EastGen Challenge East 2013

Excitement was in the air when the 2013 EastGen Challenge East event attracted 124 keen competitors to the fairgrounds in Markham, Ont., on July 11th and 12th for two days of fun, learning opportunities and friendly competition tailored specifically for dairy youth. This was the third of four similar events organized by EastGen and held across their service area this summer.

“We are continually impressed and amazed with the excitement and passion that our young 4-Hers display at the Markham Challenge,” commented Brian O’Connor, EastGen general manager, at the event’s conclusion. “They have a strong thirst to learn and work exceptionally well in teams as they participate in the event.”

The education theme this year – “The Cow That Never Gets Noticed”, prompted presentations by EastGen’s Dr. Tim Henshaw and Semex’s Jay Shannon. A quiz was then written by competitors, largely based on the theme topic. Day two featured showmanship and conformation classes during which all competitors were assessed under the watchful eyes of Judge Brent Carmichael, Ilderton, Ont.

An embryo jackpot was once again an exciting feature

for Challenge competitors. One embryo was randomly drawn in each class in order to give all participants a chance to win. Thanks to the following Holstein breeders who generously provided elite pedigreed embryos, sired by Semex sires, from the heart of their breeding programs: Glengarry Stock Farms, Apple Hill, ON; John Vanderploeg, Peterborough, ON; Harmony View Farms, Evan Porteous, Winchester, ON; Heather Holme Holsteins, Goderich, ON; Altona Lea Holsteins, Blackstock, ON, Snowdame Farm, Merrickville, ON, Ronbeth Holsteins, Hastings, ON; Benschop Farms, Bowmanville, ON; and Dr. Tim Henshaw, Minesing, ON.

2013 EastGen Challenge East (Markham) Results:

Champion Showperson – Peter Leach, Kawartha Lakes Region; Reserve Champion Showperson – Ryan Crowley, Peterborough County; Champion Calf – Gary Troup, Kawartha Lakes Region, with Phoenix Lauthority Jazz (first place junior yearling heifer, sired by Comestar Lauthority); Reserve Champion Calf – Evan Stanley, Peterborough County with Crovalley Gold Rapcity (second place junior yearling heifer, sired by Braedale Goldwyn); Hon. Mention Calf – Shawn Potter, North Simcoe County, with Century Star Fever Sassy (first place senior heifer calf, sired by Crackholm Fever); Overall Champion – Ryan Crowley, Peterborough County; Reserve Overall Champion – Gary Troup, Kawartha Lakes Region; Top

Quiz – Owen Wright, North Simcoe County; Best Exhibit – Grey County; Premier County – Peterborough County.

EMBRYO JACKPOT WINNERS:

Matt Lange, South Simcoe County Windbrook x Beckholm Shottle Bounty, donated by Benschop Farms.

Jordan Diemert, Grey County Windbrook x Heather Holme Golden Delila, donated by Heather Holme Holsteins.

James Thompson, Peel County Windbrook x Snowdame Goldwyn Elexus, donated by Snowdame Farm.

Ashley Harvey, South Simcoe County Enforcer x Altona Lea Goldwyn Grape, donated by Altona Lea Holsteins.

Samantha Mortimer, Halton County Shadow x Vanwie C B A Iris, donated by Dr. Tim Henshaw.

Heidi Kristufek, North Simcoe County Windbrook x Harmony View Melissa, donated by Harmony View Farms, Evan Porteous.

Cody Hollands, Grey County Stanleycup x Ploegsway Talent Nuts 4 U, donated by John Vanderploeg.

Justin Piercey, Peel County Doorman x Glengarry Man Oman Pippy, donated by Glengarry Stock Farms.

EastGen is a farmer owned company headquartered in Guelph, Ont. EastGen serves the dairy and beef breeders of Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. EastGen, and their two partner cooperatives located in British Columbia and Quebec, are proud owners of The Semex Alliance, which is recognized as a leader in developing and marketing elite dairy and beef genetics to customers around the world.

For more information or photos contact:

Christa Ormiston, EastGen Communications Coordinator

Tel.: 1-888-821-2150/519-821-2150 x252 or Email: [email protected]