Info Holstein, October, Nobember

October/November 2008 94

A Holstein Canada publication providing informative, challenging, and topical news. Valuable Red and White

Genetics at VidiaCommitted Tag Partner 4Apply for Education Award 5National Judging Conference 6Royal Agricultural Winter Fair 9New Genomic Test 10

Turcottes find niche in growing red and white Holstein market

T he Turcotte family, Princeville, Qc houses some hot commodities in their barn, which are attracting much

attention from AI and other breeders in Canada and abroad.

Vidia Talent Marie Josee (VG-88-3yr-CAN R&W GT) is one of these assets and stands as the top red and white LPI Holstein in Canada with 3,319 points. Before becoming a flush cow, she had a two-year-old Superior Lactation of 12,032 kg milk, 458 kg fat, and 428 kg protein.

Marie Josee’s maternal sister, Vidia MrBurns Melodie, has also risen high on the Heifer LPI list for new owners Cotopierre, Helios, and Macpes.

Vital and Diane Turcotte originally farmed in St-Adrien Irlande, where their first

crossbred herd was purchased in 1979. Also buying their first purebred this year, it took seven more to replace the crossbreds with purebreds—an original goal of Vital.

While sons Jimmy, Pascal, and Martin did their share of chores and actively participated in Jeunes Ruraux, it is Jimmy who now strives to work toward joining the family operation.

Deciding to move to a more central, active agricultural region in 2004, the entire herd was put up for auction. Following the sale, Vital bought back a few head.

All assets, including 45 purebred cows, were part of the new deal in Princeville. Adding his buy-backs brought the total to a nice number for milking in the tie-stall barn housed on 120 hectares. Currently, they have 58 kg of quota with 25 Very Good, 15 Good Plus, and five Good animals. A few are not yet classified.

Matriarch of the current herd and Marie

Diane, Vital, and Jimmy Turcotte pose with show calf Vidia Burns Maya.

2 October/November 2008

Josee’s dam is Maryclerc Melanie Intensifier (VG-88-4yr-CAN B&W *RC ET GT). At six years old, with two lactations totalling 37,340 kg milk, 1,708 kg fat, and 1,395 kg protein, Melanie continues on an aggressive embryo program.

Beyond Marie Josee, other daughters are extremely popular and highly marketable, including red carrier Vidia Goldwin Marjory (B&W *RC ET GT) who was just contracted by Semex. Vital comments, “I think Marjory is even more popular than Marie Josee these days.”

The Turcottes currently have contracts for the family in Switzerland and Germany. In fact, they are struggling to keep up with all the bull contracts desired from this prolific

lineage.Further testament to the quality of

this family is Vidia Petrus Mallie, Junior Champion at the 2008 Québec Red and White Spring Show. She is now owned by Lookout and Crackholm.

And while Marie Josee is not a great embryo producer herself, Semex Canada has contracted her for bulls by Wallaceview Aladdin, Diamond-Oak Frosty ET, and Idee Wire. She attracts a lot of visitors to the farm where Vital and Jimmy proudly show their 15 and growing lineup of red and whites.

Although the Turcottes are having a good run with their coloured Holsteins, they don’t intend to deal solely in this current viable market. Breeding for conformation and production with good components, they have a goal of

becoming a top LPI herd in the country for both black and whites and red and whites. Lifetime Profit Index serves Vital’s breed improvement philosophy.

This enthusiastic breeder derives much satisfaction developing lineages

through ET. It’s fast and the herd is increasing rapidly in quality. An asset to the farm, Jimmy is the qualified person to insert embryos into his cows.

With about 40 embryos sold annually, other embryos are carried by herdmates. This has helped

tremendously to grow desirable families.

Additional comforts for their animals are in the works. The tie-stalls are being enlarged and a cold, free-stall barn is being built for heifers to enhance growth and health traits. A farm girl, Diane feeds and cares for the calves, separated from the rest of the herd.

All field work is carried out by the family. The cows are fed TMR with a robot dispensing additional ration to high producers. In future, soybeans will be harvested.

Vital is striving and banking on a 70-cow herd with superior genetics to take them into the future.

The Turcottes have become quite savvy developing and marketing the highest red and white LPI family in Canada. They plan to keep the momentum going—possibly through another attractive purchase.

Vidia Talent Marie Josee (VG-88-3yr-CAN)


Making Decisionsby Holstein Canada President, Brian Leach, Cobden, ON

As Holstein Canada’s Board of Directors, we are responsible to direct and protect the interests of the owners. Our Board, comprising 12 breeders from across the country, has many tasks.

We set policy that complies with the Association’s vision—to develop a more profitable Holstein cow for the dairy industry in Canada and around the world. Our mission is to provide leadership through genetic improvement programs that enhance profitability for all dairy producers.

During our 125 years as a Breed Association, Boards have made decisions for the betterment of the breed. While those actions may not always be popular throughout our Association, you can be assured that all viewpoints have been thoroughly studied before a decision is made.

We, as a Board, must continually check, evaluate, judge, and review the progress of our breed to the best of our abilities to serve thousands of owners and customers. This requires monitoring our key core services of the Herdbook, classification, National Livestock IDentification, database, and communication.

We are committed to walking the talk.

Good decisions may not be popular decisions.

Popular decisions may not be good decisions.

It is critically important that members report cases of abnormalities in Holstein-sired calves—especially those that are lethal or debilitating in nature.

Although small, we suspect a proportional representation of abnormalities have been reported to Holstein Canada in the past.

All bloodlines offer both positive and negative genes of varying effect, and inheritance can occur in a number of ways. It is expected there will be more, not fewer instances of known abnormalities in animal populations.

A role of the breed association is to accurately assess the frequency and degree of any negative gene that may exist in the Canadian population. However, in order to fulfil this function the Association needs Holstein breeders to report calf abnormalities promptly.

Reports of abnormal calves allegedly sired by Fradon Redliner CANM7528698 (80HO0317) have been received by both Holstein USA (30 reports out of 22 herds; 569 registrations) and Holstein Canada (4 reports out of 3 herds; 255 registrations).

Affected calves are usually born premature, dead, and exhibit skeletal/bone malformation.

Preliminary research qualifies Redliner as the sire of four reported cases. One autopsy confirmed osteopetrosis-like conditions. Osteopetrosis, a congenital deformity, can be inherited in cattle breeds, including Red and Black Angus, Hereford, Simmental, and Holstein. It should be noted that non-genetic conditions may also cause osteopetrosis.

Holstein Canada, Holstein USA, and the Red and White Dairy Cattle Association feel it is important for Holstein breeders to be aware of this situation, the ongoing investigation, and the need to report any related calf abnormalities to their respective Holstein Association.

A simple-to-complete electronic form to report any and all abnormalities can be accessed on Holstein Canada’s website www.holstein.ca . It is an interactive system, which can be filled out online and automatically submitted.

Reporting Abnormalities


(l-r) Allflex’s Glenn Fischer talks with Pete Den Hartogh of London Mt. Elgin Dairy Farms, London, ON.

Eartag is lodged in opening of tie-stall manger piping—an unsuspecting snag point!

Allflex works to continue meeting tagging needs of NLID/ATQ producers

I n 1996, Holstein Canada’s relationship with Allflex USA, Inc.

commenced. At that time, the Association was looking for a reliable source of ear tags to meet the needs of the Canadian dairymen.

The global company Allflex already possessed a sound reputation and credible product. It was willing to work with the Association to dramatically change the traditional distribution of tags.

Other tags throughout the industry were dispersed through a third-party network, which required inventories and limited the ability to customize tags.

Allflex, on the other hand, was pleased to co-operate with the Association to make it Canada’s sole distribution centre for NLID/ATQ dairy tags. This avoided the layering of costs and administration and made the entire process service-oriented. From the start, Allflex has been keen to understand and address the needs of producers, the Herdbook, and traceability.

Wanting to remain on the leading edge of tag design and technology, Allflex has moved from 1) hot stamping, 2) bar coding, 3) laser, 4) laser and inkjet, to 5) RFID.

During Senior Vice-President Glenn Fischer’s recent visit to Canada, he wanted to observe first-hand the different housings and positioning of tags in ears that could impact retention. This would also form a standard on which to enhance his company’s

product offering.Registrar Glenn Cherry took him

to a cross-section of management styles and operations. Here, Fischer talked to producers and collected tag samples. These will be forwarded to Allflex’s Research and Development team members in the US and France for analysis and improved tag design suitable for Canada’s diverse climate and environmental conditions.

In particular, some deterioration of tags with button backs in cows four to six years of age came to light during these important farm visits. Together, Holstein and Allflex have identified markings on the tags—including production specifics. These will provide some insight into the manufacturing process of this former product [button backs] and enable the continual improvement process to which all are committed.

Contact customer service staff to share experiences or to forward found ear tags for analysis.

Committed Tag Partner


It’s a great honour to be chosen for the Canada-Australia/New Zealand exchange. Sponsored by Holstein Canada and the Semex Alliance, ninth winner Carl Barclay, Maple Ridge, BC is very excited about his upcoming, three-month foray.

Active in 4-H for 10 years and a keen competitor in both the Western Canadian Classic and Scotiabank Classic, Carl has honed his cattle evaluation skills to a high level.

He has practical experience working for numerous west-coast dairies completing daily tasks and preparing show strings for competition.

Armed with a 2006 degree in Animal Science from the University of Guelph, this easy-going, personable, motivated

individual has been a Field Services Representative for Westgen since 2007.

In return, coming to Canada for hands-on experience is an enthusiastic New Zealander, Bradley James Parkes of Christchurch. Having attended Lincoln University for a diploma in Farm Management, he has demonstrated great leadership skills particularly for youth.

From a third-generation, registered Holstein-Friesian farm, Bradley is an Associate Judge and experienced in fitting show cattle and aiding sales organizations.

Apply for Education AwardApplications for Holstein Canada education awards due by Monday, December 1, 4:00 p.m.

Six $750 awards will boost students in their financial management of education. One winner will originate from western Canada, two from Ontario, two from Québec, and one from eastern Canada.

Points will be allocated for farm involvement (20 points); youth programs participation (30 points); career choice (30 points); and scholastic achievement (20 points). Other accomplishments will be considered in a close decision.

Eligibility:• must be regular or junior member of

Holstein Canada, or a son/daughter of a member;

• must be enrolled at a recognized university or college (Cégep in Québec);

• must submit an official, original transcript (fax and photocopies not accepted), and a copy of applicant’s resumé;

• must be returning to school within the calendar year; and

• only typed submissions on pages provided by Holstein Canada or through www.holstein.ca accepted.

Contact Harley Nicholson by phone, fax, or [email protected] for a 2008 application form. You can also apply online at www.holstein.ca/english/Youth/edaward.asp.

Thumbs Up for Youth Exchange


Top marks for best-ever Conference program

J udges gave thumbs up to their experiences at Holstein Canada’s National Judging Conference, in

July, in Peterborough and Lindsay, ON. With keen co-operation from the Ontario Branch and its enthusiastic east-central breeders, the event included 50 invited Canadian judges and, for the first time ever, some high-profile judges from around the world. US representatives were present to learn more about our highly-respected judging program.

Judges selected from each branch gave high marks for overall organization and the selection of snappy, timely, in-house sessions chaired by Dr. David

Chalack, Calgary, AB.Everyone was pleased with the

high-calibre, well-prepared cattle in placeable classes. Chairman John Buckley, Lindsay, ON and the official panel of Dan Doner, Courtice, ON; Donald Dubois, Princeville, Qc; and Ridley Wikkerink, Cobble Hill, BC worked well together in Lindsay’s new fair facilities.

Attending judges stated how much they gleaned from working with and, interacting with approachable peers from across Canada and internationally. While a number of the attendees were new to the National Conference, seven Holstein Royal judges were on hand to offer advice and encouragement.

A stimulating presentation by Dr. Gordon Atkins, Calgary, AB was

regarded as one of the most interesting and useful workshop sessions. Gordon pointed out that dairy producers, including judges, can’t remain in the past clinging to old philosophies.

Good science must be used to support the benefits of desirable conformation. Judges should have a good working knowledge of the functional anatomical significance of the superficial type trait they are judging.

Judges should know and communicate in reasons the principles and terminology that link type traits to functionality. For example, rear teat placement, udder depth, and udder texture are udder traits that have a significant influence on functional survival. And sound feet and legs have

National Judging Conference Anchors World-Respected Program

a positive influence on reproduction and longevity.

It is Dr. Atkins’ desire that commercial people come to shows to learn about good conformation.

Dan Doner conveyed his thoughts that a mentoring program would be a worthwhile component to integrate into Holstein Canada’s judging system. This would help to develop young, interested, keen people who want to become top-ranking official judges. For the future success of Canada’s judging program, a smooth generational transfer of skills and knowledge is needed.

A lively discussion also occurred on eliminating the Senior Yearling class at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. With no consensus reached, some judges held the opinion that eliminating this

National Judging Conference Anchors World-Respected Program

Contact Jane Whaley at Holstein Canada for a free English DVD of all classroom sessions and discussions at the 2008 National Judging Conference. As well, Dr. Atkins’ written presentation and a summary of all topics discussed are available in English and French.


class is the right thing to do for the image of the dairy industry in Canada. Others felt the Senior Yearling class continues to be a worthwhile category at the Royal and remains beneficial for marketing efforts.

Brent Walker, Guelph, ON generated good discussion on modernizing the showmanship guidelines to be used by young people. With all judges agreeing that showmanship is showing an animal to its best advantage without extreme effort, a new video and manual with updated information is anticipated in 2009.

As well, judges reached the following conclusions:

The show ring remains important • to reflect the current trends of the country and for breed improvement, promotion, and marketing. Judges must demonstrate, in actions • and talk, the significance of their positions both in the show ring and out. They must remember that someone is always watching! Width through the front end and • muzzles is important in heifers as this is needed to develop good cows with desirable dairy strength. Judges should observe spring and • openness of rear rib when viewing from the rear. This is more than depth of rib. While judges can be a little more • forgiving regarding body condition on growing heifers, they must, in

fact, display cleanness through the head and neck, and cleanness of bone. Judges must always judge animals • the way they look the day of judging. Giving good reasons is about pace, • projection, and tone. Giving good reasons takes lots of practise—even alone in the car or in front of the mirror as a class is visualized. Judges are encouraged to use more functionality information in reasons, which would further the overall value of shows. There is no reason to repeat detailed • reasons and describe or compare first and second animals that are pulled for champion consideration. Concise reasons have already been given after individual classes. Prior to the selection of champions, the judge should give some general comments about the style of animal he has chosen for the day, his general pattern for winners, etc. When selecting champions, judges • should respect longevity and the number of calvings. If animals are of similar quality, advantage should be given to the older animal. In Canada, the order for selecting • champions should be 1) Grand Champion, 2) Reserve Grand Champion, and 3) Honourable Mention. Judges should avoid situations of • undue influence.



by Secretary-Manager Keith Flaman After many years of sponsoring the Junior Showmanship and Conformation Classic competition at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Scotiabank has decided to terminate its involvement.

The participation of Scotiabank provided a wonderful opportunity for young people to compete at the Royal. Holstein Canada wishes to acknowledge and thank Scotiabank and its staff for their efforts toward this very successful show.

Holstein Canada viewed the Classic as a very nice fit with its commitment to involvement with youth—the future of the industry. This national event brings young, dairy people together from across the country in a competitive, but friendly environment. It is an occasion for networking, sharing common interests, and

establishing life-long relationships. At the Classic, participants are likely

to be in the company of the industry’s most respected breeders, judges, show people, and dairy producers. It is a splendid occasion for knowledge-transfer and developing mentoring relationships.

Expending competitive skills such as showing and fitting, along with life skills in communication, sportsmanship, and personal relationships are important in building the leaders of tomorrow. The strength and health of the dairy industry will be determined by the abilities of future generations.

Holstein Canada is proud to partner with Semex, Kubota Canada, and TD

Canada Trust in sponsoring the Classic at the 2008 Royal, and into the future.

Developing tomorrow’s leaders for the dairy industry is a major element in the vision of Holstein Canada.

Holstein Canada Joins Classic Team

From the 2007 Scotiabank Classic stands John Walker, Aylmer, ON with his Champion calf, Salem Goldwyn Theresa. Achieving the Champion Showmanship title is Marie-Philip Brisson, Ste-Barbe, Qc with Brismer Encounter Jafile.

Nancy Beerwort

Mark Rueth

Brent Walker

photo: Vicky Fletcher

Robert Yeoman

Enhanced Royal Schedule for 2008Date Time Event/Venue Judge(s)Sun. Nov. 9 Mon. Nov. 10

6:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m.

Classic Canadian Junior Dairy ShowRicoh Coliseum

Ridley Wikkerink, BC Bruce Sayles, ONLarry Schirm, Ohio

Thurs. Nov. 13 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Red & White ShowRing of Excellence

Brent Walker, ON

Thurs. Nov. 13 2:00 p.m to4:00 p.m.

Black & White Junior and Intermediate CalvesRing of Excellence

Mark Rueth, WI & Robert Yeoman, OK

Fri. Nov. 14 7:30 a.m. to5:00 p.m.

Black & White Show(starting with Senior Calves)Ricoh Coliseum

Mark Rueth, WI & Robert Yeoman, OK

Fri. Nov, 14 6:30 p.m. Holstein Canada’s President’s Cup ShowmanshipRing of Excellence

Nancy Beerwort, ON

Fri. Nov. 14 8:30 p.m. Exhibitors’ ReceptionRing of Excellence

Sat. Nov. 15 2:00 p.m. Supreme ChampionRing of Excellence


It’s here! Starting early November, Holstein Canada will launch a new service for genotyping Holstein

females.As stated in the last Info Holstein,

this new technology, combining genomics with genetic evaluation, will greatly increase the accuracy of genetic predictions for young animals and will change selection practices in the dairy industry.

Heifer selection will receive the greatest boost from this technological advancement. Using the Illumina BovineSNP50 TM BeadChip, the gain in accuracy is equivalent to 9-11 milking daughters or four to five lactations of information.

This high-density genomic test uncovers almost 40,000 markers across the entire genome. When this information is combined with genetic indexes or Parent Averages, the animal receives combined GEBVs that have higher accuracies/reliabilities for all traits.

High-Density SNP Chip Panel

The Illumina BovineSNP50TM BeadChip is the high-density panel available to producers in Canada and the US. Males can only be tested through one of the seven AI units that has invested in the project and, therefore, has exclusivity for the testing of males over the next five years. That group includes Canadian-based AI units Semex and Alta.

Fortunately, the testing of females is relatively open. Any female can be tested through Holstein Canada. As well, an AI unit may submit a sample for testing if part of a bull dam arrangement.

The 50K SNP panel has been pilot-tested over the past year. This past summer, Holstein Canada was able to submit ear tissue samples for 200 females from 36 herds at a highly-

discounted rate. And with cost sharing between Holstein Canada and Semex, the participating producers were able to get the animals tested for a much lower fee than actual cost.

Combined GEBVs on the US scale were sent to producers and, with the soon-to-be-completed research on the Canadian side, combined GEBVs on the Canadian scale will be sent to those producers this fall.

The regular fee for this new service using the high-density 50K SNP panel is expected to be around $235 US per animal tested. That covers the cost of DNA extraction, genotyping, combined GEBV estimation, and administration.

Low-Density SNP Chip Panel

A low-density SNP Chip panel is also under development by Illumina and should be available by the end of the year on a research basis. This low-density version contains 368 SNPs, 100 times less than the 38,416 SNPs found on the high-density panel. GeneSeek in the US will perform all testing using the low-density panel.

The ratio between the number of SNPs on the two panels seems extreme, however the 368 SNPs have been chosen carefully. The low-density chip contains 100 SNPs required for parentage verification. The remaining markers were selected from the 50K SNP panel, as being the most informative in relation to Net Merit in the US.

Time will tell how relevant the selected markers will be in relation to Canadian breeding goals. However, it should be valuable for several traits such as Fat, Protein, Fertility, and Herd Life.

Producers opting for the low-density SNP test will eventually receive combined GEBVs just like the 50K result. This may take some time to develop, however the gain, accuracy, and degree of change over current

evaluations should be much less.Essentially, the low-density chip

gives a low-cost option to herds wanting to invest less, but still receive some genomic assistance to better predict the true genetic transmitting ability of their animals.

Although the low-density panel is still in research and development, Holstein Canada has been given an opportunity to participate in the pilot phase. In late 2008 and early 2009, Holstein Canada will be in a position to test up to 1,500 animals using the low-density panel at a bargain price of $14.50 US per animal, plus an administration fee. Later in 2009, the regular service fee for testing using the low-density panel is expected to be around $25-$30 US per animal.

Ordering and Collecting

Producers will be able to pre-order DNA hair cards/envelopes from Holstein Canada for collection and submission of hair. The collection cards/envelopes will identify the requirements for hair collection regarding procedures, quantity, and quality.

The producer will write the animal registration number on the DNA card/envelope and mail it to Holstein Canada. On each card/envelope, the producer will indicate whether the animal is to be tested using the high-density 50K SNP panel or low-density 368 SNP version.

Holstein Canada will accumulate genomic test requests, and make a monthly shipment to the DNA lab. At press time, the laboratory for high-density testing is still to be determined, with a lab in Canada and another in the US still under consideration.

If you are interested in having an animal genomic-tested, contact customer service at Holstein Canada.

New Genomic Test Available for Cows and Heifers By Jay Shannon, Breed Improvement Manager


ClassificationSchedule mid-round

Qc – Vaudreuil, Soulanges, Huntingdon, Châteauguay, Beauharnois, Richmond, Missisquoi

Early

October

ON – Lennox & Addington, Frontenac, Hastings, Prince Edward

Qc – Rivière-du-Loup, Témiscouata, Rimouski, Matapédia, Matane, Bonaventure,

PE, NB, NS, NL

Mid

Qc – Arthabaska, Mégantic, Wolfe

ON – Waterloo

Saskatchewan

Late

ON – Wellington

ON – Oxford

Qc – Brome, Sherbrooke, Compton

Early

Novem

berON – Northern Ontario

Qc – Stanstead, Frontenac, Beauce

Qc – Lotbinière, Nicolet, Yamaska

Mid

ON – Thunder Bay

ON – Perth

Late

ON – Dundas, Stormont, Glengarry, Wentworth

Qc – Dorchester

Qc – Abitibi, Témiscamingue

BC –

Early Decem

berON – Niagara, Brant, Haldimand, Norfolk, Prescott, Russell

Qc – Drummond, Bagot

Qc – Lévis, Québec, Montmorency

Mid

Top Sires Making Improvement on DamBased on 1st Lactation Classifications from July/August 2008

Top 10 Sires with 100+ Daughters Classified in Two-Month Period

Top 10 Sires with 30-100 Daughters Classified in Two-Month Period

SireDaughters Classified

% Higherthan Dam

Daus/DamAvg. Scores

SireDaughters Classified

% Higherthan Dam

Daus/DamAvg. Scores

Outside 134 65.7 79.8/79.2 Derek 71 71.8 77.7/76.1

Spirte 163 64.4 80.0/79.3 Income 64 67.2 78.8/78.1

Roy 102 62.7 81.1/80.5 Jasper 85 67.1 80.8/80.2

Lheros 120 62.5 80.5/80.4 Boss 33 66.7 79.3/79.1

FBI 110 61.8 79.8/79.9 Belero 57 64.9 79.1/78.0

Stormatic 187 60.4 79.5/79.5 Ginary Tommy (ys)

35 62.9 78.6/77.7

Salto 184 59.2 79.1/79.2 Mr Sam 73 58.9 81.1/81.0

Goldwyn 779 58.7 81.1/81.1 Terrason 31 58.1 80.9/81.0

Igniter 111 58.6 79.6/79.5 Charge 45 57.8 78.2/78.7

Mailing 214 57.5 79.7/79.3 Tribute 56 55.4 78.3/79.0

*ys - young sire Note: Daughters are included in the statistics only if both the daughter and her dam calved for the first time before 30 months and were both first classified within the first six months of lactation.

125 Yearsof Progress & Fraternity

Between 1871 and 1905, 7,757 head of Holstein-Friesian cattle were imported into North America—the vast majority before 1890.

Dairy cattle were routinely imported and exported across the Canada/US border, and these 7,757 animals are considered to be the genetic base for North America.

The real base, however, is smaller since not all of these animals have descendants today. Statistics estimate there are currently about 1.5 million

Holsteins in Canada. Some significant foundation females

in Canadian breeding over the last 125 years include:

Posch/Abbekerk • lineage, 1890’s, Herman Bollert, Cassel, ON Rag Apple • family, mid-1920’s, T.B. Macaulay, Mount Victoria Farm, Hudson Heights, Qc • Balsam Brae Pluto Sovereign (EX 7*) 1951+, Roybrook Farm, Brooklin, ON Glenridge Citation Roxy• (EX 6*) 1968+, Lorne Loveridge, Grenfell, SK Comestar Laurie Sheik• (VG-88 23*) 1986+, Comestar Holstein, Victoriaville, Qc, 1995 Canadian Cow of Year Sunnylodge Prelude Spottie• (VG-87 18*) 1988+, Sunnylodge Farms Inc., Chesterville, ON, 1998 Cow of Year Braedale Gypsy Grand • (VG-88 37*) 1993+, Braedale Holsteins, Cumberland, ON, 2003 Cow of Year

Electronic reports are available in PDF format and/or a data file. At no cost, ask your classifier to have them processed at head office and made available through the internet (PMB).


Published six times annuallySubscription: $18 outside CanadaEditor: Jane Whaley

Publications MailAgreement 40008691

Independent expression by contributors is welcomed, but is not necessarily that of the Association. Reproduction and use is encouraged for research, education, personal, and other non-commercial use, provided that the author and source are clearly identified.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:Holstein CanadaP.O. Box 610, Brantford, ON N3T 5R4

Tel: 519-756-8300Fax: [email protected]

There’s a lot of publicity to be gained if your cow becomes a finalist in Holstein Canada’s Cow of the Year competition.

Publications around the world use this elite distinction in articles and ads. Furthermore, if your cow becomes a voter favourite, her legacy lives on in record books.

Breeders and owners of previous winners say the award provides respect and notoriety for both the animal and herd for years to come.

You, too, could have this ongoing exposure!

Canadian-bred animals (in milk, or having natural offspring born, or embryo recovery in 2008) may be nominated now for Cow of the Year. Until December 1, your entries will be accepted online at www.holstein.ca, by e-mail [email protected], by phone 519-756-8300, or fax 519-756-9982.

Four finalists are selected in December by a panel of members. A brochure in the February Info Holstein outlines the achievements

of these animals. Then, members simply vote using the postage-paid ballot, fax, e-mail, or online.

In this 125th anniversary year, let your vote be counted as we strive for a record voter return! The winner will be announced at the Association’s April Annual Meeting in Vancouver.

Canadian Cow of Year winners from 1995 to 2007 were:

Comestar Laurie Sheik ET, Dupasquier Starb Winnie, Loubel Jubilant Siliva ET, Sunnylodge Prelude Spottie, Rainyridge Tony Beauty, Gillette Blackstar Christiane, Crasdale Rock n Roll, Quality Astre Felice, Braedale Gypsy Grand, Fortale Stella Lindy, Quality B C Frantisco, Dreane Astre Inksou, and last year, Braedale Baler Twine.

Enter Cow of Year Hall of Fame InducteesTwo keen Holstein entrepreneurs Paul Ekstein, Woodbridge, ON and John M. Walker, Aylmer, ON will be inducted into Canada’s Hall of Fame in November.

Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Association President Kim McConnell describes Paul and John as having drive, dedication, a passion for excellence, and international influence. They have dedicated their careers and livelihood to advancing agriculture in Canada and internationally.

Paul Ekstein of Quality Farms Ltd. is considered one of Canada’s and the world’s top Holstein breeders. A long-time Royal showman, he is also the founder of Quality Seeds, one of the fastest growing forage, lawn, and turf companies in Canada.

John M. Walker of Walker Farms International is a prolific domestic and international marketer of Canadian dairy cattle. Mr. Canada Dairyman has opened international markets for thousands of Canadian dairy cattle sales in almost 20 countries.

Recipients with Holstein Bonds2007 Michel Lémire Qc2005 Robert Chicoine Qc2004 Thomas Clifton Hays ON2004 Robt. Gordon Souter BC2003 Douglas G. Blair AB2002 Patrice Biron Qc1999 George R. McLaughlin ON1999 F. Roy Ormiston ON1998 J. Elgin Armstrong ON1997 Ross Butler ON1996 Robert (Bob) Shore ON1987 Thomas Edwin Hays ON1982 Roy G. Snyder ON1978 Robert R. McCain NB1975 Johnston Magill Fraser ON1974 George M. Clemons ON1973 Erle Kitchen ON1967 John J. E. McCague ON1963 Percy H. Moore BC1963 James Rettie ON1962 Robert M. Holtby ON1962 Alfred E. Hulet ON1962 Hon. J. Walter Jones PE1961 T. B. Macauley Qc

Never Give Up!Re-enter your females for

Cow of the Year if you’re not successful one year. Every

year presents a different crop of contenders.

Robert Chicoine

Roy Orm

iston

Doug Blair

Gordon Souter

Documents

Info Holstein, October, Nobember