This award was initiated in 1980 by the Ontario Holstein Spring Show Committee and is designed to recognize young people (ages 25-35) who are actively involved in the operation of a dairy farm, have shown leadership abilities and have made a contribution to their community and their breed. The four district winners are announced at the Holstein Spring Show and receive an all expenses paid trip to the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, later that year.
The Award is funded through the Ontario Holstein Dairy Youth Trust Fund and the Ontario Holstein Branch.
Application forms are available from your regional Holstein Rep or from the Branch Office.
One winner is to be selected from each County Holstein Club by March 1, 2000. County Winners are then interviewed by the District Selection Committee and one award will be presented within each district by April 1, 2000. The District Selection is decided through the application (20%) and the personal interview (80%).
Bruce Hill, Kinburn
Bruce is a partner, along with his brother, in a dairy and beef operation, which farms 800 acres in Carleton County. Since becoming an active partner in the farm, Bruce initiated the registration and classification of the herd, began monthly herd health checks, started rotational grazing and improved the feeding program. In the future, Bruce would like to purchase more quota, expand to 60 milking cows and install a TMR mixer, provided he can still make time for his wife and two children. Bruce is actively involved with his county's Holstein club, currently holding the position of Director. Bruce feels that once a strong foundation of long-lasting cows is built, production will follow.Andy Robinson, Midland
Andy works in partnership with his father and brother in their third generation dairy farm. The Robinson's milk 55 cows in a tie-stall set-up in Midland, ON. Since graduating with an Animal Science degree from the Ontario Agricultural College in 1993, Andy has increased quota, installed bedding mats, added a TMR mixer and become actively involved with the business aspect of the operation. Andy subscribes to the philosophy that the most economical cow is one which can last in the herd for numberous lactations. Andy is very involved off the farm as well. He is a director for the Simcoe County Holstein Club, participates in recreational hockey and fastball, and is a past member of the dairy 4-H club.Paul McCannel, Orangeville
Paul is a partner in Orangeview Holsteins, which is currently milking 60 cows in a tie-stall barn in Dufferin County. Paul's breeding strategy involves breeding for tall, good uddered cows, with a good set of feet and legs, and high protein. Some of the changes that have been initiated by Paul are acquiring more farmland, building a greenhouse barn for heifers, installing a TMR mixer and using a computer on the farm for finances and on-line registrations. In addition, Orangeview Holsteins show cattle at local and provincial shows, and at the Royal Winter Fair. During his time at the University of Guelph, Paul was actively involved in his class executive, the judging team, and the square dance set. Paul is currently a 4-H leader, and a member of the Orangeville Agricultural Society. Paul has also been past President of the Dufferin County Holstein Club, an active 4-Her and a member of the Dufferin County Junior Farmers.Larry Bertens, Mitchell
Larry milks 80 registered Holsteins at Cornerview Farms with his wife, Janice in Mitchell, ON. Upon graduation from Centralia College in 1984, Larry began to buy shares into Cornerview from his parents. In 1996 and 1997, Larry tore down the old tie-stall barn inorder to build a 160 stall freestall barn with a double 6 parallel parlour. This initiated the expansion from 50 to 80 cows and the need for more quota. When selecting bulls, Larry places emphasis on production, feet and legs, mammary and capacity to maximize longevity and profit. Larry is active on the Perth County D.H.I., Holstein Club, and the Perth County Dairy Management Club. Larry is also busy keeping up with the activities of his four young children, and therefore feels that the dairy youth programs in Ontario are a very valuable asset for the future of the Holstein industry.