The Complete Image Gallery from the International Red & White Show 2018 is now available for you to view, share and purchase photos. Blair Weeks, PEI, served as official Judge with Tom DeGroot, BC, as his Associate. View results & photos of the 2017 International Red & White Show HERE!
Biography
Blair Weeks, of Pleasant Valley, Prince Edward Island, operates Weeksdale Holsteins with his parents, Sandra and Elmer, wife, Jaime, daughter, Adelle, and son, Nash. The 65-milking cow Holstein herd is comprised of 28 Excellent, 51 Very Good and 18 Good Plus cows, many of which have received All-American and All-Canadian awards. The strong breeding that is evident in the barn at Weeksdale Holsteins, earned Weeks and his family the Canadian Master Breeder shield in 2011. In 2016, Weeks was recognized with the Andrea Crowe Achievement Award at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair for his ability to inspire others through a positive attitude and industry involvement, fostering industry knowledge and interest in youth and good sportsmanship. Weeks has evaluated cattle around the globe at International Dairy Week, UK Dairy Expo, World Dairy Expo, the All-American Dairy Show and the Calgary Spring Show.
Tom DeGroot, president of T & L Cattle Ltd., has worked with numerous All-American and All-Canadian cattle during his career. The most recent of these award-winners is Meadow Green Abso Fanny-Red, the 2017 Grand Champion of the International Red & White Show and Red & White Holstein Show at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Due to Fanny’s success in the showring, she was also named the 2017 Red & White Cow of the Year. DeGroot’s involvement with show-winning cattle also includes the 2015 WDE Supreme Champion, Lovhill Goldwyn Katrysha, and Expo class winners, Brackleyfarm Chelios Cheerio, Cache-Valley Lheros 2331 and Ehrhardt Gold Beauty, to name a few. The 100-cow Holstein herd at T & L Cattle maintains a daily production average of 80 pounds of milk with 30,000 somatic cell-count, making it the lowest SCC herd in British Columbia for twenty-years. DeGroot resides in Rosedale, British Columbia with his wife, Laury, and has two grown children, Mike and Karly.
Q&A with Blair Weeks
What has been your most memorable judging experience so far?
Probably the most impressive group of cattle on the whole that I’ve judged was at the Calgary Spring Show last year. Every class was top quality from top to bottom. I’ve had the opportunity to judge in the UK, Argentina, Australia, the USA and almost all across Canada.
Who is your favorite cow of all time? One that you’ve judged and/or one that you admire?
My favourite cow ever is Thrulane James Rose and Wendon Goldwyn Diode is my favourite one I’ve judged. She has a tremendous udder looks like she produces a lot of milk with ease.
What do you love most about judging?
I like the pressure, especially when it’s a class full of good cows. I also enjoy the traveling even though I have terrible luck when it comes to canceled flights and lost baggage! I think judging is a good way to give back what I’ve learned from other people over the years. If you judge them the right way than you have nothing to worry about!
What are you looking for in your winners?
They don’t have to be big, but they have to be good. I like hard topped, great legged cows – they really have to have good legs for me. I like a dairy, feminine cow, but she has to have an adequate amount of strength and width and be well-balanced.
Describe the feeling of being asked to judge at Madison?
It was a big surprise to just be on the ballot! To be chosen by fellow breeders and exhibitors is something everyone dreams of and it’s a big honour. I was home in the barn when I got the call and I immediately called my wife Jaime and then my parents, they will all be coming to watch.
How did you select your Associate Judge?
Tom DeGroot is one of the smartest guys in the business and has a really good eye for finding great cows. I wanted someone who is a little bit older than me who I’ve looked up to. I have always respected Tom, we’ve had a great friendship for many years, and I know he’s respected in this business as well.
