CAMPBELLFORD — William Merrill manages a 30-milking cow operation, typical of many tie-stall operations in Ontario. It’s the type of operation you don’t hear much about until a grand champion appears or a production record gets broken.

Merrill has pretty decent production: a 222 Breed Class Average, which means he is about 10 per cent higher than the average Ontario herd. But in classification he excels. Six have been rated Excellent — that means exhibiting perfect bodies — while 16 are classified Very Good, just below perfect.

The farm has been breeding cattle for four generations and he expects the farm will get a 100-year pin for that sometime soon.

He’s pleased about winning a Master Breeder Shield but not overwhelmed. "It was never a goal until I got close," he says. "Lots of people get close. It will be a good marketing tool."

His farm has an uncanny capacity to breed outstanding cows. Many of his points come from Merleson Supreme Toby classified Very Good. She produced seven heifers and is called a three-star brood cow. That means three of her heifers have outstanding performance. Another cow, Merleholm Grand Dandy was classified Excellent and became a four-star brood cow.

He farms with his 18-year-old daughter Kate, who shows promise as an outstanding showperson. She finished fourth at the Royal last year, showing a Jersey. His mother Evalena, who lives nearby, has shown outstanding support.