The Complete Image Gallery from the International Holstein Show 2018 is now available for you to view, share and purchase photos. Carl Phoenix served as the Official Judge is Carl Phoenix, ON, with Joel Phoenix, ON, assisting him. View the results of last year’s International Holstein Show HERE!
Biography
Carl Phoenix, his wife, Kera, and their three children, Clara, Carson and Weston, operate Phoenixholm Holsteins near Sunderland, Ontario. The 240-acre farm is home to 45 purebred Holsteins with several All-Canadian and All-American Nominations. Prior to establishing Phoenixholm, Phoenix received a Master Breeder Shield while in partnership with Phoenix Bros. He is a past president of the Ontario County Holstein Club, a former committee member of the Ontario Dairy Youth Trust Fund and is currently a 4-H leader in the Durham West region. In 2017, he served as the associate judge of the International Holstein Show and is also a former Youth Showmanship judge at World Dairy Expo. In addition to his WDE experiences, Phoenix has evaluated cattle around the world at the Irish National Dairy Show, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, the Brazil Spring Show, the California State Show and various shows across Canada and the United States.
Joel Phoenix and his wife, Jessica, farm 250 acres with their two young children, Jacob and Jordan, in Cannington, Ontario. The farm is home to 200 beef cows, an equestrian business Jessica manages and a small herd of Holsteins. Under the Dappleview prefix, Phoenix focuses on breeding and merchandising elite show cows and heifers and has worked with many All-Canadian and All-American Nominees. Spending more than 15 years as a professional dairy cattle fitter, Phoenix has traveled the world to work with many great people and animals. In 2013, he was honored with the Andrea Crowe Achievement Award at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for exhibiting “everyday love of the industry” that inspires others, fosters knowledge and encourages good sportsmanship. Phoenix has judged cattle around the globe including at the Mexican National Holstein and Jersey Show, the New South Wales Australian Show, the Atlantic Fall Championship Show, the Manitoba Spring Show and World Dairy Expo.
Q&A with Carl Phoenix
What has been your most memorable judging experience so far?
Being the Associate Judge for the Holstein Show at Madison in 2017. The caliber of cattle at that show is so incredible. It seems totally unreal to be at the center of the ring at WDE, but it’s so much fun! Just awesome! As the associate you don’t have as much of the pressure and still get to see all the great cows, I’m trying not to think about this fall!
Who is your favorite cow of all time? One that you’ve judged and/or one that you admire?
My favourite cow of all time is Thrulane James Rose because she was a modern cow that really changed things in the breed. Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn is my favourite cow I’ve judged so far.
What do you love most about judging?
I like the traveling, seeing new countries and the people you meet along the way. I’ve traveled to Brazil, Ireland, a few US states and almost every Canadian province.
What are you looking for in your winners?
I like functional feet and legs, good sound udders and good functional rumps. I prefer to keep it simple!
Describe the feeling of being asked to judge at Madison?
Disbelief! It’s a huge honour to even get on the list to judge at Madison and so it was crazy to get the actual call, I never really believed it would happen. I told my wife first and she was very excited and then I called my dad right away.
How did you select your Associate Judge?
It’s not an easy decision for sure. Joel (Phoenix) is someone that I’ve worked with before and I know we work well together. I wanted someone beside me that a lot of people have respect for and that wouldn’t be afraid to share their opinions. I know Joel and I will have healthy discussions and we help level each other out.
