April 2016 had been circled on the calendar of many Canadian Holstein breeders for a couple of years as they anticipated the National Holstein Convention making its return to the west! Alberta invited Holstein enthusiasts to come witness their #justmajestic natural scenery, farms and cattle when the event was held in Calgary & Banff from the 19-23. We were proud to lend our support to the event as the Banff Pinnacle Sponsor.
The week of activities began with welcome receptions Tuesday evening in Calgary and Edmonton, before the tour buses rolled out the next morning. From Rietveld Dairies in the north to Mars Dairy in the east to Deerfield Colony in the south and everywhere in between, guests were amazed by the modern dairies and productive cows found in the wild rose province. The Welcome BBQ and National Sale showcased the new Agrium Events Centre at the Calgary Stampede that evening, along with 102 head of cattle sold by Blondin Craswell Auctions for an average of $5433.
Judge Gerald Coughlin was given the task of lining up 230 Holsteins on Thursday, in what became a banner day for Wendon Holsteins, earning the Premier Exhibitor & Breeder (sponsored by Boviteq West) awards and having bred the Grand Champion Prude (owned by Westcoast) and Reserve Champion Goldwyn Allabuzz. The first Genomic Champion class was held at this show with the top 2 placing animals over 2600 GLPI from each class vying for the title. Barclay Doorman Cobra, the first place Summer Yearling of Hamming Holsteins, took the honours and earned $1000 and an IVF collection at Boviteq West. Following the Awards Banquet guests boarded the buses to head to Banff and catch their first glimpse of the Rockies as the sun set.
Following a free day, Friday evening gave guests a chance to kick up their heels at the Mount View Barn Dance. The 133rd Annual General Meeting of Holstein Canada was held Saturday where Val Bisson Goldwyn Maya (granddam of Doorman) was unveiled as the 2015 Cow of the Year. The convention concluded with the Master Breeder Gala on Saturday evening, at which 21 Master Breeders were each awarded the 1000th shield in recognition of their superior accomplishments. Chairman Glenn Hockley thanked his large volunteer committee and passed the flag to York County, Ontario, the hosts for 2017.
As convention attendees arrive home and catch up on some sleep, many will be highlighting April 2020 in their calendars, to join Saskatchewan in welcoming the nation!
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