Holstein Canada Has Announced the Judges for the 2026 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
Brantford, ON, January 29, 2026 – Holstein Canada is pleased to announce the selection of two judges, chosen through exhibitor vote, to officiate the prestigious National Holstein Show and the National Red & White Holstein Show at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, taking place November 12 and 13, 2026.
2026 National Holstein Show Judge: Nathan Thomas (North Lewisburg, OH)
Nathan and his wife, Jenny, own and operate Triple-T Holsteins and Jerseys alongside Nathan’s father and brother. Nathan brings extensive international judging experience, having officiated across North and South America, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Europe. His notable assignments include the Holstein, Jersey, and Red & White shows at the World Dairy Expo, the Jersey Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, and the Cremona International Dairy Show.
Triple-T Holsteins and Jerseys has earned widespread recognition, with more than 200 All-American and All-Canadian nominations to its credit, including 20 Champions or Reserve Champions at the World Dairy Expo and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
2026 National Red and White Holstein Show Judge: Joel Phoenix (Cannington, ON)
Joel and his wife, Jessica, own and operate Dappleview Holsteins in Cannington, Ontario, alongside their children, Jacob and Jordan. They manage a select herd of Holsteins and Jerseys and have owned or sold numerous All-Canadian and All-American nominees over the past 25 years. Joel also brings over 15 years of experience as a professional cattle fitter.
As an official judge, Joel has officiated shows across Canada, the United States, Australia, and Mexico. Career highlights include the Supreme Holstein Show, Wisconsin Summer Championship Show, Mexican National Show, WestGen Canadian Classic, and the New South Wales Holstein Show in Australia. He has also served as an Associate Judge at the World Dairy Expo International Holstein and Red & White Shows, as well as the Royal National Black & White Show, and has received numerous industry honours, most recently the Donald Dubois Showmanship Award at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Holstein Canada congratulates Nathan Thomas and Joel Phoenix on their designations and looks forward to their expertise and leadership in the show ring at the 2026 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Their extensive experience and dedication to the dairy industry will help ensure a high standard of excellence at both the National Holstein Show and the National Red & White Holstein Show.
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). Holstein Canada provides its members with a wide range of services, helping them manage and advance their herds through innovative genetic improvement programs. For more information, visit our website or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Contact : Valérie Tremblay, Director, Member and Customer Experience
Email : vtremblay@holstein.ca
