Eastern and east central Ontario master breeders dominate

BRANTFORD — When Holstein Canada named its Master Breeder shield recipients, the highest award in the profession, one fact escaped most people’s attention. Eight of the 21 Canadian recipients, more than a third of them, came from eastern and east central Ontario, where fewer than 1,800 Holstein farms operate. Holstein Canada has about 12,000 members. Some of the recipients have won the shield before; Ronbeth Holsteins has won three shields. For others like the Guy and Styles families this is a first. Both farms have contrasting styles in feeding and management yet each has achieved excellence. See the Styles family story on page 8. The award is based on classification and milk production.

Eastern and east central Ontario recipients

• Frank Barkley, Blackstock
• McNinch Holsteins, Kingston
• Nooyen Family, Navan
• Wayne and Monique Koggel, Dalkeith
• Peter, Cheryl, Adam and Darren Guy, Winchester
• Bill and Nancy Dwyer, Elgin
• Todd and Carolyn Styles, Kinburn
• Ronbeth Holsteins, Hastings