In a heartwarming display of appreciation for those who keep the gears of agriculture turning, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has honored one of its most dedicated volunteers. Murray Reissner, the steadfast ringmaster who’s been the backbone of dairy cattle showcases for three decades, received the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medal at the Fair’s Annual General Meeting in Toronto on April 10th.
From Stand-In to Legend: Reissner’s Journey
Picture this: It’s 1992, and a phone call changes the course of Murray Reissner’s life. The regular Quebec Holstein representative had suffered a sudden heart attack, and Reissner was asked to step in as a one-time replacement. Little did anyone know this temporary gig would evolve into a 30-year legacy.
“My job? Make every exhibitor look their absolute best, all the time,” Reissner once quipped about his ringmaster philosophy. It’s this exhibitor-first mentality that’s made him a beloved figure in the dairy show world. (Read more: MURRAY REISSNER: The Right Place at the Right Time!)
By 2013, Reissner had already clocked 20 years as ringmaster at the Royal. But he’s more than just traffic control in a fancy suit. He’s become the go-to guy for both the 4-H Dairy Classic and the National Holstein Shows, events that draw the cream of the crop in North American dairy genetics and showmanship.
A Royal Honor for a Dairy Champion
The King Charles III Coronation Medal isn’t just another piece of hardware for the mantle. Created by His Majesty with input from the Canadian government, it’s one of Canada’s highest civilian honors. For Reissner, it’s recognition of three decades spent shaping dairy cattle exhibitions and nurturing the next generation of dairy enthusiasts.
The award presentation wasn’t the only big news at the Annual General Meeting. The Royal welcomed new blood with incoming President and Chair Joe Parker, along with fresh faces on the board: Juanita Dickson, Matt McCready, and Jon Walker. Even the Honourable Trevor Jones, Ontario’s Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness, showed up to give his two cents, underscoring just how big a deal this is for Canadian agriculture.
Beyond the Ring: Reissner’s Many Hats
Sure, Reissner’s most visible as the guy directing traffic in the show ring. But his impact on the dairy world goes way deeper. As a key player on the Dairy Jr. Classic Committee, he’s had a hand in shaping opportunities for thousands of young dairy enthusiasts. In 2015, he stepped up as chairperson of the Classic show committee, with Ron Bird as his wingman.
But here’s where Reissner really shines: He’s known for crafting special showboxes as prizes. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill trophies; we’re talking handcrafted pieces that have become the stuff of legend among participants. In 2022, when the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic made its post-pandemic comeback, Eden Vis of Wentworth scored one of these coveted Reissner originals.
The Royal: Where Agricultural Excellence is Crowned
Since 1922, the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has been the Super Bowl of Canadian agriculture. Held every November at the Canadian National Exhibition grounds in Toronto, it’s where the best of the best come to duke it out for those coveted ribbons.
The 2024 Royal, held from November 4-9, kept the tradition alive with a jam-packed schedule of dairy competitions. From the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic Showmanship kicking things off on November 4th to the National Holstein Show and the Quality Seeds Dairy Supreme competition, it was a dairy lover’s dream come true.
And heads up, folks: The 2025 Royal is already shaping up to be a barn-burner. Word on the street is that FEI World Cup Dressage is making a comeback at The Royal Horse Show. It’s the perfect blend of international equestrian flair and good old-fashioned agricultural know-how.
Reissner’s Impact: Raising the Bar for Dairy Excellence
Reissner’s unwavering commitment to dairy cattle presentation has helped cement the Royal Winter Fair’s rep as the ultimate judge of bovine beauty. His expertise ensures that each animal gets its moment in the spotlight, allowing judges to make calls that can influence breeding decisions and industry trends for years to come.
“Imagine being on your feet from the crack of dawn until the last cow leaves the ring,” a 2013 profile on Reissner noted. “That’s been Murray’s life at the Royal for the past 20 years!” This level of dedication doesn’t just keep things running smoothly; it sets the gold standard for dairy cattle competitions across North America and beyond.
A Legacy of Service Recognized
Murray Reissner’s King Charles III Coronation Medal is more than just a pat on the back for a job well done. It’s a nod to all the unsung heroes who make agricultural exhibitions possible. Through thick and thin, rain or shine, Reissner’s steady hand has guided countless dairy cattle through the ring. His leadership has shaped competitions that not only reward excellence but drive the entire industry forward.
As the Royal keeps evolving to meet the changing face of agriculture, it’s folks like Reissner who provide the bedrock of expertise that keeps it world-class. His recognition is a reminder that while champion cows might grab the headlines, it’s often the lifelong servants of agriculture who create the stage for those champions to shine.
The dairy industry stands taller today because of Murray Reissner’s contributions. This royal nod of approval just goes to show that one dedicated individual can leave an indelible mark on an entire agricultural sector. Here’s to you, Murray – may your legacy inspire the next generation of dairy champions!
