Discover how, through passion, precision, and community roots, Kingsway Holsteins, a small family farm, became one of Canada’s top breeders of Excellent cows.
Ever wonder what it takes to become one of Canada’s elite Holstein breeders? Let me tell you about Kingsway Holsteins, a family operation that achieved something extraordinary. They’ve been named Canada’s #2 breeder of all time for Excellent cows—and honestly, what makes this so impressive isn’t just the ranking itself. They’ve done it with a modestly sized herd where quality trumps quantity every time.
I was amazed to discover how the McMillan family has created a genetics program influencing dairy breeding worldwide. Their story isn’t just about exceptional cows (though there are plenty of those!). It’s about family values, unwavering dedication, and a genuine love for Holstein cattle that spans generations. Please pull up a chair, and let’s dive into the story of a family whose passion has built a more substantial legacy with each new calf born in their barn.
From Humble Beginnings to Holstein Royalty
When Morgon McMillan first heard Kingsway had been named Canada’s #2 breeder of all time for Excellent Cows, he couldn’t believe it. “We were surprised,” he admits with characteristic humility. “Our farm markets a lot of heifers and cows every year. Kingsway bred cows scoring excellent in other herds, which has added a lot to this total.”
Think about that for a second. This modest family farm wasn’t just developing great animals for themselves—they were creating genetics so strong that their animals continued to excel even after they left the farm. That’s the actual test of a breeding program.
For the McMillans, this recognition validated years of careful breeding decisions. Can you imagine competing against operations often your size and coming out near the top? It’s like a small-town baseball team outplaying the Yankees! Their achievement represents generations of smart decisions, starting with Morgon’s father, Gord, and continuing through Morgon and his brother Ethan today.
A Simple but Powerful Breeding Philosophy
So, what’s their secret sauce? It all started back in the late 1980s when Morgon’s dad, Gord, took over what was mostly a grade herd. His approach was refreshingly straightforward: “We have always believed in using the top bulls on the market even if that means you’re investing more money into semen,” Morgon explains.
That willingness to invest in the best genetics allowed them to make rapid progress even when it meant spending more. Gord saw dramatic results with Starbucks early on, making “big strides in one generation.” That early success cemented a philosophy that continues today.
Morgon and his brother Ethan haven’t strayed from this path. “We had a lot of good cows from bulls like Dundee, Sanchez, Goldwyn, Doorman, Unix, now Alligator and Lambda,” Morgon notes. Each of these sites was considered cream-of-the-crop during their era.
You might think they’d chase every new genetic trend, but that’s not their style. “Our sire selection on a hole isn’t geared towards putting bulls in AI. We prefer to use proven bulls for their reliability,” Morgon explains. Their experience has shown that “a bull whose name stays in the marketplace for a long time gives us a better chance to build a stronger pedigree.”
That doesn’t mean they’re stuck in the past, though! “There have been seasons where we’ve used more genomic sires if the proven bulls at the time don’t fit our criteria.” This balanced approach—sticking to proven principles while remaining flexible enough to incorporate new tools—has kept them at the forefront of Holstein breeding.
Kingsway’s success shows that investing in top-tier genetics doesn’t have to mean chasing trends. Their preference for proven sires ensures reliability while selectively incorporating genomic advancements, which keeps them competitive.
Arangatang: The Cow That Changed Everything
You can’t talk about Kingsway Holsteins without mentioning Arangatang. She’s not just a cow—she’s a legend whose influence extends worldwide.
“Arangatang has been successful at everything she did,” Morgon says, his voice filled with unmistakable pride. Her show record reads like a Holstein Hall of Fame: “Reserve All-Canadian Spring Calf, Honorable Mention All-Canadian Spring Yearling, Nominated All-Canadian Junior 3-year-old, Honorable Mention All-Canadian 4-year-old, Nominated All-Canadian Mature cow.”
But here’s what’s impressive—she wasn’t just a pretty face in the show ring. During a time when she was being heavily shown and flushed for embryos (activities that typically reduce milk production), she achieved superior lactation. In plain English? She produced over 30,500 lbs of milk in her sixth lactation with exceptional butterfat (4.73%) and protein content. For perspective, that’s nearly three times better than the breed average for milk and almost four times better for butterfat. Try doing that while maintaining a show-ring appearance and producing embryos!
“What made Arangatang truly special wasn’t just her show wins or production records, but how she handled everything we asked of her,” Morgon shares. “She had this incredible will to perform—whether in the show ring, the milking parlor, or the flush program. That attitude is what she passes to her daughters and what makes them so valuable in any environment.”
Perhaps most remarkable is Arangatang’s ability to pass on her exceptional qualities. She has 18 Excellent daughters and the second-most Excellent daughters of any cow in Canada. For context, less than 5% of all classified Holstein cows achieve the Excellent rating. Most cows, even great ones, might produce one or two Excellent daughters in a lifetime. Eighteen? That’s almost unheard of.
A Family Tree with Global Branches
Arangatang’s descendants have taken the dairy world by storm. Her genetic influence has produced “Doorman Andrea, 1st Senior 2-year-old at World Dairy Expo for Glamourview, and Alligator A Twix supreme Junior Champion at World Dairy Expo, two-time Royal Junior Champion for Velthuis.”
The family continues to produce exceptional animals, including “Kingsway Energy Advantage’s former #1 conformation heifer in the world, now VG-87 (2yr+18) conformation, and her brother Tarzan, a high-selling all-around bull at Semex.”
What makes her genetics work so well across different farms and countries? Morgon believes it comes down to fundamental traits: “Arangatang descendants have proven to thrive in all environments… They tend to have abundant dairy strength, which makes them the best cows for all environments.”
I find it fascinating how these descendants have demonstrated such versatility—winning in elite show herds like Velthuis Farms, performing in commercial operations where production and longevity are paramount, and even excelling in technology-driven environments like Kingsway’s own robotic milking system. That’s the ultimate stamp of approval for their breeding approach—creating animals that look great and work hard, no matter where they end up.
The Family Behind the Barn Doors
Step into the barns at Kingsway, and you’ll be stepping into six generations of dairy farming history. Morgon represents the sixth generation of farming in this area, carrying forward a legacy that stretches back centuries.
“Our farm is a typical family farm. Everyone chips in to get the work done,” Morgon explains. The division of labor plays to each person’s strengths: “My Dad Gord and brother Ethan and I are all cow guys and collaborate on making daily decisions with the cows. My wife Lindsay and my two sons Lawson, 6, and Lennox, 4, help feed calves in the barn every night. My brother’s wife, Molly, and father work with the calves and young heifers. My brother looks after feeding. My mom Pauline and I look after the cows in the robot (95) and (25) cows in the tie stall.”
Every evening around 5:00, the barn welcomes its youngest participants. Lindsay arrives with Lawson and Lennox, who eagerly pull on their rubber boots—Lawson’s adorned with Holstein spots to match the cows he admires. At six years old, Lawson has already developed opinions about certain cow families and enthusiastically shares his observations about new calves. Not to be outdone, four-year-old Lennox has mastered bottle-feeding and proudly announces when calves finish their milk.
These nightly routines aren’t just chores—they’re passing the torch. Farming values transfer naturally from generation to generation through hands-on experience from the earliest ages. Can you think of a better classroom for raising the next generation of dairy farmers?
A Family Tree with Deep Dairy Roots
The McMillan family’s dairy connections run deep and wide. “I’m the 6th generation to be dairy farming in this area. On my mom’s side, the Atkinson family is a successful dairy-farming family in Northumberland County. On my wife’s side, the Oxby family is a 4-time master breeder from the Guelph area. My sister Emma married Sandy Cole, a well-known herd in Nova Scotia. My brother married Molly Herberg, who is from a well-known farm in Minnesota. So farming is definitely all in the family for us.”
With dairy breeding so thoroughly woven into their family fabric, pursuing the next great cow becomes as natural as breathing. Morgon sees himself as a steward rather than an owner: “My goal as it has been with those before me is to put the farm in a good position to be successful for next generations.” Each generation isn’t building something new—they’re strengthening the foundation for those who will follow.
When Your Wedding Photos Include a Cow (And That’s Normal)
You know you’re a dairy family when your wedding photos include your favorite cow! Beyond breeding records and show ring victories, the McMillans form deeply personal connections with their animals. When asked about cows with special meaning, Morgon immediately mentions Knonaudale Jasmine EX-96 4E *16.
“A cow that holds a special place in our hearts is Knonaudale Jasmine EX-96 4E *16. Ethan & Molly, Lindsay and I both had our wedding pictures taken with her,” Morgon shares. Let that sink in—both brothers included this exceptional cow in their wedding photos!
For Morgon and Lindsay’s wedding, Jasmine stood regally beside the couple in a lush pasture, her exceptional dairy character and impressive stature strikingly contrasting Lindsay’s flowing white gown. I can imagine the reactions from guests who weren’t dairy farmers! The resulting images perfectly captured the union of two people whose lives would revolve around exceptional Holsteins.
“When people ask why we included Jasmine in our wedding photos, they don’t always understand immediately,” Morgon reflects. “But for us, these special cows are extensions of our family. They represent not just our livelihood but our passion and heritage. Having Jasmine there symbolized how our marriage would be built around this shared love of exceptional Holstein cattle.”
Jasmine wasn’t just photogenic—she was exceptional in every way. “Jasmine was a youthful dairy cow when we purchased her as a 2-year-old. She won her class at many local shows yearly until she hit her peak as a production cow, scoring EX-96 and placing second at the Royal.” An EX-96 classification is nearly perfect in the Holstein world—a score few animals have achieved.
Beyond the show ring, Jasmine’s influence as a brood cow has been equally impressive, with “11 EX many still in their 1st lactation” and “many show-winning descendants for different owners around the world,” including “her granddaughter Kingsway Unix Jaqueline Int champ Swiss expo ’24 for Gobeli” and “daughter Kingsway lambda Julep EX-92 hm all am Sr 3 for Show Box and Howard View.”
Better Together: How Partnerships Amplified Their Impact
Even with a clear vision for their breeding program, the McMillans have wisely leveraged partnerships to extend their influence and access exceptional genetics. Smart move, right?
“Ladyrose Caught Your Eye EX-95 was a cow we owned in partnership with Riverdown and Millen farms that positively influenced our farm,” Morgon explains. “We purchased her with Justin Velthuis and Jason Millen at the Duckett sale in the spring of ’21. Under the care of Ducketts, we were able to make many pregnancies & show her to first place at WDE as a Jr 2yr.”
Following this success, they negotiated an arrangement where “Caught your eye and her pregnancies were sold after WDE to Genosource… [we] negotiated a deal to keep back alligator pregnancies.” This strategic partnership continued with Steve Velthuis on “Kingsway Caught A Vibe VG-87 1yr WDE JC, AC All Am Jr Yearling ’22,” which has already produced promising offspring.
The Kingsway operation has also benefited from relationships with established breeders in their region. “There have been a lot of good herds and cowmen in our area that we have been fortunate to get to know and become friends with,” Morgon notes, specifically mentioning Rob Heffernan and Gerald Coughlin. Working with Gerald on Terrason Allie EX-95 2E *10, a former Cow of the Year, “helped bring our farm a lot of exposure.”
I love Morgon’s attitude toward competition: “Other local herds like Crovalley, Ronbeth, Claircrest, Webbview, to name a few, bred and showed a lot of good cattle while we were growing up. It was a lot of fun showing against them. I strongly believe in healthy competition; it helps push you to improve.” Rather than seeing competitors as threats, they see them as motivation to improve—a mindset that serves them well.
From Canadian Farm to Global Influence
Incredibly, genetics from this Canadian family farm regularly appear in championship lineups from Wisconsin to Switzerland. Their successful embryo export program began through show ring accomplishments: “Markets for exporting embryos opened up for us from having our cows do well at the Royal.”
But it takes more than pretty cows to build an international reputation. “Ensuring these cows have full pedigrees with good production records has helped,” Morgon explains. International buyers want the complete package—animals that look great AND produce.
Their forward-looking strategy feeds this export program: “To continue in this market, we keep our eyes open for young cows or heifers from recognizable pedigrees that have the potential to develop into a cow that could classify high and do well at the show.”
Success Stories from Around the World
You can imagine the pride Morgon feels seeing their genetics succeed internationally. “It is very satisfying to see your genetics do well for other breeders,” he acknowledges. “I believe that is the true mark of a good cow family if they can rise to the top under different care and management practices.”
The evidence speaks for itself. In Switzerland, Kingsway Unix Jaqueline captured the International Champion title at the Swiss Expo 2024 for the Gobeli family. Kingsway Lambda Julep EX-92 earned Honorable Mention All-American Senior 3-Year-Old honors in the competitive U.S. show circuit. And, of course, Alligator A Twix, who achieved Supreme Junior Champion at the World Dairy Expo and twice captured Royal Junior Champion honors for Velthuis Farms.
These international successes are significant because they validate the McMillans’ breeding philosophy. When their genetics thrive in tie-stall barns, American free-stall facilities, or under the intensive management of elite show herds, it confirms they’re focusing on the right traits—dairy strength, mammary systems, feet and legs—that create adaptable, functional animals that excel anywhere. That’s not just good breeding—that’s breeding excellence.
Weathering the Storms: How They Handle Challenges
Let’s face it—dairy farming isn’t always sunshine and blue ribbons. Challenges come with the territory, from milk price volatility to extreme weather, health issues, and work-life balance. So, how do the McMillans handle it?
“Challenges come in many different circumstances on the farm, and we try to focus on what today has in store,” Morgon explains pragmatically. “In a world of social media, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by current events. I think it’s good to step back, look at the big picture, and make decisions accordingly.”
The transition to robotic milking represents one significant challenge they navigated successfully. Installing the system required substantial investment and adaptation, but the technology has allowed them to maintain their exceptional breeding program while improving operational efficiency and quality of life. “The robots have been a game-changer for managing our herd,” Morgon notes. “It took time to adapt, but seeing how well cows like the Arangatang family have performed in the robotic system validates that decision.”
Another challenge came when expanding their embryo export program internationally. Navigating different countries’ health regulations, managing long-distance relationships with clients, and ensuring consistent quality control required significant learning. “Breaking into international markets wasn’t easy,” Morgon acknowledges. “You’re dealing with different regulations, different breeding preferences, and often different languages. But seeing our genetics succeed globally has made those challenges worthwhile.”
What keeps them going through difficult times? For the McMillans, it’s the cows themselves. “There’s something special about watching a young heifer develop into exactly what you envisioned when you planned that mating,” Morgon shares. “Those moments when you see a two-year-old fresh for the first time and realize she’s going to be exceptional—that’s what keeps you going through the challenging days. It’s that pursuit of the next great cow that drives us.”
His advice reflects this long-term perspective: “Breeding and showing cattle is a long-term investment. My biggest advice to a younger self is to be patient. Being consistent every day and doing your best to do the little things right will pay off in the end.”
Beyond the Dairy Barn: Sweet Corn, Pumpkins, and Community
While Holstein breeding remains their primary focus, the McMillans have diversified in ways that connect them more deeply with their community. “My dad grows about 18 acres of sweet corn in the summer. We have our stand, and he supplies other vegetable stands and grocery stores there. My boys and I grow a few acres of pumpkins to sell at our stand and supply a grocery store.”
I love how this seasonal produce business creates opportunities for Morgon’s sons to develop entrepreneurial skills and agricultural knowledge beyond dairy. As Lawson and Lennox help tend the pumpkin patch throughout the growing season, they learn valuable lessons about crop production, marketing, and customer service. Can you imagine their excitement in autumn when families visit to select pumpkins they helped grow?
The roadside stand is more than just a business—it’s a bridge to their community. Customers buying sweet corn or pumpkins often ask questions about the dairy operation, creating natural agricultural education and relationship-building opportunities. In a time when fewer people have direct connections to farming, these conversations help close the gap between food producers and consumers.
The McMillan family’s community roots extend well beyond their roadside stand. Faith and service play central roles through active involvement in their local Christian church, where they’ve formed deep connections with neighbors beyond the farming community. They’re also fixtures at the local ice rink, with Morgon and his father, Gord, dedicating countless winter evenings to coaching minor hockey. “Being involved in coaching has been a great way to connect with families in our area and teach kids about teamwork and perseverance,” Morgon shares. “The same values that make a successful farm—commitment, hard work, and supporting each other—translate perfectly to hockey.” These community involvements reflect the McMillans’ belief that building strong rural communities requires an engagement beyond the barn doors.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Kingsway
As they look ahead, the McMillans remain grounded in the values that built their success while embracing opportunities for continued growth. “Our goal is to run a profitable farm that continues to grow and improve in all aspects,” Morgon states.
Their annual tag sale represents an essential component of this forward momentum. “We are excited about our upcoming tag sale hosted on the farm April 7-8, as the heifers will be displayed in their new heifer barn. We will be offering roughly 80 head from our farm with a few consignments, mainly show-aged heifers from our best cow families,” Morgon explains. Since establishing this tradition in 2011 with the “Influence of Allie” sale, these annual events have created consistent marketing channels while building relationships with buyers who return year after year.
A Dream Within Reach
When discussing aspirational goals, Morgon shares a touching family dream: “My dad has said that he would like to have Grand Champion at the Royal someday.” This goal needs no explanation for dairy folks—the Royal Winter Fair’s Grand Championship represents the ultimate recognition of Canadian dairy showing. Achieving this distinction would validate decades of careful breeding decisions and herd development.
Morgon offers this practical wisdom for those hoping to follow Kingsway’s footsteps: “My advice to younger breeders is to do their best with what they have at home. When opportunities present themselves, make sure to capitalize on them. It’s good to get motivated by looking up to other farms, but everyone’s situation is a little different, so your path to success may look different than your neighbors’.”
Small Farm, Huge Legacy
Kingsway Holsteins proves that you don’t need to be the biggest to be among the best. Their recognition as Canada’s #2 breeder of Excellent cows stems not from herd size or marketing prominence but from consistent dedication to Holstein excellence expressed through daily decisions and long-term vision.
From Gord’s early work transforming a grade herd with Starbuck genetics to Morgon and Ethan’s current success with international embryo exports and partnerships, each generation has built upon the foundation while maintaining core values. As Morgon puts it, “Farming has been something we have always known growing up.”
That modest statement captures the essence of Kingsway’s success—breeding exceptional dairy cattle isn’t just what they do; it’s who they are. Their legacy continues to grow through the animals they develop, the relationships they build, and the passion they bring to Holstein breeding every day. And with young Lawson and Lennox already showing their love for the cows, we might just be watching the seventh generation of this remarkable dairy tradition take shape before our eyes.
Key Takeaways
- Elite Breeding Success: Kingsway Holsteins ranks #2 in Canada for Excellent cows, proving that quality triumphs over herd size.
- Arangatang’s Legacy: Their legendary cow produced 18 Excellent daughters and influenced global dairy genetics through her exceptional traits.
- Balanced Breeding Philosophy: The McMillans prioritize proven sires while selectively integrating genomic advancements for reliability and competitiveness.
- Community Engagement: The family connects through their sweet corn and pumpkin business, Christian church involvement, and coaching minor hockey.
- Generational Passion: Six generations of McMillans have built a legacy of excellence in dairy farming with a focus on family values and dedication to quality.
Executive Summary
Kingsway Holsteins is a multigenerational family farm with remarkable success as Canada’s #2 breeder of Excellent cows despite their modest herd size. The McMillan family’s breeding philosophy focuses on using top-tier sires and balancing proven genetics with genomic advancements. Their legendary cow, Arangatang, has left an indelible mark on global Holstein breeding, producing 18 Excellent daughters and influencing herds worldwide. Beyond the barn, the McMillans connect with their local community through their sweet corn and pumpkin business, active Christian church involvement, and minor hockey coaching. Kingsway Holsteins exemplifies how small farms can achieve global impact with a commitment to quality over quantity and a passion for dairy farming that spans generations.
Learn more:
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