ALBERTA HOLSTEIN ASSOCIATION
2026 Agenda
1. Welcome – Fred Hofstra
2. Review of Agenda
Annual General Meeting
Friday, February 6, 2026 – 10 am
Holiday Inn & Suites Conference Center – Nisku, AB
3. Minutes of the 2025 Annual General Meeting
4. Business arising from minutes
5. Consideration of resolutions
6. Address of President – Fred Hofstra
7. Holstein Canada - National Director Report – Willem Vanderlinde, Toby Kleinsasser
8. Holstein Canada Representatives – Chris Bartels and Benoit Turmel
9. Quebec Holstein – discussion
10. Secretary Treasurer Report
a. 2025 Financial Statements – Benita Hummel
b. 2026 Budget – Benita Hummel
c. Appointment of Auditor
11. Nominations of Directors.
a. The term of the following directors at large has expired: Jan vandeBrake
Milk Break
b. Nominations for Directors continued
12. Lactanet – Bob Reck, Regional Sales and Service Manager
13. Social Media/Advertising Marketing Report – Amanda Hehli and Jan vandeBrake
14. Show and Judging Report – Max TenHave
15. Youth Report – Chad Crest
16. Awards Report – Lee Simanton
17. Announce Director at large
18. Invitation to the 2027 Annual Meeting – CAHC
19. New Business to be followed up by Alberta Holstein
20. Adjournment
To begin the year, we were privileged to attend the annual general meeting held in Lethbridge by the Green Acres Holstein Club. This event was exceptionally well organized and thoughtfully planned, providing us with the chance to explore some unique businesses in the Lethbridge area. From this AGM, we brought forward a resolution that was presented to us and advanced it to Holstein Canada, aiming to introduce much-needed changes to the voting of cow of the year. As you will see in the Holstein Canada presentation, we played a significant role in ensuring that these changes were implemented. Although the process isn’t exactly where we’d like it to be yet, there have been notable improvements.
As the year progressed, we held our annual club relations meeting, which allowed us to engage directly and determine the future direction of Alberta Holsteins, guided by the grassroots hosting clubs. We deeply value this opportunity, as it encourages us to anticipate positive changes. Moving forward into the year, Alberta Holsteins remained highly active in sponsorship activities. We proudly sponsored the Best Bred and Owned category at the Dairy Congress held in Rimbey, as well as at the Red Deer Dairy Showcase in October. Additionally, we provided sponsorship to the Western Dairy Expo in Saskatoon, supported our Youth Dairy Show, and contributed to the WestGen Canadian Classic, which has become a cornerstone of our annual sponsorship efforts.
We also maintained our tradition of supporting various club shows throughout the year and organized two judging clinics—one in the spring in Rimbey and another in the fall in Red Deer. These clinics have become essential for nurturing our officials, with increasing attendance from aspiring judges and current officials advancing to higher levels. The growing number of young participants is particularly encouraging and bodes well for the future of our community.
In October, Holstein Canada hosted the Branch Relations meeting in Brantford, Ontario. During this gathering, we learned about new initiatives and the strategic direction of Holstein Canada moving forward. Through timely correspondence and the efforts of our national director, we raised concerns regarding classification procedures and show ethics. Thanks to these efforts, our classification rounds have expanded, allowing for four-month intervals and offering a two-month interval option to larger herds. While show ethics remains a challenging topic, progress continues, and we are hopeful for further advancements in the near future.
As the year drew to a close, I had the pleasure of attending numerous Christmas parties hosted by clubs across the province. These events are always special to me, offering a chance to celebrate club achievements and witness impressive production records from members’ animals. The future appears very promising, given the outstanding levels of achievement being reached. Nearing the end of my first year as president, Willem and I travelled throughout the province to attend all the annual general meetings of each club. The inspiring attendance and enthusiastic engagement from members across Alberta reaffirmed my belief in the strength and unity of our community. I am truly grateful to see such active participation and growing interest in the direction of our organization.
Looking ahead, I am optimistic that the coming year will be equally successful, filled with new opportunities for Alberta Holsteins. I am eager to continue collaborating with our dedicated directors and administrative staff along with our clubs throughout the province, and I look forward to attending as many events as possible to connect with our members. As always, we remain committed to seeking fresh ideas to support the growth and success of our organization.
Fred Hofstra
Holstein Canada appointed Greg Dietrich to the role of Chief Executive Officer, effective December 9, 2025.
With a lifetime of involvement in the dairy genetics and agricultural sector, Greg brings a deep and authentic understanding of producers and industry partners, strengthened by significant operational expertise and entrepreneurial leadership.
After obtaining his Agricultural degree, Greg began his career with Holstein Canada in business development, before moving to Semex where he held progressive roles in international sales and as Director, Internal Product Development. Beyond his corporate experience, Greg has led and worked with teams to build and operate innovative agricultural businesses, including Progenesis, a genetic nucleus company, and his family’s dairy and custom calfraising operation, Character Dairy Genetics, located in Mildmay, Ontario.
Greg currently serves as a Board Director with the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, representing more than 38,000 members province-wide. He has also dedicated 10 years to the Genetic Evaluation Board of Lactanet, including time as Chair, further strengthening his insight and leadership within the industry.
Bringing him full circle to Holstein Canada as CEO, Greg will provide meaningful leadership in implementing the new strategic plan and supporting the overall health and performance of the organization. His focus on open communication and strong relationship building with employees, members, producers and industry partners will be key to his leadership approach.
Conversationally fluent in French and continuously improving his spoken Spanish, Greg brings an approachable and collaborative leadership style that will engage our employees and members across the country.
Please join us in welcoming Greg Dietrich back to Holstein Canada.
The days of 2025 were very busy, and the year went by quickly.
Registrations are up by 6% this year, even though total memberships are down slightly. This shows us that our members find value in registering their herds and using the other services that Holstein Canada can provide. Many members are using the ConneXXion app to register their calves and to identify the genomics of the calves. Since it’s introduction, the app has become more user friendly to submit genotype tests, and to request replacement eartags. If you are considering genomic testing, we offer a Genomic Catch-Up Program (for a group of tests), and a bundle price for Holstein females registered and genotyped before 3 months of age.
Classification has been a valuable tool provided by Holstein Canada. This year, 15,966 animals were classified in Alberta, and the classifiers continue to email the end-of-visit report. Despite some changes to the classification program, over 150 qualifying herds in Canada have signed up for ‘Enhanced Classification’ where a classifier will visit every 2 months.
In 2025, Holstein Canada, to recognize their 100th year of service, sent a certificate to every farm that had produced 100 excellent cows. They hope to continue this award to recognize this dedication to producing excellence!
It’ll be interesting to see what will come of the awards changes for superior production and milk and component awards.
Holstein Canada continues its auto registration program, where every six weeks, a customer service representative from Holstein Canada can log into the farm computer and pull data to submit registrations. If you know someone who is interested to start registering or behind in registrations please let Toby Kleinsasser, field service representative know. He is always looking to help out and build strong relations.
Also available at tkleinsasser@holstein.ca or 519-865-4367
Hope to see lots of new and familiar faces at WCDS on March 10-13, 2026!
The Alberta Holstein Branch is deeply committed to fostering the next generation of dairy leaders. We are proud to sponsor and support the youth of Alberta, recognizing that their passion and innovation are the cornerstone of our industry’s future. By investing in these young trailblazers today, we are ensuring a vibrant and sustainable dairy community for years to come.
Our branch takes immense pride in donating True Type cow statues to every 4H Dairy club, a tradition we have maintained for decades. These statues represent a prestigious and long-standing award, which each club has the honor of presenting at their own discretion to recognize exceptional achievement.
From April 1 to 5, 2025, 30 young dairy enthusiasts aged 19 to 30 from all over Canada gathered in Halifax for Holstein Canada’s Young Leaders Convention Program. This year the Alberta Holstein Branch sponsored 5 delegates, Sharissa Dijkstra, Carmen Vogel, Sylvia Slingerland, Emily Nieuwland and Casey Morey. With a blend of technical learning, valuable networking, and cultural discoveries, participants departed more motivated than ever to engage in the dairy industry. For those who are still hesitant, this experience is truly worthwhile!
The Alberta Holstein Branch was happy to be a Silver sponsor at the Alberta Youth Dairy Show, July 22-24th in Rimbey AB, judged by Ridley Wikkerink,BC with ringman Silas de Lange. Grand Champion showman went to Izzy Staub, with Reserve Grand Champion showman going to Adyson Wildeboer.
Grand champion heifer of the show went to the first place fall heifer Lucky Chubanna Sparkle shown by Graison Wildeboer with reserve Grand Champion being second place, fall heifer Vedderlea Actionman Nigeria shown by Janaye Rietveld.
Photos by Jenna Jongenotter
The Alberta Holstein branch was also proud to have served as a Platinum Sponsor for the 2025 newly named ‘ Westgen Canadian Classic’, 39th Annual Formoola 1 Show (WCC), held this past August in Rimbey, Alberta. Huge congratulations to our Alberta host province committee on a flawless performance. The show ran seamlessly from start to finish, and the sheer quality of the event surpassed what any of us could have imagined. Alberta’s young dairy enthusiasts truly excelled on home soil, and we are honored to announce that Alberta was once again named the Premier Province for the 2nd year in a row. This top distinction, alongside many prestigious awards and individual successes that are listed below, highlights the incredible talent, dedication, and sportsmanship of our youth.
Grand Champion Calf
Sponsored by Alberta Holstein Association -Bramville Bright Krispie, Gabrielle Knouse, SK
Reserve Grand Champion Calf -Wendon Legend Dainty, Nicole Verhoef, AB
Honourable Mention Champion Calf -Lucky Chubanna Sparkle, Graison Wildeboer, AB
Grand Champion Showman- Natalie Boonstoppel, MB
Reserve Grand Showman- Hannah VanderLinde, AB
Premier Province 1st– Alberta 2nd- Saskatchewan 3rd – British Columbia 4th – Manitoba
Best of Three 1st- Alberta
High Point Participant 1st- Georgia de Lange, AB 5th- Nicole Verhoef, AB 6th- Wyatt Baas, AB 8th- Levi Congdon, AB 9th- Hannah Vanderlinde, AB
Logan Chalack Memorial Award Heart & Hustle Award Adyson Wildeboer, AB
Junior Overall Judge 1st- Keaton Wildeboer, AB 2nd- Georgia de Lange, AB 4th- Edwin Slingerland, AB 6th- Grayson Congdon, AB
Intermediate Overall Judge
1st- Wyatt Baas, AB
2nd- Silas de Lange, AB
3rd- Levi Congdon, AB
7th- Eve Luymes, AB
8th- Chloe Vanden Dool, AB
9th- Graison Wildeboer, AB
Senior Overall Judge
1st- Adyson Wildeboer, AB
2nd- Nicole Verhoef, AB
4th- Dorian de Lange, AB
10th- Gelsey Bikker, AB
Senior Clipping Results
2nd– Hannah Vanderlinde, AB
4th– Nicole Verhoef, AB
5th– Dorian de Lange, AB
Intermediate Clipping Results
1st– Levi Congdon, AB
2nd– Eleanor Slingerland, AB
Junior Clipping Results
1st– Keaton Wildeboer & Janaye Rietveld, AB
2nd– Georgia de Lange & Adair Hehli, AB
5th– Grayson Congdon & Wyatt Hehli, AB
Junior Dairy Science Quiz
1st- Georgia de Lange, AB
3rd- Edwin Slingerland, AB
4th- Hannah Baas, AB
7th- Keaton Wildeboer, AB
8th- Paisley Huisman, AB
9th- Karley de Goeij, AB
Intermediate Quiz
7th- Wyatt Baas, AB
8th- Chloe Vanden Dool, AB
10th- Eleanor Slingerland, AB
Senior Quiz
2nd- Adyson Wildeboer, AB
3rd- Nicole Verhoef, AB
9th- Dorian de Lange, AB
Wrapping up an amazing year for our youth , congratulations to our Team Canada who attended European Young Breeders School held in Battice, Belgium this September. Showing off their skills, teamwork, and true maple leaf spirit! From coast to coast, these six passionate young leaders made us proud on the international stage.
Huge congratulations to Alberta’s own Nicole Verhoef recieving the Leadership Award as you represented Canada with class and confidence!
Picture from Holstein Canada
Scholarship Recipients
The branch was able to give out two scholarships this year to successful candidates!
Dorian de Lange & Nicole Verhoef
2025 was a year of many responses to Alberta Holstein advertising. In our last annual report we had mentioned that the 2025 calendar would be our last. But at the 2025 AGM there was overwhelming feedback from both our calendar page advertisers as well as the membership that we should continue to try creating one. Our members share the calendar around the world to fellow breeders, friends, and past employees. Your board decided at the AGM to prioritize making 2026 happen and by the end of the day, thanks to Lee, the majority of calendar pages were spoken for. Much discussion during the year led to tightening the timeline in order to have the calendar printed to be available for the fall shows.
Our booth had also received comments that it disappeared amongst the booths of other exhibitors. We strive to keep our booth’s budget low, putting our emphasis into take home items that advertise Alberta Holstein breeders rather than the look of our booth. We did however, add a banner for the front of our booth and have changed its set up to make it stand out more. We also added the AB Master Breeder videos to our tv which many have appreciated and found a great addition. We are looking to expand this further in 2026. Our booth was present at the AGM, Western Canadian Dairy Seminar, Alberta Dairy Congress, Alberta Youth Dairy Show, and Westerner Dairy Showcase. Our new banner is in the ring at the shows that allow it.
The 2025 Alberta Holstein show season showcased the strength, quality, and dedication of breeders and exhibitors from across the province. From early spring through fall, cattle competed at several well-attended shows, highlighting outstanding animals, skilled judging, and strong youth involvement. Alongside the shows, the Alberta Holstein Association also hosted successful judging schools, providing valuable education opportunities and helping to develop the next generation of knowledgeable judges and industry leaders.
GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION OF JUDGES
In 2025, the Alberta Holstein Association hosted two judging clinics open to everyone, including 4-H participants and both official and aspiring judges. These clinics played an important role in providing invaluable insight, building knowledge, and keeping participants informed on current breed trends. The AHA would like to extend a sincere thank you to the volunteers who provided cattle and leadspersons, helping make these clinics possible.
ALBERTA DAIRY CONGRESS JUDGING CLINIC
The first judging school was held in conjunction with the Alberta Dairy Congress, with Jeff Stephens serving as the official judge. Drawing on his extensive experience breeding and owning high-quality cattle, Judge Stephens shared valuable insight gained from judging in many countries around the globe. Throughout the clinic, participants were encouraged to be confident in their decisions and to support their placings with clear reasons. Open discussion and debate allowed members to explore key points and current trends within the dairy industry. Attendance was strong, with a total of 28 participants, the majority being youth. It was heartwarming to see such enthusiastic involvement from the next generation of dairy leaders.
WESTERNER DAIRY SHOWCASE JUDGING CLINIC
In the fall, during the Westerner Dairy Showcase, a second judging clinic was led by Claire Swale. Once again, attendance
was strong, with many youth participants benefiting from a well-received showmanship demonstration provided by Judge Swale. She placed the classes and delivered detailed reasons, allowing attendees to learn through clear explanations and hands-on experience. Her accuracy and deep knowledge of the dairy industry resulted in a high average score across the group. A total of 47 participants took part, placing three classes of cattle and presenting their reasons.
JUDGE DEVELOPMENT & FUTURE INITIATIVES
Through continued involvement and participation in judging schools, the Alberta Holstein Association’s list of qualified judges continues to grow each year. In 2025, the Association was proud to recognize Casey Morey as an Official Judge for the Alberta Holstein Association.
Judging schools play an important role in keeping participants up to date year after year, and the Alberta Holstein Association strongly encourages everyone to take part. The knowledge gained through these clinics is not only valuable in the show ring, but also beneficial in day-to-day farm life.
Throughout 2025, the Alberta Holstein Association proudly supported Holstein shows and 4-H events across the province, demonstrating its strong commitment to the dairy industry and the next generation of producers. Through sponsorship of competitions, youth programs, and educational opportunities, the Association continues to invest in the present success and future growth of the Holstein breed in Alberta.
Looking ahead, Alberta Holstein will remain focused on developing showmanship judges through expanded education, mentorship, and hands-on training to ensure consistent, confident, and high-quality judging.
Everyone is welcome to participate in Association programs. Feedback is always appreciated, and the Association is exploring new ways to improve judge selection while reducing costs
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
- Lee Simanton- Ponoka- (403) 704-6692 lisalee.s@hotmail.com
- Joe Folkerts- Lousana- (403) 505-1604 jfolkerts87@gmail.com
- Lee Morey- Rochester- (780) 206-5164 morey.unique@gmail.com
- Chad Crest- Athabasca- (780) 689-9576 chad.crest@gmail.com
- Casey Morey- Rochester- (780) 307-5378 cmorey@ualberta.ca
ASPIRING JUDGES
- 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 k kozak@xplornet.ca
- Maxime Ten-have- Didsbury- (450) 501-5739 maximetenhave007@hotmail.com
The Green Acres Holstein Show was held in May in Taber, where Judge Garry Vanderpost, SK evaluated a strong lineup of 79 animals. Decoy Master Blacklight claimed the Grand Champion banner, with Nifera Sidekick Ensley named Reserve Grand Champion. Diamondpark Dairy had an outstanding day in the ring, capturing both Junior Champion and Reserve Junior Champion honours with Diamondpark Jerry Lewis Crave and Diamondpark Belive Jellied-P. The impressive showing also earned Diamondpark Dairy both the Exhibitor and Breeder banners.
In June, the annual Alberta Dairy Congress was held in Rimbey, Alberta, where Official Judge William Wikkerink, BC evaluated 62 Red & White and 97 Black & White Holstein entries. In the R&W division, Kozak Warrior Red Blaze was named Junior Champion, with Lucky Chubanna Sparkle earning Reserve Junior Champion honours. Continuing their success into the cow classes, Kozak Holsteins captured the Red & White Grand Champion banner with Kozak Aussie Red Ribbon P, while Hamming Unstopabull Red Aloha was named Reserve Grand Champion.
In the Black & White classes, Hamming Bullseye Sissy topped her class before going on to claim both Junior Champion and Supreme Champion Heifer honours, with Lucky Master Frosty named Reserve Junior Champion. Judge Wikkerink selected Skycrest Crush Snitch as his Black & White Grand Champion, who also went on to be named Supreme Champion of the show. The Intermediate Champion title and Reserve Grand Champion honours were awarded to Lucky Ashby Drama Queen.
The Central Alberta Holstein Club once again hosted their Mid-Summer Classic, welcoming Official Judge Casey Morey to evaluate a strong lineup of 66 head. Chubanna Holsteins enjoyed a banner day in the ring, capturing Grand Champion honours with Lucky Chubanna Sparkle and Reserve Grand Champion with Chubanna Jerry Lewis Vivian.
The Northern Alberta Holstein Club hosted their annual show with Official Judge Lee Morey officiating in the ring. It was an exciting day for the De Lange brothers, who topped the heifer classes with Junior Champion Detimdale Does Knowhow and Reserve Junior Champion Detimdale Dam Good Detective. Continuing her winning streak, Kozak Aussie Red Ribbon P was named Grand Champion, while New Mars Sidekick Adalyn earned Reserve Grand Champion honours.
Rounding out the 2025 show season was the Westerner Dairy Showcase National Show in Red Deer, where Official Judge Pat Lundy brought his experience and expertise to the ring to evaluate a strong lineup of 185 head. Robella Master Ellis, exhibited by Robella Holsteins, was named Junior Champion and went on to claim Supreme Champion Heifer honours. Westcoast Holsteins earned Reserve Junior Champion with MS MilkSource Jumanji, while Robella Major Sabrina was selected as Honourable Mention Junior Champion.
In the Red & White heifer division, the team of Mosnang Holsteins and Lin-Den Holsteins captured Junior Champion honours with Mosnang Have Too Go Show. The partnership of Chubanna Holsteins and Lucky Hill Dairy followed with Reserve and Honourable Mention Junior Champion awards for Lucky Chubanna Sparkle and Chubanna Lite It Up Crimson.
Intermediate Champion and HM Grand Champion was found with Chris-Adie Fuel Artichoke exhibited by Benbie Holsteins. Reserve Intermediate Champion was Sunspark Crushabull Snowapple from Skycest Holsteins and HM Intermediate Champion was Earincliffe Unix Destiny exhibited by Westcoast Holsteins.
Westcoast Holsteins enjoyed a standout performance in the Red & White division, exhibiting both the Intermediate Champion and Grand Champion with Intense Devour Ginger. Reserve Intermediate Champion honours were awarded to Myowming Nadie Kamara D1519, owned by T&L Cattle, while Kozak Holsteins captured both Honourable Mention Intermediate Champion and Honourable Mention Grand Champion with Kozak Miss Rodeo Red. The Reserve Grand Champion banner went to Kozak Warrior Bombshell Red, exhibited by the partnership of R&F Livestock and Walker Dairy.
It was double the banners and double the celebration for Wendon Holsteins, as Judge Lundy selected Wendon Solomon Alby as both Grand Champion and Supreme Champion of the show. Following her was Reserve Grand Champion, Wendon Lambda Devastate, owned in partnership by Wendon Holsteins, T&L Cattle, and Joel Phoenix.
Mosnang Holsteins captured both the Junior Premier Breeder and Exhibitor banners following an impressive showing throughout the day. The prestigious Premier Breeder banner was awarded to Crestomere Holsteins, while the Premier Exhibitor banner was claimed by the partnership of R&F Livestock and Walker Dairy.
The year started with the Alberta Holstein Association AGM and awards banquet in Lethbridge hosted by the Green Acres Holstein Club. At this awards night Decoy Holsteins (The van der Kooij Family) was named Alberta Breeder of the Year for 2024. Mars Dairy won the 2024 President’s Club Cow Award with Marsfield Denzel Kimmy EX-93-8E 5*, 179,000 KG Lifetime, 9 Superior Lactations, 9th Lactation BCA- 1063
At the Royal this year the 2025 Curtis Clark Achievement Award was presented to Herb Henderson- Hendercroft Holsteins, Ashton, ON. Herb is the 37th recipient of this national award established by the Alberta Holstein Association.
President’s Club Cow Award:
2025 Club Winners:
CRHC- Lovhill Kingboy Presence- Glen Felske
NAHC- New Mars Doorman PrincessLayla - New Mars Dairy
CAHC - Marsfield Denzel Kimmy- Mars Dairy
SAHC- Benthemmer Chelios Haven- Van Benthem Dairy
GAHC- Rietben Lis Royale- Nifera Holsteins
PAST WINNERS:
2024- Marsfield Denzel Kimmy- Mars Dairy
2023- Marsfield Denzel Kimmy- Mars Dairy
2022- Marsfield Denzel Kimmy- Mars Dairy
2021- Deerfield Lynx Pamela- Deerfield Colony
2020- Rockymountain Super Teatro- Innislake Dairy
2019- New Mars Sanchez Eastern- New Mars Dairy
2018- Prehlea Igniter Coltmar- Chubanna Holsteins
2017- Mosnang Lightning Bolt- Mosnang Holsteins
2016- Summerdshade Icellene Baxter- Lucky Hill & Skywest
2015- CRF Goldwyn Celine- Wendon Holsteins
2025 Club Winners
CRHC- Skycrest Holsteins- Rob & Sue, Chad, Katelyn Crest
NAHC- Myowming Holsteins- Wilbur & Linda Hofstra & Family
CAHC- Chubanna Holsteins-Andrew & Anna Wildeboer
SAHC- Ostara Holsteins- Jan & Ytje De Hann & Family
GAHC- Southern Skies Dairy Farm- Ivan Veurink
Past Winners:
2024- Decoy Holsteins- The Van der Kooij Family- Nobleford
2023- Crestomere Holsteins- Simanton Family- Crestomere
2022- Mosnang Holsteins- Hehli Family- Rimbey
2021- Mars Dairy- Schrijver Family- Stettler
2020- Van Benthem Dairy- van Benthem Family- Innisfail
2019- Skycrest Holsteins- Crest Family- Athabasca
2018- Wendon Holsteins- Chalack Family- Red Deer County
2017- Chubanna Holsteins- Wildeboer Family- Lacombe
2016- Mosnang Holsteins- Hehli Family- Rimbey
2015- Pol Butte Holsteins- Van Den Pol Family- Picture Butte
& Anna
At the age of 11 I had saved enough money working for my dads boss after school and weekends to buy a bred heifer from him, which at that time was only $200. She turned out to be the poorest heifer in the barn for both milk and type but she was mine and that’s all that mattered. Upon breeding her back, I had picked out a bull that I really liked for its markings. (That’s how little I knew about breeding) An ROP inspector redirected me to “ Lassie Leader” a popular bull from the late sixties. The resulting heifer became the highest producing two year old in dads barn that year and made some good improvements on type also.
Over the next few years, I was able to buy a few more heifers. In 1976 I bought a herd of 40 grade cows and quota, rented a farm, and set out on my own. In the early years cash was really tight but you could get young sire semen for next to nothing which made breed improvements a very slow process. We carried on and saw some light coming with breeding better cows which has led us to where we are today.
Two strong cow families:
Myowming Noralyn Baxter EX-90-9E 5* - Produced 146,000 kgs of milk in her lifetime. Left us with 9 daughters, 2 EX, 4 VG’s, along with 2 EX grand daughters and quite a number of production awards.
Myowming Wendy Ceo EX-90-3E 4*- Produced 105,000 kgs of milk in her lifetime. Had 2 EX daughters, one also a 4*, 2 VG daughters, one EX granddaughter. Also quite a number ofproduction awards.
We also have several other cow families that have done well for us. Our breeding plan is simple, “Try to improve every cow”.
Over the years we have spent time in 4-H, either as a participant or with our kids and now grandkids. We have also been involved in leading our church youth group for a good number of years, which we enjoyed very much. It involved quite a number of mission trips to different parts of the world. At present we are planning one for this spring to Kenya to work on a building project for an orphanage, along with 3 of our grandsons. After 60 years of working with dairy cows, I still enjoy the regular routine the barn requires and I’m still striving to breed better cows.
BREEDER OF THE YEAR- Country Roads Holstein Club- Skycrest Holsteins- Rob & Sue, Chad, Katelyn Crest
The Crest family operation is a 5th-generation farm that successfully balances a modern dairy facility, a substantial land base, and a reputable seedstock breeding program. Managed by partners Rob, Sue Chad, and Katelyn, The heart of the farm’s recent modernization is a newly constructed barn designed for cow comfort and efficiency. Herd Size: Approximately 100 milking cows, two 300 De Laval robotic milking system with Cow Manager Tags
The farm is 100% self-sufficient in forage, growing all necessary barley silage and alfalfa/grass hay onsite to ensure high-quality nutrition.Spanning 2,500 acres, the land base is strategically split between supporting the livestock and generating revenue through the cultivation of canola, wheat, barley and oats for the open market.
The farm maintains a significant presence in the cattle industry by marketing genetics. Selling approximately 35 breeding bulls ,and various milking females animals annually, signaling a high standard of herd health and genetic performance
Show Accomplishments 2025
• Bred and owned Overall Supreme Champion at Alberta Dairy Congress
• Bred and owned Reserve Intermediate Champion at Alberta Dairy Congress
• Bred and co-owned HM Junior Champion at Alberta Dairy Congress
• Bred and owned 2nd Winter 2Yr Old Western National Showcase Dairy Show
• Reserve Western Wrap -Up Winter 2 Yr old 2025
Breed Involvement
• Director -Alberta Holstein Branch- Chad
• Director-Country Roads Holstein Club- Chad
• Volunteer-Alberta Dairy Congress-Sue
• Sponsor -Westgen Canadian Classic, Athabasca 4H Beef Club ,Athabasca 4-H District
• Supported-Calves for the Cause Sale, Alberta Holstein Branch Calendar
Extra Achievements 2025
• Recieved Certificate from Holstein Canada for Classified over 100+ Skycrest bred EXCELLENT animals ,now at 140+ EXCELLENTS
• Recieved Quality Milk Award from Alberta Milk
• CRHC Milk Awards Night-Skycrest Holsteins Runner Up for Highest Rolling Herd Avg.
• Skycrest Price Tag Drillbit (owned by Aljans Farm) won Highest 1st Lactation BCA 428-436-440
• Acknowledge by Holstein Canada (Info Holstein Oct/Nov/Dec) that Skycrest Price Tag ranked in the Top 15 Sires with the first 10+ classified daughters in a 6 month period.
Skycrest has enjoyed an exceptional year, driven by the outstanding performance of our sire lineup across Western Canada. This year alone,15 different sires produced daughters that achieved top classification scores including: 6 VG 1st Lactation, 7 Excellent, 3 Multiple Excellent
BREEDER OF THE YEAR- Central Alberta Holstein Club- Chubanna Holsteins- Andrew & Anna Wildeboer & Family
It’s very much an honour to win the Central Alberta Holstein Club Breeder of the Year Award & in turn, be a contender for the Alberta Holstein Association Breeder of the Year. 2025 rewarded us with many meaningful achievements. We were super excited to travel to The Royal in November, 2024 & see 2 Chubanna-bred animals on the big stage. Chubanna Lucky Duck EX91 2E showed in the Red & White Mature Cow class, & Chubanna Amaethon Dionne in the Spring Yearling class. We were also able to watch Adyson win Reserve Champion showman in the Jersey Canada Youth Showmanship Competition.
Our 2025 show season started off strong with the Reserve Champion Red & White at the Alberta Dairy Congress with Lucky Chubanna Sparkle. Sparkle would continue to excel through the summer, winning Grand Champion at our Achievement Day/Open show, Grand Champion at the Alberta Youth Dairy Provincials, Honorable Mention at the Westgen Canadian Classic show, then finally Reserve Champion Red & White heifer at the Westerner Dairy Showcase. We’d also receive Honorable Mention Red & White heifer in Red Deer, with Chubanna Lite It Up Crimson.
The kids have had valuable opportunities to work for, & alongside other great western breeders, both at shows & on-farm. In addition to their show ring success, they were awarded in many competitive categories at both the Alberta Youth Provincials & the Westgen Canadian Classic youth show in August, earning Aggregate awards, showmanship awards, Top Senior & Junior overall judge, first in Junior clipping, as well as the Jamie Donahoe Memorial Award & Logan Chalack Memorial Heart & Hustle Award.
We continue to be active members in the Udderly Unique 4-H Dairy Club, as well as Woodynook CRC. The kids participate in both community & school sports & Andrew sits on the CAHC board as a director.
We attained 6 VG 2 year olds, 4 EX, 3 ME, & 9 Starbrood animals last year. Our herd breakdown: 8ME, 8EX, 63VG, 43GP, 7G. 61% VG or Better
Production honours in 2025 resulted in:
• 46 Superior Production awards, 6 Super 3’s, 1 Super 4
• 6 cows hitting the 60,000 kg mark, 4 at 80,000kg & 2 reaching 100,000kgs
Our RHA: 298-357-328 13790kg M 614kg F 485kg P
BREEDER OF THE YEAR- Southern Alberta Holstein Club- Ostara Holsteins- Johan & Ytje de Haan & Family
My wife and I moved from Holland to Denmark in 2004 to start our own dairy farm. Over the last 18 years, we owned 5 different dairies in western Canada. Buying, fixing and then selling has been a rewarding journey for us. In Canada most of the cows always moved with us. Ytje and I share the same passion for farming and always make decisions together. We have 4 sons, two of them love dairy farming, but the other two rather see all our cows going to the Royal Winterfair getting served as “Beef on a bun”!
In 2008 we started in Saskatchewan with a grade herd with zero info about birthdate, sire, pedigree or pregnant/open. Most of them did not even have an ear tag. In 2010 we bought half the 2x master breeder herd from Ken Lischka (prefix: Kenmar) and these days many of our good cows trace back to them. We slowly added other cow families to our herd.
These days we have quite a variety:
• Brookview Tony Charity
• Snow n Denises Dellia
• Walk up Lou Ella
• Glenridge Citation Roxy
• Markwell Blackstar Raven
• Crackholm Emory Fashion
• Wesswood Rudy Missy
• Stadacona Outside Abel
• Bosdale Portrait, L and E families
• Acme Star Lilly
• Continental “D” family
• Cheralta Commissioner Ruthy
• Quality BC Frantisco
• Benner Counselor Krissy
• K amps Hollow Altitude
• Larcrest Cowsmopolitan
• Braedale Gypsy Grand
• Ravenswell Lydia
• Irwindale Leduc Macy
• And several homebred families
We always bred 25-50 % of our cows and heifers to beef since our first day of farming. It has been the fastest and most profitable way to improve the herd.
Our youngest son is part of the Mountainview 4H dairy club and we are a member of the Southern Alberta Holstein Club, where I recently joined as a board member.
My grandfather used to strive in the 50’s – 70’s for great cows with both confirmation and production, and he sold breeding bulls to A.I. companies in Italy during that time. I believe I inherited the passion for breeding cows from him. Unfortunately, his dairy and cows were sold before I was born. I wasn’t born and raised on a dairy farm and people told me that I would never be able to have my own dairy farm. Ytje did grow up on a dairy farm and always wanted to farm as well. With the shared interest in farming and a loan from Ytje’s parents, we could buy our own farm in Denmark.
The most value we see in Holstein Canada is their classification service and use those results for better mating our cows. There is a strong correlation between conformation and lifetime production. Although every classifier has his/her own favorite type of cow, Holstein Canada is an independent organization who is classifying daughters from sires of all semen companies available in Canada. And it’s nice to see the awards they are giving out for the individual cow achievements.
As for the Alberta Holstein Association it is nice to have an organization for Alberta dairy farmers; only this way herds can be compared under similar circumstances and their involvement in shows and encouraging farmers to strive to do better and being more profitable.
We would like to thank the people involved in the SAHC for awarding us as “Breeder of the Year” and everyone involved at the A.H.A. for making this event happen. We wish the breeders of the other clubs good luck in this competition.
Thanks,
Johan & Ytje de Haan
Johan’s grandfather (left) with his Friesian-Holsteins, In 1961 he was placed first in the category “Group of 3”
BREEDER OF THE YEAR- Green Acres Holstein Club- Southern Skies Dairy Farm- Ivan Veurink
The whole team at Southern Skies Dairy is honoured to be recognized as Breeder of the Year for the Green Acres Holstein Club, especially given the many outstanding herds around us. As a smaller, 110-cow robotic dairy, we’ve always tried to make the most of what we have—building on the foundation laid by our parents, Ite and Jane Veurink, who entrusted us with the farm in 2008.
Our early genetic progress was made in collaboration with Northdale Dairy, and several of our cow families still trace back to those foundational animals. A significant turning point came in March 2021 when Bart Schuiling joined us as herdsman and took over day-to-day management and decision-making for the herd. Together, we renewed our focus on breeding problem-free, high-lactation cows, supported by an aggressive strategy that breeds only the top 25% of our animals to sexed Holstein, and the remaining 75% to angus. Focusing on high genomic animals we managed to register 34 animals in 2024 all have tested over 3500LPI.
We developed five- and ten-year goals with the help of Alec Tinga (mechanics/crops), Dirk Vanderkooi (Diamond Nutrition), Caleb Dibbit (veterinarian), and Bob Reck (Lactanet), and then worked backward to identify the changes needed to reach them. The process hasn’t always been easy, but this recognition is deeply meaningful. Full credit goes to every member of our team for the day-to-day attention to detail that makes all the difference—and to their families, who support them when late-night problems pull them away from home.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to install robotic feeding to help our cows express their full genetic potential. With a strong group of young stock coming on, we look forward to continuing to push improvement across the herd in the years ahead.
Some of the main cow families in our herd is offspring of our own “SUN” family that is not only a high producing but also a very high conformation family. Southsky 1517 EX-932E* (Silvio) is a great example of a cow we would like to build a better cow family from. Other families with offspring is the Barbies, Jacobs High Octane Babe, and numerus Progenesis offspring in our herd tracing back to bulls in @ Semex.
This year marked a lot of firsts for us. Highest number of VG 2YR olds we have ever had. First cow on our farm that score EX93 Southsky 1517.
• 8 Vg 2YR old
• 6 Ex cows
• 15 Superior production
• 2 Long time production
• 2 Star brood cows
• Current RHA 13020KGM F529 P409
• BCA 291-320-294
• 4ME 2EX 41VG 60GP 11G
2024 Herd management score 825
• We where 4th out of 79 Robot herds in AB
• 6th out of 96 herds in Lethbridge/Brooks
• 19 out of 262 herds in AB
We are a active members of the Green Acre Holstein Club. Bart is a leader of the Green Acres Dairy 4H Club. In September we hosted the GAHC Family BBQ and classifier evening, Rachel Schuiling (Barts wife) cooked a delicious meal for this evening attended by approx. 90 people. We are all active members in our churches leading Bible studies and attending regular meetings and visiting those in need.
Most valuable services fom Holstein Canada is registration, Classification and Genomic testing.
We started off the year by changing the name of the club to Country Roads Dairy Club. As a board we figured this name was more suited for our club because of all the different dairy breeds that are in our club.
This year we held four events:
1. A dairy talk morning with MNP and in the afternoon we went and looked at 4 equipment dealers in Westlock.
2. We held our 2nd annual golf tournament which was a great success.
3. In the fall we had a classification night at Unique Valleystream Genetics, big thanks to them for hosting and opening up their farm to our members.
4. Lastly we had our christmas party/awards/ 4-H achievement night. This is our biggest event of the year and this year was no different. Congrats to all the winners of the award!
Overall we were happy with how this year went and with all the involvement of our members. We enjoyed seeing new faces at our event and we hope this continues through the years to come. Lastly, I would like to thank all our sponsors, couldn’t host these events without you.
When I look back at this past year, what stands out most to me is the range and quality of events we were able to host together as a club.
We kicked things off with a Judging School at Detimdale Holsteins, which gave members, the Rollyview-4H and Udderly Unique 4H a great opportunity to sharpen their skills, ask questions, and learn in an open and supportive environment. Thank you to Detimdale Holsteins for hosting and opening their barn.
Our Classifier Night, also held at Detimdale Holsteins, was another highlight—always a valuable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the breed, learn about changes to the classification system and to have meaningful discussions around type, breeding goals, and long-term herd improvement.
The Golf Tournament which is a first swing at it after this event being gone for a decade for the club and was a great success to start. It was hosted at Triple Creek Golf Course in Millet, and the turnout and support showed there’s real interest in building this into an annual event. We hope to see everyone back there again this year.
Our Annual Dairy Millet Show was another strong moment for the club but without the cooperation of the 4H, clubs; Moos on the move, Rolly view and Udderly Unique this event
wouldn’t be what it turned out to be. The quality of cattle, the level of participation, and the teamwork behind the scenes made it a great success. Thank you to everyone that was involved and participated. Events like this don’t happen without a lot of dedication.
I’d also like to acknowledge the recipients of the Barn Cow Award, which was won by New Mars Avenger Imke (2nd Lactation) and Breeder of the Year, was won by Myowming Holsteins Wilbert Hofstra and Family. These recognitions are an important part of our club and highlight both outstanding animals and the dedication of the breeders behind them. Congratulations to these farms and all involved with their success.
I want to sincerely thank the board members for their time, honesty, and willingness to step up. This club only works because people volunteer their evenings and weekends, and that commitment does not go unnoticed.
Thank you as well to our members, sponsors, classifiers, and partners—your continued support keeps this organization relevant and strong.
2025 was an exciting and successful year for the Central Alberta Holstein Club. We started the year with the AGM at Thousandfields Dairy east of Blackfalds. Thanks to the Buters for hosting and letting us tour their facilities.
Central AB Holstein Club feels it is important to be engaged with the future dairy farmers, so we collaborate with the 4-H clubs to help host and advertise events. This spring we had a judging day at Thornspyc and this summer we fed the kids some breakfast at the Midsummer Classic Show.
We decided to no longer do a family bowling night but we had our second annual golf tournament at the Nursery Golf Club. The weather was great and thanks to DaveX Construction for sponsoring the carts. Corn silage season came a little too early this year but we still had a strong turnout at the fall BBQ we hosted at Milk and Honey Dairy. The club switched up the barn cow awards this year and announced the winner at the fall BBQ, thanks to Joe Folkerts for judging. We have a new top barn cow in Central Ab Jamado Alcove Shirley.
We look for longevity in cows; it was great to see some longtime breeders get their pins from Holstien Canada. 30 years for Marsfield, Stamm and Thornspyc. 40 years to MazyLake and Darcy and 50 years of breeding for Wendon.
Unfortunately, our club was hit with sadness when we learned of the passing of one of our former directors and excellent dairyman Richard Veldkamp, it was bittersweet to award his wife Katie with Highest production herd average award at our annual Christmas party. We wish her family all the best in their future endeavours.
We ended the year by throwing a big Christmas and awards banquet. It was great to see some colonies attend as well as a new younger generation. The number of cows that fill our awards pages is getting so long we cannot announce all of them or we wouldn’t have time for our Magician to perform. The producers in the central club continue to strive for better
genetics with 130 new VG 2 year olds and 97 first time excellent cows. The production numbers are also staggering with 51 cows with over 100,000 kg of milk. Leading the way by winning 4 of the production classes was Chubanna Holsteins and that earned them the trophy of Central Alberta Breeder of the Year.
On behalf of the whole Central Club, I’d like to thank all our sponsors, it wouldn’t be possible to have all the great events without them. 2026 is already looking like memorable year for two herds in the Central Club. Congratulations to Mosnang Holsteins and Crestomere Holsteins for earning their master breeder shields. It’ll be hard to top 2025 with all those incentive days and high cattle prices but 2026 is starting off right.
I’m honoured to release the President’s Report for the SAHC again today. I’d like to again welcome our new members joining last year, Maxime Ten Have & Janine Spichtig, you guys have been a crucial part of club. Max has brought a lot of the breed & classification aspects to our club with his knowledge in genetics and shows, etc. Janine has brought an outside viewpoint which is really nice, coming from the Jersey world and giving us ideas on how clubs host in her hometown in Ontario.
Since we met all together for the AGM last year at the Legion, we’ve had another busy year. Liza and myself attended the AHA AGM in Lethbridge last year to represent our club. We had a couple tours of Optimum Bins and Little Gem Winery. We supported our 2024 Breeder of the Year, September Dairy and fellow producers while down there.
For the 2025 AGM, we’re excited to send Ricki and Janine to Nisku to support our 2025 Breeder of the Year, Ostara Holsteins. Their achievements this year include 6x EX or ME Cows, 8x Star Brood cows, 4x Superior Production Awards, 7x 60,000kg, 3x 80,000kg, and 3x 100,000kg production awards, and 1 Super Award. They have a rolling herd average of 816 points. Within their herd, there is 34.7% of their herd classified as VG or higher, and 81.2% as GP or higher. Their family also participated in the Barn Cow Competition and hosted us all for Classification Night. We’re delighted to have the DeHaan Family in our club and are looking forward to seeing how they do at the AHA Banquet and Awards night.
We were able to host a curling night in late February, Bowling Night in April, Golf Day in July, Classification Night in September, Barn Cow Competition in October, then our Awards Banquet in December.
We’d like to thank all our members and industry partners and sponsors especially for making all these events possible, and we’re looking forward to another great year
Mikayla Davis
Our year started off with the AGM on January 24, 2024 at Luigi’s. Nominations were held for two board positions. Tim Hummel and Ard van der Kooij will serve a three-year term.
Our executive for 2025 is:
Tim Hummel – President
William Slomp – Vice president
Ard van der Kooij – Treasurer
Justin Weiss – Secretary
Randy Slomp – AHA Rep.
Board directors are: Alan Oudshoorn, Clarence Slingerland and John Muller.
In February the Alberta Holstein Association AGM was held in Lethbridge hosted by the GAHC. Fred Hofstra was elected President and Randy Slomp as vice-president of Alberta Holstein. Tours were held and enjoyed by those that attended. Thank you goes out to Prairie Hill Farms, Optimum Bins and Little Gems Winery for allowing us to tour their facilities.
We hosted a bowling night in February. An enjoyable time was had by all those who attended. Our annual awards night was at the Coast Hotel on March 21,2024. There was an excellent turn out and the evening was enjoyed by all.
In April the Holstein Canada AGM was held in Nova Scotia
May 2024 our local show was held at the Taber Agra-plex. Thank you goes out to all the exhibitors for the time and effort to put on a good show. Grand Champion this year was Decoy Master Backlight exhibited by Van Der Kooij Dairy.
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 part to the success of their operation. There are five classes in this competition. 1st, 2nd, 3rd and mature as well as an 80 000 kg class. The overall winner was the 3rd lactation winner Marylander Artison Hello 1090, Marylander Holsteins. The judge for this event was Lee Simanton, 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 Southern Sky Dairy. Thank you goes out to our meal sponsors Nutri-source and Penner Farm Supply. As well a big thank you goes out to Rachael and Bart Schuiling for preparing the meal. It was great to see so many breeders come out and support this event.
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 Southern Sky Dairy is our nominee for AHA Breeder of the Year and for AHA Presidents cow award is Rietben Lis Royale, Nifera Holsteins. Best wishes as you move on to the Provincial level.
I would like to extend an invitation to everyone to attend the Alberta Holstein Association AGM hosted by Northern Alberta Holstein Club on Friday February 6, 2024 at the Holiday Inn Express, Nisku.
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.
