Mario Comtois, from Gen-Com Holsteins, receiving recognition of an exceptional year on the show circuit for RF Goldwyn Hailey EX-97 2E (Photo Copyright Holstein Quebec)
Passion for Holstein breeding was the dominant theme at the Holstein Québec Convention, which took place on January 30th and 31st and February 1st, in Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu. Hundreds of participants gathered at the event to take stock of the past year, socialize, network, and celebrate their common passion for Holstein breeding, in particular by highlighting the outstanding work of the recipients of many awards presented on this occasion.The Tout-Québec awards were presented to Quebec exhibitors who distinguished themselves at regional, provincial and national shows over the year. As for the Master Breeders’ Banquet, this long-awaited gala was an opportunity to underline the ultimate reward in breeding, recognizing more than 15 years of unremitting work on the part of eight breeders from Quebec. The ceremony ran us through a whole range of emotions: while some breeders had rather comical stories to tell about their career path and others were visibly touched by the presentation of their farm, all were proud to receive this highly coveted title, which symbolizes the fruits of a lifetime of work. Congratulations to all the Master Breeders 2012: Régis, Michel, Serge and Steeve Hudon (Desdeuxlacs); Francis Dumais and Suzanne Ouellet (Dulet); éric Paquette and Chantal Clément (Gepaquette); Léo, Jean, Yan and Ysabel Jacobs (Jacobs); André, Sylvie and Steve Grenier (Lison); Michel Larrivée and Denise Blais (Selexie); Jean Bissonnette and élyse Gendron (Val-Bisson); and Alain Boyer and Suzanne Dufresne (Vaudal).
Touching Recognition
Among the more emotional moments were the presentation of the Jean Touchette Award to Mario Comtois, from Gen-Com Holstein, who had no idea that he would be receiving such a tribute, and the recognition of an exceptional year on the show circuit for RF Goldwyn Hailey EX-97 2E, owned by Gen-Com Holstein Ltd. (Mario Comtois and Lison Laroche). In 2012, Hailey won the highest honours at Expo de Victoriaville, Expo Québec and at the Quebec International Holstein Show. She was also crowned Grand Champion and Supreme Champion at both the World Dairy Expo, in Madison, and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, in Toronto. A video show underlining this remarkable achievement was followed by the presentation of a souvenir photomontage highlighting the great moments of the year.
Successful Mentoring Sale
These where 21 lots were sold for an average of more than 9500 U.S. dollars. Among buyers, a couple of young farmers will be able to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of mentors, who are committed to offer them support. This sale was preceded by a discussion with some breeders elites of Quebec, who carried through their exchanges, a good introduction regarding the marketing of animals and mentoring breeding.
New board of directors for Holstein Québec
Nearly 200 people attended Holstein Québec’s annual general meeting, which took place within the framework of the Convention. Five new directors were elected to the board to represent the interests of the Association’s 5054 members. They are: Rolland Dubois in District 2 (Beauce, Dorchester, Lotbinière), Joëlle Paradis in District 3 (Bois-Francs), Louise Ferron in District 5 (Champlain-Laviolette, Portneuf, Saint-Maurice-Maskinongé), Jocelyn Côté in District 7 (Centre-du-Québec, Richmond, Sherbrooke), and Benoît Lafond in District 11 (Abitibi, Témiscamingue).
Following that meeting, Mr. Denis Tremblay was chosen by his colleagues to hold the position of president of the Association, with Mr. Martin Grégoire (Grégori) as vice-president.
Prior to the annual meeting, Brigitte Morel, in an extremely pertinent conference, spoke to her audience about how to react to changes in such a way that they constitute opportunities rather than obstacles, a most relevant topic during this year of transition for Holstein Québec.
To close the Convention, eight farms in the Montérégie region opened their doors on February 1st to introduce their herds to the public and share their breeding philosophies. Congratulations to the Organizing Committee of the St-Jean Holstein Club for this Convention “steeped in passion”.
Pictures of the Convention are available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/holsteinquebec/sets/72157632689153046/.
