Meet Holstein Canada’s new leaders for 2024-2025. How will President Gilles Côté and his team drive the future of the organization? Discover their strategic vision.
Holstein Canada is proud to introduce the new Board Executive for 2024 – 2025. Leading the way is Gilles Côté from Saint-Bruno, Quebec, as the new President. He is joined by Doug Peart from Hagersville, Ontario, who takes on the vice-presidency and the role of Chair of the Board. Rounding out the team is Karen Versloot from Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick, as the 3rd Member to the Executive. These appointments look to propel the organization’s initiatives and instill confidence in Holstein Canada’s future. With this executive in place, the Board is now working on navigating the challenges ahead.
Gilles Côté brings a wealth of experience and a solid background to his new role as President of Holstein Canada. Hailing from Saint-Bruno, Quebec, Gilles has been a dedicated member for many years. His deep understanding of Holstein breeding and genetics makes him a natural fit for this position. As a leader at Jeanri Holsteins, in Quebec, he has made notable achievements in herd improvement and dairy production efficiency. Recognized for his contributions to genetic enhancement, Gilles has helped many members improve their herd management practices. As Gilles steps into the presidency, his vision and commitment to excellence are expected to guide Holstein Canada toward achieving its strategic goals of preserving Holstein Canada’s prestigious reputation within the dairy community.
Joining Gilles in this leadership transition is Doug Peart from Hagersville, Ontario, as Vice President and Chair of the Board. Doug operates Peartome, and has extensive agriculture experience. His expertise and commitment are expected to help the Board achieve its long-term objectives, benefiting all 9,200 members.
Karen Versloot is joining as the 3rd Member of the Executive from Keswick Ridge, New Brunswick. Operating the “Combination”” farm, known” for excellence and innovation in dairy farming, Karen brings a wealth of experience. Her background and commitment to genetic improvement have advanced dairy farming techniques on her farm and the broader community. Her previous roles in Holstein Canada reflect her leadership and dedication to members’ success. Karen’s clinical genetic advancements and herd improvement will be vital as she steps into this new role, driving Holstein Canada’s objectives forward.
With their new executive team in place, Holstein Canada aims to expand their genetic improvement programs, offering members advanced tools such as enhanced genetic evaluations and personalized breeding recommendations to better evaluate and improve their herds. They also plan to leverage technology to streamline operations and enhance services, such as introducing a mobile app for easy access to member resources and services to serve our members better.
At the heart of our strategy is membership engagement. The Board is committed to opening new communication channels, such as regular town hall meetings and a dedicated member feedback portal, to ensure that every member’s voice is heard. This initiative is a testament to their belief in the strength of the community and the commitment to their 9,200 members.
Maintaining high governance standards to ensure integrity and transparency will also be a focus. With a dedicated leadership team and a clear plan, Holstein Canada is preparing to face the challenges currently facing the industry and preserve the long history of the Holstein Breed.
Let’s congratulate Gilles Côté, Doug Peart, and Karen Versloot.
Summary:
Holstein Canada has appointed Gilles Côté as the new Board Executive for 2024-2025. With extensive experience in Holstein breeding and genetics, Côté is expected to guide the organization towards preserving its prestigious reputation within the dairy community. He has made notable achievements in herd improvement and dairy production efficiency, and under his vice-presidency, Holstein Canada advanced in genetic evaluations and member services. Doug Peart, who operates Peartome, is joining Côté in this leadership transition, and Karen Versloot, known for excellence and innovation in dairy farming, brings a wealth of experience and commitment to genetic improvement. Holstein Canada is embarking on a journey of strategic initiatives, focusing on enhancing genetic programs, boosting member engagement, and improving operational efficiency. The focus will be on expanding genetic improvement programs, offering advanced tools, and leveraging technology to streamline operations and enhance services. Membership engagement is at the heart of the strategy, with the Board committed to opening new communication channels and maintaining high governance standards to ensure integrity and transparency.
