Holstein Canada has revealed four remarkable finalists for the prestigious 2024 Cow of the Year award, marking a significant milestone as the organization celebrates its 30th honoree. The announcement, made on February 10, 2025, highlights exceptional cows that have made lasting impacts on the Holstein breed both domestically and internationally.
Holstein Canada’s annual Cow of the Year competition has been recognizing elite Canadian cows since 1995, showcasing animals that demonstrate exceptional genetics, production capabilities, and overall contribution to the advancement of the Holstein breed. This year’s finalists represent the pinnacle of Holstein breeding, each demonstrating remarkable qualities that have influenced the breed significantly.
“Now is your moment, Holstein Canada members!” the organization announced in their press release. “Cast your vote and help decide which of these four exceptional cows will earn a place on this esteemed list. Your choice matters – let’s honour excellence together!”
The Four Outstanding Finalists
Gen-I-Beq Brawler Lizzie (EX-95 6E 18*)
Lizzie stands as a remarkable production powerhouse, having generated nearly 160,000 kg of milk throughout her productive life. This achievement places her in an elite category of high-producing Holsteins. Her genetic influence is equally impressive, with eight Excellent (EX) daughters and 13 Very Good (VG) daughters. The 18 stars in her classification indicate her exceptional ability to transmit superior traits to her offspring, making her a matriarch whose influence will continue to shape Holstein genetics for generations.
Jacobs Fever Cael (EX-96 3E 8*)
With an EX-96 classification, Cael demonstrates nearly perfect adherence to breed standards. Her outstanding show career has been complemented by her exceptional value as an elite donor cow, having produced an impressive 295 embryos to date. These embryos have resulted in four Excellent daughters and 25 Very Good daughters already making their mark in the industry. Cael’s ability to consistently produce offspring that excel in conformation while maintaining productive capacity makes her an invaluable asset to the Holstein breed.
Rotaly Goldwyn Allegria (EX-96 5E 5*)
Allegria exemplifies the critical traits of longevity and sustained production that dairy farmers value so highly. Her contributions have been so significant that they helped her herd achieve a second Master Breeder Shield, one of the most prestigious recognitions in Holstein breeding. The 5E designation in her classification indicates she’s been reclassified multiple times throughout her productive life while maintaining excellent scores, demonstrating her structural soundness and durability. With a lineage of high-performing daughters, Allegria showcases the resilience and versatility that makes the Canadian Holstein so valuable worldwide.
Vertdor Lauthority Matrix (EX-95 6E 13*)
Matrix perfectly blends strength with show success, proving her durability as a top-tier milk producer while excelling in competition. Her genetics continue to elevate the breed, with seven Excellent and 10 Very Good daughters demonstrating her ability to pass on her exceptional traits. Matrix represents the complete package that Holstein breeders seek: production capacity, structural correctness, reproductive efficiency, and genetic transmitting ability. Her 13 stars highlight her significant contribution to the breed.
The Significance of the Award
Since its inception in 1995, Holstein Canada’s annual Cow of the Year competition has aimed to recognize elite Canadian cows that have had substantial impacts both domestically and internationally. This award has become a prestigious honor that not only celebrates individual achievement but also highlights bloodlines that have significantly contributed to the advancement of the Holstein breed.
The Cow of the Year award differs from other recognitions like the Master Breeder Shield, which honors breeders for their cumulative breeding efforts across an entire herd. Instead, this award spotlights individual cows whose exceptional qualities and genetic contributions have influenced breeding decisions throughout the industry. Past winners include legendary cows like Comestar Laurie Sheik, Rainyridge Tony Beauty, Braedale Baler Twine, and Val-Bisson Goldwyn Maya – names that resonate with Holstein breeders worldwide and whose genetics continue to be sought after.
For dairy farmers, this recognition provides valuable information that can guide breeding decisions. The finalists and winners typically exemplify ideal combinations of traits that breeders seek: high production, outstanding conformation, superior reproductive efficiency, excellent health, and longevity. By studying these exceptional animals, farmers can make more informed choices about which bloodlines might best complement their own herds.
Voting Process and Timeline
Holstein Canada members have until March 16 to cast their votes through the Holstein Canada Member Web Account. Each prefix is allowed one vote. The winner will be announced at Holstein Canada’s Annual General Meeting on April 5 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The selection of finalists for the Cow of the Year award involves a rigorous evaluation process that considers multiple factors including production records, classification scores, show ring achievements, and the animal’s genetic impact through her offspring. This democratic approach to selection engages the breeding community and recognizes that different farmers may value different traits depending on their specific breeding goals.
Looking Forward
The announcement of the four finalists represents more than just recognition of exceptional animals. It’s a celebration of the dedication, expertise, and vision of the breeders who developed these remarkable cows, and it provides inspiration for continued genetic progress throughout the dairy industry.
As Holstein Canada members cast their votes to determine which of these four outstanding cows will join the prestigious list of winners, they’re participating in a tradition that has helped shape the Holstein breed for decades. The recognition of excellence encourages all breeders to set high standards and work toward genetic improvement in their herds.
Whether managing a large commercial dairy operation or a small family farm, the qualities exemplified by these elite cows – production efficiency, structural correctness, reproductive success, and longevity – represent universal goals for profitable and sustainable dairy farming. By highlighting these exemplary animals, Holstein Canada continues to provide valuable guidance for breeding decisions that will influence the future of dairy production in Canada and beyond.
For more information or to cast your vote (if you’re a Holstein Canada member), visit the Holstein Canada website.
