Since 1995, Holstein Canada’s annual Cow of the Year competition has aimed to recognize elite Canadian cows that have had an impact both domestically and internationally and have been appreciated by Canadian producers. These animals may be bull dams, brood cows, high or consistent milk producers, show winners, high-index animals, or top cows in other countries.
The 2024 edition of the competition continued with a renewed focus on uncovering exceptional cows that may be quietly making their mark in Canadian barns. To guide nominations, the committee compiled a list of eligibility criteria that cows must meet:
2024 Cow of the Year Nominating Eligibility Criteria:
- Cow must be Canadian-bred;
- Cow must have been active in the award year (in-milk; natural or ET offspring born; or embryo recovery) and must have been alive within the past three (3) years;
- Cow must have produced at least 80,000 kg of milk and more than 3200 kg of fat;
- Cow must be classified at a minimum of 92 points;
- Cow must have been awarded a minimum of 3 stars;
- Four (4) finalists will be chosen.
Holstein Canada’s Herdbook system generated a list of cows that met these criteria. The owners of those cows—or the breeders, in the case of animals no longer in Canada—were contacted by Holstein Canada at the beginning of the year and invited to officially submit an application for their animal. Only cows on this pre-approved list were eligible to compete. From these applications, the Cow of the Year committee selected four Canadian-bred finalists based on longevity, production, genetic merit, strength of pedigree, and their ability to represent Canadian genetics on a global scale.
The 2024 Cow of the Year winner was officially unveiled during Holstein Canada’s Annual General Meeting held at the 2025 National Holstein Convention in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on April 6, 2025.
2024- Rotaly Goldwyn Allegria EX-96 5E 5*
- Breeder-Owner: Rock Hébert & Nathalie Dumais, St-Helene-de-Kamouraska, Qc
- Lifetime : 7 Lactations; 103,504 kgs 4.1% F, 3.3%P 263-292-268
- Longtime 100,000 kgs - 1 Superior Lactation
Raising an animal of her exceptional calibre is a rare and magnificent achievement, and Allegria has continuously surpassed expectations. With six generations of VG or EX and an impressive 39*, she embodies a legacy of strength, resilience, and excellence that inspires all who dream big.
Allegria was not just a cow but an inspiring symbol of dedication and passion. From her triumphs as a heifer to being named Honorable Mention All-American and placing second at the World Dairy Expo, she made her mark at every stage of her life. Her strong personality ensured she was never overlooked! While she may not have been flushed as extensively as others, she thrived where it truly mattered—bringing seven calves into the world in eight years and proudly showcasing her talents in local competitions. Her daughters and unborn calves carry her inspiring legacy even in her absence.
Allegria embodies the pinnacle of Canadian Holsteins—remarkably fertile, impressively robust, and designed for endurance. She is a testament to the idea that greatness knows no boundaries, inviting us to celebrate her extraordinary heritage.
2023– Mystique Extreme Abricot EX-94-4E-CAN 6*
- Breeder-Owner: Ferme Mystique S.E.N.C, Mirabel, Qc
- Lifetime : 6 Lactations; 104,407 kgs 4.1% F, 3.3%P 311-343-321
- Longtime 100,000 kgs - 4 Superior Lactations
Mystique Extreme Abricot is bred and owned by Ferme Mystique S.E.N.C. and scored EX-94-4E-CAN 6*.
The breeder’s at Ferme Mystique purchased Roycedale Lindy Angel in 1994 and since have bred 11 generations of in this family including Abricot. Behind her stands an impressive 10 generations of Excellent or Very Good dams. Abricot is a great example of true Canadian breeding generation after generation. Abricot herself received a score of VG-86-2-YR-CAN in her first lactation and was scored EX-93 in her 3rd lactation. Since then she has received 4 E’s on her pedigree.
Abricot’s progeny have an impressive record cementing her in as a brood cow. Not only does Abricot have 6 Excellent and 3 Very Good daughters, she also has 6 grandsons in A.I. units. Her breeders consider her the ideal cow both in her performance in the barn and her ability to transmit.
2021- Paquet Kolya Goldwyn EX-92-4E 24*
- Breeder-Owner : Paquet & Frères, Amqui, Qc
- Best 305 : 5 Yrs (3rd) 23,070 kg, 3,9%F, 3.0%P
- Lifetime : 7 lactations, 167,261 kg, 4.2%F, 3.2% P
- Longtime production award 140 000 kg, 5 Superior Lactations, 1 Super 4
Kolya is an exceptional cow that dominates with her impressive production and her ability to pass on her qualities to her offspring. She has been the Paquet family’s favorite for a very long time and her lineage perpetuates this feeling from the pleasure breeders feel when working with her progeny. From a young age, Kolya stood out among her peers. As a heifer, she distinguished herself in a few local and regional shows before being classified VG-87 after her first calving. Now at 14 years old and scored 94 points, this Goldwyn daughter has produced over 167,000 kg of milk for a total of over 6,959 kg of fat and 5,390 kg of protein. More than half of the Paquet herd comes from Kolya and, an interesting fact that makes her breeders proud, is that her entire maternal line also carries the Paquet prefix.
The Paquets own all of Kolya’s daughters so all of her 120 points that award her 24* came from their herd! Kolya’s 22 milking daughters are not only beautiful, they are extremely productive! Together they have 25 superior lactations and have produced over 1,237,000 kg of milk to date! Like their matriarch, many are still in production, so these numbers are likely to increase a lot. Kolya is an all-around outstanding cow with a proven track record. She is a model of efficiency and proudly deserve the Cow of the Year title.
2020 - Idee Windbrook Lynzi EX-95-2E 1*
- Breeder: Idee Holsteins , Hunter River, PE
- Owner: Richard W. & Shannon Allyn, Frank A. & Diane Borba, JM Valley Holstein, Stephane Gendreau, Amqui, Qc
- Best 305 : 5 Yr (4th Lact) 13,560 kg, 4.5% Fat, 3.2% Protein
- Lifetime: 5 lactations, 66,591 kg, 4.5% Fat, 3.4% Protein
Longtime production award 60,000 kg, Grand Champion RAWF (2019), All-Canadian 5-Yr-Old 2019, HM. Grand RAWF (2017), INT. Gr. Champion RAWF (2017), All-Canadian JR.3-Yr-Old (2017)
Idee Windbrook Lynzi is an exceptional cow who, from an early age, has made a
name for herself in the judging arenas. Although she comes from
a well-known family that has caused a sensation at the biggest
shows - including Idee Lustre - Lynzi has made her own mark and
will undoubtedly leave a deep impression on the Holstein breed.
With 57,161 kg of milk and over 2,500 kg of fat produced in only
four lactations, Lynzi proves that she is not only a beauty queen
- she earns her spot in the barn! This Windbrook daughter is
just like the Canadian Holstein: excellent conformation and high
production.
Winner of several titles, including Supreme Grand Champion
at the 2019 Royal Winter Fair, she is also known for passing
on excellent genetics. Lynzi has 21 daughters despite her
consecutive show appearances every year. Lynzi’s daughters
have inherited their dam’s femininity and presence. Six of her
daughters are now classified and they are all VG at their first
calving. Several offspring are still to be born, confirming a
glorious and promising future for Lynzi’s proud owners!
2019 - Loyalyn Goldwyn June EX-97-5E-CAN 1* (0/8)
- Breeder: Rob & Alice Bumstead (LOYALYN), Owensound, ON
- Owner: Pierre Boulet (PIERSTEIN), Montmagny, QC
- Best 305 : 9 Yr (6th Lact) 25,343 kg, 4.5% Fat, 3.7% Protein
- Lifetime: 7 lactations, 116,402 kg, 4.4% Fat, 3.5% Protein
- Longtime Production Award 80,000kg (2017), 2 Superior Lactations, HM Grand Royal 2015, 1st Longtime Production Award RAWF (2016, 2014), All-Canadian Longtime Production 2016, Reserve Canadian Longtime Production 2018, Reserve All-Canadian Mature Cow 2014, Reserve All-American Mature Cow 2014
Loyalyn Goldwyn June is an example of the true Canadian Kind. She is one of 12 animals (eight Holsteins, three Jerseys, and one Brown Swiss) to be awarded a Classification score of 97 points, the highest score ever handed out.
June has earned several show titles, including Supreme Champion at the Quebec Spring Show (2018 & 2019) and Long-Time Production Class winner three times at the RAWF. June’s seven lactations with a lifetime production of 116,402 kg prove that she has the goods in both the show ring and the barn.
June’s longevity, classification, and production success have continued through her daughters and granddaughters. June has 13 daughters, all classified 85 or higher (2 EX) and 28 granddaughters who all scored 83 or higher. June’s 97 point Classification score comes easily to her with a breakdown of Mammary System score 97 (FA:9 RAH:9 RAW:9), Feet & Legs score of 97, Dairy Strength score of 97 and Rump score of 94. For over 13 years, June’s longevity, production, and show results are remarkable, and she is bound to leave a legacy as the matriarch behind one of the great Holstein families.
2018 - Boulet Goldwyn Chalou EX-96-3E-CAN 16* (0/80)
- Breeder: Ferme Boulet, St. François de la Rivière du Sud, QC
- Owner: Ferme Boulet and Ferme Vilmer, St. François de la Rivière du Sud, QC
- Best 305 : 7 yr. 16,875 kg M 862 kg F 5.1% 545 kg P 3.2% BCA 335-468-343
- Lifetime: 5 lacts. 91,781 kg M 4,451 kg F 4.8% 3,197 kg P 3.5% BCA 302-363-306
- Longtime Production Award (80000), 2 Superior Lactations, HM. All-Canadian Mature Cow 2014 and 2012, Reserve All-Quebec Mature Cow 2012
Boulet Goldwyn Chalou brings all the great Goldwyn daughter traits to the table. She’s a beautifully built cow that’s easy to milk, and who’s staying young despite her 12 years in the barn. Her dam, Boulet Lheros Chaly, had 23 star broods and gave 116 embryos and undoubtedly passed on those great genes to her daughter. Chalou is a descendant of the very first cow that Boulet farm bought, back in 1960.
She was the first EX 96 for Boulet, and earned her 16th star brood in August 2018. Her daughters’ statistics are the proof that Chalou has acted as the starting point for an unstoppable cow family. She has contributed 80 embryos, has 8 EX daughters, 22 VG and 7 GP. Her daughters have a fat percentage average of 4.1%.
Chalou has backed up the claim that she is a great milker with 2 Superior Lactation Awards and 2 Longtime Production Awards, the latest for reaching 80,000 kg, over her 5 lactations. She produced up to an incredible 5.3% Fat, and had a deviation of +200 for fat in her best lactation. But it doesn’t stop there, she boasts a score of 96 for Rump, Feet & Legs and Mammary System: all traits that she has passed on to her covetable daughters. This admirable conformation has no doubt helped her in the show ring too. She earned an Honorable Mention for All-Canadian Mature Cow in 2012 and 2014, and won Reserve All-Quebec Mature Cow 2012. She was named 2nd Mature Cow at the World Dairy Expo in 2012 and 3rd again in 2014.
This cow has shown through her awards, lactation records, and progeny data that she is a very well-rounded animal: she rakes in show prizes all while significantly contributing to the milk tank. Her owners believe that she has too many qualities to list, and she is the pride of the herd.
2017 - Jacobs Goldwyn Britany EX-96-2E-CAN 6* (0/32)
- Breeder and Owner: Ferme Jacobs Inc., Cap Santé, Quebec
- Best 305: 6yr. 17,310 kg M 688 kg Fat 4.0% 529 kg P 3.1% BCA 333-360-327
- Lifetime: 4 lacts. 61,062 kg M 2,502 kg F 4.1% 2,033 kg P 3.3% BCA 281-307-291
- 3 Superior Lactations, Reserve All-Canadian Four-Year-Old 2011, Nominated All-Quebec Mature Cow 2013
Jacobs Goldwyn Britany is undeniably a founding pillar of the herd at Ferme Jacobs. Completing seven generations of Very Good or Excellent at EX-96, Britany is an outstanding cow that has proven she can excel both in the show ring and in the barn. She has also solidified herself as an exceptional brood cow by proving her own incredible transmission power.
Britany is a well-known name in the show ring and has accumulated many show accolades over the years. Included in those accomplishments are: a Grand Champion title at the Quebec Spring Show in 2011, a first-place finish in the Four-Year-Old class at the Royal that same year, and capping the year off being named Reserve All-Canadian and Reserve All-Quebec Four-Year-Old.
Adding to her show ring success, Britany has been a hard worker in the barn as well. With a lifetime milk production of over 61,000 kg in four lactations, she has earned three Superior Lactation awards. Just like their mother, her 17 classified daughters are following in her footsteps as 100% of them are scored Good Plus or better with an average production of 13,867 kg of milk with 4.1% fat, 3.1% protein and an average BCA of 262- 292-261. Also a prolific flush cow, Britany has 83 registered progeny here in Canada and has sold numerous embryos all over the world.
Britany is an exceptional balance of high-production and show type. Her uncanny ability to pass on her best qualities to her daughters and their many descendants has ensured that she has left her mark on the breed nationally and internationally. Britany is a true ambassador for Canadian Holsteins and her legacy will continue to grow for years to come!
2016 - Kingsway Terrason Allie EX-95-2E-CAN 3*(11/17)
- Breeder(s) Kingsway Farms, Hastings, Ont.
- Owner(s) Trent Valley Holsteins, Peterborough, Ont.; Mell-Wood Holsteins and Steve & Todd Mell, Waunakee, WI, USA
- Best 305 6yr. 15,339 kg M 704 kg F 4.6% 507 kg P 3.3%
- Lifetime 4 lacts. 63,005 kg M 2,762 kg F 4.4% 2,176 kg P 3.4% Average BCA 249-291-259
- 2 Superior Lactations
Named Reserve All-Canadian Senior Three-Year-Old in 2006, Kingsway Terrason Allie has not only left her mark in the show ring, but her incredible influence can also been seen through the accomplishments of her many descendants around the world.
Over the years, Allie stood atop her respective classes each show season. She earned a number of Grand, Reserve and Honourable Mention titles throughout her show career that began as an Intermediate Calf and concluded as a Mature Cow. In addition to her show ring achievements, Allie also proved herself in the barn earning two Superior Lactation awards and a Longtime Production award.
Even more impressive than her own accomplishments has been her inherent ability to pass on her exceptional qualities. Allie’s progeny are winning competitive shows worldwide, and consistently genomic testing higher than parent average. To date, Allie and her descendants have combined for 41 national nominations and have earned Kingsway three Premier Breeder titles at the Royal. Allie’s granddaughter, Kingsway Sanchez Arangatang, has been nominated All-Canadian four times and is the dam of the #1 type heifer in the United Kingdom. Another granddaughter, Knowlesmere Goldwyn Abrakaboom was named Grand Champion of Dairy Day in the UK, while her great granddaughter, Kingsway Sanchez Armadillo was sixth five-year-old at the 2016 World Dairy Expo, in addition to being one of Canada’s few fourth-generation nominated All-Canadians.
Kingsway Terrason Allie is a cow that has proven her ability to breed true with many outstanding descendants excelling in show rings and barns around the world. As a result, this cow has truly left her trademark "Allie Stamp” on the Holstein breed, both here in Canada and abroad.
