The Judges for the 2018 TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic were recently selected.
Claire Swale of the U.K. will judge the Showmanship division of the Classic with Steve Fraser from Fergus, Ontario, taking on the role of Associate Judge.
Claire Swale returns to the Semex “Ring of Excellence” as the Lead Showmanship Judge for the 39th Anniversary Show of the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic. “From Lancashire in England, Claire Swale has been judging Showmanship competitions for over 20 years, officiating in Canada, England, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, and Switzerland. In 2018 Claire will be judging showmanship at the New Zealand Dairy Event.
Married to Dave, with two children, Jack (18) and Harvey (17), Claire owns 40 head of registered Holsteins under her own Heavenly prefix. These operate alongside the family run Joylan Farms, which farms over 800 acres, milks 500 cows, and retails all their own milk independently.
Claire is a familiar sight in and around the show ring, whether it be showing or judging or as a valued part of the Cowsmopolitan team providing global show coverage. Last year she travelled to 13 countries, making over 90 flights, doing this.
Involved in the pedigree business since an early age, Claire considers herself extremely fortunate to have a career in an industry she loves, working with great cows and great people. Passionate about the Youth of our industry, Claire is excited to be working with youth and is enthusiastically looking forward to judging Showmanship at this year’s TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic.
Steve Fraser, along with his wife Jacqueline Florent-Fraser, lives in Fergus, ON. Along with his father Jack Fraser, they own and operate Fraeland Farms that presently milks approximately 90 Holsteins. Fraeland Farms is a 4-time Master Breeder herd over three generations with Steve being awarded his Shield in 2011.
Steve has had many achievements over the years, including the honours of being Champion Showperson in 1997 and Champion Calf in 1996 at the Hays Classic, which is now known as the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Additionally, Steve has had a very successful judging career from officiating at numerous 4-H shows, multiple county shows, championship shows and Breeders’ Cups throughout Ontario. He judged showmanship at the Western Canadian Classic in 2017, Senior Showmanship class at World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI, in 2014. Furthermore, Steve also judged internationally at the Brown Swiss Show in Australia and showmanship at the Australian Dairy Youth Camp.
As a former participant himself, Steve is excited to return to “inside the ring” at this year’s TD Classic, this time as the Associate Showmanship Judge for 2018.
Bloyce Thompson from P.E.I. will officiate the Conformation part of this great youth event.
Bloyce Thompson owns and operates Eastside Farm Inc. with his wife Terri and children Taylor, Alyson, and Jenell in Frenchfort, Prince Edward Island. Awarded a Master Breeder shield in 2006, this 80-cow herd has achieved several All-Canadian and All-American nominations over the years. Most notably is Eastside Lewisdale Gold Missy (EX-95), Canadian Cow of the Year 2012, Grand and Supreme Champion at both the 2011 Royal Winter Fair and 2011 World Dairy Expo and, unanimous All-Canadian and AllAmerican Five-Year-Old in 2011. Eastside Holsteins was proud to be named Premier Breeder at the 2011 Royal Winter Fair.
Bloyce is a committee member of the Genetic Evaluation Board for the Canadian Dairy Network, sits on the Holstein Canada Classification Advisory Committee, and is partner in 21 Century Genetics. Bloyce has judged junior shows internationally in countries such as Portugal, Peru, Brazil, Japan and the United States. His judging experience has taken him to every province in Canada where he has judged many major shows and 4-H shows including the Western Canadian Classic, Presidents Cup, TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Showmanship in 2008, as well as the 2013 National Red & White Holstein Show at the Royal.
The Classic committee is looking forward to another successful show this year and is pleased to have sponsors TD, Holstein Canada and the Semex Alliance on board again.
The 39th Anniversary Show of the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic is scheduled to take place on November 5,6 & 7 during the “96th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair” at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario.