Farm Tours

Wayne Gretzky Tour - Monday, November 5th, 2012

VISIT #1: SUMMITHOLM
The large commercial operation of Summitholm Holsteins includes brothers David and Carl Loewith, and Carl’s son, Ben. This long-standing Holstein Canada member houses cows in a newer sand-bedded, drive-through, free-stall barn with 320 stalls. Heifers are also housed in free-stall facilities with all animals, two months and up, fed Total Mixed Ration (TMR). The herd achieved their Master Breeder status in 2002 and works to achieve their goal of breeding efficient milk producing cows. Using top LPI sires has helped to influence the development of the Summitholm herd. Summitholm is one of the top-managed dairy operations in Canada.

VISIT #2: HOLSTEIN CANADA ARCHIVES & FAFARD SCULPTURES
See what happens behind the scenes of this breeder owned and directed Association. Formed in 1884, just three years after the first Holsteins were imported to Canada from the Netherlands; Holstein Canada has a long history and commitment to balanced breeding and the Holstein cow. The Association’s vision: leadership in dairy genetics. Its mission: to provide leadership through genetic improvement programs that enhances profitability for all dairy producers. Enjoy a guided tour of the office and current processes, along with sample exhibits of Canadian and international art, and archival collections. Be sure to bring your camera so you can take photos of Kanata and Kanata Bella Futura; life-size bronze sculptures by the world renowned artist from Saskatchewan, Joe Fafard.

VISIT #3: MAPEL WOOD
The family of Len and Tracey Vis farm Mapel Wood Holsteins in Jerseyville, Ontario. With a strong emphasis on buying, selling, and breeding high-valued animals, Len has a keen eye for animals from proven cow families with potential to breed valuable offspring. This tie-stall farm with tunnel ventilation, achieved their Master Breeder status in both 1991 and 2008. Influential cow families have helped created a genetic establishment, which has rocketed Mapel Wood to international recognition. Mapel Wood Lee Diamonds (VG-87-2YR-18*) was instrumental in contributing over 40% of Mapel Wood’s 2008 Master Breeder points. Diamonds is also a twice-nominated Holstein Canada Cow of the Year. In recent years, Len has focused on high-genomic animals, which have helped create genetics that farmers appreciate worldwide.

Lunch is sponsored by Holstein Canada

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