Canadian Blonde d'Aquitaine Association Connection Magazine 2023

SHOWS IN 2022

BREEDER OF THE YEAR

Canadian londe d’Aquitaine ASSOCIATION

2023 BOARD of DIRECTORS

PAUL FERGUSON | President

21 Crystal Rd. RR 3, Jasper, ON, K0G 1G0

P: 613-275-2422 | E: ferguson.maryellen@gmail.com

NICHOLAS BOYD | Vice President

56-35 Mountford Dr, Guelph, ON, N1E 0G6

P: 519-835-9099 | E: oneoakblonde@gmail.com

REED RIGNEY | Secretary

Box 5959, Westlock, AB, T7P 2P7

P: 780-348-5308 | E: rigney@clearwave.ca

LISA LEDUC | Treasurer

1511 River Rd. Manotick, ON, K4M 1B4

P: 613-447-2483 | E: lisal.leduc@gmail.com

DAVID KAMELCHUK

Box 32 Ellscott, Alberta, T0A 1B0

P: 780-675-1227 | E: littlecreekagroforestry@gmail. com

JEREMY DEWEERD

308 Bruyea Rd. Wooler, ON, K0K 3M0

P: 613-661-0063 | E: jardeweerd@hotmail.com

NICOLE BAKER

1050 Scugog Line 14, Sunderland, ON L0C 1H0

P: 905-985-0563 | E: nshadorsky@yahoo.ca

PAUL FEE

6211 Line 9 North, Waubaushene, ON L0K 2C0

P: 705-835-2581 | E: feehavenfarms@hotmail.com

JANE SCHIESTEL

1428 Bruce Rd 6E RR 3, Mildmay, ON, N0G 2J0

P: 519-367-3291 | E: janes@wightman.ca

PROVINCIAL Contacts

WESTERN CANADA

Reed Rigney Phone: 780-348-5308

Email: rigney@clearwave.ca www.canadianblondeassociation.ca/altabc.html

Pat Filz Phone: 306-634-2174

Email: fortyacreblondes@sasktel.net

ONTARIO

Dave Payne Phone: 613-859-9870

Email: bark.farms@gmail.com

https://canadianblondeassociation.ca/ontario

QUEBEC

Maureen Landry Phone: 819-336-3966

Email: blondaquitaineqc@hotmail.com

https://canadianblondeassociation.ca/quebecfr

The official publication of the CANADIAN BLONDE D’AQUITAINE ASSOCIATION

c/o Canadian Livestock Records Corporation

2417 Holly Lane, Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0M7

Phone: 613-731-7110 | Fax: 613-731-0704

Email: cbda@clrc.ca

Web: www.canadianblondeassociation.ca

PUBLISHER

The Canadian Blonde d’Aquitaine Association

EDITOR / ART DIRECTOR

ASHLEY DAWN DESIGNS

Phone: 306-741-3324

Box 20 Site 7 RR1, Wymark, SK S0N 2Y0

Email: ashdawndesigns@gmail.com

The Canadian Blonde d’Aquitaine Association is not responsible for any claims made in an advertisement appearing in this magazine.

COVER: Photo courtesy of Samantha Ferguson

M E M B E R S H I P

If you would like to continue to receive the Blonde Connection (each April), please update your membership for 2023.

TO BECOME A MEMBER OR UPDATE YOUR MEMBERSHIP

Mail your membership fees, identify the type of membership and breed of cattle to:

Canadian Livestock Records Corporation

2417 Holly Lane Ottawa, Ontario K1V 0M7

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 2022-2023

Back Row Nicholas Boyd, Dave Kamelchuk, Jeremy Deweerd, Reed Rigney, Nicole Baker

Front Row Paul Fee, Paul Ferguson, Lisa Leduc, Jane Schiestel

I’m famous for checking my phone every morning to see what the weather is going to do that day. Mother nature will make you or break you in the farming industry. Here in Eastern Ontario, you could not ask for a better summer last year. Plenty of rain, evenly spaced out, which made plenty of feed. Even, January we had the perfect temperatures for calving. Shouldn’t be any short ears from January calves this year!

Every Sunday morning I start my morning off by watching “This Week in Agribusiness’’. It is an American show that reports on the weather & the economy’s future. For the weather they are showing the drought conditions improving across the heartland & prairies. The USA report on the cattle industry looks promising, with the herds liquidating over the past couple of years, it has made a shortage of cow numbers. With the high demand of consumers wanting to eat beef, this should put pressure on the packers and feeders to pay a premium for your calves. Some analysts are predicting in the next couple of years, we will see prices higher than ever seen in the past.

I know this sounds like a broken record but sometimes you need to read it or hear it several times for it to sinkin. If you have a bull that doesn’t do a good job for you, then replace him with the best bull you can afford. Half the genetics from your calf crop comes from your bull, so don’t skimp on what can add so much value for you. You take pride in your herd, so continue to improve the quality you’re taking to the market. You will be rewarded financially, as well as your pride.

I remember reading an article one time that quotes: “Only a rich man can afford a poor bull.” Good luck in calving and let’s hope what they are predicting comes true!

CBdAA President,

J’ai l’habitude de vérifier mon téléphone

chaque matin pour voir ce que la météo va faire ce jour-là. Dans l’industrie agricole, c’est Mère nature qui détermine la réussite ou l’échec. Ici, dans l’Est de l’Ontario, on ne pouvait pas rêver d’un meilleur été l’an dernier. Des pluies abondantes et uniformément réparties ont permis de produire beaucoup de fourrage. Même en janvier, nous avons eu les températures parfaites pour le vêlage. Les veaux de janvier ne devraient pas avoir les oreilles courtes cette année!

Chaque dimanche, je commence le matin en regardant « This Week in Agribusiness ». C’est une émission américaine qui fait le point sur la météo et l’avenir de l’économie. En ce qui concerne la météo, ils montrent que les conditions de sécheresse s’améliorent dans les régions centrales et les prairies.

Le rapport américain sur l’industrie bovine semble prometteur. La liquidation des troupeaux au cours des deux dernières années a entraîné une pénurie du nombre de vaches. Cette situation, combinée à la forte demande des consommateurs qui veulent manger du bœuf, devrait pousser les conditionneurs et les engraisseurs à payer une prime pour vos veaux. Certains analystes prédisent qu’au cours des deux prochaines années, nous verrons des prix plus élevés que jamais dans le passé.

Je sais que cela ressemble à un disque rayé, mais il faut parfois le lire ou l’entendre plusieurs fois pour qu’il soit bien compris. Si vous avez un taureau qui ne fait pas un bon travail pour vous, alors remplacez-le par le meilleur taureau que vous pouvez vous permettre. La moitié de la génétique de vos veaux provient de votre taureau, alors ne négliger pas sur ce choix qui peut vous apporter tant de valeur ajoutée. Vous êtes fier de votre troupeau, alors continuez à améliorer la qualité que vous mettez sur le marché. Vous serez récompensé financièrement, ainsi que par votre fierté.

Je me souviens avoir lu un article une fois qui citait : « Seul un Paul Ferguson

UPDATES FROM THE BOARD / DES MISES À JOUR DU CONSEIL D’ADMINISTRATION

Canadian londe d’Aquitaine ASSOCIATION

• An on-line Breeders Map is available. If you wish to have your farm included please contact CBDA Board member Jane Schiestel. The link can be found on the CBDA webpage or by copying and pasting the following address into your web browser. https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1Hh3gsn67zB0qyklVLCbbBdv6uBiwahb&usp=sharing

• Over the past two years there have been several instances where Breeders have had issues registering their AI sired calves. The issues are due to the lack of a SNP parentage profile for the AI sires in question. Fullblood and Embryo Transplant animals must be parentage verified using SNP if at all possible. Before you make AI breeding plans:

Check the SNP status of the sire - Fullblood or Embryo Transplant offspring of the sire are required to be parentage verified. This could include a Purebred or Percentage sire if he is used for an Embryo Transplant project.

We encourage you to use the sire list available on the CBDA website. You can also check the CLRC on-line pedigree pages to see if the sire in question has a SNP profile in place. If you have further questions reach out to CBDA Board member Dave Kamelchuk.

If the AI sire doesn’t have a SNP profile, and you wish to register his Fullblood or Embryo Transplant offspring, you will be responsible for any costs associated with obtaining the SNP profile including semen donation and testing costs.

A full or partial straw/vial of semen can be sent for testing. The lab (Neogen) does have small plastic vials that can be used to collect a small portion of the semen prior to breeding the cow, while the bulk can be used for insemination, so you don’t “lose” the entire straw/vial.

Work with other breeders as several have extensive semen collections, and may be willing to donate a straw for testing. This has worked well in the past with one donating the semen and the other paying for the test.

SNP profiles for French AI sires can be requested from France, and in most cases the sire does not require re-testing in Canada.

• By-laws passed at the 2021 Annual General Meeting have been approved by Agriculture Canada. Important changes you will need to know:

The grading up table will not be used moving forward. Blonde genetic content will be calculated using percentages rounded to one decimal place.

Fullblood and Purebred animals will remain separate classes although Purebred animals will be able to reach 100% due to rounding.

Graded up animals that are 90% or more will be considered Purebreds.

Graded up animals that are 45%, but below 90% will be considered Percentage. Bulls must be above 70% Blonde breeding to be eligible for registration. Bulls of other breeds can be used as the sire on the first cross (F1), and resulting female calves can be registered provided they are above 45% Blonde breeding. Animals will be noted with the terms Fullblood, Purebred or Percentage along with their blood percentage on their registration papers and the on-line pedigree pages. Random parentage testing of Purebred and Percentage animals has been increased to 1 out of every 10 animals when you apply for registration. In the past it was 1 per 100, and done on Purebred animals only. All Fullbloods must still be parentage verified upon registration.

The randomly selected animal, and the parents that do not already have SNP profiles will have test costs paid for by the Canadian Blonde d’Aquitaine Association. Any randomly selected animal whose parentage cannot be proven will be considered ineligible for registration and the breeder will pay all costs. The Breeder will also need to parentage test the next animal they wish to register, and should that animal also fail further action will be taken the CBDA.

It is good practice to collect hair samples from cows prior to culling if you have not yet registered their offspring. If the offspring is flagged for random testing and you cannot prove parentage, the offspring will not be eligible for registration. If you have any questions regarding these changes please contact Board Secretary Reed Rigney.

• Une carte des éleveurs en ligne est disponible. Si vous souhaitez y figurer, veuillez contacter Jane Schiestel, membre du conseil d’administration du SCBA. Le lien peut être trouvé sur la page Web du SCBA ou en copiant et collant l’adresse suivante dans votre navigateur Web. https://www.google.com/maps/d/ edit?mid=1Hh3gsn67zB0qyklVLCb-bBdv6uBiwahb&usp=sharing

• Au cours des deux dernières années, il y a eu plusieurs cas où des éleveurs ont eu des problèmes pour enregistrer leurs veaux issus d’insémination artificielle (IA). Ces problèmes sont dus à l’absence d’un profil de parenté d’ADN (méthode moléculaire SNP) pour les taureaux d’IA en question. Les animaux Fullblood et de transplantation embryonnaire doivent être vérifiés par un profil d’SNP si possible. Avant de faire des plans d’élevage par IA :

Vérifiez le statut ou profil d’SNP du taureau- Les descendants du taureau, qu’ils soient Fullblood ou issus d’une transplantation embryonnaire, doit faire l’objet d’une vérification de parenté. Il peut s’agir d’un taureau Pursang ou d’un taureau à pourcentage s’il est utilisé pour un projet de transplantation d’embryons.

Nous vous encourageons à utiliser la liste de taureaux disponible sur le site Web de la Société canadienne Blonde d’Aquitaine (SCBA). Vous pouvez également consulter les pages de la généalogie en ligne de la Société canadienne d’enregistrement des animaux (SCEA) pour voir si le taureau en question a un profil SNP en place. Si vous avez d’autres questions, n’hésitez pas à contacter Dave Kamelchuk, membre du conseil d’administration de la SCBA.

Si le taureau d’IA n’a pas de profil d’SNP et que vous souhaitez enregistrer sa progéniture Fullblood ou issus d’une transplantation embryonnaire, vous serez responsable de tous les coûts associés à l’obtention du profil d’SNP, y compris le don de sperme et les coûts des tests.

Une paillette ou un flacon de sperme complet ou partiel peut être envoyé pour être testé. Le laboratoire (Neogen) dispose de petits flacons en plastique qui peuvent être utilisés pour la collecte d’une petite portion de sperme tandis que le reste de la paillette peut être utilisé pour l’insémination, de sorte que vous ne “perdez” pas la paillette entière.

Travaillez avec d’autres éleveurs, car plusieurs d’entre eux disposent de vastes collections de sperme, et peuvent être disposés à donner une paillette pour le test d’SNP. Cela a bien fonctionné dans le passé quand l’un a donné la semence et l’autre a payé le test.

Les profils d’SNP pour les taureaux d’IA français peuvent être demandés de la France, et dans la plupart des cas, le taureau n’a pas besoin d’être testé à nouveau au Canada.

• Les règlements adoptés lors de l’assemblée générale annuelle de 2021 ont été approuvés par Agriculture Canada. Voici des changements importants que vous devrez connaître :

• Le tableau de classement ne sera plus utilisé à l’avenir. Le contenu génétique blond sera calculé en utilisant des pourcentages arrondis à une décimale.

Les animaux Fullblood et Pursang resteront des classes séparées, bien que les animaux Pursang puissent atteindre 100 % en raison de l’arrondissement.

Les animaux classés à 90 % ou plus seront considérés comme des animaux Pursang.

Les animaux classés à 45 %, mais inférieurs à 90 %, seront considérés comme des animaux à pourcentages.

Les taureaux doivent être classer avec un taux supérieur à 70% pour être éligible à l’enregistrement.

Des taureaux d’autres races peuvent être utilisés comme père lors du premier croisement (F1), et les génisses (veaux femelles qui en résultent) peuvent être enregistrés à condition qu’elles soient supérieurs à 45%.

Les animaux seront notés avec les termes Fullblood, Pursang ou à Pourcentage avec leur pourcentage de contenu du sang blond sur leurs papiers d’enregistrement et les pages généalogiques en ligne.

Les tests de parenté des animaux Pursang et à pourcentage choisi au hasard ont été augmentés à 1 sur 10 animaux lors de la demande d’enregistrement. Auparavant, il était de 1 animal sur 100, et n’était effectué que sur les animaux Pursang. Tous les animaux Fullblood doivent toujours faire l’objet d’une vérification de parenté lors de l’enregistrement. L’éleveur devra également tester la filiation du prochain animal qu’il souhaite enregistrer, et si cet animal échoue également, d’autres mesures seront prises par la CBDA.

L’animal choisi au hasard et les parents qui n’ont pas encore un profil d’SNP verront les coûts des tests payés par la Société canadienne Blonde d’Aquitaine. Tout animal sélectionné au hasard, dont la parenté ne peut être prouvée, ne sera pas éligible à l’enregistrement et l’éleveur paiera tous les coûts des tests.

Si vous avez des questions concernant ces changements, veuillez contacter le secrétaire du Conseil, Reed Rigney.

ONTARIO & THE MARITIMES

Hello from Ontario and the Maritimes, hopefully everyone who calves early is having a good calving season so far. We haven’t had to use our hot box or calf ear warmers yet this year, but i’m knocking on wood while I write this as winter and calving isn’t over yet. Shane and Nicole Baker of Shelbramack Blondes hosted the OBDA picnic last summer in Sunderland, ON. They did a fantastic job and everyone had a great time. You can’t go wrong with good people, good food and lots of nice cattle. We’re looking for somewhere to pull out the fold out chairs this year so anyone wanting to hold the 2023 Blonde picnic please contact Nicholas Boyd.

We also had our 22nd Annual Cream of the Crop Sale that was held at Hoards Station in Campbellford, ON held in conjunction with the Canadian Blonde Association’s AGM. There weren’t any fires at the hotel this year but the sale was hot! Thanks to all the volunteers that gave up their time to ensure the sale went off without a hitch. (I have to do this -Thanks Dad and Uncle Barry!) We had Over the Top Cattle Company on the block, in the ring and on the phone and we hope to see them back next year! We also had a heifer donated by John Langstaff to raise money for the Ontario Blonde d’Aquitaine Association, which did very well and is very much appreciated. I can’t say enough about the generosity of our Blonde breeders! One more special thanks to Nicholas Boyd. The amount of time he put into calls and making sure that everything was in order for the sale to proceed is astonishing and I for one appreciate it.

On to business, please mark March 26th, 2023 on your calendars as we are holding the Ontario & Maritimes AGM via ZOOM. Call to order will be at 1:00 pm EST. Information to attend the meeting will be provided on the Ontario Blonde d’Aquitaine Facebook page. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone.

Crystal Farms 2022/2023 Bull Test will be completed by the end of March 2023. Bull Tests are a great way to show off our Blonde Bull’s ability to gain, so anyone wanting to place an animal in the 2023/2024 Bull Test, please contact Paul Ferguson.

Once again a road map for our advertising program is laid out and underway, the aim being to highlight The Blonde Breed along with specific farms in beef magazines across Ontario and Canada. Anyone wanting to place an Ad for their Farm in these various beef magazines, please contact; a board member.

All the Best!

Bonjour de la part de l’Ontario et des Maritimes, J’espère que tous ceux qui vêlent tôt ont jusqu’à présent une bonne saison de vêlage. Nous n’avons pas encore eu à utiliser notre boîte chaude ou nos chauffe-oreilles pour les veaux cette année, mais je touche du bois pendant que j’écris ceci, car l’hiver et la saison de vêlage n’est pas encore terminée.

Shane et Nicole Baker de Shelbramack Blondes ont organisé le pique-nique de l’ OBdAA l’été dernier à Sunderland, en Ontario. Ils ont fait un travail fantastique et tout le monde s’est bien amusé. Vous ne pouvez pas vous tromper avec de bonnes personnes, de la bonne nourriture et beaucoup de beau bétail. Nous cherchons un endroit où placer les chaises pliantes cette année, alors si vous voulez organiser le pique-nique des Blondes de 2023, veuillez contacter Nicholas Boyd.

Nous avons également organisé notre 22e vente annuelle de la Cream of the Crop, qui a eu lieu à Hoards Station à Campbellford, ON, en collaboration avec l’AGM de l’Association Blonde Canadienne. Il n`y a pas eu de feu à l`hôtel cette année mais la vente était brûlantes! Merci à tous nos volontaires qui ont donné de leur temps pour que la vente se déroule sans problèmes. (Je dois le faireMerci à Papa et mon oncle Barry!) Nous avions Over the Top Cattle Company sur la plate-forme, dans l’arène et au téléphone et nous espérons les revoir l’année prochaine! Nous avons également eu un don d’une génisse par John Langstaff pour lever des fonds pour de l`Association Blonde d’Aquataine Ontarienne (OBdAA). Celle-ci a eu on bon prix et les fonds prélevés sont très appréciés. Je ne peux pas en dire assez sur la générosité de nos éleveurs de Blondes! Un autre merci spécial à Nicholas Boyd pour le temps qu’il a consacré sur des appels téléphoniques et à s’assurer que tout était en ordre pour que la vente se déroule est étonnant et, pour ma part, je l’apprécie. Parlons maintenant d’affaires, veuillez noter le 26 mars 2023 sur vos calendriers, car nous accueillons l’AGM de l’Ontario et des Maritimes via ZOOM. La réunion aura lieu à 13:00 HNE. Les renseignements sur la façon de participer à la réunion seront fournis sur la page Facebook de l’Association Blonde d’Aquitaine de l’Ontario. J’ai hâte de voir tout le monde.

Le test des taureaux 2022/2023 de Crystal Farms sera terminé à la fin du mois de mars 2023. Les tests de taureaux sont un excellent moyen de montrer la capacité de gain des taureaux Blonds. Si vous souhaitez placer un animal dans le test de taureaux 2023/2024, veuillez contacter Paul Ferguson.

Une fois de plus, un guide pour nos programmes de publicité est établi et en cours, le but est de mettre les Blondes et des fermes spécifiques dans les magazines de boeuf partout en Ontario et au Canada. Tous ceux qui veulent une publicité pour leur ferme dans les divers magazines, veuillez communiquer avec: un membre du conseil.

Toutes les meilleures!

Dave Payne

DONALEEN JACKPOT WAS HIGHEST GAINING BULL ON TEST IN CANADA. HE ALSO WON GRAND NATIONAL CHAMPION.

We accept files created with or convertible to the following software: QuarkXPress, Adobe lnDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator. These can include PDF, PNG, JPEG, GIF. Microsoft Office programs such as PowerPoint, Word or Publisher are not considered true graphic programs and cannot be processed for printing. Corel Draw files must be exported as EPS or Adobe Illustrator files.

Do you have any great photos of your Blondes? Do you enjoy taking photos? This is your chance to grab your camera and capture that perfect pose.

font styles, will render manipulated text must converted must both COLOR

SOFTWARE GUIDELINES

QuarkXpress / InDesign: Be sure to include all linked elements (images, logos, etc.) and fonts that you have used in the document. Make sure colors are defined as CMYK, and process color, not spot.

The Canadian Blonde d’Aquitaine Association is building a library of pictures that can be used on the website and in upcoming newsletters. What a great way to expose our Blonde cattle to the world! Each month one eligible winning photograph will be selected, and the winner will receive a $25 credit towards their next fullblood or purebred registration.

Photoshop: We use Photoshop to edit and correct all photographic images and complex illustrations. As with all submitted work, images should be sized and cropped to final size. Images should be in CMYK format with a resolution of 300 dpi or greater at 100% of size. Avoid using low resolution images. Graphic files originally created for internet use cannot be used effectively for printing.

All images Screens creating are converted (this includes All PMS automatically for printing. RESOLUTION Design

• Don’t cut off the head, feet, butt, nose! Don’t crop your photo -- let your ad designer or webmaster crop the picture to give the best possible design for each individual situation.

• When you think you have the picture just right, take two steps back. Give your designer lots to work with.

• Remember to identify your photographer or include a brief description of the shot.

• You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression. Make sure you take those pictures at a high enough resolution so your printer doesn’t have any trouble getting them ready for your next brochure or magazine ad. Remember, for a chance to win a $25 registration credit and see your photo in a Blonde publication or on the Blonde website, take your camera the next time you go to check on the fences!

• Include a complete shot of animal in photo (including feet, tail and full head if possible).

• Limit of five pictures submitted per operation per calendar month.

• All photos submitted become the property of the Canadian Blonde d’Aquitaine Association and the Association will be able to use them accordingly (photo credit will be provided when possible).

• The Canadian Blonde d’Aquitaine Board reserves the right to not have a winner if it is deemed no picture is eligible in a particular month, and the decision is final.

PHOTO CRITERIA

PHOTO TIPS

WESTERN CANADA

DUSTY ACRE BLONDES

Dave Rounds, Shellie Wolfe & Kaylyn Rounds

RR 2 Site 4 Comp 1

Dawson Creek, BC, V1G 4E8 250-782-8565 dustyacreblondes@outlook.com http://dustyacreblondes.com

UPPER CACHE & KAM BLONDES

Ross, Karl & Ann Musgrove

Box 106 Charlie Lake, BC, V0C 1H0 250-262-3278

LITTLE CREEK FARMS

David & Janet Kamelchuk

Box 216 Colinton, AB, T0G 0R0 780-675-1227 littlecreekagroforestry@gmail.com

WILLOW SPRINGS

STOCK FARM

Reed Rigney

Box 5959 Westlock, AB, T7P 2P7 780-348-5308 rigney@clearwave.ca http://www.wsscattle.ca

FORTY ACRE BLONDES

Don Mehler & Pat Filz PO Box 418 Lampman, SK, S0C 1N0 306-634-2174 fortyacreblondes@sasktel.net

2023 CANADIAN BLONDE D’AQUITAINE

BUNDA BLONDES

Andrew Bunda

ONTARIO

ACRES FARMS

Steven Acres 2166 McGee Side Rd, Carp, ON, K0A 1L0 613-836-4190 stevenjacres@sympatico.ca

OVER THE TOP CATTLE CO.

Ashley McNevan & Tyler Sutcliffe

290 Farmers Rd Pontypool, ON, L0A 1K0 705-868-6814 overthetopcattle@gmail.com

BUTTERNUT BLONDES

Murphy & Judy Baker 2583 3rd Line Asphodel Norwood, ON, K0L 2B0 705-639-1418 bakerblondes@i-zoom.net

SHELBRAMACK BLONDES

Shane Baker 1050 Scugog Line 14, Sunderland, ON, K0C 1H0 905-985-0563 nshadorsky@yahoo.ca

BAR K FARMS

Dave Payne and Lisa Leduc 1511 River Rd

Manotick, ON K4M 1B4 613-859-9870 bark.farms@gmail.com

JAE ACRES

Harry & Elizabeth

Bouwmeester

819 Old Hwy 8 Box 312 Rockton, ON, L0R 1X0 519-647-2354

ONE OAK BLONDES

8310 Mitch Owens Rd Edwards, ON, K0A 1V0 613-822-0293 andrew.m.bunda@gmail.com

STONEWALL FARMS

Jeremy & Rachel DeWeerd 308 Bruyea Rd Wooler, ON, K0K 3M0 613-661-3036 jardeweerd@hotmail.com

BRILEEN HILL FARMS

Brian Down 460 Down Rd RR 3 Trenton, ON K8V 5P6 613-392-7052 bdown@bell.net

MAPLE DOWN FARMS

Mervyn & Gail Downey

Stephen Downey

RR 2, Pakenham, ON, K0A 2X0 (M) 613-624-5346 m.downey@sympatico.ca (S) 613-624-5030 spencdowney@sympatico.ca

FOREST VIEW FARMS

Rick Drinkill

16643 County Rd 27 Elmvale, ON, L0L 1P0 705-322-1757

FRANMAR BLONDE FARM

Darren Dunham RR 4

Campbellford, ON, K0L 1L0 705-653-2428

DONALEEN BLONDES

Don Dunham

76 Dunham Rd RR 4 Campbellford, ON, K0L 1L0 705-653-4293 donald18@hotmail.ca

FEE HAVEN FARMS

CRYSTAL FARMS

Paul & Mary Ellen Ferguson

21 Crystal Rd RR 3

Jasper, ON, K0G 1G0 613-275-2422

ferguson.maryellen@gmail.com

DIAMOND RIDGE BLONDES

Samantha Ferguson & Chris Lawton 8170 Jock Trail Richmond ON, K0A 2Z0 613-803-7403 diamondridgeblondes@gmail.com

KNOX INNOVATIONS INC

Ian Kruis 6325 Enfield Rd Hampton, ON L0B 1J0 416-388-9976 farmerkruis@knoxpumpkinfarm.com

BEAVERMEADOW BLONDES

Bruce & Cathy Langstaff RR 2 1542 Mandaumin Rd Tupperville, ON, N0P 2M0 519-864-1333 www.beavermeadowblondes.com

JOHN LANGSTAFF

2218 Bentpath Line RR 3 Sombra, ON, N0P 2H0 519-864-1970

MBRHEO BLONDES

Rheo & Sharon Machina RR 1 Clifford, ON, N0G 1M0 519-327-8646

rheo@mbrheocattle.com http://www.mbrheocattle.com

RIDGE VIEW BLONDES

Kirk McGee 3291 Cty Rd 30 RR 2 Codrington, ON, K0K 1R0 613-922-3276

kirkmcgee_7@hotmail.com www.ridgeviewblondes.webs.com

BULL MOOSE HILL FARMS

James Graham 79 Graham Rd Belleisle Creek, NB, E5P 1K7 506-485-2247

Nicholas Boyd 56-35 Mountford Dr Guelph, ON N1E 0G6 519-835-9099

oneoakblondes@gmail.com

Paul Fee 6211 Line 9 North Waubaushene, ON, L0K 2C0 705-770-9911 feehavenfarms@hotmail.com

PAUL E MCINROY 710 St Mark’s Rd RR 4 Marmora, ON, K0K 2M0 613-395-4165 mcinroyfarms@gmail.com

HILLTOP ORCHARD FARM

Dave & Sheila McNevan 4426 County Rd 2 RR 3 Hastings, ON, K0L 1Y0 705-295-6208

sheilamcnevan@gmail.com

BREEDERS DIRECTORY

JARNO MIEDEMA

76481 Airport Line

Brucefield, ON, N0M 1J0

519-441-7561 jarnomiedema5@gmail.com

NORTH SHORE FARMS

Brian Peters

1400 Rickards Rd RR 2 Perth Road, ON K0H 2L0 613-561-1741 bpeters@emikingston.com

GARY PICKEN 18385 Kenyon 1 Rd Apple Hill, ON, K0C 1B0 613-800-6448 gpicken@xplornet.com

SEAN & LOIS RECKER

235 County Rd 4 Douro-Dummer, ON, K9J 6Y1 705-741-2108 ivadc1@gmail.com

SCHIESTEL BLONDES

Jane, John, Jasmin & Keisha

Schiestel

1428 Bruce Rd, 6E RR 3 Mildmay, ON, N0G 2J0 519-367-3291 janes@wightman.on.ca

HALCYON FARMS

John & Ilse Vink 40 Gazley Rd RR 1 Wooler, ON, K0K 3M0 613-397-1890 jiv@rogers.com

EMVEEDEE FARM

Machaila Dunham 1154 11th Line West Campbellford, ON, K0L 1L0

RONDAKK ACRES

Ron & Donna McGee 3291 Cty Rd 30 RR 2 Codrington, ON CANADA K0K 1R0 rondakkacres@hotmail.com

613-475-0196

QUEBEC

YVES BLONDIN

560 Rue Kirk Sainte Sophie, QC J5J 1J5 450-820-5106

MICHEL & GAETAN BOUGIE

354 Rang 3 Ste-Elizabeth Kingsey Falls, QC J0A 1B0 819-358-5495 boogie@telwarwick.net

RYLAND CLEARY

421 Principale Est Ste Anne De La Rochelle, QC, J0E 2B0 450-775-8358 slyrye12345@hotmail.com

MCGILLIS ACRES

Phyllis Dubeau

128 Zion Line Rd Box 638 Shawville, QC, J0X 2Y0 819-647-5843

GAETAN LAMOUREUX & LINDA RAYMOND

488 1e Rang Est St-Joachim de Shefford, QC, J0E 2G0 450-539-2657 linda.raymond2@hotmail.com

GILBERT GAUTHIER

1564 Rang 9 Ste Clothilde de Horton QC, J0A 1H0 819-336-5352 gilbert.gauthier@xplornet.com

FERME SUPER C

Clemence Landry

2738 Rang Bord De L’eau Ste-Clothilde de Horton, QC, J0A 1H0 819-336-5503

FERME PHANICA

L Pierre Leger 100 Rue des Jonquilles App 15, Cowansville, QC, J2K 0L5 450-263-9212 phanica@hotmail.com

LES FERMES CLEARIDGE

310 Bourassa

Ste Anne De La Rochelle, QC J0E 2B0 450-539-0385 joanclearoy@hotmail.com

PINE RIDGE FARM

Gerald Lynott

12 Pine Ridge Cantley, QC, J8V 0G5 819-827-0527

IWANNA FARM

Serena Shufelt

1025 Adamsville Brigham, QC J2K 4T2 450-260-1250

serenaneil@sympatico.ca

MEMBERSHIPS

are due on or before January 1st of each year.

The Canadian Blonde d’Aquitaine Association invites you to be part of the Association, please contact us for information.

CREAM OF THE CROP

2022 Sales Report

by Nicholas Boyd

online but the action was limited. Only 5 potential buyers signed up with 1 buyer actively bidding but facing technical troubles. Thankfully our in ring bid spotter Tyler Sutcliffe was working the phones and able to get that bidder on the phone to help out.

Top selling female was Bar K Hershey 12H consigned by Bar K Farms of Manotick. A 2 year old polled fullblood daughter of Crystal Ambush 18A, bred to WSS Celebration 2C sold to Don & Wendy Dunham, Donaleen Blondes of Campbellford, ON.

Females all sold strong, especially heifer calves and mature cows. 10 consignors put forth 28 excellent lots, plus a Raffle Heifer generously donated by John Langstaff of Sombra, ON which raised over $6300 for the Ontario association. The proceeds of this raffle heifer are used by the OBdAA to fund various initiatives for all of our members and contributions like this are so greatly appreciated. Ilse Vink donated another stunning handmade quilt with the proceeds going to the CBDA. Back by popular demand, the quilt even had the ladies from the sale office step out and get in on the bidding. A huge thank you is extended to both Ilse Vink and John Langstaff for their gracious contributions to the breed. With a familiar host at Dave Denure’s Hoards Station Sale Barn, the sale saw animals from Quebec and Ontario featured, with buyers from B.C, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec all in action. For a third year LiveAuctions broadcast the sale

Top selling bull was Langstaff Jake 3J consigned by John Langstaff of Sombra. A polled purebred yearling son of Crystal Emmett 16E, he was the resulting calf from a cow John had purchased at the sale a few years prior. Having purchased the sale topping bull in 2021 from John Langstaff, Shane & Nicole Baker of Shelbramack Blondes once again purchased the sale topping bull. He will be headed for herd duties at their Sunderland, ON farm. The highest selling lot was unique to this years sale when Paul & Mary Ellen Ferguson of Crystal Farms offered the pick of their 2023 calf crop. Widely regarded as the top blonde breeders in the CBDA, this lot quickly became a hot item amongst the buyers. When the final hammer fell, Dave Payne & Lisa Leduc’s Bar K Farms were the successful bidders at a staggering $5250. Dave & Lisa should have some fabulous calves to choose from this year with the potential to obtain genetics never before made available. Attendees of the sale once again were able to crown a People’s Choice Award by voting for their favourite lot consigned to the sale. When the final tally was complete, lot 10 Bar K Haylee 1H was the winner. Bar K Farms took home the consignors banner sponsored by Acres Farms. The purchaser of Haylee, a long time sale supporter Birchview Farms was the recipient of the banner sponsored by Little Creek Farms, going to the buyer of the People Choice.

The 22nd Annual Cream of the Crop came and went but not without its issues. From top to bottom the production faced setback after setback, but thankfully on sale day the prices were hopping. The sale average of $3031 per head was the highest in years.

Thank you once again goes out to the bidders, buyers, consignors and sales staff. Paul Ferguson and Rick Drinkill did an excellent job penning and sorting the sale cattle on the big day. Ashley McNevan returned to the block and it was wonderful to see her back involved with the blondes. Dave McNevan and Tyler Sutcliffe worked the phones for order buys and lets not forget Samantha and MaryEllen Ferguson looking after the raffle heifer tickets. Jane Schiestel made fabulous looking stall cards for all of the sale cattle.

Captain of the ship Dave Payne did a masterful job making sure everyone was helped out with their various tasks, and even brought father Lawerence and uncle Barry along to help with barn duties so all members could attend the AGM and hospitality.

The 23rd Annual Sale will once again be held at Hoards Station Sale barn on October 21, 2023. Watch for important updates and please consider entering some of your finest genetics.

TOP SELLERS BULLS

LANGSTAFF JAKE 3J $4,000

Consigned by John Langstaff

Purchased by Shelbramack Blondes

BRED COWS

STONEWALL ELISE 1E $3500

Consigned by Stonewall Farms

Purchased by Shelbramack Blondes

2 YR OLD BREDS

BARK K HERSHEY 12H $5000

Consigned by Bar K Farms

Purchased by Donaleen Blondes

BRED HEIFERS

CRYSTAL JOLENE 32J $3900

Consigned by Crystal Farms

Purchased by Sean & Lois Recker

HEIFER CALVES

ONE OAK KRINKLES 3K $3400

Consigned by One OAK Blondes

Purchased by Crystal Farms

PLEASANT VALLEY BATMAN 7B $2500

Consigned by Shelbramack Blondes

Purchased by Dave Denure

BUTTERNUT CLAIRE BEAR $3100

Consigned by Shelbramack Blondes

Purchased by John Langstaff

BAR K HAYLEE 1H $3600

Consigned by Bar K Farms

Purchased by Birchview Farms

LANGSTAFF JEWEL 23J $3200

Consigned by John Langstaff

Purchased by Birchview Farms

DONALEEN KIWI $3100

Consigned by Donaleen Blondes

Purchased by Knox Innovations

CONSIGNORS

Bar K Farms – Dave, Lisa & the Payne Family

Crystal Farms – Paul and Mary Ellen Ferguson & Family

Donaleen Blondes – Don Dunham

Fee Haven Farms – Paul Fee

Forest View Farms – Rick and Jan Drinkill

John Langstaff

Michel Bougie

North Shore Blondes

One OAK Blondes – Nicholas Boyd

Shelbramack Blondes – Shane and Nicole Baker & Family

Stonewall Farms – Jeremy and Rachel DeWeerd

Willow Springs Stock Farm – Reed Rigney & Family

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

DONALEEN KING KONG 2K $2100

Consigned by Donaleen Blondes

Purchased by Dwayne Sears SRB Farms

NORTH SHORE FERN 8F & NORTH SHORE KENDALL 7K $3100

Consigned by North Shore Farms

Purchased by Hilltop Orchard Farms

FOREST VIEW HEATHER 9H $3100

Consigned by Forest View Farms

Purchased by John Langstaff

LANGSTAFF JELENA 37J $2100

Consigned by John Langstaff

Purchased by Stonewall Farms

DONALEEN KARMEL 3K $3100

Consigned by Donaleen Blondes

Purchased by Crystal Farms

BUYERS

Acres Farm – Steven Acres

Bar K Farms – Dave, Lisa & the Payne Family

Birchview Farms

Crystal Farms – Paul & Mary Ellen Ferguson & Family

Dave Denure

Donaleen Blondes – Don Dunham

Dusty Acre Blondes – Shellie Wolfe

Dwayne Sears SRB Farms

Forest View Farms – Rick & Jan Drinkill

Halcyon Farms – John & Ilse Vink

Hilltop Orchard Farm – Dave & Sheila McNevan

John Langstaff

Knox Innovations – Ian Kruis

Michel Bougie

One OAK Blondes – Nicholas Boyd

Pierced Blondes

Pierre Leger

Recker Farms – Sean & Lois Recker & Family

Ryland Cleary Schiestel Blondes – John & Jane Schiestel

Shelbramack Blondes – Shane and Nicole Baker & Family

Stonewall Farms – Jeremy and Rachel DeWeerd

Willow Springs Stock Farm – Reed Rigney & Family

Consignor of Bar K Haylee 1H with Banner Sponsors Acres Farms & Little Creek Farms

NATIONAL BLONDE SHOW - MARKHAM FAIR

October 1, 2022

MARKHAM, ONTARIO

Judge: Jared Ball

BULL CALVES (6 Shown)

1st Donaleen Kodiak 1K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Fee Haven Kodiak 310K - Fee Haven Farms

3rd Fee Haven Klondike 828K - Fee Haven Farms

JUNIOR YEARLING BULL (1 Shown)

1st Ridge View Jeremiah 85J - Ridge View Blondes

SENIOR YEARLING BULL (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jackpot 1J - Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Jackpot 1J

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Kodiak 1K

HEIFER CALVES (8 Shown)

1st Donaleen Karamel 3K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Donaleen Kiwi 4K - Donaleen Blondes

3rd Ridge View Khloe 27K - Ridge View Blondes

JUNIOR YEARLINGS (2 Shown)

1st Forest View Journey 9J - Shelbramack Blondes

2nd Forest View Jackie 42J - Forest View Farms

SENIOR YEARLINGS (2 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jazzy 3J - Donaleen Blondes

2nd One OAK Jitterbug 1J - Shelbramack Blondes

2 YR OLD COW WITH CALF (1 Shown)

1st Fee Haven Hard Copy 828H - Fee Haven Farms

MATURE COW WITH CALF (1 Shown)

1st Schiestel Frankie 16F - Schiestel Blondes

BREEDER’S HERD (4 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Fee Haven Farms

3rd Ridge View Blondes

GET OF SIRE (3 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Blondes

3rd Schiestel Blondes

PROGENY OF DAM (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Donaleen Karamel 3K

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Fee Haven Hard Copy 828H

GRAND CHAMPION BULL Donaleen Jackpot 1J / Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Donaleen Karamel 1K / Donaleen Blondes

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Fee Haven Hard Copy 828H / Fee Haven Farms

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

NATIONAL BLONDE JUNIOR SHOW

- MARKHAM FAIR

October 1, 2022

MARKHAM, ONTARIO

Judge: Jared Ball

JUNIOR

1st Ethan Easby

2nd Larkin McGee

INTERMEDIATE

1st Mackenzie Baker

2nd Teagan McGee

SENIOR

1st Keisha Schiestel

2nd Braeden Baker

3rd Avery Kamelchuk

4th Delaney Kamelchuk

CHAMPION YOUTH

Keisha Schiestel RESERVE CHAMPION YOUTH

Ethan Easby

1. Champion Bull Calf

- Sponsored by Ridge View Blondes

2. Reserve Champion Bull Calf

- Sponsored by One OAK Blondes

3. Champion Junior Bull

- Sponsored by Bunda Blondes

4. Reserve Champion Junior Bull

- Sponsored by Schiestel Blondes

5. Grand Champion Bull

- Sponsored by Bar K Farms

6. Reserve Grand Champion Bull

- Sponsored by Crystal Farms

7. Champion Female Calf

- Sponsored by Forest View Farms

8. Reserve Champion Female Calf

- Sponsored by Shelbramack Blondes

9. Champion Junior Female

- Sponsored by Fee Haven Farms

10. Reserve Champion Junior Female

- Sponsored by The TDFers

11. Champion Senior Female

- Sponsored by Alberta Blonde Assoc.

12. Reserve Champion Senior Female

- Sponsored by Butternut Blondes

13. Grand Champion Female

- Sponsored by Willow Springs Stock Farm

14. Reserve Grand Champion Female

- Sponsored by Diamond Ridge Blondes

15. Breeder’s Herd

- Sponsored by Ontario Blonde Assoc.

16. Get of Sire

- Sponsored by Ontario Blonde Assoc.

17. Progeny of Dam

- Sponsored by Ontario Blonde Assoc.

18. Champion Youth

- Sponsored by Emveedee Farm

19. Reserve Champion Youth

- Sponsored by John Langstaff

CHAMPION YOUTH Keisha Schiestel

RESERVE CHAMPION YOUTH Ethan Easby

CAMPBELLFORD FAIR

August 7, 2022

Campbellford, ONTARIO

Judge: Justin Lasby

BULL CALVES (3 Shown)

1st Donaleen Kodiak 1K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Donaleen King Kong 2K - Donaleen Blondes

3rd Ridge View Kearney 88K - Ridge View Blondes

SENIOR YEARLING BULL (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jackpot 1J - Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Jackpot 1J

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Kodiak 1K

HEIFER CALVES (5 Shown)

1st Donaleen Kaylee 26K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Donaleen Karamel 3K - Donaleen Blondes

3rd Donaleen Kiwi 4K - Donaleen Blondes

JUNIOR/SENIOR YEARLINGS (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jazzy 3J - Donaleen Blondes

MATURE COW WITH CALF (2 Shown)

1st Donaleen Daisy Duke 7D - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Ella Enchanted 43E - Ridge View Blondes

BREEDER’S HERD (2 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Blondes

GET OF SIRES (2 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Donaleen Daisy Duke 7D

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Donaleen Kaylee 26K

GRAND CHAMPION BULL Donaleen Jackpot 1J / Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Donaleen Daisy Duke 7D / Donaleen Blondes

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL Donaleen Kodiak 1K / Donaleen Blondes

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Donaleen Kaylee 26K / Donaleen Blondes

STALLS

WARKWORTH FAIR

September 11, 2022

WARKWORTH, ONTARIO

Judge: Connor Rodger

BULL CALVES (3 Shown)

1st Donaleen Kodiak 1K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Donaleen King Kong 2K - Donaleen Blondes

3rd Ridge View Kearney 88K - Ridge View Blondes

SENIOR YEARLING BULL (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jackpot 1J - Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Jackpot 1J

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Kodiak 1K

HEIFER CALVES (5 Shown)

1st Donaleen Kaylee 26K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Khloe 27K - Ridge View Blondes

3rd Donaleen Kiwi 4K - Donaleen Blondes

JUNIOR/SENIOR YEARLINGS (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jazzy 3J - Donaleen Blondes

MATURE COW WITH CALF (1 Shown)

1st Ridge View Ella Enchanted 43E - Ridge View Blondes

BREEDER’S HERD (2 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Blondes

GET OF SIRE (2 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Ridge View Ella Enchanted 43E

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Donaleen Jazzy 3J

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Ridge View Ella Enchanted 43E / Ridge View Blondes

BREEDER’S HERD Donaleen Blondes

GROUP

LINDSAY EXHIBITION

September 25, 2022

LINDSAY, ONTARIO

BULL CALVES (6 Shown)

1st Donaleen Kodiak 1K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Donaleen King Kong 2K - Donaleen Blondes

3rd Fee Haven Kodiak 310K - Fee Haven Farms

YEARLING BULLS (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jackpot 1J - Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Jackpot 1J

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Donaleen Kodiak 1K

HEIFER CALVES (9 Shown)

1st Donaleen Kaylee 26K - Donaleen Blondes

2nd Donaleen Kiwi 4K - Donaleen Blondes

3rd Ridge View Khloe 27K - Ridge View Blondes

JUNIOR YEARLINGS (1 Shown)

1st Forest View Journey 9J - Shelbramack Blondes

SENIOR YEARLINGS (2 Shown)

1st Donaleen Jazzy 3J - Donaleen Blondes

2nd One Oak Jitterbug 1J - Shelbramack Blondes

MATURE COW WITH CALF (2 Shown)

1st Schiestel Frankie 16F - Schiestel Blondes

2nd Ridge View Ella Enchanted 43E - Ridge View Blondes

BREEDER’S HERD (3 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Blondes

3rd Shiestel Blondes

GET OF SIRE (3 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

2nd Ridge View Blondes

3rd Shiestel Blondes

PROGENY OF DAM (1 Shown)

1st Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Donaleen Kaylee 26K

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Donaleen Jazzy 3J

GRAND CHAMPION BULL Donaleen Jackpot 1J / Donaleen Blondes

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Donaleen Kaylee 26K / Donaleen Blondes

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL Donaleen Kodiak 1K / Donaleen Farms

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Donaleen Jazzy 3J / Donaleen Blondes GROUP

FARMFAIR INTERNATIONAL ALL BREEDS SHOW

November 9, 2022

EDMONTON, ALBERTA

Judge: Mark Lyseng

YEARLING HEIFER – BORN 2021 (4 Shown)

1st Little Creek Pefourla 40J - Clover Hills Cattle Company

2nd Little Creek Jazzy 4J - Clover Hills Cattle Company

JUNIOR GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Little Creek Pefourla 40J

JUNIOR RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Little Creek Jazzy 4J

HEIFER CALF – BORN 2022 (5 Shown)

1st Little Creek Kokonut 15K - Little Creek Farms

2nd Little Creek Kehlani 31K - Little Creek Farms

GRAND CHAMPION HEIFER CALF

Little Creek Kokonut 15K

YEARLING BULL – BORN 2022 (4 Shown)

1st Little Creek Johnny Ringo 10J - Little Creek Farms

RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION BULL

Little Creek Johnny Ringo 10J

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION BULL

Little Creek Johnny Ringo 10J

BREEDER’S HERD (3 Shown)

Little Creek Farms

GET OF SIRE (2 Shown

Little Creek Farms

PREMIER BREEDER

Little Creek Farms

Canadian londe d’Aquitaine ASSOCIATION

2022 VIDEO SHOW CLASS RESULTS

JUNIOR HEIFER CALF BORN APRIL 1ST OR LATER (1 SHOWN)

1st - Little Creek Kokonut 15K - Little Creek Farms, AB

SENIOR HEIFER CALF BORN JAN 1ST TO MARCH 31ST (11 SHOWN)

1st - Donaleen Kaylee - Donaleen Blondes, ON

2nd - Ridge View Kianna 14K - Ridge View Blondes, ON

3rd - Ridge View Khloe 27K - Ridge View Blondes, ON

JUNIOR YEARLING HEIFER BORN APRIL 1ST OR LATER (7 SHOWN)

1st - Little Creek Jazzy 4J - Little Creek Farms, AB

2nd - Little Creek Pefourla 40J - Little Creek Farms, AB

3rd - Dusty Acre Jermerald - Dusty Acre Blondes, BC

SENIOR YEARLING HEIFER BORN JAN 1ST TO MARCH 31ST (4 SHOWN)

1st - Fee Haven Jasmin 828J - Fee Haven Farms, ON

2nd - One OAK Jewel 1J - One Oak Blondes, ON

3rd - Donaleen Jazzy - Donaleen Blondes, ON

TWO YEAR COW/CALF (3 SHOWN)

1st - Fee Haven Hipster 38H & Fee Haven Kustom Made - Fee Haven Farms, ON

2nd - Donaleen Hilda 4H & One OAK Frinkles 3K - One Oak Blondes, ON

3rd - Fee Haven Hard Copy & Fee Haven Klondike - Fee Haven Farms, ON

MATURE COW/CALF BORN PRIOR TO 2018 (8 SHOWN)

1st - Rondakk Dutchess 31D with Ridge View King 94KRidge View Blondes, ON

2nd - Van Bakel Blondes Elyse 30E & One OAK Kardashhian

2K - One Oak Blondes, ON

3rd - FeeHaven Abigail 611A & Fee Haven Kali - Fee Haven Farms, ON

DRY COW BORN 2018 OR EARLIER (7 SHOWN)

1st - Deebran Pld Josephine 43Y - One Oak Blondes, ON

2nd - Blue Diamond Ukan 352U - One Oak Blondes, ON

3rd - One OAK Cowsey Moosey 3C - One Oak Blondes, ON

JUNIOR BULL CALF BORN APRIL 1ST OR LATER (1 SHOWN)

1st - Ridge View Kearney 88K - Ridge View Blondes, ON

SENIOR BULL CALF BORN JAN 1ST TO MARCH 31ST (6 SHOWN)

1st - Donaleen Kodiak - Donaleen Blondes, ON

2nd - FeeHaven Klondike 828K - Fee Haven Farms, ON

3rd - FeeHaven Kodiak 310K - Fee Haven Farms, ON

JUNIOR YEARLING BULL BORN APRIL 1ST OR LATER (3 SHOWN)

1st - Donaleen Jackpot - Donaleen Blondes, ON

2nd - WSS Juggernaut 43J - Willow Springs Stock Farm, AB

3rd - Ridge View Jeremiah 85J - Ridge View Blondes, ON

MATURE BULL (2 SHOWN)

1st - Dusty Acre Finally 25F - Dusty Acre Blondes, BC

2nd - Little Creek Cash 7C - Little Creek Blondes AB

2022 VIDEO SHOW CHAMPIONS

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Fee Haven Hipster 38H & Fee Haven Kustom Made

- Fee Haven Farms, ON

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Rondakk Dutchess 31D with Ridge View King 94K

- Ridge View Blondes, ON

GRAND CHAMPION MALE

Dusty Acre Finally 25F - Dusty Acre Blondes, BC

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MALE

Donaleen Jackpot - Donaleen Blondes, ON

PREMIER EXHIBITOR

One Oak Blondes, ON

CALF CHAMPION FEMALE

Donaleen Kaylee - Donaleen Blondes, ON RESERVE CALF CHAMPION FEMALE

Little Creek Kokonut 15K - Little Creek Farms, AB

CALF CHAMPION MALE

Donaleen Kodiak - Donaleen Blondes, ON RESERVE CALF CHAMPION MALE

FeeHaven Klondike 828K - Fee Haven Farms, ON

JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE

Little Creek Jazzy 4J - Little Creek Farms, AB

RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION FEMALE

Fee Haven Jasmin 828J - Fee Haven Farms, ON

JUNIOR CHAMPION MALE

Donaleen Jackpot - Donaleen Blondes, ON

RESERVE JUNIOR CHAMPION MALE

WSS Juggernaut 43J - Willow Springs Stock Farm, AB

SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE

Fee Haven Hipster 38H & Fee Haven Kustom Made

- Fee Haven Farms, ON

RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION FEMALE

Rondakk Dutchess 31D with Ridge View King 94K

- Ridge View Blondes, ON

SENIOR CHAMPION MALE

Dusty Acre Finally 25F - Dusty Acre Blondes, BC

RESERVE SENIOR CHAMPION MALE

Little Creek Cash 7C - Little Creek Farms, AB

GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE

Fee Haven Hipstern38H / Fee Haven Farms, ON

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION FEMALE Rondakk Dutchess 31D / Ridge View Blondes, ON

GRAND CHAMPION MALE

Dusty Acres Finally 25F / Dusty Acres Blondes, BC

RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION MALE Donaleen Jackpot / Donaleen Blondes, ON

PAUL FEE - MAKING MEMORIES

Fever. Fever Fee. HARV!

He’s wore many hats and has many names. He knows all of you simply as Harv. It doesn’t matter who you are, you’re Harv. If you’re reading this article, I assure you, you’re Harv.

Fifteen years ago In 2009, Fee Haven Farms first opened its doors to welcome Blonde d’Aquitaine cattle, an interest that was peaked quite some time before. Paul’s father ran a modest commercial herd from his hometown in Omemee, Ontario and used a Blonde bull one year as a herd sire. The resulting calves from that cross really stuck out in Paul’s mind. His desire to stay close to his agriculture roots never wavered as life took him into the trades, marriage, a young daughter named Emily and then a job with Franke Kindred which would lead him to Midland, Ontario. It was here that he would find a 50 acre Christmas tree lot up the road in Waubaushene where his dream of a farm started to become a reality.

Long hours of labour after work and on weekends, multiple clutch replacements in the John Deere, with endless amounts of sweat equity. The result: 25 acres were cleared, a house was built, a barn constructed and multiple pastures fenced. Fee Haven Farms was ready, they just needed some animals.

Enter the blondes. A trip to Campbellford for the Heartwood Farms reduction sale, resulted in Paul bringing home 5 purebred animals to begin his herd. The original vision was to have 10 purebred females so he could run a cow/calf operation. With the farm being smaller in size, the idea was that purebreds done right could generate similar revenue to a larger commercial herd.

Like many new breeders, Fee Haven Farms faced its challenges early on. While not everything was smooth sailing, Paul took an active role attending many of the breed events, participating in AGMs to gain knowledge and always taking time to chat and share stories with different breeders. You will often hear him say “knowledge is power” and Paul was gathering lots of it to help his vision and goals be realized. From the initial 5 purebred cows purchased, only Heartwoods Lily 89N, a fullblood daughter of Blon Dell 38D would remain and she would become the cornerstone for his breeding program.

As the brood cow herd was being built, the focus was on

the hips, not the horns. While a variety of factors were used for selection, polled cows with strong genetics and nice udders were the main interest. Using almost strictly Artificial Insemination for breeding, selection of bulls that created well muscled hind quarters became high priority. Blackwater Ainsley and Aramis, two import bulls became go to straws when AI’ing as they tended to produce those well muscled, growthy calves.

Arsha’s Polled Umpire also became very popular at Fee Haven as well, after purchasing a daughter, Little Creek Apricot who had caught Paul’s eye as a heifer calf. This Umpire daughter has grown into one of the most impressive Blonde cows in the breed, herself a National Grand Champion female who continues to produce in the herd today. Liking her fancy style, enormous capacity and depth of body, the vision to create more like her made Umpire a natural selection for the AI program. The semen was not always easy to acquire – when 5 straws became available via donation to the raffle at the Canadian National Show & banquet held in Victoriaville, Quebec, Paul was bound and determined to add them to his tank. Fast and furious bidding, and a shifty bid spotter working the crowd helped Paul hammer down the 5 straws at $125 a piece. There is no confirmation, and the Directors all claim plausible deniability in the process, but folk legend would have it Paul may have possibly been bamboozled by a good friend in the later stages of the bidding!

Anyone who has attended a Blonde event with a donation auction will tell you it is Paul who brings them to life. His good natured way, the willingness to be the brunt of a joke and always offering support towards the breed have landed him the infamous pitch fork, a $90 jar of peanuts, a reverse muscle shirt (pair of sleeves), a bag of some tasty apples and even a rooster. It’s easy to see why he’s one of

Paul. Paul Fee. FeeFee.

Many of you know him by one of these names, some know him as a CBDA Director, the past President of the OBdAA or even just as a fellow Blonde breeder.

FEE HAVEN FARMS

the most likeable members in the breed and one everyone is very willing to support.

As we entered 2022, Fee Haven Farms seen an entirely new vision come to life. The herd had expanded to 25 registered animals. Fee Haven had a 3 year-old polled fullblood son of Aramis, out of a Trooper daughter headed to the semen collection unit in Quebec. As a calf, Fee Haven Gold Rush stuck out from the beginning and ticked all the boxes Paul was looking for. He had long thought we needed new lines for our breed, with current day market demands considered as well. After having him genomic tested, Paul felt strong enough to have semen collected. He’s a strong believer that this (genomic testing) technology is the future, allowing breeders to evaluate the potential earlier in the process rather than measuring over time. With the member numbers being smaller in Canada, the international semen focus was made to help justify the costs, and also so he could learn the process. In talking with Paul about this he said “I’m very thankful for the support of our membership for all my experiences in the blonde breed. It truly showed after the semen collection of Gold Rush”. The experience with Gold Rush led to further opportunities and a network of contacts that would become beneficial. They say with great risk often comes great reward. After taking that leap of faith to collect his bull, not only did breeders worldwide support him, but Semex approached Fee Haven looking to purchase bull calves. Their focus was on polled fullblood bulls they could offer for domestic and international trade which will include sexed semen. There seems to be a great need for this in the European markets. Members should look forward to seeing Semex offer semen from two polled Fee Haven bulls in the not so distant future. Along with these excellent genetic opportunities Paul

has made available to the breed; Paul is an active director on the CBDA Board of Directors, registers a number of calves each year and continues to be an avid supporter of the Ontario Show circuit. He can often be seen shipping a moderate show string together with his close buddy Rick Drinkill. Whether the cattle make it off the trailer seems to be optional, if they can walk to the ring it’s a bonus and if they remain on their feet in the ring it’s a miracle, but regardless of all that Paul makes sure to always have a tail twisting good time. On top of everything he does for the breed, Paul in conjunction with Rick Drinkill, has hosted the OBdAA annual picnic three times in the last nine years. His five year vision for Fee Haven Farms is to refine the cow herd by developing better animals with emphasis on specific selection traits he’s learned to look for over the years. He is looking to mix some older, original genetics back across the newer lines while importing more semen to continue those new lines. There is also a plan to try some embryo work, in hopes of recreating some excellent performance bulls from the past. While he could not cite any one single individual, Paul often speaks to how encouraging the entire Canadian Membership is towards new breeders, while educating members young and old on the various aspects of the breed.

It’s very easy to see how Paul Fee is the rightful recipient of the 2022 Breeder of the Year award. Hopefully Paul’s commitment and drive to improving the breed will inspire more to do the same. Whether you need some encouragement with your own herd, or just want to share some funnies, a call to Paul will never let you down. While you must be behaven on the Fee Haven, one thing is guaranteed – you’ll be Making Memories!

Paul. Paul Fee. FeeFee. Fever. Fever Fee. HARV! Beaucoup d’entre vous le connaissent sous l’un de ces noms, certains le connaissent en tant que directeur de l`Association Blonde d’Aquataine Canadienne (CBDA), ancien président de l`Association Blonde d’Aquataine Ontarienne (OBdAA) ou tout simplement en tant que collègue éleveur de blondes.

Il a porté de nombreux chapeaux et a de nombreux noms. Il vous connaît tous simplement comme Harv. Peu importe qui vous êtes, vous êtes Harv. Si vous lisez cet article, je vous assure que vous êtes Harv. Il y a quinze ans, en 2009, la Ferme Fee Haven a ouvert ses portes pour accueillir le bétail Blonde d’Aquitaine, un intérêt qui avait été éveillé bien avant. Le père de Paul exploitait un modeste troupeau commercial dans sa ville natale d’Omemee, en Ontario, et avait utilisé une année un taureau Blond pour son troupeau. Les veaux issus de ce croisement ont vraiment marqué l’esprit de Paul. Son désir de rester proche de ses racines agricoles ne s’est jamais dévié au fur et à mesure que la vie le menait vers les métiers, le mariage, une jeune fille nommée Emily, puis un emploi chez Franke Kindred qui le conduirait à Midland, en Ontario. C’est là qu’il a trouvé un terrain d’arbres de Noël de 50 acres, un peu plus loin, à Waubaushene, où son rêve d’une ferme a commencé à devenir réalité.

De longues heures de travail après le travail et pendant les fins de semaine, de multiples remplacements d’embrayage dans le John Deere, avec des quantités infinies de sueur. Le résultat : 25 acres ont été défrichés, une maison a été construite, une grange a été construite et plusieurs pâturages ont été clôturés.

La Ferme Fee Haven était prêt, il ne leur manquait plus que des animaux.

Voici les blondes. Lors d’un voyage à Campbellford pour la vente de réduction de Heartwood Farms, Paul a ramené 5 animaux pur-sang pour commencer son troupeau. L’objectif initial était d’avoir 10 femelles de race pure afin de pouvoir exploiter une exploitation de type vache-veau. La ferme étant de plus petite taille, l’idée était que des animaux de race pure bien traités pourraient générer des revenus similaires à ceux d’un troupeau commercial plus important. Comme beaucoup de nouveaux éleveurs, la Ferme Fee Haven a dû relever des défis dès le début. Bien

que tout ne se soit pas déroulé facilement, Paul a joué un rôle actif en assistant à de nombreux événements liés à l’élevage, en participant aux AGM pour acquérir des connaissances et en prenant toujours le temps de discuter et de partager des histoires avec différents éleveurs. Vous l’entendrez souvent dire « la connaissance est le pouvoir »” et Paul en recueillait beaucoup afin de l’aider à réaliser sa vision et ses objectifs. Des cinq vaches pur-sang achetées au départ, seule Heartwoods Lily 89N, une fille fullblood de Blon Dell 38D, est restée et est devenue la fondation de son programme d’élevage. Lors de la constitution du troupeau de vaches reproductrices, l’accent a été mis sur les hanches et non sur les cornes. Bien qu’une variété de critères ait été utilisée pour la sélection, les vaches sans cornes avec une génétique forte et de bons pis étaient le principal intérêt. En utilisant presque exclusivement l’insémination artificielle pour la reproduction, la sélection de taureaux qui créent des quartiers arrière bien musclés est devenue une priorité. Blackwater Ainsley et Aramis, deux taureaux d’importation, sont devenus des paillets de choix lors de l’insémination artificielle (IA) car ils avaient tendance à produire des veaux bien musclés et une bonne capacité de gain. Arsha’s Polled Umpire est également devenu très populaire à Fee Haven, après avoir acheté une fille, Little Creek Apricot, qui avait attiré l’attention de Paul en tant que génisse. Cette fille d’Umpire est devenue l’une des vaches Blonde les plus impressionnantes de la race, elle-même grande championne nationale qui continue à produire dans le troupeau aujourd’hui. Grâce à son style chic, son énorme capacité et la profondeur de son corps, et la vision de créer d’autres vaches comme elle a fait d’Umpire une sélection naturelle pour le programme d’IA. La semence n’a pas toujours été facile à obtenir - lorsque 5 paillettes sont devenues disponibles par le biais d’un don au tirage de l’Exposition nationale canadienne et du banquet de Victoriaville, au Québec, Paul était déterminé à les ajouter à son inventaire de paillette. Une enchère rapide et furieuse, ainsi qu’un repéreur d’enchères sournois travaillant dans la foule, ont permis à Paul d’obtenir les 5 paillettes à 125 $ la pièce. Il n’y a pas de confirmation, et les directeurs affirment tous qu’ils peuvent nier l’affaire, mais la légende populaire veut que Paul ait pu être embobiné par un bon ami dans les dernières étapes de l’enchère!

Tous ceux qui ont assisté à un événement de la race Blonde avec une vente aux enchères de dons vous diront que c’est Paul qui leur donne vie. Sa bonne humeur, sa volonté d’être le sujet d’une blague et de toujours offrir son soutien à la race lui ont valu la fameuse fourche, un pot d’arachides à 90 $, une

facile de comprendre pourquoi il est l’un des membres les plus sympathiques de la race et que tout le monde est prêt à le soutenir.

chemise à muscles inversés (paire de manches), un sac de pommes savoureuses et même un coq. Il est À l’aube de 2022, la Ferme Fee Haven a vu une toute nouvelle vision se concrétiser. Le troupeau s’était agrandi et comptait 25 animaux enregistrés. Fee Haven avait un fils d’Aramis, âgé de 3 ans, sans cornes de race fullblood et issu d’une fille de Trooper, qui avait été envoyé à l’unité de collecte de sperme au Québec. En tant que veau, Fee Haven Gold Rush s’est démarqué dès le début et a coché toutes les critères que Paul recherchait. Il pensait depuis longtemps que nous avions besoin de nouvelles lignées pour notre race, tout en tenant compte des exigences du marché actuel. Après l’avoir soumis à un test génomique, Paul s’est senti assez fort pour faire prélever du sperme. Il croit fermement que cette technologie (test génomique) est l’avenir, car elle permet aux éleveurs d’évaluer le potentiel plus tôt dans le processus plutôt que de le mesurer avec le temps. Le nombre de membres étant plus petit au Canada, il a décidé de se concentrer sur la semence internationale afin de justifier les coûts et d’apprendre le processus. En discutant avec Paul à ce sujet, il a déclaré : « Je suis très reconnaissant du soutien de nos membres pour toutes mes expériences avec la race blonde. Cela s’est vraiment vu après la collecte de semence de Gold Rush ».

L’expérience avec Gold Rush a conduit à d’autres opportunités et à un réseau de contacts qui allait devenir bénéfique. On dit qu’avec un grand risque vient souvent une grande récompense. Après avoir fait ce saut – en confiance pour faire la collecte de sperme de son taureau, non seulement les éleveurs du monde entier l’ont soutenu, mais Semex a contacté Fee Haven pour acheter des veaux mâles. L’accent était mis sur les taureaux sans cornes fullblood qu’ils pouvaient offrir pour le commerce national et international, y compris la semence sexée. Il semble qu’il y ait un grand besoin dans ce domaine sur les marchés européens. Les membres devraient s’attendre à voir Semex offrir la semence de deux taureaux sans cornes de Fee Haven dans l’avenir. En plus de ces excellentes possibilités génétiques que Paul a mises à la disposition de la race, Paul est un directeur actif au sein du conseil d’administration de la CBDA, il enregistre un certain nombre de veaux

chaque année et continue d’être un fervent partisan du circuit des expositions en Ontario. On peut souvent le voir expédier un groupe de bovins pour l’exposition avec son bon ami Rick Drinkill. Si le bétail peut marcher jusqu’à l’arène, c’est un bonus et s’il reste sur ses pieds dans l’arène, c’est un miracle, mais indépendamment de tout cela, Paul s’assure de toujours avoir du plaisir. En plus de tout ce qu’il fait pour la race, Paul, en collaboration avec Rick Drinkill, a organisé le pique-nique annuel de l’OBdAA trois fois au cours des neuf dernières années. Sa vision à cinq ans pour la Ferme Fee Haven est d’affiner le troupeau de vaches en développant de meilleurs animaux en mettant l’accent sur les caractéristiques de sélection spécifiques qu’il a appris à rechercher au fil des ans. Il cherche à croiser certains éléments génétiques plus anciens et originaux avec les nouvelles lignées, tout en important davantage de sperme pour poursuivre ces nouvelles lignées. Il est également prévu d’essayer de travailler avec des embryons, dans l’espoir de recréer des taureaux avec une performance excellente comme dans la passé. Bien qu’il ne puisse pas citer une personne en particulier, Paul parle souvent de l’encouragement de l’ensemble des membres canadiens envers les nouveaux éleveurs, tout en éduquant les membres, jeunes et vieux, sur les divers aspects de la race. Il est très facile de voir comment Paul Fee est le lauréat légitime du prix de l’Éleveur de l’année 2022. Espérons que l’engagement de Paul et sa volonté d’améliorer la race en inspireront d’autres. Que vous ayez besoin d’un encouragement pour votre propre troupeau ou que vous souhaitiez simplement partager quelques anecdotes, un appel à Paul ne vous laissera jamais tomber. Même si tu dois bien te comporter au Fee Haven, une chose est garantie - tu vas créer des souvenirs!

BREEDEROf The 2023

The award will be presented annually at the CBDA “National” event Nominations will open on July 1st, and must be received by August 1st each year.

Nominations may be submitted by letter post or email.

The award year will run from August 1st to July 31st.

Nominator and nominee must be paid CBDA members in good standing for the years in question.

Members may not nominate themselves, family members or those that they share memberships/breeding programs with.

An individual or an entire farm operation may be nominated.

The nominator will be responsible for making the case for the nominee, must present well written thoughts and a list of facts detailing the nominees activities and accomplishments in service of the Blonde breed.

Emphasis will be put on the 12 month period in question, however past accomplishments and involvement will not be overlooked.

Activities may include, but are not limited to: current year registrations, service on Blonde Boards, service at Trade Shows, participation in CBDA and provincial events, participation and success in the show ring, buying and selling of animals at Association sales, volunteer positions on behalf of the blondes (ie CLRC, fair boards, beef committees, etc), participation in the BIO program, performance testing, new breeders they have introduced to the breed, advertising of their animals in Association and outside publications, contributions to the 4H program. Nominees will be assessed by a non-biased individual with in-direct ties to the breed, knowledge of purebred beef cattle operations and Associations. Nominators/Nominees will remain anonymous, with the exception of the winning nominee.

The nominator of the winning nominee may also stay anonymous if they so choose, however the information they provide for the nomination may be used in articles/speeches recognizing the winner.

The Breeder of the Year will receive an individual award, a short congratulations in the December newsletter and a full story on their operation in following years “Blonde Connection”.

SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO:

KATHLEEN WINDSOR

By Email: office@windsorgraphics.ca

By Mail:

R R 2, Site 7, Box 50 Didsbury, Alberta

T0M 0W0

(À noter que le genre masculin est utilisé dans le but d’alléger la lecture du texte, et ce, sans discrimination pour le genre féminin). Le prix sera remis chaque année lors de la “Nationale” du CBDA

Les candidatures débuteront le 1er juillet et doivent être reçues avant le 1er août de chaque année.

Les candidatures peuvent être soumises par la poste ou par courriel. L’année d’attribution sera du 1er août au 31 juillet.

La personne proposant ou la personne proposée doivent être des membres en règle du CBDA pour les années en question.

Les membres ne peuvent pas présenter leur propre candidature, les membres de leur propre famille ou ceux qu’ils partagent l’adhésion ou programme d’élevage.

Un particulier ou une exploitation agricole entière peut être proposé

Le proposant devra présenter la mise en candidature du proposé, il devra préparer un texte bien écrit et détaillé des activités et des réalisations que la personne proposée a accompli pour la race Blonde.

L’accent sera mis sur la période de 12 mois en question, mais les réalisations et les participations passées ne seront pas ignorées.

Les activités peuvent comprendre mais sans s’y limiter à: l’enregistrement d’animaux de l’année courante, la participation sur des conseils d’administration de la Blonde, la participation aux expositions, la participation à des évènements organisés par le CBDA ou l’association provinciale, la participation et le succès dans l’arène, l’achat et la vente d’animaux à des ventes organisées par l’association, être bénévole au nom des Blondes, (par exemple: SCEA, un organisme d’expositions, des comités de bœuf, etc.), la participation au programme BIO, la participation aux épreuves de performance, introduire des nouveaux éleveurs à la race, la publicité de leurs animaux dans les publications de l’association ou autres, leur contribution au programme 4H

Les candidats seront évalués par une personne impartiale avec des liens indirects à la race, la connaissance d’exploitations de bovins de race pure et d’associations

Les proposants et les proposés demeureront anonymes à l’exception du candidat gagnant

À sa demande,nla personne proposant le candidat gagnant pourra demeurer anonyme, mais les informations qu’il fournit, pour la nomination, peut être utilisé dans des articles / discours reconnaissant le gagnant

L’Éleveur de l’Année recevra un prix, une courte citation dans le Newsletter du mois de décembre et un article complet sur leur exploitation dans la prochaine publication de la Blonde Connection.

KIRK MCGEE

2022 ONTARIO BLONDE POINT SHOWS

With all of our regular shows returning in 2022, the Ontario Blonde Point Shows made a comeback as well! After a complete hiatus in 2020 and a smaller than usual circuit in 2021, we had hoped that the anticipation of a full show season would have the show barns filled with Blondes all year. Unfortunately, our numbers dwindled to the point that our Blondes were moved to the All Other Breed class at a few of our favourite fairs. With that being said, a small group of dedicated breeders did what they had to do to keep our breed in the public eye. Though numbers were down, the Blonde camaraderie was out in full force, once again!

As always, the quest for Top Female, Top Male, and Premier Exhibitor began in August with our first point show at Campbellford Fair. The infamous ‘3 mile walk’ to the ring and ‘the dreaded ramp’ make for a daunting first fair, and with a pair of our standbys unable to make it, the breeder’s on hand still brought an impressive lineup of cattle that were a sure sign there was going to be quite a race for the top honours again this year.

It was another exciting race to watch all season. A front runner shot out early in the chase for Top Female.

Machaila Dunham’s 4-H project, Donaleen Kaylee 26K looked to have what it took to take the top honours, as

she ran the season undefeated in the heifer calf class. Luck was not in the cards, though, as Machaila’s 4-H Achievement Day fell on the same day as the National Show, which was a required qualifying show. Hope was not lost for Donaleen, though, as their senior yearling quietly rose to the top after a consistent season of her own. Donaleen Jazzy 3J, a Beau Bois Cafe 26C daughter found her place at the head of the class and was named Top Female for 2022.

The competition for Top Male was a two-way race from the start a solid bull calf and a powerful senior yearling battling it out. In the end, Donaleen Jackpot 1J exhibited by Donaleen Blondes, proved unstoppable and came out on top being awarded Top Male for 2022.

Taking back the title and making it a clean sweep, Donaleen Blondes was crowned Premier Exhibitor. A banner sponsored by the Ontario Blonde d’Aquitaine Association was presented at the Cream of the Crop sale for their three big wins! Congratulations to The Dunham Family (and extended family) for putting together an outstanding showstring and exhibiting quality animals, as always! Thanks to all who participated this year. We need more out on the show road, so get your 2023 winners picked out and start halter breaking...the thrill is in the chase and August will be here before you know it!

After it’s triumphant return back to in-person in 2021, we were thrilled to continue our summer tradition of gathering together for that annual OBdAA summer picnic in 2022. During the AGM in March, Shane and Nicole Baker of Shelbramack Blondes graciously offered to host the year’s event. Having seen the picturesque setting from Nicole’s amazing photography, we jumped at the chance to head to Baker Mountain and take in the views for ourselves!

Sunday, July 31, 2022

approximately 50 of our breeders headed to Sunderland! The pressure from the altitude was nearly strong enough to make your ears pop as guests climbed the driveway to share in the Blonde family’s camaraderie and hospitality. The heifers and yearling bull grazing peacefully in the adjacent pasture were a sure sign we’d come to the right place and Buddy the border collie was sure to welcome each guest upon arrival. A much needed and lengthy catch up session was top priority. It’s as if no time has passed between our visits, as everyone picks right back up where they left off discussing life, family, and of course Blonde cattle. Pasture tours are always the big highlight for both hosts and attendees. A chance to showcase the fruits of your labour of a solid breeding program and to see some new genetics that might catch your eye. Shane and Nicole led the group to the heifer pasture first. An exceptional group of home-bred heifers and two more who had come home from the 2021 Cream of the Crop sale and had settled into the herd nicely. Running with them was Langstaff Hercules, also purchased at the previous year’s sale as the high selling bull from John Langstaff. Even a crew like ours couldn’t scare the group as we walked amongst the cattle discussing genetics

2022

OBDAA Annual Picnic

and picking out the favourites. A common theme that would continue through the tour...the Shelbramack herd is quiet!

We made our way to the back pasture to view the main herd next. A quick call and the bang of a grain pail had us soon surrounded by an impressive group of females and the senior herdsire, Pleasant Valley Batman. Shane explained their focus on feet and leg structure in the herd and it was evident that the cattle were built right, from the ground up. By far the most common observation was the udder quality throughout the herd. Even cows in their teens were carrying tidy, well shaped, good milking udders. From a breeding program standpoint, it was obvious that Shelbramack has a clear goal of what kind of cattle they want to produce and their breeding choices are working to make those animals! A crowd favourite was Butternut Claire Bear, a West Winds Tommy daughter out of a Charlie Brown cow. The feedback from the crowd was so positive that the Bakers selected her as their Cream of the Crop consignment.

The new grill was fired up and a spread fit for royalty hit the table. A few refreshments and buttertarts were enjoyed along with lots more catching up! Tough to pick a favourite part as we indulged in the feast; the view, the designer relish, the peameal on the burgers?? The ever-popular mini auction was next on the agenda and, once again, brought as much laughter as it did money! Dave McNevan led the charge as our auctioneer for the event. Volume buyer was Douglas Ingelton and thankfully Tyler showed up just in time to truck all of his purchases home for him! When the dust settled, and the laughs subsided $1680 was raised for the Association! Thank you to our hosts Shane, Nicole, Braeden, Mackenzie, and Shelby and to everyone who was able to join in for the day. It’s always great to see the Blonde Family spirit is still alive and well. Looking forward to seeing everyone in 2023!

JUNIOR SHOW PHOTOS

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR 4-H MEMBERS!

We received the following pictures and information from 4-H Members in Alberta, Ontario and who showed Blonde or Blonde cross animals this past year.

PLEASE SEND US YOUR 4-H RESULTS AND PICTURES SO WE CAN INCLUDE THEM IN THE 2024 PUBLICATION!

A huge Thanks to the Estate of Myrna Flesch (West Wind Blondes), the family of Pete Van Tighem (Van Alta Blondes) and the Jacobsen family (NAJ & MNJ prefix) all of whom have graciously donated semen from their past herdsires to the Canadian and Alberta Blonde d’Aquitaine Associations.The money raised through the sale of this semen is to be used for junior development within the Blonde breed.

The sires available are listed right; some semen is for use within Canada only and some is eligible for Export as noted. Buyers are responsible for shipping and handling costs. Please contact REED RIGNEY if you are interested in purchasing semen. 780-348-5308

SIRE

Canadian Rocky Clay

Deebran PLD Jail Breaker 28Y

Markwood Woodrow T Luke

Nor-Geo Autuer

Sundance Zepplin

Van Alta Lucky Boy

West Winds Beau 9B

West Winds Breaker 36B

West Winds Gershwin 147G

West Winds Herdsman 32H

West Winds Rainer 11R

West Winds Workman 94W

horned Fullblood horned Fullblood heterozygous polled Fullblood horned Fullblood horned Fullblood horned Fullblood horned Fullblood homozygous polled Fullblood homozygous polled Fullblood homozygous polled Fullblood heterozygous polled Fullblood homozygous polled Fullblood homozygous polled Fullblood

domestic domestic domestic & exportable domestic domestic domestic domestic domestic & exportable domestic & exportable domestic domestic & exportable domestic & exportable domestic & exportable

CANADIAN ROCKY MARKWOOD WOODROW T LUKE

NOR-GEO AUTUER

SUNDANCE ZEPPELIN

VAN ALTA LUCKY BOY

WEST WINDS GERSHWIN 147G

WEST WINDS HERDSMAN 32H

WESTWINDS WORKMAN 94W