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Lin Huntington & Gordon Huntington Honored with ABA Master Breeder Award


The Ayrshire Breeders’ Association awarded one of its 2020 Master Breeder Awards to the late Linwood “Lin” Huntington Jr. and his son Gordon Huntington of Newbury, VT.

The Huntington family’s involvement with the Ayrshire breed spans almost 90 years with four generations caring for the cows. The Chestnut Ridge herd originated with Lin’s father, Linwood Sr., in Amherst, NH and grew to more than 150 animals. The partnership between Lin and his father developed an Ayrshire herd that earned numerous Constructive Breeder and French Trophy awards as well as grand champion banners at national shows.

Lin moved a portion of the herd to the Connecticut River Valley in Newbury, VT where the CR Farm prefix was born. A partnership was formed between Lin and his eldest son, Gordon. This successful enterprise was built upon mutual respect and acknowledgement of their individual strengths. Lin was the “cow man” focusing on the breeding of the cattle while Gordon’s efforts were devoted to growing crops to provide feed for the herd. Gordon says he provided the labor to allow for his father to participate in Ayrshire activities off the farm.

Throughout the years, the Huntingtons bought and sold many animals. Lin assisted Tom Whittaker with many Ayrshire auctions over time, and then became the manager of the New England Quality Sales. His keen eye for cattle and willingness to share and help others provided guidance to many new Ayrshire breeders spanning decades.

Lin served as director and Vice President of the Ayrshire Breeders’ Association, as well as being a leader in the New England and Vermont Ayrshire Clubs. He was presented with the Ayrshire Breeders’ Association Distinguished Service Award in 2006.

Lin and Gordon Huntington are credited with setting a “Gold Standard” for Ayrshire breeders to focus on breeding a profitable cow while being outstanding stewards of the breed. Dairy producers across the nation knew if they purchased a CR Farm bred animal, they were buying genetics almost guaranteed to provide improvements in their own herds.  


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