The Annual General Meeting of Holstein Quebec was held February 4-7th in Drummondville, QC. As always it was nice to be a part of this event as Holstein Quebec and the Congress Committee organized an excellent event!
On February 4th, the Holstein Quebec Tout-Quebec Gala was held to announce the results of the All-Quebec winners for the 2014 show eason. Topping the list of All-Quebec winners was Ferme Jacobs winning the Breeder Herd award, followed by the red group from Ferme Blondin.
The Jean Touchette trophy was also presented during the evening, to Mr. Serge Blanchette. Mr. Blanchette was honored not only as a great breeder, but also for his contributions to the show industry and the Holstein breed throughout the world. Mr. Blanchette owns, with his brother and nephew, the La Présentation herd. The La Présentation herd is home to many Excellent cows, including La Présentation Daurel EX54*, the highest ranking brood cow in the Holstein Association.
Maggy Desrochers, Maude Fontaine, Laurie Laliberté and Véronique Villeneuve each received scholarship awards for use in their studies in agricultural school programs. Congratulations to all the award winners!
On February 5th, the AGM took place with many Holstein breeders from the province present. During the meeting, many members of the industry spoke, and Holstein Canada president Mario Perreault took time to share news about the national association.
During the lunch, many milk production awards were distributed, and it was good t see how Quebec-bred cows are not only show cows, but can milk as well. The Holdream prefix from St-Honoré de Shenley took home many of those class awards, and also won the Club of 300, which is the highest combined RMC, with a milk average of 15,988kg (366-378-370).
Before the Master Breeder Banquet, Holstein Quebec was proud to announce the 2014 winner of the Vache Coup de Coeur Countess. The Countess is selected each year, and every club can send one finalist. A selection committee choses four finalists in Quebec, and then breeders can vote for their favorite cow for the year. This year, Parile Kite Alicia EX-2E-5* was chosen. She is a Red & White owned by Deslacs Holsteins of Victoriaville,QC and was the Champion of the first Red & White Show held at the Royal in 2007. She has many All-Canadian awards and nominations to her credit. Alicia has also won championship banners at the Quebec Spring Show, the EIHQ and her provincial show. To date, she has eleven VG daughters and one excellent daughter.
The evening of February 7th, the Quebec Master Breeder winners were presented in front of a crowd of over 300 people. Each received a painting from Mount Victoria Farms, recipient of the first Master Breeder Award in 1942. They will also be recognized at the National Convention.
The Master Breeders were celebrated following the Annual Meeting where a video presentations was put together for each of the Quebec Master Breeder Shield winners. Each recipient also received a painting from the Montvic Barn.
