International Flavour at the 2013 CMSS Field Day and AGM‏ - Cowsmo

International Flavour at the 2013 CMSS Field Day and AGM‏

The Canadian Milking Shorthorn Society held their annual Field Day and AGM on July 20th, 2013 at Oceanbrae Farms, owned by the Barrett Family in Belmont, Prince Edward Island. The Field Day is the biggest event on the Milking Shorthorn Society calendar, with breeders from across the country getting together in a social setting while helping to chart a course for the future of the breed.

This year, breeders from four provinces as well as a number of PEI dairy farmers from other breeds were joined by six visitors from the United States (including Susan Lee, AMSS President) as well as Graham Madeley, Past-President of the Shorthorn Society of the UK. The Barrett’s and other Canadian breeders were keen to exchange information with these international guests and avenues for continued international cooperation and genetic exchange were discussed.

The day included some fun guessing games, two judging classes (with Garnet Schellen of Forever Schoon Ayrshires serving as official judge), a noon meal with over 80 people in attendance, a fun auction, and presentation of production awards as well as two additional awards. Valley Crest Alice 39 EX-93 was named CMSS Cow of the Year for 2013. She is owned by the Naylor Family of Kleefeld, Manitoba, with the Naylors present to accept their award. The CMSS Distinguished Service Award was given to Mike Sullivan of Maple Inn Farms, Peterborough, Ontario.

At the 2013 AGM, CMSS President John Knox and CMSS Secretary-Treasurer Ryan Barrett reviewed 2012 programs, events and financials with assembled members. 2012 was the best year for registrations in many years, and a number of new breeders continue to be attracted to the breed. The Society continues to have healthy finances and ongoing growth in interest in domestic animal sales as well as international semen and embryo exports. With John Knox finishing a three year term as president, Dave Prinzen of Prinsville Dairy Farms, Bloomfield, ON was introduced as the new CMSS President. Assuming the Vice-President role is Don Richardson of Richford Farms, St. Marys, Ontario. Johnathan Eccles of Holstein, Ontario was also welcomed as a new Director representing Ontario.

The weekend also featured a small tag sale offered by the Oceanbrae herd. The Oceanbrae Summer Selections Sale ended with nine head selling for an average of $2172. New breeders Greg and Amy Kelly of Lanark, ON were the volume buyers of the sale, purchasing four head. Other lots sold to breeders in Ontario, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

CMSS President John Knox presents Cow of the Year honours to Ivan Naylor of Lady Grove Milking Shorthorns, Kleefeld, Manitoba.
CMSS President John Knox presents Cow of the Year honours to Ivan Naylor of Lady Grove Milking Shorthorns, Kleefeld, Manitoba.
Fred Barrett of Oceanbrae Farms (foreground) welcomes visitors to the 2013 CMSS Field Day and AGM.
Fred Barrett of Oceanbrae Farms (foreground) welcomes visitors to the 2013 CMSS Field Day and AGM.

 

 

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