Brooknook is a family-operated dairy in the Upper Fraser Valley, receiving their first Master Breeder Shield in just a few days in Niagara Falls. A farm that focuses on the future, the Ricka family is always looking for ways to grow the business and increase efficiency on farm. As a herd, Brooknook works to increase high type within the herd to the high production in the tank, a balance that has clearly worked to bring this herd the Master Breeder status this past year.
Brooknook Facts:
Brooknook is currently milking 125 head with 290 in total, while running 80 acres of owned land and 100 acres rented. All land is grass and corn, with bought in alfalfa.
Current classification is 1ME, 4Ex, 56VG, 81GP and 12G.
Her Production is 11,624kg average, with 258M 251F and 263P.
Involved in day-to-day tasks include parents John and Colleen, with sons Mark and Jason.
Brooknook Broker Dream VG-87 10* has been the biggest contributor to the Master Breeder Shield.
Future goals include continuing to expand the herd and build new facilities.
Biggest contributing sire for Brooknook would be Cousteau, other sires used being Talent, Goldwyn, Gibson, Lheros, Dundee, and Leduc. Breeding focuses are within the top LPI sires, then finding the highest combination if highest type and production.
Greatest accomplishment for Brooknook, Master Breeder Shield aside, would be the ability to expand the herd and increase overall conformation and production. A huge task in its own right, the Ricka family understands the time and patience it takes to achieve this goal.