Holstein Canada has announced the 21 recipients of the 2025 Master Breeder Awards, the highest honour in Canadian Holstein breeding. The organization revealed the recipients during a live virtual celebration held Saturday evening.
More than 13,900 Holstein members and industry supporters logged in from across the country to watch the event. Classifier Véronique Jaquet and Lead Field Service Business Partner Toby Kleinsasser hosted the evening, guiding viewers through another highly engaging online celebration of breeding excellence.
This year’s recipients reflect the strength and geographic diversity of Canada’s Holstein community. In fact, honourees represent five provinces, highlighting the national reach of elite breeding programs:
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Quebec: 12 recipients
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Ontario: 5 recipients
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Alberta: 2 recipients
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Manitoba: 1 recipient
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Nova Scotia: 1 recipient
Each Master Breeder Award recognizes years of deliberate genetic selection and disciplined herd management. More importantly, it reflects a long-term commitment to balanced breeding goals.
First established in 1929, the Master Breeder Award honours herds that excel in production and conformation. In addition, it recognizes strong performance in functional traits such as reproduction, health, and longevity.
To date, Holstein Canada has awarded more than 1,000 Master Breeder shields. Each one represents generations of informed breeding decisions and continuous improvement. As a result, these herds serve as benchmarks for both performance and sustainability in Canadian dairy production.
Holstein Canada congratulated all 2025 recipients on achieving this milestone. Their dedication continues to strengthen the national Holstein herd and shape the future of Canadian dairy genetics.
