editor’s note
H HAPPY 2017!
How lucky are we, that no matter what kind of a year we’ve had, no matter how many shoulda/woulda/coulda moments we’ve experienced or less than favourable hands we’ve been dealt, at the start of a new year, we always get the chance to start from scratch. The score is settled, the slate is wiped clean and we have the opportunity to start fresh! In this issue you’ll read about a family from Dufferin County who did just that after experiencing a tragic barn fire seven years ago. Their story is remarkable and serves as a reminder that even after our darkest days, there is always something worth working towards. While the start of new year is an opportunity to look ahead, in this issue, we also take a look back at the many great successes achieved last year. You’ll find the winner of our Heart of the Herd competition, results from the Royal and the Classic, and a large poster to hang in your barn office showing off the All-Ontario winners from 2016. Last but not least, the 2017 National Holstein Convention Committee has been busy putting the final touches on their exciting program taking place from April 5-8 in York Region. You’ll find all the details starting on page 42. We encourage you to enjoy this special convention issue and hold onto it until the spring – it includes everything you’ll need to “experience the city lights” in all their glory! Sincerely, Andrea Emond, Link Editor thelink@ontario.holstein.ca
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general mana ger’s messa ge
WELCOME TO THE NEW YEAR! Ah the new year! A chance for a fresh start! A time to look back and reflect on and appreciate the successes of the past year. A chance to evaluate how you coped with the setbacks, and more importantly, an opportunity to build on the progress made over the previous twelve months. Personally having worked with dairy farmers for over 40 years, I am continually amazed by their determination, creativity, ingenuity and ability to make the best of a difficult situation; very much living examples of the Kelly Clarkson song “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” During a six-week period starting on February 21, we have over 50 industry leading dairy operations across the province opening their doors to fellow breeders during District tours (see this year’s maps starting on page 22). We encourage you to take advantage of these occasions to learn from each other. Take the time to talk to fellow members, evaluate their operations and get some ideas on overcoming challenges and making the most of opportunities. We welcome 2017, all the best in the coming year! Regards,
Adrian Vander Wielen, Interim General Manager adrianvw@cogeco.ca
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the
Link WINTER 2017
www.ontario.holstein.ca