About our Association
With a rich and long-standing history in the Canadian dairy industry, the Holstein
Association of Canada began in 1884. The Association was incorporated nationally in 1901 and remains the
only organization authorized to register Holstein cattle in Canada.
As a non-profit organization, Holstein Canada exists to help improve the breed
of Holstein cattle across Canada. Our Association is seen as a leader in dairy genetics
domestically and around the world. With more than 10,500 members, we maintain the
Holstein Herdbook under the Federal Animal Pedigree Act and provide many services
to our members. This helps to assist them in evaluating, selecting, and improving
their herds through genetic improvement programs that help to enhance the profitability
for dairy producers in Canada.
Our Vision:
Leadership in Dairy Genetics
Our Holstein Canada's Mission:
To provide leadership through genetic improvement
programs to enhance the profitability for all dairy producers.
Our Core Values:
- Customer-focused
- Responsible leadership
- Passion for the dairy industry
- Utmost integrity and respect
- Continuous improvement
- Embracing technology
- Open communication
- Quality service
Milestones at Holstein Canada:
- 1892:
- Completed the first Canadian registrations (from 1884 to 1892 registrations were done working closely with the American Association)
- 1922:
- The US introduced the first true Type Model and Canada adopted it as well
- 1925:
- Launched the Classification program in Canada
- 1930:
- Awarded the first Master Breeder Shield
- 1940:
- Accepted registrations for calves born from Artificial Insemination (AI) and began certification of AI
-
1958:
- Launched the Star Brood award program for cows
- 1973:
- Registered the first ET calves
- 1973:
- Accepted the first Red & White registration at the Association
- 1982:
- Introduced computerized registrations at the Association and ear tagging also became mandatory
- 1989:
- Held the first National Judging Conference
- 1993:
- Created the bi-monthly publication InfoHolstein for all Association members
- 1995:
- Presented the First Cow of the Year Award to Comestar Laurie Sheik
- 1996:
- Launched the first website, including the Animal Information Sheet (AIS) tool that made pedigree information available online for free, 24 hours a day
- 2001:
- Held the first National Young Adult Holstein Convention in Calgary & Edmonton
- 2002:
- Built the new head office building at 20 Corporate Place in Brantford. Staff moved into their new home in January 2002.
- 2002:
- Introduced Electronic Registration Application (ERA)
- 2005:
- Established All-Breeds Classification to classify all seven dairy breeds across Canada
- 2005:
- Presented the first Century of Holsteins Award to Hoskins Farms Ltd.
- 2007:
- Introduced electronic transfers, allowing customers to electronically transfer the ownership of animals
- 2010:
- Launched the national genomic testing service in partnership with Semex Alliance
- 2012:
- Hosted the 2012 World Holstein Conference: the 13th World Conference and first to be held on Canadian soil
- 2013:
- Started registering animals for other breeds: Canadienne in 2013, Ayrshire in 2014, and Brown Swiss, Guernsey and Milking Shorthorn in 2016
- 2015:
- Awarded the 1,000th Master breeder Shield at the National Holstein Convention in Calgary, Alberta
- 2016:
- Launched new, more efficient Herdbook software
- 2016:
- Became the service provider for Animal Care Assessments as part of the DFC proAction® Initiative
- 2016:
- Achieved a record year for new registrations completing 286,005 Holstein registrations
