A 5th generation farm that strives on breeding the “Canadian Kind,” Skycrest Holsteins is ran by Rob, Sue, Chad and Katelyn Crest in Athabasca, Alberta, Canada. A farm that has continued to grow and prosper since they first bought their quota and grade Holsteins in 1975. In 1982, Skycrest Holsteins began registering under their prefix and in 2017 Rob & Sue bought out Rob’s parents to become the sole owners.
Entering their barn, you instantly can see the hard work and care that goes into the 66 tie stall facility. Their herd stats consist of 16 multiple Excellents, 16 Excellents, 50 Very Good and 9 Good Plus. Their current BCA is 263-299-265 305D 11,900M 497F & 381P. The breeding program involves 80% of their heifers being implanted with embryos. Their herd also consists of 90 bred/young stock, 45 breeding bulls and 20 steers for butcher.
While there have been many notable cows come out of Skycrest, as of most recent, a favorite amongst many would be Skycrest Mincio Prickles who was recently classified EX-95. She recently sold in the 2019 Stars of Liddleholme Spring Opportunity Sale to Oakfield Corners, NY and has continued to thrive and bring more recognition to the Skycrest name.
Skycrest currently farms 2100 acres of canola, wheat, barley & oats. Along with 310 acres of alfalfa/grass. They have a remaining 180 acres used for pasture. With this, their cows are fed 2x a day on a PMR ration of home grown forages (50 hay silage/50 grain silage) and a grain ration. The grain is distributed 2x a day at milking time. The grain ration is made on farm with homegrown grains with a purchased supplement added in. Their feeding protocol also includes a dry hay or haylage that is fed twice daily.
When you enter the barn office at Skycrest, it becomes even more apparent of their success, with the wall decorated with ribbons and banners showcasing their achievements. Skycrest is currently ranked 5th for Classified Herd in Canada for groups 40-59. They were rightfully awarded the Alberta Breeder of the year in 2005 & 2013. Actively involved in the show scene, they have been the recipients of many All-Western awards, as well had several All-Canadian, All-Canadian 4-H & All-American nominations which also captured some wins. At the 2015 Royal, Rob received the notable Curtis Clark Award and two years later Chad entered the Royal ring to accept the Andrea Crowe Award.
Latest Updates
At their recent Club awards banquet, Skycrest Holsteins received the distinction of Most Improved BCA, Nominated for Breeder of the Year at club level and several forage awards. They have updated their Facebook page with photos from the awards banquet.
