At Altona Lea Holsteins, generations of grit and grace have forged more than a dairy dynasty—they’ve bred history. From 10-generation EX cows to shaping global genetics and mentoring 4-H youth, this Canadian family blends show-ring excellence with enduring community roots. Discover how heart, heritage, and Holstein’s milk excellence into every dawn.
Step into the warm, welcoming barn at Altona Lea Holsteins, where the sweet scent of hay mingles with the gentle sounds of contented cows. As the morning light gently streams through the weathered beams, you can sense the rich history and tradition that permeates this family sanctuary in Blackstock, Ontario. Here, the Barkey and Puterbough families have woven together something far more precious than a dairy operation—they’ve crafted a tapestry of love, dedication, and passion that enriches their lives and the entire Canadian dairy community.
The story unfolds each dawn as family members, young and old, move through their daily rhythms with practiced grace. Their shared purpose is evident in every gentle interaction with their beloved Holsteins. This isn’t just about producing milk or breeding exceptional cows—it’s about preserving a way of life that nourishes both body and soul.
Farm Statistics at a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Location | Blackstock, Ontario |
| Operation Size | 60 milking cows |
| Land Base | 350 owned acres, 1,000 rented acres |
| Herd Classification | 12 ME, 8 EX, 35 VG, 13 GP |
| Production | 11,158 kg milk, 498 kg fat, 365 protein |
| BCAs | 260-303-265 |
| Feeding System | TMR with baleage, corn silage, and ground corn |
| Grazing Program | 5 months pasture access annually |
A Heritage of Excellence
Picture yourself in the early 1800s as the Barkey family wagon creaked north from Pennsylvania to Ontario, their hopes and dreams packed alongside their worldly possessions toward Altona, Ontario. Like many settlers seeking a better life, they carried something far more precious than belongings—a vision of building a lasting agricultural legacy in this new land.
By 1837, those dreams took root when they acquired their first farm in Altona, Ontario, laying the foundation for their agricultural legacy. Through generations of dedication, early mornings, and late nights, they built the foundation of one of Canada’s most respected Holstein breeding programs.
The test of their family’s resilience came in 1972, when Frank and Donna Barkey faced the federal government’s expropriation of their beloved family farm, presenting what seemed like an insurmountable challenge. The land was to be set aside for a proposed Pickering Airport northeast of Toronto, including the Barkeys’ family farm.
Frank and Donna chose to see opportunities where others might have seen defeat, and in 1978, with their young family in tow, they purchased a new farm near Blackstock, Ontario. The buildings required work, and establishing a new operation wouldn’t be easy, but their determination never wavered. Even today, you can see the fruits of their labor in the roses and clematis that Donna and Frank planted along the lanes and around the sheds – living testaments to their pride of ownership and belief in building something beautiful for the future.
This spirit of resilience and adaptation continues to flow through the veins of Altona Lea Farms. While the original Altona property has become part of the Rouge National Urban Park, the Blackstock farm has blossomed into a showcase of excellence. It stands as a testament to a family’s ability to survive change and thrive through it, turning life’s biggest challenges into stepping stones toward even more significant achievements.
The Power of Family Unity
Dawn breaks over Altona Lea Farms as Glenn Barkey walks the barn aisles. His keen eye for cattle, inherited from his father, Frank, scans each cow with the same passion that has driven four generations of excellence. Karen reviews the books in the office with precision. Glenn’s sister Carolyn and her husband Frazer Puterbough also own and engage in all aspects of the farm.
Drawing on the wisdom passed down from his father, Glenn leads the breeding program with the expertise that comes from being both a Holstein Canada judge and EastGen director. “We have regular farm meetings to plan and set goals,” Carolyn shares, highlighting how their collective decision-making strengthens their bonds.
Karen’s business acumen keeps the operation’s financial heart beating strong. In addition to managing the books, she is involved with several agricultural organizations in the community. Her dedication to youth programs reflects the family’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of dairy farmers.
1st place Five Year Old
Ontario Summer Holstein Show 2024
DALTON J. FARIS, EAST GWILLIMBURY, ON
Carolyn works full-time off the farm but brings her skills to the farm when needed, whether event planning or public relations while caring for their award-winning animals.
Meanwhile, Frazer’s expertise in crop management ensures that their 1,350 acres produce quality feed to meet their exceptional herd demands. “Glenn and I confer on the day-to-day stuff,” he explains. “Glenn usually makes bull selection choices while I look after the crops and seeding decisions.”
Together, they embody the true meaning of family farming—where every decision, milestone, and challenge is faced as one. Altona Lea Farms’ hybrid operation, consisting of 30 tie-stalls and a four-cow parlor, exemplifies the family’s commitment to tradition alongside innovation. Its forward-thinking approach inspires the next generation of dairy farmers.
The Heart of Excellence
The success of Altona Lea is rooted in Altona Lea Starlite Harriett EX-9* (born 1971), a cow that produced an impressive 95,530 kg of milk at 3.9% fat content. Sometimes, the most extraordinary stories begin with a practical decision. When Frank Barkey couldn’t afford the more expensive Roybrook Telstar semen in 1970, he chose Roybrook Starlite instead. This seemingly simple choice led to the birth of Altona Lea Starlite Harriett EX-9* in 1971, a cow that would become the cornerstone of one of Canada’s most remarkable Holstein breeding programs.
Harriett’s achievements were extraordinary for her time. She produced an astounding 95,530 kg of 3.9% milk in her lifetime and became the farm’s first Excellent cow in 1977. Her impact was so significant that during Royal Winter Fair time, up to four tour buses a day would visit the farm to see her offspring.
But Harriett’s actual legacy lives on through her descendants. Today, 95% of Altona Lea’s herd traces back to this extraordinary matriarch. Her genetic excellence culminated in two historic achievements:
In December 2021, her descendant Altona Lea Classic Jazz EX-91-2E made Canadian dairy history by becoming the country’s first homebred 10-generation Excellent cow. Less than a year later, in November 2022, another branch of Harriett’s family tree was produced. Altona Lea Cinderdoor Glitz EX-91, Canada’s second 10-generation Excellent cow.
These achievements are even more exciting because Jazz and Glitz have Very Good daughters who could become the first 11th-generation Excellent cows in history. This enduring legacy of excellence, spanning over five decades, underscores the significance of careful breeding decisions and the profound impact of a remarkable foundation cow.
Show Ring Achievements
1st place Winter Yearling in Milk
The Royal – Holstein Show 2024
In the competitive world of dairy shows, where excellence is measured in form and function, Altona Lea’s show string achievements shine exceptionally bright. Their current star, Altona Lea Unix Herminie EX-95, wrote her remarkable chapter on the history of dairy shows. Herminie, once Cooper Puterbough’s 4-H calf, began her journey to greatness in the hands of youth before being acquired by Dalton Faris of East Gwillimbury, Ontario.
In 2024, Herminie achieved what no cow had done before—capturing back-to-back Grand Champion titles at the Ontario Summer Holstein Show. She achieved remarkable milestones in her 2023 show season, including All-Ontario, Reserve All-Canadian, and Honorable Mention All-American 4-Year-Old honors.
The legacy continues through her daughter, Altona Lea Doc Helena VG-86-2YR, who was Reid Barkey’s 4-H project. Helena has already carved her path to greatness, claiming:
- Intermediate Champion at Atlantic Dairy Championship Show
- First Place Spring 2-Year-Old at Ontario Spring Discovery 2023
- Honorable Mention Intermediate Champion at Ontario Spring Discovery 2023
This mother-daughter duo exemplifies Altona Lea’s ability to breed show-stopping cattle that combine exceptional type with outstanding production. Their breeding philosophy, which emphasizes beauty and function, is a testament to this.
1st Place Senior Two Year Old and Grand Champion at the Durham County Holstein Club Show
International Impact
Beyond Canadian borders, Altona Lea Holsteins’ influence is unmistakable. Their genetics caused significant waves across the Atlantic. The farm’s renowned breeding excellence reverberated across the United Kingdom, leaving a lasting impression on the British Holstein industry.
Scottish Show Ring Dominance
In a remarkable achievement, Altona Lea bred three Grand Champions at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland within a decade: Altona Lea Broker Emma, Altona Lea Threat Amythest, and Altona Lea Rudolf Summer. This feat is impressive considering the Royal Highland Show’s status as one of the UK’s premier agricultural events, attracting top-tier competition across Britain and Europe.
The Legacy of Emma
Among their most celebrated exports, Altona Lea Broker Emma EX-96-UK 9* is a testament to the farm’s breeding prowess. This exceptional cow did not just excel in the show ring; she became a living legend in British Holstein circles. Her impact on her new owner, Alistair Laird, was so profound that he commissioned a permanent tribute, immortalizing her image in a stained glass door in his home.
Global Genetic Influence
Altona Lea’s breeding program’s success in international markets demonstrates its genetics’ universal appeal and adaptability. The company’s focus on breeding healthy, productive cows with exceptional conformation has proven successful in Canadian conditions and diverse farming environments worldwide.
This international recognition solidifies Altona Lea’s status as a premier global leader in Holstein breeding. It showcases how their meticulous selection and breeding techniques produce exceptional cattle that thrive in diverse geographical settings.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
In the early morning light at Altona Lea Farms, seven young men carry on a legacy of excellence with the same passion that fueled their grandparents decades ago. These are not just farm kids—they’re the next generation of dairy industry leaders, each bringing their unique talents to this remarkable operation.
Cameron Barkey, at 23, has already established himself as a force in the show ring, following in his father Glenn’s footsteps as part of the Ontario 4-H judging team at the World Dairy Expo in 2023. His keen eye for cattle evaluation shows the same precision that made his father a respected Holstein Canada judge. His brother Grant, 20, shares this competitive spirit—participating on the Ontario 4-H judging team at WDE in 2024 & recently winning coveted embryos at the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic and demonstrating an innate understanding of quality genetics that would make his grandfather Frank proud.
Ian (17) and Reid (15) already show remarkable promise in herd management. Reid’s connection to the herd was evident when his 4-H calf, Altona Lea Doc Helena VG-86-2YR, became Intermediate Champion at the Atlantic Dairy Championship Show.
The Puterbough boys bring their brand of excellence to the family enterprise. Cooper, 18, has already made his mark through his work with Altona Lea Unix Herminie EX-95, who began as his 4-H calf before becoming a two-time Grand Champion at the Ontario Summer Show. He now attends school in Alberta and continues to clip cattle at shows. Callum, 16, is a keen 4-H member enjoying provincial leadership opportunities, while young Sawyer, 9, likes feeding calves and has solid instincts when leading calves in the show ring.
What makes their story particularly special is how these young men are learning about cattle and the value of family unity and dedication. Their involvement in the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, where Altona Lea has provided calves for an impressive 37 consecutive years, demonstrates their commitment to excellence and education.
“When you look at some of the kids we have worked with at the farm, what they came with and the skill sets they learned and left with, it is pretty rewarding to have played a part in that,” reflects Carolyn, watching the next generation & even youth from non-farm backgrounds embrace their heritage while forging their paths in the dairy industry.
Looking to Tomorrow
As the sun sets over Altona Lea Farms, casting long shadows across fields that have nourished generations of prize-winning Holsteins, the Barkey and Puterbough families gather to plan their next chapter. Their vision extends far beyond brick-and-mortar—it is about creating a legacy that will sustain their family’s passion for dairy excellence well into the future.
“The main thing,” Glenn explains, his eyes lighting up as he describes their plans, “is to figure out how to build a barn that will look after the cows better and make us a more efficient business unit. Then, as the future clouds clear for our children and those who want to be here, perhaps we can consider taking on another site.”
Their strategic location, just 40 minutes from Toronto, opens exciting possibilities for innovation. Following the successful model of Glenn and Carolyn’s sister Sharyn at Enniskillen Jerseys and Sargent Family Dairy.
The future they envision is not just about expanding their operation; it’s about creating a sustainable platform where their seven young men can continue the family’s legacy of excellence, each in their own unique way. As they plan their new barn, every decision is made with the next generation in mind, ensuring that Altona Lea Farms remains at the forefront of dairy excellence for generations.
Community Impact
The heart of Altona Lea Farms beats far beyond its barn walls. In 2022, when the Durham Farm Farm Connections organization recognized Outstanding Farm Family and the Barkey and Puterbough families’ exceptional contributions, they were honoring a successful dairy operation and celebrating a family woven into the fabric of their agricultural community.
Each family member contributes uniquely to this tapestry of community service. Glenn serves as an EastGen director and chairman of the Durham Farmers County Coop, while Karen leads 4-H programs and is past president of the Blackstock Ag Society. Carolyn brings her community economic development expertise to help spark stronger communities & is a volunteer for youth-focused organizations, including agriculture awareness, school community council, and a 4-H volunteer for over 20 years. At the same time, Frazer contributes as a Holstein Ontario director, Durham East 4-H Director, and past Durham Milk Committee & local Ag chair—Advisory Committee for Durham Region.
Their commitment runs deeper than hosting tours or serving on committees. For 37 consecutive years, they’ve provided calves to the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, helping shape over 300 young minds annually. “One of the biggest things about the Classic,” Glenn notes, “is that it influences all 300+ kids there. The teamwork and development that every kid on every team goes through is so powerful.”
Their farm motto, “Where families have a meaning,” isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a philosophy that extends to everyone who crosses their threshold. One nomination supporter noted they are “just amazing human beings—kind, selfless, and generous of their time to help others.” This spirit of generosity and dedication to community building ensures that Altona Lea’s impact will continue to ripple through future generations of farmers and agricultural enthusiasts.
The Legacy Continues
The story of Altona Lea Holsteins stands as a testament to what dedication, vision, and family unity can achieve. Adorned with four Master Breeder shields, housing 11 generations of Excellent cows, and an impressive 95% of their herd tracing back to their foundation cow Harriett, the Barkey and Puterbough families have achieved something extraordinary.
Yet what makes their accomplishments even more impressive is how they’ve balanced breeding excellence with community impact. Their dedication to fostering young talent through 4-H programs, maintaining a 37-year tradition of providing calves for the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, and influencing over 300 young individuals annually truly showcase their unwavering commitment to the industry’s future.
The future appears limitless, with endless possibilities awaiting the Barkey and Puterbough families. With seven talented young men already demonstrating significant potential in the dairy industry, plans for a state-of-the-art barn on the horizon, and their strategic location just 40 minutes from Toronto offering new opportunities, Altona Lea’s next chapter holds even more excitement than its previous accomplishments.
Glenn’s humble reflection perfectly captures the family’s spirit: “We know we haven’t done everything on our list, but we are happy by how much we have done and how far we have gotten.” This combination of gratitude for past achievements and excitement for future possibilities ensures that the legacy of Altona Lea Holsteins will continue to inspire and shape the dairy industry for generations.
Key Takeaways
- Generational Legacy: 7 generations of Barkeys/Puterboughs built a Holstein dynasty since 1837, surviving land expropriation (1972) to breed Canada’s first 10-generation EX cows.
- Foundation Genetics: 95% of the herd traces to Harriett EX-9* (1971), whose lineage produced two historic 10-generation EX cows (2021–2022).
- Global Impact: 3 Royal Highland Show Grand Champions (UK); genetics exported worldwide, including Emma EX-96, immortalized in UK stained glass.
- Community Stewardship: 37-year 4-H mentorship streak, shaping 300+ youth annually via TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic calves.
- Accolades: 4 Master Breeder shields, 12 EX/8 ME cows, 11,158 kg/year herd avg, and a hybrid tie-stall/parlor milking system.
Summary
Nestled in Blackstock, Ontario, Altona Lea Holsteins epitomizes seven generations of dairy excellence, blending groundbreaking breeding achievements with profound community impact. Founded in 1837, the Barkey-Puterbough family operation traces 95% of its elite Holstein herd to foundation cow Harriett EX-9*, whose lineage birthed Canada’s first 10-generation Excellent cows. Their global influence spans show-ring dominance (Royal Highland Show champions) and UK genetic exports, while their 37-year 4-H mentorship legacy nurtures future agricultural leaders. With four Master Breeder shields, Altona Lea balances cutting-edge genetics with timeless family values—proving that dairy excellence thrives where heritage meets innovation.
Learn more
- The Secret Sauce of Legacy Herds: How Foundation Cows Shape Dairy Dynasties
- From Barn to Boardroom: The Rise of Multi-Generational Dairy Families
- Canadian Holsteins: Conquering Global Show Rings & Genetic Markets
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