New 4-H president set world record

STIRLING — Vince Brennan, a prominent cattleman, has been elected president of the 4-H board of directors. He succeeds Linda Porteous of Dundas County.

Brennan is both a Jersey and Holstein Breeder best known for breeding the world record-breaking Holstein. His Brenwood Marlin Angie set a world record for butterfat in the 80s, an astronomical 7.8 per cent. At the time, the average Holstein averaged 3.4 per cent.

His early experiences with 4-H began in the show ring, a love he's carried through his life and tries to pass on to his children, Caitland, 15, and Brittany, 12. He met his wife Bev (nee Bush) at 4-H functions.

He continues to show Jersey cattle, often participating in the big shows. He bred and owned the Reserve Junior Champion at the 1996 Royal in Toronto. Since then, he's judged cattle in North America and Mexico. "I saw some of my own cattle when I was judging in Mexico," he says.

He began farming in Marysville about 22 years ago and one year later married. They have since moved to Stirling.

He's totally sold on the 4-H philosophy learn to do by doing. "I wanted to give my children the values, pleasures and opportunities I had in 4-H."

The new 4-H organization in its fourth year is increasing memberships. "We wanted to balance education and fun and it's working with the kids," he says.