Mount Elgin 2025: Triple breed records shattered in historic sale! $9.8k avg proves Canadian dairy genetics dominance.

Guelph, ON – The Mount Elgin Dairy Spring Spectacular, held May 14-15, has etched its name into Canadian dairy history with an electrifying sale that saw THREE national breed records fall in a single day! This unprecedented achievement came alongside impressive overall results, with 166 head averaging a stunning ,797, showcasing the exceptional quality and robust buyer confidence driving the Canadian dairy genetics market forward.
The atmosphere in Guelph was nothing short of electric as buyers and consignors witnessed what will surely be remembered as a watershed moment for the Canadian dairy genetics industry. The sale didn’t just meet expectations – it obliterated them.
Holsteins Command Top Dollar as Elite Genetics Shine
The Holstein offering delivered powerhouse results, with two animals in particular commanding exceptional prices:
- High Seller of the Day: Lot 6, Kingsway A2P2 R2D2 stole the show, commanding an eye-popping $85,000. This genetic powerhouse from Kingsway Holsteins boasted the coveted A2A2 beta-casein profile along with the polled trait. With an impressive +18 for Conformation, a robust 3708 LPI, and strong components with 97 Fat, she embodied the complete package that today’s progressive breeders are seeking.
- Second High Seller: Close behind, Lot 1, Vector Zipper Zoe P EX-93 commanded a substantial $64,000. This mature cow, classified Excellent-93 with an outstanding EX-95 Mammary System, demonstrates the continued premium buyers place on proven conformation and valuable traits like polled.
A Trifecta of Triumph: Making Canadian Dairy History
What truly distinguished this sale was an achievement never before seen in Canadian dairy auction history – breaking THREE national breed sale records in a single day! This remarkable trifecta underscores not just the exceptional quality of the animals presented but signals a robust, diversifying marketplace embracing genetic excellence across multiple dairy breeds:
- Brown Swiss Brilliance: Lot 60, Mt. Elgin Design Trophy shattered the Canadian Brown Swiss record, selling for $15,000. This outstanding female, bred and consigned by Mount Elgin Dairy Farms, showcases the farm’s commitment to excellence beyond Holsteins – a testament to their sophisticated multi-breed breeding program focused on developing superior dairy genetics across diverse breed platforms.
- Shorthorn Sensation: The record-breaking continued with Lot 69, Kolson Gianni Lady in Red, establishing a new Canadian Milking Shorthorn benchmark at $19,200. This VG-85 classified 2-year-old boasts an extraordinary maternal lineage featuring multiple Excellent dams (EX-90-3E, EX-90-5E, EX-93-2E, VG-87, and EX-93-5E). Such depth in the pedigree reflects Kolson Shorthorns’ dedicated, long-term commitment to developing elite cow families that consistently transmit superior conformation.
- Ayrshire Ascension: Completing the historic trio, Lot 71, Don Haven Mlios Twilight commanded $31,000, securing a new Canadian Ayrshire record. This exceptional young cow, classified VG-88-2YR MAX, is the #1 Conformation Cow in Canada for her breed, with remarkable individual trait scores (+15 Conformation, +12 Mammary System, +14 Dairy Strength). Her show ring success – All-World 2-Year-Old 2024 and All-Canadian Fall 2-Year-Old 2024 – coupled with genetic merit (+2605 LPI) exemplifies Don Haven Ayrshires’ mastery in breeding complete animals excelling in both conformation and production.
The excitement stretched well beyond the record-setters:
- Overall Average: An impressive $9,797 across 166 head demonstrates the depth of quality throughout the offering and substantial buyer confidence.
This strong average across such a significant number of animals wasn’t driven by just a few outliers, which reflects consistent demand and appreciation for quality genetics across the entire catalog.
Hats off to Mount Elgin Dairy Farms and London Dairy Farms for orchestrating this landmark event, and to the consignors who brought such extraordinary quality to the sale ring. If the Mount Elgin Spring Spectacular is any indication, the appetite for elite Canadian dairy genetics is robust, and the future is exceptionally bright!
Executive Summary:
The Mount Elgin Dairy Spring Spectacular 2025 rewrote Canadian dairy history with three national breed records smashed in one day: a Brown Swiss ($15,000), Milking Shorthorn ($19,200), and Ayrshire ($31,000). Holsteins dominated the top lots, led by Kingsway A2P2 R2D2 ($85,000) and Vector Zipper Zoe P ($64,000), while 166 head averaged $9,797-showcasing fierce demand for elite genetics. The sale highlighted Canada’s leadership in multi-breed excellence, emphasizing balanced traits (conformation, production, polled/A2) and deep pedigrees. Breeders demonstrated willingness to invest heavily in animals poised to elevate herd profitability and global competitiveness.
Key Takeaways:
- Historic Triple Crown: First-ever Canadian sale to break three breed records (Brown Swiss, Shorthorn, Ayrshire) simultaneously.
- Holstein Power: $85k & $64k top sellers reinforced Holstein dominance, but colored breeds stole headlines with record prices.
- Market Confidence: $9,797 average across 166 head signals robust buyer trust in Canadian genetics’ long-term value.
- Breeder Strategy: Animals blending show-winning type, production metrics (e.g., +2605 LPI), and niche traits (A2/polled) commanded premiums.
- Global Signal: Canada’s multi-breed success positions it as a hub for diverse, world-class dairy genetics.
Learn more:
- Northeast Spring National Holstein Show 2025 – Explore another premier dairy event showcasing exceptional Holstein cattle judged by Ryan Krohlow, featuring remarkable depth of quality across multiple age divisions.
- Monthly Genetic Evaluations to Boost Top-Rated Canadian Dairy Cow Rankings in 2025 – Discover how Lactanet Canada’s transition to monthly genetic assessments will impact elite dairy rankings and potentially influence future sale values.
- PDCA Overhauls Show Ring Rules After 10 Years – Learn about significant changes to dairy exhibition standards, including updates to the Show Ring Code of Ethics and Unified Scorecard that will affect how elite animals are evaluated in competition.
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