Holstein enthusiasts and members of the dairy industry from across the country gathered in Montreal from April 12 to 15 for the Holstein Canada National Convention. A number of activities were organized in the metropolitan area, including the 140th Annual General Meeting and the 2022 Master Breeder Gala. Several farm visits and a wide range of activities were held, with a “Legendary Experience” theme. The event’s success is thanks to the Organizing Committee’s hard work; the Committee is composed of volunteers and chaired by Louis St-Aubin.
2023 Annual General Meeting
Holstein Canada’s 140th Annual General Meeting was held last Saturday during the 2022 National Convention in Montreal. The hybrid format allowed members onsite, and from across the Country, to gather and discuss various agenda items. President Ben Cuthbert and Interim Chief Executive Officer Linda Markle addressed the membership, highlighting Holstein Canada’s progress and major achievements in 2022. The members of the Association voted to adopt eight (8) proposed resolutions. Similar to last year, videos were shown to provide details on the Financial Report as well as updates on the various Committees. These videos will be available on the Holstein Canada website. The next Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held in Hamilton, Ontario on April 27, 2024.
Following the meeting, the Board of Directors re-elected Ben Cuthbert (Silvermaple) of Ladysmith, BC as President for the 2023-2024 year. President Cuthbert will be joined by an Executive consisting of Vice- President and Chair, Angus Mackinnon (Buckland) of Coaticook, QC and 3rd Member to the Executive Doug Peart (Peartome) of Hagersville, ON.
The 2022 Cow of the Year was announced at the meeting. Comestar Lamadona Doorman EX-94-2E 22* was selected! Each member had one vote to elect this magnificent cow from the Centre-du-Québec region. The Comtois family was onsite to receive the crowd’s applause as well as their prize: a personalized canvas with the winner’s colours. Thank you to the artist, Laurie Desrochers of Princeville, QC, who reproduced the Cow of the Year with remarkable accuracy.
Several awards were presented at the meeting. Three Ontario families received the Century of Holstein Award, celebrating 100 years of continuous membership in Holstein Canada: the McGriskin family of Agincourt, the Dolson family of Atwood and the Poole/Hunter family of Smith Falls. All three families were onsite to receive their awards.
Farm Tours, Quebec Spring Show, and Other Activities
More than 600 people participated in this week full of activities! Eleven businesses welcomed delegates and Young Leaders by showcasing their operations during farm tours. An alternative tour to discover the legendary attractions of Montreal was also offered.
At the Quebec Spring Show held in Victoriaville, more than 250 Holsteins captured everyone’s attention. Judge Mike Duckett of Rudolph, Wisconsin crowned Jacobs Lambda Briar Grand Champion; the Winter 2-year old is owned by Ferme Jacobs, Cap-Santé, Quebec.
Approximately 50 Young Leaders attended the Convention in Montreal. In addition to participating in various farm tours, guest speakers and Holstein Canada staff members presented on various topics including farm management and transfer, heifer breeding strategies, and governance. The Young Leaders were also able to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting. The Young Leaders also took part in other Conference activities. New this year, the “Locals’ Package” attracted even more youth to join in on the activities held on Friday and Saturday.
The Master Breeder Gala wrapped up a fantastic week in Montreal. 18 Master Breeders were onsite to receive their Shields. Their operations from across Canada were honoured with a video presented to the many people who attended the event. These videos will soon be available on our various platforms.
National Holstein Convention 2024
The event will be held in Hamilton, using a “Discover the Escarpment” theme. Details will be published on our website in the fall of 2023.