Brantford, ON – April 27, 2022 -Holstein enthusiasts and dairy industry members from across
Canada and around the world gathered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan from April 20 to 23 for
Holstein Canada's National Convention. Most of the activities took place in Saskatoon and
Regina, including the 139th Annual General Meeting, the National Convention Exhibition and
the National Sale. Under the theme "Pulse of the Prairies", the event included a series of farm
tours and a variety of other activities. The success of the event was due to the hard work of the
volunteer organizing committee, headed by Keith Flaman.
2022 Annual General Meeting
Holstein Canada's 139th Annual General Meeting was held last Saturday during the 2022
National Convention in Saskatoon. The hybrid format allowed members on site and from
across the country to meet and discuss the various items on the agenda. In his speech as CEO,
Vincent Landry outlined Holstein Canada's commitment to producer data. Over the next few
months, various steps will be taken to clarify issues of producer data ownership and value, as
well as how data is shared. The Association’s members adopted sixteen (16) of the twenty (20)
proposed resolutions. As was done last year, videos were shown to present the financial report
as well as updates on the Show and Judging Committee, the Classification Advisory
Committee and the Breed Advisory Committee. These will soon be available on the Holstein
Canada website. The next Annual General Meeting of the Association will be held in Montreal
(QC) on April 15, 2023.
The 2022 Cow of the Year was unveiled at the AGM. The title went to Paquet Kolya Goldwyn
EX-92-4E 24*. One innovation was introduced this year: the final vote in this category was
entrusted to the 2019 and 2020 Master Breeders, and they duly elected this beautiful cow
from the region of Amqui in Quebec. The Paquet family were on hand to receive the acclaim
of the delegates and to be given their prize: a True Type model personalized with the markings
of their winning cow.
Several awards were given at the meeting. The Roulston family of Beechwood (ON) received
the Century of Holstein award, celebrating 100 years of continuous membership in Holstein
Canada. Keith Flaman and Lorne Loveridge were both present to receive their awards in their
home province. Mr. Flaman was presented with a Certificate of Superior Accomplishment in
recognition of his longstanding work in many sectors of the Canadian dairy industry, while Mr.
Loveridge received the Certificate of Recognition for his leadership role in the success of the
breed and his involvement in many other aspects of the dairy industry.
Following the meeting, the Board of Directors elected Ben Cuthbert (Silvermaple) of Ladysmith
(BC), as President for the 2022-2023 year. President Cuthbert will be working with an executive
consisting of the First Vice President, Doug Peart (Peartome) of Hagersville (ON), and the
Second Vice President, Angus MacKinnon (Buckland) of Coaticook (QC).
Farm tours, sales, exhibits and other festivities
After two years of pandemic-related restrictions, Holstein enthusiasts were able to enjoy the
return of the National Convention in grand style! The event drew more than 500 people, who
took part in several days of stimulating activities. The organizing committee declared itself
more than satisfied with the participation rate.
Eleven Holstein families welcomed delegates to their farms and showcased their operations
during one of three different itineraries on offer. Delegates could also choose an alternative
tour to discover Saskatchewan products and attractions.
During the Show, which was held at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon, more than 100 Holstein
cows captured everyone's attention. Judge Joël Lepage of Amqui (QC) crowned Harvdale
Meridian Cherish Grand Champion. Owned by R&F Livestock Inc, of Cudworth (SK), she also
won an honourable mention at the National Show in Saint-Hyacinthe last fall.
Several young leaders attended the Saskatoon Convention. In addition to participating in
various farm tours, guest speakers and Holstein Canada staff gave presentations on farm
management, including breeding strategies to increase profitability. Young Leaders were also
able to exercise their voting rights at the Annual General Meeting. Farm Credit Canada
presented tips and strategies on relevant topics, such as business transition planning, financial
planning and decision-making on dairy farms. They also took part in other conference
festivities.
The 2022 Master Breeder Gala capped off a fantastic week in Saskatchewan. 19 Master
Breeders (1 from 2019, 1 from 2020 and 17 from 2021) were on hand to receive their shields.
Their farms, located across Canada, were honoured with a video that was shown to the many
people attending the event. These videos will soon be available on our web platforms.
2023 Holstein National Convention
The Convention will be held in and around Montreal, Quebec, under the theme "A Legendary
Experience". Details will be published on our website towards the fall of 2022.
Holstein Canada members who wish to receive a copy of the 2021 Annual Report are invited
to contact Customer Service by phone at 1-855-756-8300 ext. 421 or by e-mail at
customerservice@holstein.ca. An electronic version is also available on the Holstein Canada
website. A summary of the 2022 Holstein National Convention and AGM will be published in
the next issue of InfoHolstein.
About Holstein Canada
With 9,200 members, Holstein Canada is responsible for maintaining the Holstein Herdbook under the Federal Animal Pedigree Act of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). The Association provides many services to its members to help them evaluate, select and improve their herds through genetic improvement programs. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Contact: Katleen Beaudoin
Tel.: 438 354-9108
Email: kbeaudoin@holstein.ca