2023 annual report
ALBERTA HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION
2024 Agenda
1. Welcome – Tim Hummel
2. Review of Agenda
Alberta Holstein Association
Annual General Meeting
Friday, February 9, 2024 – 10 am
Pomeroy Inn & Suites – Olds, AB
3. Minutes of the 2023 Annual General Meeting
4. Business arising from minutes
5. Consideration of resolutions – Update of 2023 resolution
6. Address of President – Tim Hummel
7. Secretary Treasurer Report
a. 2023 Financial Statements – Benita Hummel
b. 2024 Budget – Benita Hummel
c. Appointment of Auditor
8. Nominations of Directors.
a. The terms of the following director s at large have expired: Andrew Wildeboer and Clarence Slingerland
Milk Break
b. Nominations for Directors continued
9.
11.
12.
13.
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I am very thankful for this first year as Alberta Holstein president, along with a great team of board members it has been an easy transition in taking on this role from Andrew Wildeboer. Thank you to Andrew for his years as president and his leadership as he stays on as past president. Many of you have experienced some good and disappointing events in the past year on your farm and in your family. The Board wishes you a great 2024 and hope that the coming year will be filled with many blessings.
Last years provincial AGM was held in Westlock hosted by the Country Roads Club. Many members from throughout the province participated in the meeting and the local farm tours. In the evening we were privileged to hand out many awards to well-deserving individuals. Aaltje Jansen was the recipient of the Alberta Holstein Association Scholarship. The 2023 Breeder of the Year was Mosnang Holsteins, the Hehli family. The 2022 President’s Cow was from Mars Dairy, Gert and Sonya Schrijver with Marsfield Denzel Kimmy EX 936E with lifetime totals of almost 160000kgs of milk.
In April, the National Convention was hosted in Montreal, Quebec. Once again, the resolution to make the Westerner Champion Show a “National Show” was brought forward by the four Western Provinces This resolution was passed unanimously and is being reviewed by the show committee and Holstein Canada’s board of directors. Alberta Holstein also sponsored five (5) youth to attend the convention. They were Lee and Melissa Morey, Chance Hofstra, Carson Klugkist and Emma VanSteekelenburg. At the Master Breeder Gala, Alberta was very proud to have Wendon Holsteins receive their 3rd shield. Congratulations to the Chalack family and the whole team at Wendon.
Best bred and owned awards were sponsored at several shows this year. Starting with the Green Acres Show in May in Lethbridge, Alberta Dairy Congress in Rimbey in June for both Red &White and
Black & White and the Westerner Dairy Showcase in October in Red Deer. Judging schools were also held this year by Steve Fraser at the Dairy Congress and Richard Osborne at the Westerner Dairy Showcase. Several official and aspiring judges participated in these schools as well as various youth. The future is bright with many judges learning the ropes.
Various club’s held heifer shows as well which Alberta Holstein was proud to sponsor. Congratulations goes out to everyone who exhibited animals at the shows as this takes up a great deal of time and effort.
In July the Alberta Youth Dairy Show in Rimbey and followed by WCC in Saskatoon at the end of August. Team Alberta represented the province well.
Congratulations to Markus Hehli for receiving the Curtis Clark award at the Royal Winter Fair which is an Alberta Branch sponsored award.
Congratulations is also extended out to Corlane Holsteins, Fred, Melissa and Chance Hofstra of Leduc County on winning their 1st Master Breeder Sheild. We look forward to celebrating with them in Hamilton, Ontario at the Holstein Canada AGM and Master Breeder gala April 27, 2024.
A well-run branch can only see success when there is a great team. I would like to thank Amanda and Benita for their continued great work they do for the branch. Thanks also to the rest of the board for their leadership as we have had some good discussions and ideas at our various meetings. Also, to Willem who represents Alberta on the Holstein Canada Board. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your local board representative or myself. We are always happy to help.
Thank you,
Tim Hummel
In 2023 Holstein Canada welcomed our new CEO Sartaj Sarkaria.
2023 saw a decline in registrations due to a changing industry and higher use of beef semen. Classification was comparable to 2022 numbers, in 2024 we hope to realize more regionalization and 60 day interval classification. Alberta saw increases in all 3 services (classification, registrations and genomic testing ).
The Conexxion app was launched and very well received.
Given a year of unprecedented cost increases, Holstein Canada completed a thorough process of budget preparation. Being the board’s responsibility to maintain the viability of Holstein Canada, the recent price changes were a necessary and responsible step to ensure this viability into the future.
I would like to thank the branch and local clubs for the commitment and work they do, big congrats to Corlane Holsteins winning Master Breeder award. I hope to see many of you at Holstein Canada AGM April 27 in Hamilton, ON.
Thank you all for the support and if any questions, concerns or comments please contact me.
Respectfully Submitted,
Willem Vanderlinde
2023 was a great year for field service activity. With 24,830 registrations, 3200 genomic tests and 16,520 animals classified, it was good to see activity numbers increase in all areas from 2022.
One of Holstein Canada’s big projects of 2023 was to finally launch the Connexxion app. This is an app that provides an easier method of registering animals and submitting genomics. There is also an option to register animals and submit genomic test together tests via TSU, as well easily check the status of submitted genomic tests.
that automatically includes
Beta Casein A2
Coat Colour
I invite anyone who has questions to reach out for a demo, and keep eyes open as a I have several kitchen table meetings planned throughout the year on the app.
Cholesterol Deficiency Haplotypes
And more with no added fee!
Toby has had an extremely busy 2023 travelling the western provinces, which doesn’t give him very many days at home. But looking back he is, as is Alberta Holstein, happy with the positive results.
WHY HOLSTEIN CANADA?
We are your breed organization and offer unbiased advice for your herd’s future.
Feel free to reach out to Toby with any field service questions.
Ask your Western Field Service Business Partner about Registration and Genomic Testing for $40.00*
A big part of field service is customer retention and recruitment, that is why we are excited about an upcoming workshop in the Lethbridge area on Feb 13th. We hope to have some presentations and engaging panel discussion with producers as well as industry partners. Discussions will include Holstein Canada services, Lactanet, as well as AI partners to have a discussion on how we can use all services for the farms bottom line. This is the first workshop of its kind and we hope to offer additional workshops in other regions in throughout the year. *Some
TOBY KLEINSASSER tkleinsasser@holstein.ca 519-865-4367
Once again the the Alberta Holstein Association booth was set up at the Red Deer Dairy Seminar, the Dairy Congress in Rimbey and at the Westerner Show in Red Deer. Some of the items in the booth were updated to give it a fresh look. Many breeder directories were handed out at these events. Calendars were also made up again this year. All but one month were bought by various Alberta Breeders. With the one month not being sold, it was decided to recognize some of the award winners of 2023 for the month of January. There was some discussion at the Alberta Holstein Board level about setting an earlier deadline for commitments to the calendar pages to allow for more time for printing and distribution. The Board will keep the membership updated on any changes that might happen.
Going forward, the AHA will publish only one newsletter a year as opposed to the four previously. With the popularity of the Western Canada Dairy News (formerly BC Holstein News), it was felt that this would be a better vehicle to get information out to Alberta Holstein members and also to the other western provinces. Once again, a friendly reminder to the different clubs to send in upcoming events, show results etc., to keep everyone updated on the Alberta Holstein facebook page. Thanks to Amanda for the work she does throughout the year with the advertising and social media! Traffic to the website remained steady with the previous year with over 2600 visitors and over 5000 page views. We’d like to thank the advertisers that take part online, we appreciate the support! The facebook page continues to grow with over 2700 followers now.
There are plans to put out a new Breeder Directory for 2025, so we will begin updating addresses and booking advertisers shortly!
JUDGING AND SHOW REPORT- Fred Hofstra
The Green Acres Holstein Show took place in May with judge Mike Flaman picking Thornspyc Doc Juliet as Grand Champion. Junior Champion was Diamondpark Unix Atomic. Diamond Park Dairy were Premier Breeder and Exhibitor of the show!
The CAHC Mid-Summer Classic was held in Lacombe in July, judged by Martin Staub. Grand Champion was Mosnang Believe In Me from Mosnang Holsteins and Reserve went to Thornspyc Breakshot Lucinda from Thornspyc Dairy.
The NAHC held their show in Millet, Mellowdale Diamondback Crispy was Junior Champion. Grand Champion went to Kozak Holsteins with Kozak Aussie Red Ribbon P.
Alberta Dairy Congress was held in Rimbey and judged by Richard Landry, QC. R&W Junior Champion went to Lucky B Baileys on the Rocks and Reserve Champion to Lovhill Warrior Peach Fluff. B&W Junior Champion went to SR Sidekick Evening Tinge, R&F Livestock and Reserve Champion to Skycrest Fuel Tanker, Skycrest Holsteins.
Grand Champion & Supreme was Elmcroft Tatoo Jasper, owned by R&F Livestock, and Reserve Champion went to Corlane Unix Salsbury, bred by Corlane and owned by Wendon Holsteins.
R&W Grand Champion was Kenbert Devour Fuscia owned by Kenbert, Mazylake & Roneamar Holsteins and Reserve Champion was Kozak Aussie Red Ribbon P owned by Koza Holsteins.
The Westerner Dairy Showcase was held in Red Deer judged by Mark Nutsford, UK. Junior Champion went to SR Sidekick Evening Tinge from R&F Livestock and Reserve JC to Silvermaple Picasso Fran, Benbie Holsteins.
R&W Junior Champion went to McWilliams Shakira-Red-ET from Westcoast Holsteins. Mosnang Holsteins took home Reserve with Mosnang Illustrator Narnia.
B&W Intermediate Champion was awarded to McGarr- Farms Unix Zany, Westcoast Holsteins, Reserve to Kozak Warrior Bombshell Red owned by Bill Schilling & R & F Livestock and HM to Olortine Avenger Design , Pierre Boulet & R&F Livestock.
The R&W Intermediate Champions were also the R&W Grand Champions for the day! Awarded to Kozak Warrior Bombshell Red owned by Bill Schilling & R&F Livestoc Reserve went to Kozak Warrior Red Blaze P owned by Kozak, Ells, Southrise & R&F Livestock.
Grand Champion of the B&W show was McGarr-Farms Unix Zany owned by Westcoast Holsteins and Reserve went to Corlane Unix Salisbury owned by Wendon Holsteins.
2023 was another excellent year for Alberta Holsteins and the Judging committee .
We again held two very successful clinics. In June we invited Steve Fraser to Rimbey with the Dairy Congress. In October we had Richard Osborne attend Red deer, for the Westerner Showcase. Both clinics were very well attended as we continue to help our aspiring judges gain experience and knowledge, along with giving opportunity to our official judges to gain proficiency, of course Alberta Holsteins clinics are open to everyone and especially love to see our young 4-H members participate.
As we look forward to the new year the Alberta Holstein Branch will continue to adapt our clinic, we look to creating a jersey/Holstein class for our clinic, with the possibility of also involving a showmanship mentor class.
Of course we thank all that participated in the clinics but we especially thank all of our breeders that have helped out with supplying animals for the classes along with the many volunteers who helped as leads people.
This past year we thanked some of our long time official judges as we have responded to their request that we remove them from the officials list, Don Chalack and Orville Schmidt, but we were also able to add aspiring Judge Max Tenhave. The branch does strongly suggest using the judges on the lofficial/aspiring lists when considering your officials for the upcoming shows.
OFFICIAL JUDGES
- Gordon Atkins- Calgary- (403) 247-3645
- Dale Bienert- Sherwood Park- (780) 922-2433 bienertholsteins@hotmail.com
- David Chalack- Calgary- (403) 585-2455 dchalack@altagenetics.com
- Markus Hehli- Rimbey- (403) 783-0442 mhehli@hotmail.com
- Linsey Whalen- Millet- (780) 387-7406 lchalack@hotmail.com
- Lee Simanton- Ponoka- (403) 704-6692 lisalee.s@hotmail.com
- Joe Folkerts- Sherwood Parkjoeandjanellefolkerts@hotmail.com
- Lee Morey- Rochester- (780) 206-5164 morey.unique@gmail.com
ASPIRING JUDGES
- Chad Crest- Athabasca- (780) 689-9576 chad.crest@gmail.com
- Casey Morey- Rochester- (780) 307-5378 cmorey@ualberta.ca
- Jan van de Brake- Lacombe- (587) 377-3677 Jmvandebrake@outlook.com
- Chance Hofstra- Millet- (780) 271-6955 chancehofstra@gmail.com
- Martin Staub- Edmonton- (780) 231-1286 martin.staub9@gmail.com
- Katelyn Kozak-New Sarepta- (780) 686-4614 kkozak@xplornet.ca
- Maxime Ten-have- Didsbury- (450) 501-5739 maximetenhave007@hotmail.com
We are extremely proud of our fellow Albertans whose cattle competed at the WorldDairy Expo and Royal Winter Fair.
Congratulations on your results, here are a few that came to the top!
This year the Alberta Holstein Branch was involved in supporting our youth in many areas. On July 16-18th in Rimbey the Alberta Youth Dairy Show took place with 47 outstanding young individuals competing in various competitions. Grand Champion Calf was shown by Izzy Staub- Awesome Tekashi Oksana, Res. Grand Champion Calf was shown by Eleanor Slingerland- Diamondpark Avenger Lemonade and HM Grand Champion Heifer was shown by Kristy van de Brake-Thornspyc Doc Nanny.
Alberta Holstein sponsored the Senior Clipping award which went to Emma Huisman from the Green Acres Holstein Club!
1st- Emma Huisman
2nd- Eleanor Slingerland
3rd- Dorian de Lange
4th- Hannah VanderLinde
5th- Simone Huisman
Congratulations to our 2 scholarship winners Tyson Rietveld & Darrick Nicol.
Another WCC was held August 22-26 at the Prairieland Park Saskatoon, SK, which the branch was proud to support 23 youth to represent Team Alberta. This action packed week was full of judging, clipping, quiz, showmanship and conformation classes. Congratulations to the team for their results
Another year for Team Alberta winning Grand Champion Calf with Mosnang Breakshot Jury-1st fall calf, shown by Alyssa Congdon, Reserve Grand Calf-Thornspyc Breakshot Lucinda2nd fall calf, shown by Eve Luymes as well as winning 1st place Best of Three.
We were also proud to have 4 represenatives from Alberta attend the Young Leaders Convention held in Montreal,April 12-15, Chance Hofstra, Lee & Melissa Morey and Emma Van Steekelenburg.
We are looking forward to what 2024 has in store for our youth.
The year started with the Alberta Holstein Association AGM and awards banquet in Westlock hosted by the Country Roads Holstein Club. At this awards night Mosnang Holsteins (The Hehli Family) was named Alberta Breeder of the Year for 2022. Mars Dairy won the 2022 Alberta President’s Club Cow Award with Marsfield Denzel Kimmy EX93-6E.
The Marj Atkins Achievement Award is handed out to someone who has been a pioneer in the industry, paving a road for others, that possesses characteristics to strive for. It’s an Alberta Holstein special achievement award that includes breed involvement. We had great winners in the past that led the way in different aspects of the industry. And we hope to hand it out again soon.
Big congratulations, again goes out to Wendon Holsteins for winning and receiving their 3rd Master Breeder Shield at the Holstein Convention in Montreal last April. What an amazing accomplishment!!!
Holstein Canada announced the winners of the 2022 electronic awards.
The top herd of distinction in Alberta is: Cawithca Dairy with 37,616kg herd avg
The daily production champion for 2022 in Alberta is: Chubanna Gold Chip Dynasty (Chubanna Holsteins) with 37.1kg milk avg/day of life.
At the Royal this year the 2023 Curtis Clark Achievement Award was presented to our own Markus Hehli. Markus, of Mosnang Holsteins & Jerseys is the 35th recipient of this National award, which was established in 1988 to honour the late Curtis Clark of Acme Holsteins, a respected Alberta Holstein Breeder, cowman, and showman. With a passion for cows, Markus is proud to receive the Curtis Clark Achievement Award and to be following in the footsteps of those Western Canadian exhibitors who started from grassroots, loved their cows, and travelled thousands of miles to exhibit animals at shows across the West and to the Royal.
In January 2024 Holstein Canada revealed it’s Master Breeders for 2023. We would like to congratulate Corlane Holsteins (Fred & Melissa Hofstra & family) with winning their first Master Breeder Shield. We wish them luck in April at the Holstein Canada convention in Hamilton, Ontario where they will receive their shield and be recognized for this amazing achievement!!!
PRESIDENT’S CLUB COW AWARD
2023 Club Winners
CRHC - Helmusstead Yance Tinsel – Freedom Dairy
NAHC – Rietben Comet Lorene – Rietveld Dairies
CAHC – Marsfield Denzel Kimmy – Mars Dairy
SAHC – Benthemmer Chelios Haven – Van Benthem Dairy
BREEDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
2023 Club Winners
CRHC – Enterprises Lavoie (1999) Inc. – The Lavoie Family
NAHC – Rietveld Dairies – Jason & Kristine Rietveld & Family
CAHC – Crestomere Holsteins – The Simanton Family
SAHC – September Dairy – Merein & Kelsey van Benthem & Family
Past
GAHC – Continental Dempsey Delores – Deerfield Colony 2022
Marsfield Denzel Kimmy, CAHC
Rockymountain
New
Prehlea Igniter Coltmar, CAHC
Mosnang Lightning Bolt, CAHC Mosnang Holsteins
Summerdshade Icellene Baxter, CAHC Lucky Hill Dairy & Skywest Holsteins
CRF Goldwyn Celine, CAHC Wendon Holsteins
Irwindale Leduc Macy, SAHC RockyMountain & Continental Holsteins
Alholm
GAHC – Nifera Holsteins – Ard & Jennifer Van der Kooij & Family
Past ProvinCial Winners:
Mosnang Holsteins- Rimbey
Mars Dairy- Stettler
Van Benthem Dairy- Innisfail
Skycrest Holsteins- Athabasca
Wendon Holsteins- Red Deer County
Chubanna Holsteins- Lacombe
Mosnang Holsteins- Rimbey
Pol Butte Holsteins- Coaldale
Marsfield Dairy- Stettler
Skycrest Holsteins- Athabasca
Overview
Entreprises Lavoie (ELI) is a third-generation family dairy farm located in St. Isidore, Alberta. Philippe Lavoie founded the dairy farm in 1953 after moving from Quebec. Richard, one of Philippe’s nine sons, started working full time at the dairy in 1970 and became dairy manager in 1980. During this time, we became a member of Holstein Canada (in 1975), and started AI, DHI, and classification. Richard retired at the end of the end of 2020. Four members of the third generation (Philippe’s grandchildren) –Alain, Armand, Marc, and Claude – make up the management team of the farm. Armand leads the genetics program. The herd is currently 99.8% homebred.
Total Rolling Herd Average BCA as of October 27, 2023
M248 F303 P258
Herd Management Score
In 2022, our herd management score was 652. We expect the herd management to increase as we have significantly improved the key metric Milk Value and improved Udder Health.
Note – our Longevity and Herd Efficiency are low as we are selling many cows for dairy. We expect to improve in those areas as we achieve the target herd size. We have reduced our herd from 1206 head at the end of 2021 to 1003 today.
Herd Management Classification as of September 2023
# of Excellents – 12 (5 ME and 7 Ex)
# of Very Good – 160
# of Good Plus – 277
# of Good – 100
# of Fair – 1
Show Accomplishments
We did not participate in any show activities in 2023. Anna (Claude’s daughter) joined the Moos on the Move 4H Dairy Club in Westlock but found the 400+ km distance too much for a 12-year-old.
Julianne (Armand’s) daughter was previously a member of the Sask Valley 4H Dairy Club for 10 years and participated in 7 WCC. She is now too old and is a 4th year veterinary student at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine.
Breed Involvement
Armand was a speaker at the 2022 Young Leaders meeting held in conjunction with the 2022 Holstein Canada Conference in Saskatoon. He spoke on “Our Approach to Farm Management” and a key theme of the presentation was on how we used genetics to improve farm productivity.
Breed Accomplishments
In December 2022, we were listed in Lactanet’s Top 100 LPI and PRO$ Herds in Canada. In 2023, our LPI ranking continues to rise from 90th in December 2022 to 60th in December 2023. We have several homebred animals listed on Top LPI lists. As of December 2023, we had the following:
• Top 1000 Cows by Genomics LPI – 13 carried the Novum prefix
• Top 1000 Candidate Cows for Genotyping – 13
• Top 500 Heifers (> 9 months) by Genomics LPI – 7
• Top 500 Calves (9 months or younger) by Genomics LPI – 17
• Top 200 Candidate Heifers for Genotyping – 1
Our highest ranked animals were:
• #29 calf – Novum Marga Ranger R – LPI 3857 (Dec round)
• #8 red heifer - Novum Margary Ranger 7364 – was 3700 LPI (August round)
We also had two more bulls enter AI in 2023
• Novum Montego (Semex) – 3718 LPI, +10 Conformation
• Novum Unimog (STgen) – 3652 LPI, +9 Conformation
Who are the most influential cow families?
Progenesis Eugenio Mercedes (VG-88 5-star)
o Mercedes family is our leading family. From the Missy family, the Mercedes family have strong conformation with high components, her offspring dominate our list of highest indexing animals in our herd.
2yr record 272M-335F-296P
Dam is OCD Delta Missy (Ex-93)
5th dam is Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy (Ex-95)
o She has three generations and over 60 female descendants. Over 40 are still heifers.
o 1 Ex and 5 VG daughters to date. All her daughters are GP or better.
o 11 of her granddaughters and great granddaughters have an LPI of greater than 3600. This includes Margary identified above who was the number 8 LPI Red Holstein in August. The top two great granddaughters have an LPI of 3773 and 3770. They are number 2 and 3 in our herd.
o Mercedes has 1 son and 2 grandsons in AI
Mercy at Semex
Montego at Semex
Unimog at STGen
o Daughters:
Novum Merci 912 Fabulous (Ex-90 with 270M-322F-276P)
Novum Marcy Alcove 6553 (VG-87-3yr proj 3yr 280M-380F-296P)
Optimal Lottomax Mylo (VG-88 2-star)
o Another key family, Mylo is a 13th generation VG or EX with over 50 descendants over 4 generations. Her granddam is Sully Planet Manitoba (VG-17*, dam of Meridian) and Great granddam is Sully Shottle May (Ex91-6*, dam of McCutchen). She has 5 VG daughters and number of VG granddaughters and great granddaughters. Her classified descendants are 96% GP or better. Her family are beautifully uddered functional cows.
o 6yr – 283M-365F-303P
o Key Grand-daughter – Novum Myser Fuel 6434 (VG-2yr)
BCA 203M-291F-219P
8 daughters all with high LPIs (greater than 3496)
Westcoast Fabulous Modgrac 7795 (VG-86-2 Star)
o Modgrac traces back the Brigeen Outside Gigi cow (Ex-90) who is her 6th dam. This is a family that is gaining importance as Modgrac has 17 descendants over two generations. Her daughter Dynamite is our highest indexing cows; Modgrac has two granddaughters with LPIs greater than 3600.
o Modgrac and her daughers are powerful functional cows with strong production.
o Modgrac produced as a 3yr 302M-405F-287P
o She has 2 VG daughters to date including Novum Dynamite Alcove 6518 (VG-88-3yr)
3 yr – 303M-392F-326P
The highest LPI cow in the herd.
Progenesis Topnotch Dynamic (Ex)
o The latest family we are developing, Dynamic is a very impressive cow in terms of conformation and with extreme production 3yr 308M-408F-317P. She has a great udder, is very powerful with a wide very correct rump. Her dam is Progenesis Duke Duchess (EX-91-2E-CAN). Dynamic has 9 daughters and 1 granddaughter to date with four daughters having LPIs over 3500. Her first milking daughter demonstrate that Dynamic transmits well.
o Novum Dynamo Speed Up 7016 (VG-2yr)
• What achievements did homebred cows accomplish in the past year?
2023 classification results
# of homebred Very Goods (1st lactation) – 10
# of homebred Very Goods (2nd lactation or greater) – 76
# of homebred Excellents – 4
# of homebred ME Excellents – 5
We also received numerous other awards
Star brood cows - 25
Longtime producers – 23
Superior producers – 54
Super 3 - 6
• What programs, clubs and committees are you involved in? Both in the dairy industry and off the farm?
Armand is currently a member of the board of AgriFoods.
Alain was formerly a delegate for Alberta Milk acting as Chairman of the Finance Committee and Chairman for the North Region. He resigned when Armand joined the board of AgriFoods to comply with Alberta Milk policy.
Richard was previously on the Holstein Canada Sire Selection Advisory Committee.
No family members are currently involved directly with Holstein Canada or Holstein Alberta.
Numerous family members participate in a wide variety of local committees and boards including the St. Isidore Parish, the annual and the phenomenally successful St. Isidore Winter Carnival and other community organizations.
Richard and Evens have in the past been involved on the Municipal District Council and Committees.
• One interesting fact about us
In 2022, we sold about 85 animals (cows and heifers) to a new dairy farm in the Lacombe area – Milk and Honey Dairy which is owned and operated by Marcel Wassink. We suppled 100% of their genetics. In August 2022 Lactanet reports, Milk and Honey was ranked 21st in Canada in terms of LPI and top in Alberta.
Rietveld Dairies Ltd. was started in 1980 by Ben & Mary Rietveld. In 2013, Jason & Kristine purchased the farm from Jason’s parents. Jason and Kristine farm with 3 children, Tyson
Janaye
and have 2 full time hired help. We are currently milking 120 cows 3 times a day.
-Who are the most influential cow families?
Rietben Baxter Cecelia EX-94-5YR 15*
Morsan M Angelina EX 90 5YR 5*
Rietben Chief Elsa EX 90 4YR
-What achievements did home bred cows accomplish in the past year?
4 - Star Brood Cows
7 - Superior Production
1 - Super 3
11 – 60,000kg
1 – 80,000kg
3 – 100,000kg
BREEDER OF THE
Northern Alberta Holstein Barn Cow Competition
!st 1st Lactation – Rietben Barolo Chowder VG-85-2YR
3rd 1st Lactation – Rietben Jagger Spirit
1st 3rd Lactation – Rietben Impress Ally VG-87 3YR
3rd 3rd Lactation – Rietben Dempsey Abby VG-88-3YR
3 4th Lactation – Rietben Chief Elsa EX-90-4YR
Also received Award of Excellence for Quality Milk Production from Alberta Milk
-What is current Rolling Herd Average, BCA, and Classification.
Current Classification 7ME 8EX 59VG 37GP 3G
RHA 12156KG M 485KG F 397KG P
BCA M274 F291 P277
-What programs, clubs, committees, are you involved in both in the dairy industry and other off the farm?
Jason was elected as director to the Alberta Milk board in November. Jason is also on the Edmonton Adaptive Sports Association board of directors as well the head coach for EASA Storm (sledge hockey) and Assistant Coach for Strathcona minor Hockey.
Jason was a member of the Alberta Dairy Congress committee
Kristine is on board of directors and treasurer for Piranhas Swim club.
Tyson is a member of Holstein Canada under prefix Sledgestar, He is also a goalie on Team Canada’s National Sledge hockey team.
Troy & Janaye are both members of the Rollyview 4H Dairy Club and active in minor hockey.
Rietveld Dairies Ltd as well exhibited cattle at Alberta Dairy congress and the NAHC club show.
-What do you think are the most valuable services of Holstein Canada and the Alberta Holstein Association?
Classification is highly respected. As well we use Genomic testing for the whole herd to aid in breeding decisions. We always appreciate the recognition of Bred and owned animals at the Alberta shows as well the AHA sponsoring of cattle to travel to the larger shows in Canada and USA. Furthermore the sponsorship of the youth of our industry.
September Dairy was founded in 2012 by Merein van Benthem and his wife Kelsey van Benthem, when they started for themselves on a small farm quarter section east of Caroline. With the help of the New entrants program they began milking 50 cows in a cold straw pack barn with a small 7 aside milking parlour and an open shed for young stock.
Merein grew up on a dairy farm in the Netherlands, where he was born in a house sharing a wall with the cows. You could say cows are in his blood. When his family permanently moved to Canada they began their family farm in Alberta in the year 2000. Starting with all new breeding stock, Merein and his brother Rolf van Benthem were given free reign to handle all the breeding on the farm. The AI reps were told to arrive after school hours so that they could choose bulls. It became a brotherly hobby, and they shared the goal of becoming recognized breeders one day. When Merein and Kelsey started their own farm, most of the cows were purchased from Van Benthem Dairy. Merein and Rolf sat down to decide which cows would stay and which would move to September Dairy. Merein and Kelsey excitedly waited a year to receive the first calves from their own prefix Bentember, and since then have worked diligently to build on that solid foundation created by two brothers.
After working hard full time on the farm for several years, Merein and Kelsey were ready for the next step. They opted out of the New entrants program and purchased a larger farm in 2016 west of Innisfail with help from parent’s Evert and Jannette. There they began milking 120 cows and working the farm quarter along with another rented quarter. While starting out for themselves had not proven easy, Merein and Kelsey often recognize how amazing and supportive their family has been of their farming goals, and the two farms continue to help each other out through shared equipment and labour. In 2018 September Dairy installed 2 Lely Robots, so that they could be more flexible in time spent with their four kids. Merein misses the closeness to the cows that milking in a parlour afforded him but can make it to dance recitals and soccer games. September Dairy is now run full time by Merein and Kelsey with help from their 4 daughters, and from Evert and Jannette weekly.
This year September Dairy is so grateful to be thanking the Southern Alberta Holstein club for awarding them Breeder of the year, for the first time ever. It has meant so much to them to receive this recognition for their determination and hard work. This award is a reminder of what we’re all working towards and a step on the ladder of their future goals.
There have been many favorite cows over the years but some of September Dairy’s most influential cow families are; Bentember Kronenbourg Boris EX92-4E who produced 0ver 79 000kg in 6 lactations and is due to calve this month. She has 2 VG daughters, one of which we expect to go Excellent this classification round.
From the same family but a different branch is Bentember Monster Sammy EX90-2E- 2* who produced 58 000kg in 4 lactations and has 3 VG daughters, notably the high producing Bentember Mini Byway VG 87 who is in her 2nd lactation and got Honorable mention in this years Barn cow competition.
Benthemmer ashlar Emma EX 90-2E-1* we have 8 VG or EX descendants from this cow family, two of which are Bentember Alie salt VG87 and Bentember Ella sidekick VG 85. This cow family seems to always produce good solid milk cows with great longevity. Bentember Veronic Jett air VG85-2* with 1EX and 1 VG high producing daughter to get her 2*. One of her granddaughters that we are looking towards is Bentember Snowy Elude EX90.
Another cow we are proud of is Benthemmer Amaretto Durable VG88 who moved with us to our new farm and just reached 100 000 kg in 6 lactations, she is due this spring.
September Dairy’s achievements this year
9 VG 2-year-olds
5 EX or ME cows
5-star brood cows
3 superior production awards
4 Longtime production awards
Rolling herd BCA 781 points
VG or higher herd percentage 41.9%
GP or higher herd percentage 93.0%
September Dairy loves to participate in the Southern Alberta Holstein clubs barn cow competition, where the kids will pick their calves and learn about them to show. This year September Dairy had Honourable mention with Bentember Mini Byway VG87 and Mabel van Benthem was third place with her calf Bentember Rocky luster. In the past they received Grand champion with Benthemmer Vino Epic EX 92, who is a daughter of the first heifer Merein bought himself at a sale in 2010 out of Garedon Dolman Victoria VG. Besides working full time on the farm Merein and Kelsey are kept busy with their 4 daughters Annelief (9), Everlene (9), Mabel (7), and Fleur (4), who participate in various activities such as dance, riding, skating, soccer, and guitar. Both Merein and Kelsey volunteer in sports and school activities and Merein coaches the Spruce View U9 travelling soccer team. When the farm allows, they love to steal away to go hiking, often the only date away from the farm.
Besides having studied agricultural business in Olds college, Merein also spent time in the Netherlands skating. There he studied with veterinarian Freek Lok who specialized in ET work. Freek taught Merein and Rolf to do on farm ET transfers, which helps to accelerate their breeding program, and Merein says its also incredibly interesting to participate in.
Besides working on the farm and managing the home full time, Kelsey practices Art in various forms. Having majored in sculpture and pottery at RDC she hopes to set up her own studio. She loves painting and taking photographs of the farm.
September Dairy will continue to participate in classification and registration through Holstein Canada. Their website has proven a valuable resource, visited almost every day for information. September Dairy is passionate about working to improve the health and quality of their herd, with a focus on longevity and an interest in beautiful cows.
BREEDER
THE
My wife Jen and I and our two kids Mason (14) and Makayla (12) are honored to be nominated for Breeder of the Year. Nifera Holsteins Ltd. Is located South of Nobleford and we milk around 90 Holsteins in a free stall barn with 2 DeLaval VMS.
Last year was the first time we had a cow nominated for presidents cow with Rietben LIS Royale Ex-91 4E. She had a really good year in 2023 with 2 daughters scoring Excellent and also surpassing the 100,000Kg mark. She is recently fresh and doing well!
This year we had 5 VG-2 YR olds. And 6 new EX and 5 homebred star brood cows. 4 homebred cows achieved over 100,000 kg lifetime this year. Our current rolling herd average is 282-317-293 and herd classification since September classification is 6ME 6EX 50VG 39GP 1G. For the 19th time since 2002 we received AB Milk’s Award of Excellence for Quality Milk Production. Our Herd Management Score this year was 824.
We were also excited to once again participate in the GAHC show this past year with these results:
2nd Spring heifer – Riverdown Alt Thats Bologne
2nd Mature cow – Nifera Activator Annika
BREEDER
THE YEAR-
In the GAHC barn cow competition we placed 3rd in the third lactation class with Nifera GCHIP Sunshine and 4th in the mature cow class with Nifera Fever Ariane.
We also had 2 cows in the top 10 cows in Alberta for top KG of milk per day of life with Nifera Pinkman Peyton at 36kg and Nifera Jett Air Klarabell at 35.1kg. We were in the top 25 herds of distinction in the 90-129 cows category in Canada.
This year 4 cows had super awards from Holstein Canada
NIfera Airintake Ali – Super 5
Nifera Kingboy Julianna – Super 4
NIfera Unix Brigette – Super 3
Nifera Sympatico Parameter – Super 3
My family attends Nobleford CRC, where I’m currently serving as a Cadet counselor and Jen as a GEMS counselor. We were also able to host the Green Acres barn cow event in September with lots of club members and industry partners attending.
Crestomere Holsteins was established in 1936 by Ralph & Edith Simanton. Today the family farm is run by Everett & Marylee Simanton along with their son Lee & his wife Lisa; they have two toddlers, Easton & Ava. In 2018, the farm saw a new barn build and herd expansion to 100 milking cows in which they are fed and milked robotically, a big change from the 67 cow tie-stall.
Since the late 1970’s we have been frequent hosts to young temporary foreign work through Agriventure, CAEP, IRE, and others. We have really enjoyed having young people from all over the world live with us from, anywhere from 4 months to a year, join our family, and work with our herd. From Australia, New Zealand, England, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, Denmark, Luxembourg, Ireland, Brazil, Ukraine, Argentina, France and Japan. On top of the “trainee” we also have one other part time employee and occasional casual employees.
Ev & Marylee were 2022 Marj Atkins award winners for their past involvement in shows, WCC, 4H, and Alberta Branch. We were invited to the live broadcast announcement of the Master Breeders for both 2022 & 2023 for being top 10 in our category. In the top 10 - 5 times in the last 10 years
We can’t talk about the success our herd has had without mentioning Acme Star Lily EX94-2E 8*(0/40). Ev & Marylee acquired her as a baby calf from the prestigious Acme herd and she went on to being named HI All-Time World Champion 1998, 3x Grand Champion of the Royal, and WDE Grand Champion in 1998. Then came Crasdale Dundee Victory EX91-3E 12* (9/51) with her most notable daughter Crestomere Lou Victoria EX94-2E 5*(12/14). This family has made up a large portion of our herd. Crasdale Dundee Tia EX91-2E 4*(0/20) was another cow family that was very influential in our herd in the past.
Today we have some new rising stars that we are excited to see their families continue. Crestomere Sidekick Valkyrie, Daughter of Lou Victoria, owned with Stanhope/Wedgwood and Mosnang, was named 2022 Honourable Mention All-Canadian Jr 3 Yr Old at the start of this year. Another impactful daughter of Lou Victoria, Crestomere Most Valuable EX93 is coming to the end of her third lactation as a 5 year old. Crestomere Solomon Cookie EX94-3E is in her 5th
lactation as a 6 year old. Crestomere G D Lillie EX94-2E is just fresh in her 6th lactation. Crestomere Doorman Callie EX92 is 10th generation classified excellent due to calve again this spring! Ms Apples Arusha EX92-3E 3*(0/16), out of the famous KHW Regiment Apple-Red EX96-4E DOM 41* (0/205), is owned in partnership with all 3 of Ev & Marylee’s children; Crestomere Holsteins (Lee), Charlyn Farms (Sandy Kingdon), and Lovholm Holsteins (Jess Lovich). She is currently on a flush program and her daughters and granddaughters have already made quite the impression!
In 2022, we were the consigner of the Alberta Dairy Congress Sale where 36 head of Crestomere bred heifers and cows were sold to many great herds in the west! Then again in 2023, this time we co-consigned alongside Lucky Hill Dairy and Hamming Holsteins for the Alberta Dairy Congress Sale where 19 head of Crestomere bred heifers and cows were sold. We want to thank everyone that was a part of making both of those sales a success, and we wish the new owners the best of luck with these animals!
2023 was a great year for our home bred cattle. With 11 VG 2 Yr Olds, 9 New Excellent Home bred Cows, 12 ME this year, 1-100,000 kg award, 1-120,000 kg award, and 2 Superior Production Awards. The current makeup of our herd is 17ME- 15EX - 55 VG - 34 GP1G.
2023 saw great success for Crestomere Holsteins in the show side of things too! We were very pleased with how our group of cows came out for two shows this year and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our show crews! We really enjoy being able to show off animals that we are so proud of and also for the time to be together with other dairy enthusiasts, friends, and family. Now it has become even more fun with having our littles in the peewee classes. Lee is an official judge and judged the Jr Show at the Westerner Dairy Showcase in 2023.
Show accomplishments 2023
- Alberta Dairy Congress — Rimbey
- 3rd Summer Yearling - Crestomere Perennial Violet
- 3rd Summer 2 Yr - Arrow Lynx - 2nd Winter 2 Yr - Aligator Bongo
- 3rd 5 Yr Old - Most Valuable - Best Bred & Owned
- 2nd Mature - GD Lillie - Best Bred & Owned - B&W Premier Breeder
Westerner Dairy Showcase
- 3rd summer calf/1st R&W - Warrior Lovesong - 5th Spring Heifer - Conway Kara
- 5th Milking Yearling - Fuel Leak - 2nd Spring 2 Yr - Cellular Twinkle
BREEDER OF THE YEAR- Central Alberta Holstein Club- CAHC – Crestomere Holsteins – The Simanton
- 3rd 5 Yr Old - Most Valuable - Best Bred & Owned
- 3rd Mature - Solomon Cookie
- 2nd Sr Breeder Herd
- Runner up Premier Breeder
- Reserve Best Bred & Owned - Most Valuable
Both Lisa & Lee are directors on the Central Alberta Holstein Club board with Lisa being the club secretary and Lee coordinates the barn cow competition. The whole family is very active in the Club events. Lee is currently on his mandatory year off of the provincial board after 8 years as a Alberta Holstein director. He is also a committee member for the Alberta Dairy Congress. This past year our farm hosted the CAHC & Udderly Unique 4H club Judging day as well as a judging workshop for the Crestomere Multispecies Club. Outside of the dairy industry, both Marylee & Lisa are members of the Wolfville Community Ladies Club, both Lee & Lisa are on their church’s Family Ministry Committee, and Lee also serves on the Church’s Transitional Committee.
Fun Fact: In the old Tie Stall barn, aside from sports events, the only event that was deemed acceptable to be late for milking was to watch the Kentucky Derby.
What do you think are the most valuable services of Holstein Canada and the Alberta Holstein Association? Having the information to determine and publicly display the top animals in the breed for the members to use as a breeding guide to improve Canadian Dairy Cattle. I also think having a business that can mandate change to help improve the breeding strategies. It takes these types of businesses to make change and an example I can think of is implementing testing of class winners at the Royal, this has drastically changed the udders in this country. As well as updating new needs on the classification system as we see weaknesses appearing in the breed.
We are honoured to have been named the Central Alberta Holstein Club Breeder of the Year for 2023!
The Country Roads Holstein club was happy to support two youth shows. We sponsored the Alberta Youth Show and also the Junior Show at the Alberta Dairy Congress.
This year we combined our AGM and Annual Awards Night at the Hazel Bluff hall. We were lucky to have around 60 people attend this event and present our annual production, classification and forage awards. This was a great opportunity for everyone to catch up and recoginize the accomplishments of our members. Congratulation to our Breeder of the Year, Lavoie Enterprise and our Presidents cow Hulmusstead Yance Tinsel EX 91 4E , Freedom Dairy.
4E 3*
7 lactations 115,658 kgs
2023 was another successful year fro the Central Club. It started out with our 2023 AGM hosted by Lonepine Jerseys. It was an opportunity to engage more members in the agm as well as to learn about the creamery business they had started. We continue to host many events throughout the year.
We had members attend the club relations meeting in March and then hosted a judging school at Crestomere Holsteins in early May.
In July we hosted the Mid-Summer Classic in conjunction with the Udderly Unique 4-H Dairy Club. Thank you to our Official for the day Martin Staub and RIngman Rolynn Bikker.
We hosted the Barn cow competition again this year with Ryan Friesen coming out from Saskatchewan to judge. Thankyou to Lee Simanton for organizing! Marfield Denzel Kimmy was the Grand Champion again this year!
We hosted the annual Christmas party and awards banquet with a jeopardy themeHighlighted by our breeder of the year announcement of Crestomere Holsteins. And recognition to Hans and Monda Eggink for a lifetime of service to the club.
We continue to face some challenges as a club, how to engage more members, what are members looking for, how to work with sponsors, how much can sponsors afford. What events are worth while. How to reach more people. How to promote the club the branch and holstein canada. What are members looking for from the club.
Without our sponsors none of these events would take place so we are extremely happy to have their support. We look forward to hosting more events and new ideas in 2024
We hosted a summer BBq open house at Box Rose Dairy.
We had another great year in the Southern Alberta Holstein Club. We started the year with the Alberta Holstein AGM in Westlock, AB. I really enjoyed the fellowship and the two tours to Tuxedo Dairy and Hazel Bluff Dairy showcasing excellent robo c dairy operations.
We started our social events off with a new event, curling! We had great attendance and everybody learned and were able to pick up on things pretty quickly. I personally couldn’t attend, but I heard the event was very well liked. We will most likely continue this event going forward.
Our educational events consisted of a bus trip to the University of Calgary where the tour went through the university as well as a trip to a local ranch outside of Calgary that was donated to the UofC.
We then, had our family bowling night. Another producer specific event which is more family oriented. We had excellent participation and were able to serve some pizza and ice cream for more time to socialize with one another.
Our classification night followed in May at Happy Cow Dairy. We had Richard, Darren, and Toby attend from Holstein Canada. There was excellent feedback from everyone, especially with Kees Verhoef showcasing his breeding strategies.
reakfast on the Dairy took place in June at Wendon Holsteins. We had 3 committee members directly be involved in this event with the East of Olds Dairy Club, as well as many producers & breeders be a volunteer the day of.
Golf Day was in September where we get lots of sponsor attendance as well as producers. We had another great day out on the course!
After a busy and later harvest, our producers were able to enjoy the Awards Banquet held in December, where we had about 100 people attend! I’d like to extend another congratulatons to the Van Benthem Family at September Dairy for being our breeder of the year for 2023. We also would like to congratulate all other award winners for Type and Production. We also were able to add our new trophy this year, Top BCA, after retiring Milk Value. Also, those who partcipated in Barn Cow Competiton with our Grand Champion going to the other Van Benthems – Rolf, Mary & Family.
We have some great cow families and producers in our area and are very grateful for all who attended our events this year.
I would also like to reach out to all our sponsors this year, new and re-occurring we are very grateful to host all these events and couldn’t have done it without your support.
We’re looking forward to hosting the Alberta Holstein AGM in Olds this February 2024, and are looking forward to another great year of events!
CLUB REPORTS- Green Acres Holstein Club
Our year started off with the AGM Jan 26, 2023 at Elkcreek Dairy with Pizza sponsored by Nutrisource and refreshments by John Muller sponsor (Westgen). Nominations were held for two board positions. Alan Oudshoorn and Clarence Slingerland were acclaimed to a three year term.
Our executive for 2023 remains the same,
Tim Hummel – President
William Slomp – Vice president
Dirk van der Kooij – Treasure
Justin Weiss – Secretary
Randy Slomp – AHA Rep.
Also on the Board are Alan Oudshoorn, Clarence Slingerland and John Muller.
In February the AHA AGM was held in Westlock hosted by the Country Roads Club at the Westlock Inn. I was elected President and Fred Hofstra as Vice-president.
We hosted a bowling night on Feb 24, 2023. An enjoyable time was had by all those who attended. The club held our annual awards night at the Coast Hotel on March 24,2023. There was an excellent turn out and the evening was enjoyed by all.
In April the Holstein Canada AGM was held in Montreal.
May saw the return of our local show at the exhibition in Lethbridge. Thankyou goes out to all the exhibitors for the time and effort to put on a good show.
Barn cow competition was held in September. This award recognizes those cows in a breeder’s barn who have never been to a show but are an integral to the success of their operation. There are four classes in this competition. Congratulations to Starbrite Colony for winning 1st Lac. and Mature cow, Decoy Holsteins (van der Kooij Dairy) – 2nd Lac. and Diamondpark Dairy for 3rd Lac. The judge for this event was Martin Straub, several farms were visited with a large number of cows shown over two days. These awards were sponsored by Lethbridge Dairy Mart and handed out at the classifier night hosted by Nifera Holsteins (Ard and Jennifer van der Kooij). Thankyou goes out to our supper sponsors Diamond Nutrition and Agrai-dairy Mart and John Miller (Westgen) for refreshments.
I would like thank all our sponsors who help out with our various events without them it would be difficult to host them.
We would like to announce that Nifera Holsteins as our nominee for AHA Breeder of the Year and for AHA Presidents cow award is Continental Dempsey Delores from Deerfield Colony. Good luck at the Provincial level.
Thank you goes out to our secretary Justin Weiss and the rest of the Green Acres board for all the work done throughout the year. If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact anyone of the Board members.
