Two respected names in the dairy show world will take the judge’s stand at Canada’s most prestigious Holstein event this fall.
Holstein Canada has officially announced the judges for the 2026 National Holstein Shows at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. Nathan Thomas will evaluate the National Holstein Show on November 12 & 13, while Joel Phoenix will officiate the National Red & White Holstein Show on November 12.
Both selections signal Holstein Canada’s commitment to excellence—and give exhibitors plenty of time to plan their entries.
Nathan Thomas: International Experience Meets Midwestern Roots
Nathan Thomas brings a resume that reads like a world tour of dairy showrings. Operating a dairy farm in Wisconsin, Thomas has judged at local, state, regional, national, and international levels across multiple breeds, including Holsteins, Jerseys, Red & Whites, and Brown Swiss.
His credentials are hard to argue with. Thomas served as the International Holstein Show Judge at World Dairy Expo in 2015—widely considered one of the toughest judging assignments in the industry. More recently, he and associate judge Jenny Thomas officiated multiple breeds at the 2025 Cremona International Shows in Italy, navigating three demanding days of competition.
Canadian exhibitors can expect a judge who values dairy strength, balanced frames, and functional type—priorities Thomas has consistently demonstrated across his international assignments.
Joel Phoenix: A Homegrown Champion with Global Reach
For the Red & White show, Holstein Canada selected one of Ontario’s own. Joel Phoenix operates Dappleview Holsteins in Cannington, Ontario, and has built a reputation as one of Canada’s most respected dairy cattle professionals.
Phoenix holds the status as an Official Holstein Canada Judge and has placed cattle across Canada and internationally. He also works with Blondin Sires, further cementing his involvement in genetics and breed improvement.
And here’s a detail the show crowd will appreciate: Phoenix took home the prestigious Donald Dubois Showmanship Award at the 2025 Royal Winter Fair Holstein Show just two months ago. That’s right—this year’s Red & White judge was in the ring as an exhibitor at the same venue last fall. He knows the Royal from both sides of the halter.
The Royal: Still the One
The National Holstein Show at the Royal remains the pinnacle of the Canadian show season. The 2025 edition was declared the largest-ever National Holstein Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair—a testament to the event’s enduring prestige and the quality of the cattle Canadian breeders are producing.
With Thomas and Phoenix now confirmed, breeders have nearly 10 months to prepare their strings. Mark your calendars: November 12 & 13, 2026.
The Bullvine’s Bottom Line
These are solid picks. Nathan Thomas brings proven international credentials and multi-breed expertise, while Joel Phoenix offers deep Canadian roots and fresh showmanship credibility. For exhibitors, the message is clear: bring your best.
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