The big Holstein shows are coming and we now know who will stand in the center of the ring in Toronto next year. Holstein Canada announced the 2025 National Holstein and Red and White Shows judges. The shows will be held at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair from November 7 to 16, 2025.
Who’s Judging?
Holstein Show Judge – Joël Lepage
Joël lives on his farm with Mireille and their three children, Rosalie, Philippe, and Alice. Before buying his farm, he worked for 10 years, helping other farmers grow better crops and care for their cows. Joël and his wife Mireille run JM Valley Holstein farm in Amqui, Quebec. They bought the farm in 2011 and have made it grow:
• They started with just a few cows and 250 acres of land
• Now they have 150 cows (65 making milk) and 580 acres
• They produce 90 kg of butterfat every day
He’s been asked to pick the best cows at shows all over the world:
• In Switzerland
• In Belgium
• In Argentina
• At big shows all across Canada
Joël has owned some cows that have won big prizes:
• One was Junior Champion at a big show called the Royal in 2007
• Another was Reserve Junior Champion at the Royal in 2011
Red & White Show Judge – Steve Fraser
Steve runs Freeland Farms near Fergus, Ontario, with his wife, Jackie, and daughter, Scarlett.
• They milk about 95 cows
• They use robots to milk the cows
• They farm 500 acres of land
• They’ve won a Master Breeder award
Steve’s show ring accomplishments include:
• One cow named Bonnie was one of the best in America in 2018 and 2019
• Another cow named Liberty was the best in Canada and America in 2021
• In 2022, his cows won big prizes at the World Dairy Expo, which is like the Olympics for cows
He’s been asked to pick the best cows at shows all over the world:
• In Canada
• In the United States
• Even in Australia!
When Are the Shows?
Mark these dates on your calendar:
- Black and White Holstein Show:*
- Young cows: Thursday, November 13, 2025, afternoon
- Older cows: Friday, November 14, 2025, all-day
- Red and White Holstein Show: Thursday, November 13, 2025, morning
