) and Ron Diemert (Diemertdale) in high esteem. Cameron lives next door and has been a great sounding board for Jason. Ron has been a family

2023 Junior Shows

Eastern Junior Show

July 3 & 4 – Spencerville Fairgrounds

East-Central Junior Show

July 5 & 6 – Orono Fairgrounds

West-Central Junior Show

August 24 & 25 – Grand River Raceway, Elora

Western Junior Show

July 13 & 14 – Woodstock Fairgrounds

friend for years and treats Jason like one of his own. Many people have supported him along the way, but he couldn’t have achieved what he has without the help of his parents. “They’ve always encouraged me to do what I wanted to do; my dad’s been letting me pick bulls since I was 10 years old!” he says, joking that his pairings have improved significantly since then.

Jason graduated from Ridgetown in 2021 with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture. Although half of his time in school was spent online during the COVID-19 pandemic, Jason managed to make a lot of friends, get involved in the Dairy Club and graduate with distinction. Currently, he’s working on buying into the family farm and continues to focus on expanding the herd and improving production and type. His dad is still heavily involved and always willing to take over if it means Jason can get away to a show or sale or play a little broomball with the Mildmay Senior Moose on the weekends. At 23-years-old, that means a lot to him. His advice to other young breeders is to take risks and surround yourself with people who are going to encourage you. “Everybody starts out at the bottom; you just hope that you get up to the top some day,” says Jason. “And you try harder every time.”

“Everybody starts out at the bottom; you just hope that you get up to the top some day.”

- JASON WATKE

REPORTS

Top Ontario Herds by LPI for April 2023

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 2023 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 Ontario Herds by Pro$ for April 2023

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 2023 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$

Top 20 Pro$

Herd Size: 151+ Cows in Ontario by Pro$

pursuit ofExcellence

A 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 December 2022 through to the end of February 2023, there were 811 1st time Excellent cows and 1,025 Very Good 2-year-olds classified in Ontario. Those classifying EX-91 and above and VG87 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

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY EX’S

BOSDALE KINGBOY BARBARA EX-93

B osdale Farms Inc., C ambridge

CREBROEK CHIEF LISA EX-93

Wenallt H olsteins Inc., C rysler

CROSSWAYS IMPRESSION AMBER EX-93

Richard Tempelman, Rosslyn

DELCREEK DOODLE BUG EX-93

Q uality H olsteins, Vaughan

DON-MAIR VICTOR ELDORADO EX-93

D on-Mair Farms, M t. H ope

JM VALLEY CHIEF ACAPELLA EX-93

K arnview Farms Inc., Woodstock

KINGSWAY HIGH OCTANE JIGSAW EX-93

K ingsway Farms Inc., Hastings

LEGEND-MAKER DOORMAN CHINA EX-93

D on-Mair Farms, M t. H ope

L egend-Maker H olsteins, M t. H ope

MARFLOACRES WILSON SUSANNE EX-93

Wayne & K aren M artin, M ount Forest

STROELEE C 585 EX-93

M cCutcheon Farms, C anfield

ABBYLAYNE EPIC EMMY EX-92

S kipwell Farms Inc., Aylmer

ASPIRATION SK-GC ALLIE MERLOT EX-92

Jason M artin, E lmira

BOSDALE IMPRESSION GLORY EX-92

B osdale Farms Inc., C ambridge

BRIDGEVIEW SENNET MUFFIN EX-92

B ridgeview Farms, B rantford

BURNACRES JIMMY JAY EX-92

B urnacres Farms, L’Orignal

CNOSSEN RAGER ADEL EX-92

C nossen H olsteins, E lora

CREEKBANK PHARO DOMANICK EX-92

C reekside H olsteins, M oorefield

DUTCHDALE BAUTISTA MARIE EX-92

D utchdale Farms, L ucknow

ERIEVIEW SOLOMON CHRISTINA EX-92

E rieview Farms L imited, S elkirk

FARFIELD 263 KERRIGAN EX-92

Farfield Farms Inc., E lora

FLOYDHOLM G CHIP ELANORE-ET EX-92

Star & D Farms Inc., Russell

FRAELAND DEMPEY ADEEN EX-92

Fraeland Farms, Fergus

GLENIRVINE IMPRESION HEADSTAND EX-92

G lenirvine Farms, Fergus

HICKLEE HIGH OCTANE GINGER EX-92

C ameron Hickling, Hanover

JOALFARMS ABBOTT FINESSE EX-92

A llan & L orne V is, M urillo

KNONAUDALE DOORCRUSH EX-92

K nonaudale Farms Inc., C rysler

LEGEND-MAKER VICTOR LEGO EX-92

L egend-Maker H olsteins, M t. H ope

LOVSHIN IMPRESSION LUCY EX-92

LOVSHIN KARTING GWEN EX-92

L ovshin Farms L td., Cobourg

MARTINDEL DEMPSEY GENNY EX-92

D ennis E M artin, Palmerston

MILVALEA UNIX PLUTO EX-92

Milvalea H olsteins, B altimore

PEARTOME DON CHERRY EX-92

Peartome H olsteins, Hagersville

RINGIA RAGER RED JELLO EX-92

Ringia Farms L td., L akeside

RIVERDOWN DOUGLAS BANANA CREAM EX-92

Riverdown H olsteins, M etcalfe

SHADYRAIL MERRICK DIXIE EX-92

Randy & Lynette M artin, Harriston

UP-RIDGE IMPRESSION LAVA EX-92

U p-Ridge H olsteins, E mbro

WARCREST APPLE CRISP PIE 533 EX-92

Warren M B ecker, Ayton

WHITNELL DOORMAN LACEY EX-92

E lverne & M arilyn B auman, M ount Forest

WILLIPET SWITCH EX-92

C laircrest Farms, C ampbellford

WINRIGHT JACOBY REBA EX-92

Valiant D airy Inc., Woodstock

ALTAMIRA FELIX OCTAVIA EX-91

A ltamira H olsteins, Ingersoll

ARDROSS CONTROL LIMELIGHT EX-91

S chipper Farms L td., Aylmer

ARMSTRONG MANOR GLENNICE 4238 EX-91

V ictory K noll D airy Farm, Hagersville

BELLWIN FUEL ROSA EX-91

E ric & S arah M artin, E lora

BLANHAVEN CONTROL BLOSSOM EX-91

B lanhaven Farms L td., D urham

BLAYJOY DEVOUR MAZE EX-91

Cedarhaven Farms, A lma

BOSDALE KINGBOY BARBIE EX-91

BOSDALE KINGBOY TOOTSIE EX-91

BOSDALE THOREAU CORSELLE EX-91

BOSDALE UNIX PORTRAIT D EX-91

B osdale Farms Inc., C ambridge

BRICKERVALE MERRICK AVAIL EX-91

E rvin B auman, Wallenstein

BRIDGEVIEW DOORMAN MIA EX-91

B ridgeview Farms, B rantford

BRIGEEN CRUSH BELLA-ET EX-91

Jaquemet H olsteins, W inchester

BUDJON-CRAVE SMOKE BREAK-ET EX-91

W indknoll H olsteins, E lora

BUDJON-VAIL DRMN ANYWAYS-ET EX-91

C anhope H olsteins, Palmerston

CARLETON FRENCH FRY EX-91

G lenn D ean, A rnprior

CASSEL STOIC KIM 939 EX-91

CASSEL SUPERSIRE FIONA 894 EX-91

C assel D airy, B right

CEDARHOLME AMMO P RC LAUTELL EX-91

CEDARHOLME LAMBDA GEORGINA EX-91

Cedarholme H olsteins, M ount Forest

CEDARPARK IMPRESSION SUMMER EX-91

Cedarpark H olsteins L td., A lma

CHARACTER DUKE NOUVEAU EX-91

C haracter H olsteins, Mildmay

CLAIRCREST DEMPSEY ADRENALIN EX-91

C laircrest Farms, C ampbellford

COACHSIDE ANNA BELLE EX-91

Vriesdale H olsteins, M ountain

CREBROEK CHIEF LILLIANNE ET EX-91

E ric Van D en B roek, M ountain

DAIRY-LANE WICK FANCY EX-91

D airy-Lane H olsteins, B arrie

DELCREEK TEMPER TANTRUM EX-91

D elcreek H olsteins, W inchester

DONDEN ANEKA SMURF EX-91

D onden Farms Inc., Renfrew

DORAL DOORMAN BRUSHFIRE EX-91

D oral Farms Inc., Teeswater

DUTCHDALE WICKHAM MATILDA EX-91

D utchdale Farms, L ucknow

FARFIELD 295 FALCON EX-91

Edgar B M artin, St. C lements

FLORBIL GEMSTONE SHAWNA EX-91

F lorbil Farms L td., Mildmay

FRAELAND HIGH OCTANE ALESSIA EX-91

Fraeland Farms, Fergus

GILLETTE JAXON TALLER EX-91

Ferme G illette Inc., E mbrun

GLEN ISLAY ABBOTT RAEYNBOW EX-91

A ndrew D en Haan, Fergus

GLEN ISLAY SIDEKICK BAMBUSA EX-91

A ndrew D en Haan, Fergus

L ester & S hirley G ingrich, A rthur

GLENBERT ABSTRACT MARCIE EX-91

M cCutcheon Farms, C anfield

GLENGARRY H OCTANE ALEGANY EX-91

G lengarry Stock Farms Inc., A pple Hill

GLENNHOLME UNIX RENEGADE EX-91

E mma Farlinger, M orrisburg

G lennholme H olsteins, C arp

S ignature H olsteins, M orrisburg

Todd Edwards, M orrisburg

HANALEE SUPERSIRE COCONUT EX-91

Hank & N ancy-Lee Hazeleger, E mbro

HARRCROFT RANDALL STARLA EX-91

Harrcroft A cres L imited, Fergus

HATCHLEY BYTES ROBERTA 25 EX-91

Talsma Farms Inc., Harley

HEATHERICK CONTROL DUTCH EX-91

Frederick Topp & S on, D unnville

HODGLYNN GOLDWYN LOVE EX-91

Wayne & K aren M artin, M ount Forest

HOLZER DOC WOODPECKER EX-91

HOLZER DOCS DINGLE EX-91

HOLZER SOLO GIGI EX-91

B ushy V iew, L akeside

INTENSE DEVOUR POMLISA EX-91

Rivermar H olsteins, St Jacobs

JEFFRED HULK HISTORY EX-91

Fred J effs, Stirling

JERVAL BREWMASTER ROSEANN EX-91

J eremy & F lorence B akker, N eebing

KAWARTHA GHOST RAVEN EX-91

K awartha H olsteins, L indsay

KELLYS AIRINTAKE DALORA EX-91

Kellys D airy Farms, D unnville

KINGSWAY HIGH OCTANE DINO EX-91

KINGSWAY UNIX ROSETTE EX-91

K ingsway Farms Inc., Hastings

KIRKLEA ARMANI PEEK-A-BOO EX-91

K irklea H olsteins, A lexandria

KOSTAHOLME MAINTIME NADETTE EX-91

Kostaholme H olsteins, D rayton

KRUL TAKEOFF LASELLE EX-91

K rul H olsteins L td., A rthur

LANDERKIN CONTROL ADORA EX-91

L anderkin H olsteins, M ount Forest

LAURELWOOD CONTROL PEANUT EX-91

L aurelwood H olsteins, Waterloo

LEBOLD IMAX ISABELL EX-91

L ebold Farms Inc., Wellesley

LEGEND-MAKER APPLICABLE MAGIC EX-91

L egend-Maker H olsteins, M t. H ope

LEWIS-LS LMF SPARKS EX-91

L ewis L and & Stock, H olstein

LIBERTY-GEN ATWOOD ACHIEVE EX-91

L iberty G enetics, Kemptville

S ignature H olsteins, M orrisburg

LILLIESDALE MOGUL NAOMI EX-91

L eo B aumann, Lyn

LOCHDALE GC BONNIE EX-91

L ochdale H olsteins, A lexandria

LOOKOUT AWESOME MAGIC EX-91

U p-Ridge H olsteins, E mbro

LOYALYN MIDNIGHT LACEY EX-91

Rob & A lice B umstead, O wen S ound

MAPLE-FLAT-B CRUSH DELIGHT EX-91

B rian J oseph E nright, W inchester

MAPLEKAY DEMPSEY ELECTRA EX-91

M aplekay Farms L imited, Woodstock

MARFLOACRES A ARMY MYSTERY EX-91

MARFLOACRES CHIEF MARNITA EX-91 Wayne & K aren M artin, M ount Forest

MARTINDEL AFTERSHOCK BAXI EX-91 D ennis E M artin, Palmerston

MILLBROOKE DOORMAN KRYPTONITE EX-91 S pringrose Farms L td., Ayr

MONTDALE DENVER DAISYDUKES EX-91 M ontdale H olsteins, Russell

NANDALE MCCUTCHEN GLENNA EX-91 N andale Farm, Pakenham

NEW GALMA SOLOMON ADELINE EX-91 N ew G alma D airy, M t. E lgin

NEWMORNING CAESAR SHANNON 2652 EX-91

NEWMORNING MOGUL AUBREY 2635 EX-91 N ew M orning H olsteins, M onkton

P-A 88H EX-91 Ferme P-A Inc., A lfred

PROGENESIS MAVERICK MACAW EX-91 C haracter H olsteins, Mildmay

RAILSIDE DRAGONHEART SHANIA EX-91 S cenic Rail H olsteins, E nglehart

RANGEDALE SUMMERDAY APRIL EX-91 Rangedale Farms, O sgoode

RINGIA BREWMASTER BROOKE 4009 EX-91 Ringia Farms L td., L akeside

RIVER DALE IMPRESSION ELLA EX-91 River D ale H olsteins, St. Jacobs

RIVERDANCE HO LOS ANGELES KATT EX-91 D.W. K arn Farms Inc., Woodstock

RIVERDOWN DENVER THATS PERFECT EX-91 Riverdown H olsteins, M etcalfe

ROESBETT LMF RAMSEY EX-91 Roesbett Farms L td., L akeside

ROSETONE SYMPATICO REDDEER EX-91 M apletier Farms, D unnville

ROTHOLME THOREAU JINGLE EX-91

Rotholme H olsteins, B aden

SACHOLM LO FUEL EX-91 S acholm Farms, D obbinton

SHADYHAVEN UNIX LUCKY EX-91

S hady Haven H olsteins, A lma

SHADYPINE THOREAU VALENTINE EX-91

S hadypine H olsteins, A lma

SHARALEA ROCKK EX-91

J unel H olsteins, Millbank

SMITHDEN BIG KAHUNA APHINITY EX-91

SMITHDEN BREWMASTER AUBREE EX-91

SMITHDEN LAUTRUST ALEXIS EX-91

Valiant D airy Inc., Woodstock

SMYGWATYS DEMPSEY LINDA EX-91

Star & D Farms Inc., Russell

SPEEDSIDE FLASHY DESIGN EX-91

A dam W itmer, Woodstock

Steven W itmer, Woodstock

STANLEE LAUTRUST ARIANNA EX-91

Jim & N ancy Wert & S ons, Avonmore

STANTONS BEE FIRST-ET EX-91

N ew O belink Farms, A rthur

SUNREST BENEFIT LEMONADE EX-91

S unrest Farm, J oyceville

SYMCROFT UNIX CADILLAC EX-91

G len M Syme, A lmonte

TIARA CHIP AUTUMN EX-91

Ferme N ormlyne, A lfred

TIMCON DIABLO CONTROL EX-91

T imcon H olsteins, C arleton P lace

TOMALYNN GOLD CHIP DOMINO EX-91

Jason M artin, E lmira

TORPEDO PETTY NECTARINE EX-91

Fairview A cres, M oorefield

VALBOUR JETT AIR LYSE EX-91

G erberland H olsteins, Millbank

VELLHAVEN ALI BREW SANDRA EX-91

Vellhaven Farms Inc., S mithville

VERNELLE UNIX LOONIE EX-91

L averne M etzger, Wallenstein

WALNUTLAWN PHARO BIANCA EX-91

Walnutlawn Farms L imited, Tavistock

WARDWAY FUEL BELLADONNA EX-91

Wardway Farms L td., Woodstock

WAYBRU RAMBO TOO SWEET EX-91

Jason M artin, E lmira

WEEKSDALE BEEMER LUSTRA EX-91

Century Star H olsteins, Cobden

WINDVIEW KINGBOY LOLA EX-91

Trustmore Farms Inc., S late River

W indview H olsteins, Jarvis

first-time

DECEMBER - FEBRUARY VG’S

CROVALLEY LAUTRUST ACTUAL VG-87

C rovalley H olsteins, Hastings

Q uality H olsteins, Vaughan

CROVALLEY MISS VIENNA VG-87

C rovalley H olsteins, Hastings

DAIRY-DOC ALLIGATOR ROXETTE VG-87

D airy-Doc H olsteins, Woodstock

EARLEN FUEL DELAYZA VG-87

E arlen Farms L imited, A lma

HAWDALE SOLOMAN PANDORA VG-87

Hawdale H olsteins, Wallenstein

HILROSE MOOVIN ADELINA-RED VG-87

H odglynn H olsteins, K incardine

Jim & J oel P honix & M cCallum Farms,

U xbridge

KARNVILLA DOC POPPY VG-87

KARNVILLA WARRIOR DORITO RED VG-87

D.W. K arn Farms Inc., Woodstock

KINGSWAY DOORMAN ARIGATO VG-87

Hay-way Farms, Pembroke

K ingsway Farms Inc., Hastings

LEGEND-MAKER JACOTRED MAPLE VG-87

D on-Mair Farms, M t. H ope

L egend-Maker H olsteins, M t. H ope

LOOKOUT I AM LIKEABLE VG-87

U p-Ridge H olsteins, E mbro

SAUDER HOLME K DOC GAIL VG-87

M urrel & M artha S auder, Wallenstein

UP-RIDGE CRUSHABULL DIVA VG-87

U p-Ridge H olsteins, E mbro

WENALLT DOC SMARTIES VG-87

Wenallt H olsteins Inc., C rysler

Best of the Breed

Over 125,000 kilograms of Milk (Milk Per day of Life)

Breeders of Excellents

CCONGRATULATIONS to the breeders listed here who bred their first Excellent cow between December 2022 and February 2023. 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.

DRIANNEH ABEL BERNICE EX-90

D rianneh G reen D airy L td., M t. E lgin

COUNTRYHOLME GRATEFUL EX-90

Countryholme H olsteins, E lmira

HORSTVILLE MERRITT TODD EX-90

H orstville H olsteins, E lmira

WALNUTVIEW CLEVELAND 477 EX-90

A rthur Family Farms, N orwich

HABILAND DALIA EX-90

Habiland H olstein, N orwich

PERKINDALE SHERIFF WAIVA EX-90

Perkindale Farms, St. Eugene

MEADOW CREEK DEMPSEY 728 EX-90

M eadow C reek H olsteins, M t. Forest

FRAEGROVE ALASKA 393 EX-90

Fraegrove H olsteins Inc, E lora

SHADY LANE UNIX PEACHES EX-90

L eonard E Frey, E lora

COYNCREST WICKHAM LAVENDER EX-90

Coyncrest Farms, C hesterville

SHARVERN DEFRAY MISSY EX-90

L averne & S harlene Weber, D undalk

FLOLYN MAGGY EX-90

F lolyn H olsteins, Cobden

LILYKING MOGUL ABSOLUTION EX-90

L ilyking Farm, E lginburg

LEWIS-LS LMF SPARKS EX-91

L ewis L and & Stock, H olstein

HC14419491 CHEIF LEAH EX-90

M atthew M artin, Palmerston

HIGHLIGHT DOORMAN JODIE EX-90

D ennis M etzger, Wallenstein

FARFIELD 263 KERRIGAN EX-92

Farfield Farms Inc. , E lora

LAMAR PAT TERRY EX-90

L amar Farm, B ognor

EX-94 & Higher / VG-88 2-Year-Old & Higher

BOSDALE S GOLD CHIP PORTRAIT B EX-94-3E

B osdale Farms Inc., C ambridge

DIAMOND HILL DOORMAN LACY EX-94-2E

Century Star H olsteins, Cobden

HENDERCROFT DEMPSEY DURANGO EX-94-3E

H erbert H enderson, A shton

JACOBS GOLD CHIP ATTORNEY EX-94-2E

Hay-Way Farms, Pembroke, K ingsway Farms Inc., Hastings

MCINTOSH CHERRY BRADNICK EX-94-4E

M cIntosh H olsteins, E mbro

OCONNORS PEPPER LAS VEGAS EX-94-3E

Valiant D airy Inc., Woodstock

RIVERDOWN ATWOOD ADMIRE EX-94-4E

Riverdown H olsteins, M etcalfe

FROZEN GENETICS ONLINE EMBRYO

SALE

FEBRUARY 1, 2023 , UNIQUE DESIGNS AND MARKETING TOP SELLERS

5 F. UNSTOPABULL X STRANS-JEN-D-TEQUILA

Buyer: Fraeland Farms, Fergus

5.F DELTA-LAMBDA X HENDERCROFT DOORMAN BUBBLY $950

Buyer: Buscherhoff Holsteins, Germany

5.F CHIEF X KINGSWAY GOLD CHIP ARABELLA ...............

Diolac, QC

DAY AT THE DOWNS 2 SALE

FEBRUARY 21, 2023 , RIVERDOWN FARMS, METCALFE

COMBINED COMPONENT AWARDS 2022

For Highest Fat & Protein Total Kgs. in Ontario

PRODUCED AS 1 YEAR OLD IN 305 DAYS

UNIVERSITY OF GUELPH COLLEGE

ROYAL CLASSIC

MARCH 10, 2023, CARSON SALES ARENA, LISTOWEL

CALVES FOR A CAUSE SALE

PRODUCED AS A 2 YEAR OLD IN 305 DAYS

CENTURY OF HOLSTEINS CELEBRATION

APRIL 1, 2023, ONLINE SALE, WALKER DAIRY SALES

KAWARTHA SIDEKICK FANTA ...........................................

Buyer: London Dairy & Hodglynn Holsteins

Buyer: Ed Werry

KENTVILLE CHIEF BODACIOUS

Buyer: Futurecrest, Walker Dairy, Howe Holsteins

PRODUCED AS A 3 YEAR OLD IN 305 DAYS

PRODUCED AS A 4 YEAR OLD IN 305 DAYS

PRODUCED AS A 5 YEAR OLD IN 305 DAYS

INTERCOUNTY IS BACK!!!!!

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 for December through the end of February. Please note that only cows that are scored are included in our listing.

5 YEAR OLDS

holstein ontario Happenings

June 2023

June 22

Waterloo County Breeder’s Cup Judge: Matt Walker.

June 24

Maxville Spring Show

June 27

Perth County Holstein Club Twilight Elliceview Dairy, St. Marys, 7 pm.

June 28

Bruce County Golf Tournament

June 29

Waterloo County Holstein Club Twilight Hogendoorn Dairy, 6:30 pm.

June 30

Ontario County Holstein Club Twilight Herralea Farms, Uxbridge.

June 30

Brant-Wentworth Club Twilight Social Featherston Farms, 7 pm.

July 2023

July 3-4

Eastern Junior Show and EastGen Showcase, Spencerville.

July 5

Huron County Holstein Club Twilight Guntenspergers, Seaforth.

July 5-6

East-Central Junior Show, Orono.

July 6

Wellington County Holstein Club Twilight Martin-View Holsteins, Arthur.

July 6-7

EastGen Challenge West Woodstock Fairgrounds.

July 10-11

EastGen Challenge East Markham Fairgrounds.

July 13-14

Western Junior Show Woodstock Fairgrounds.

July 14

Northumberland County Holstein Club Twilight, Skyline Holsteins, Campbellford, 6 pm.

July 18

Essex-Kent Holstein Club Twilight, Lilac Row Farms, Kingsville, 7 pm. 4-H program starting at 1:30 pm.

July 19

Inter-County Judging Competition, Paris Fairgrounds.

July 22

West-Central Ontario Summer Showdown, Paris Fairgrounds. Open to participants aged 9-21 as of Jan.1, showing their 2023 project.

July 26

Bruce County Holstein Club Twilight

July 26-28

Ontario Summer Show

Lindsay Fairgrounds.

July 27

Lanark County Holstein Club Twilight Toprock Farms, Perth, 7 pm.

August 2023

August 12

Elgin County Holstein Show, Aylmer Fairgrounds, 7 pm. Judge: Richard Osborne.

August 19

Eastern Ontario Invitational Show Spencerville Fairgrounds, 9 am. Judge: Kevin McLean.

August 24

Simcoe County Holstein Show Essa Agriplex. Judge: Steve Fraser.

August 24

Oxford County Holstein Show, Woodstock Fairgrounds, Judge: Kevin McGriskin.

August 24-25

West-Central Junior Show, Elora.

August 29

Bruce-Grey Holstein Show Walkerton Fairgrounds.

August 31

Brant-Wentworth Holstein Show, Paris Fairgrounds, 6 pm. Judge: Tyler Reynolds.

September 2023

September 1

Lanark County Holstein Show, Perth Fairgrounds, 11 am. Judge: Glenn Barkey.

September 1

Wellington County Holstein Show

September 4

Ontario County Holstein Show, Port Perry Fairgrounds, 10 am. Judge: Kyle Rivington.

September 6

Simcoe County Golf Tournament

September 8

Durham County Holstein Show

Orono Fairgrounds. Judge: Brent Howe.

September 15

Perth-Waterloo Holstein Show, Open to all counties. Stratford Fairgrounds, 6:30 pm.

October 2023

October 1-6

World Dairy Expo

Alliant Energy Center, Madison.

October 3

Haldimand-Norfolk Holstein Show

October 12

Eastern Ontario Western Quebec Show Metcalfe

November 2023

November 5-7

TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Showmanship Classes, 2 pm on November 6. Judge: Kyle Rivington, Associate: Curtis McNeil. Conformation Classes, 8 am on November 7. Conformation Judge; Phillip Topp.

November 9

National Red & White Holstein Show 7:30 am, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Judge: Jeff Stephens.

November 9-10

National Holstein Show, Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Exhibition Place, Toronto. Holstein Heifer Classes, 1 pm on November 9; Cow Classes, 7:30 am on November 10. Judge: Adam Liddle, Associate: Aaron Eaton.

2023

2023-24 HOLSTEIN ONTARIO BOARD

THANK YOU WILF AND TOM! BRANCH

MONICA KAGI FINCH - STORMONT 63REDLODGE@GMAIL.COM

613-577-1658

COLE VERBURG PRESIDENT ATHENS - LEEDS & GRENVILLE WAY2SUCCINCT@YAHOO.COM

613-802-3604

NOMINATIONS WELCOME!

Do you know someone who would make a good addition to our Holstein Ontario Board? Would you like to make a positive impact? Contact a Board Member today!

We extend our heartfelt thanks to past Board Members, Wilf Strenzke (l) and Tom Hawman. Wilf joined the Board of Directors in 2015, representing the West-Central district, and served as President in 2021-22. His steadfast leadership, strong moral compass and good business sense made him a valuable member at the Board table. Thank you, Wilf, for your eight years of service!

ADAM HUNT ELGINBURG - LENNOX & ADDINGTON TREKILI77@GMAIL.COM

613-329-2649

POSITION VACANT

Thank you also to Tom Hawman, who joined the Holstein Ontario Board of Directors in 2019. Tom represented the East-Central district and his calm and quiet demeanor were a welcome presence at Board meetings and Branch events. Thank you, Tom, for your contributions!

WELCOME ROBERT!

JAMES CRANSTON PAST-PRESIDENT ANCASTER - BRANT-WENTWORTH CRANSTONBACKUP@HOTMAIL.COM 905-719-0196

ROBERT KOLB CALEDON - PEEL MOUNTKOLBFARMINC@HOTMAIL.COM 416-523-7937

Robert Kolb is the new Director for WestCentral Ontario, replacing Wilf Strenzke. Robert has farmed in the agricultural community of Caledon for his entire life and began farming full-time with his parents, Paul and Marion, in 2002. Together, they run Mount Kolb Farm, home to 140 cows milked in a sand-bedded free-stall robot barn renovated in 2022. The family crops 800 acres of alfalfa, corn, soybean and wheat.

Robert has an older son, and together with his wife Kelly, two beautiful daughters. In his spare time, he is a volunteer firefighter in Palgrave and enjoys snowmobiling, tractor pulling and continuing his relationship with the 4-H community.

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ALAN HAWTHORNE LISTOWEL - PERTH BOBMUR.FARMS@GMAIL.COM

519-292-6528

KYLE MACLEOD VICE-PRESIDENT EMBRO - OXFORD KYLE_MACLEOD@HOTMAIL.CA

NATIONAL DIRECTOR BRIAN SLAUGHTER WARWICK TWP - LAMBTON BSLAUGHTER@HOLSTEIN.CA

519-330-6062

Riverdown Holsteins Inc.

NAME: JOHN, KAREN AND JUSTIN VELTHUIS

HERD SIZE: 115 MILKING (300 TOTAL)

OPERATION TYPE: SAND-BEDDED FREE-STALL (2017) LOCATION: METCALFE, ON

1. What is your family’s history with Holsteins?

Riverdown Holsteins was founded in the early 1940s by the Davidson family. At that time, the farm was on the banks of the Ottawa River thus leading to the chosen prefix. In 1960, Ron and Betty Eastman were expropriated by the City of Ottawa and relocated to our current location. Justin is the fourth generation to farm with the Riverdown prefix. Each generation has been active in the showring, in 4-H and with all Holstein Club activities.

2. What are your breeding goals?

We strive to breed productive, long-lasting cows who will score high, milk well and be functional and problem-free.

3. What genetic tools are most important in your breeding program? For us, classification and genomic testing are key.

4. Describe the ultimate/ideal cow for your operation. Our ideal cow would first calve at just under 24 months, score VG, produce at a level equal or higher than herd average and breed back with one service.

5. What cow in your barn is currently the “Heart of the Herd”? Without question, the Heart of our Herd is Riverdown Atwood Admire EX-94-4E. She completes five generations of EX back to Adeen and she is currently on an extensive flush program. We have marketed many of her offspring through our sales in 2022 and 2023 and have sold a number of her embryos, mostly locally.

6. What are you most proud of in your herd/operation?

Achieving Master Breeder status is an award we are quite proud of. It has been very gratifying to see animals that we have bred and sold go on to do well for their new owners across North America. Additionally, our growth in the last 10 years has included land base, cow numbers and quota, and the erection of new facilities. These are all areas which we will continue to prioritize and expand in the future.

7. If you could improve one thing in your operation, what would it be? You can never have too many EX cows or animals that milk too much or live too long. We continually strive to better all these traits. We have recently purchased an automated footbath, which we hope will lead to improved hoof health.

8. If you could have ANY cow standing in your barn, who would it be? There are numerous cows who have done great things, but we would have to choose SSI Doc Have Not EX-95 and Reserve All American. We feel she is an elite show cow with high-end transmitting ability as well as high genomics. We are currently working with her Parfect daughter.

9. What is one thing you would tell a young farmer starting out that you wish you had been told?

It makes perfect sense to surround yourself with good people and suppliers who are invested in your success.

10. How do you use genomic information in your herd and what are your thoughts on the future of genomics?

We appreciate genomic information and we do use the best young bulls with good numbers from great cow families, but proven sires still dominate our breeding choices. We genomic test one third of our young stock and take the test results into consideration. With less herds classifying and milk recording, we do have concerns with the reliability factor.

11. How many cows do you flush each year? How do you market your embryos that are for sale?

We flush four or five animals each month, some of which are partner animals that are housed at other locations. The majority of our heifers act as recipients and half of the embryos produced are exported both domestically and internationally. Social media and repeat customers account for the majority of our sales.

12. Being in the breeding business, what traits do you find sell the best? What trait do you value most?

Cow families and sire stacks are of the utmost importance to us. Pleasing phenotypic traits from popular bulls are appreciated by all breeders and buyers.

13. Which bulls do you feel has had the most impact on your herd over the years and today?

After 80 years in the business there have been a lot of great bulls who helped propel us forward, but we would definitely site Majesty, Lindy, Dundee, Goldwyn and Atwood as big contributors. More recently, KingDoc and Lambda are our bulls of choice.

14. What are the management practices in place on your farm that you feel contribute the most to the success of your operation? Why?

We feed calves three times a day and wean at two-and-a-half to three months. We feel a good start is essential to the future success of all animals, whether they are being shown, sold, or one day entering the milking line-up. They are our future genetics.

We also work closely with all our service reps, including feed specialists, veterinarians, milking equipment people, hoof trimmers and crop analysts. They help to ensure that all aspects of the farm are operating as they should be.

The Velthuis family, from l to r: John, Karen, Kelly and Justin. PHOTO SUBMITTED.

Rosblais Alligator Tassa VG-85-2YR

Rosblais Alligator Ginger VG-86-2YR

Rosblais Alligator Anais VG-86-2YR

Rosblais Alligator Taffie GP-84-2YR

Rosblais Alligator Lysandre VG-86-2YR

3282

Dam: HANALEE IMPRESSION AUDI VG-87-3YR-CAN

Rosaire Blais, St. Isidore Village, Quebec