Explore the remarkable legacy of Glenridge Citation Roxy, the pioneering cow who achieved unprecedented milestones. Discover how she set new benchmarks in genetic excellence within the dairy breeding industry.
The dairy industry has seen many extraordinary cows, but Glenridge Citation Roxy stands out as the “Queen of the Breed.” She was born over 50 years ago and ushered in a new era for the Holstein breed. Her remarkable lineage and achievements have left a lasting mark on dairy farming worldwide. Bob Miller and Pete Heffering have become legends in the breeding industry with their achievements. The transmitting strength of this family lies predominantly in the female line. No other Holstein family has provided more EX cows than the Roxys. Still today, every significant sale catalog features at least one female descendant of Roxy, showcasing her enduring influence. Join us as we explore her achievements, exceptional genetic lineage, and lasting legacy in the Holstein breed.
The Birth and Rise of Glenridge Citation Roxy: A Legacy Begins
Glenridge Citation Roxy was born on the Lorne Loveridge farm at Grenfell, Saskatchewan, on April 15, 1968. Lorne, who took over management of the farm in 1957, bought the herd and changed the prefix from Norton Court to Glenridge in tribute to his wife, Glenna Loveridge. Loveridge switched to R names for Vee’s offspring (Reba, Roxy, and Rocket) instead of continuing with V names, claiming he was “too dumb” to come up with any more V names.
The seeds of the Roxy story began with youth programs and the Royal in the early 50s. As a kid from Quebec, Millar was at the Royal Winter Fair in 1951 for the 4-H dairy judging contest when he saw an impressive cow named Glenvue Nettie Jemima. Jemima would later become the dam of a bull named Rosafe Citation R. Lorne Loveridge, as a kid from Saskatchewan, was at the Royal a year later in the 4-H small grains judging contest. He was able to sneak away from competition long enough to be blown away by the quality of the Holsteins he saw and went home to convince his dad to use frozen semen and A.I. to improve the family’s herd. One of the first bulls they used was Roeland Reflection Sovereign, the sire of a cow named Norton Court Reflection Vale, Roxy’s dam.
Rosafe Citation R, Roxy’s sire, was purchased as a bull calf for $30,000 by the Ontario Association of Animal Breeders at the 1958 Sale of Stars in Toronto. This acquisition stemmed from the strategic foresight of H.J. Wilcox, who had bought Citation R’s dam, Glenvie Nettie Jemima (EX-13*), hoping she would bear a son. Citation R was aggressively utilized at $7.00 per service, significantly higher than the norm. Despite being a Red Carrier, initially viewed as a drawback, Citation R’s progeny excelled, particularly his daughters, who dominated the show ring. In 1961, Citation R was sold to Santa Monica Ranch in Mexico for $33,000, only to have his semen later repatriated due to high demand in Canada and the US. This timely return facilitated the breeding of Norton Court Model Vee, Roxy’s dam, in 1967, blending top-tier genetics that would lead to the birth of Glenridge Citation Roxy. Notably, Vee’s lineage traced back to remarkable ancestry, including A.B.C. Reflection Sovereign, while her dam, Norton Court Reflection Vale (VG-4*), underscored this genetic treasure trove. Together, these lines culminated in Roxy, an unparalleled bovine legacy.
Roxy also had strong ties to Wisconsin Fobes, partly through the Chip of Nettie & Aaggie cross, enhancing her prestigious lineage. Her maternal line began with Ottile 8807 H.H.B., imported from Holland by B.B. Lord & Son in 1883, and Vrouka 448 C.H.B., brought to America by Holman & Collamer in 1884. These cows were instrumental in shaping Roxy’s pedigree.
As a calf, Roxy was a tall, gangly heifer that didn’t attract much attention until she calved for the second time. At this point, Doug Blair and Lowell Lindsay noticed her. Blair, part owner of Western Breeders’ Services (forerunner to Alta Genetics), and Lindsay, sire procurement officer for United Breeders, were both overwhelmed by her. They contemplated a joint purchase but couldn’t meet Loveridge’s asking price. Enter Bob Miller, a Canadian-born cattle photographer who had immigrated to the US and established the Mill-R-Mor herd. Summoned to photograph Roxy and her dam Vee, Miller had been searching for a cow family with specific requirements: type, production, and longevity. Roxy and her family checked all the boxes for Miller, but he didn’t purchase her immediately. Later, Roxy gained recognition as Reserve Grand Champion at the 1972 Canadian Western Agribition and was nominated for All-Canadian consideration in 1973.
In 1973, Bob Miller bought Roxy and a half interest in her dam, moving them to Illinois, where they continued to thrive. Subsequently, Roxy, her dam, her grand-dam Vale, and her three-quarter sister Glenridge Emperor Rocket (EX-96-3E) were moved to Mil-R-Mor in Illinois, where promotion and marketing were more feasible.
Achieving Unprecedented Success Under Miller’s Stewardship
In Miller’s hands, Roxy made four records over 1,000 lbs. fat, reaching 26,470 lbs. milk, 4.4% fat in her best year. Her career total was 209,784 lbs. milk, 4.5%, 9,471 lbs. fat, rounding out three generations of 200,000-lb. Producers. A rare Holstein to classify 97 points, Roxy earned a 4E rating at 12 years of age. Her show record included All-Illinois honors (1976-1979), a win in the dry-aged class at the 1979 Central National Show, and two All-Canadian nominations. She was part of eight All-American and All-Canadian groups, and with Glenridge Emperor Rocket, became All-Time All-American produce in 1984.
Unanimous Acclaim: The Legendary Assessments of Glenridge Citation Roxy
Between them, Andy Clawson and Avery Stafford have classified over 1,000,000 cows. Their assessments of Glenridge Citation Roxy are nothing short of legendary. Clawson, the classifier who initially scored Roxy with an impressive 96 points, declared, “Roxy was closer to perfection than any cow I ever scored,” underscoring her unparalleled quality. Avery Stafford, who elevated her score to an extraordinary 97 points two years later, echoed this sentiment unequivocally. “Roxy was the best cow who had ever come before me,” Stafford remarked, establishing her status as a pinnacle in the field.
R.F. Brown, known for developing Green Elms Echo Christina, stated, “Roxy was the best I have ever seen,” a high compliment from someone recognized for his discerning eye and high standards.
Roxy captured public affection, winning titles such as Queen of the Breed I & II, Top Cow of the Century, and International Cow of the Century, decided by popular vote in breed magazines.
A Milestone in Bovine Excellence: Roxy’s Unmatched Legacy and Ubiquity
Roxy was the first cow with ten daughters classified Excellent. Achieved 4E-97-GMD and became a 3rd generation 200,000-lb. Milk producer. Member of eight All-American, All-Canadian, or Reserve All-Canadian groups. The Roxy family is everywhere, consistently appearing in sale catalogs and maintaining their proper type and high milk production legacy.
Miller recognized the potential of embryo transfer, a budding technology at the time, and Roxy produced 30 embryos along with three natural offspring. She had 20 daughters, becoming the first cow to have ten Excellent daughters—16 of her daughters eventually scored Excellent, with additional Excellent and Very Good offspring.
Seven of Roxy’s daughters earned Gold Medals, contributing to a cow family of exceptional persistence. There are 50 direct maternal lines of at least four generations of Excellent descending from Roxy. Her 16 Excellent daughters produced 34 Excellent daughters; these 34 had 52 Excellent daughters, who then had 48 Excellent daughters—virtually a nonstop excellence-producing family.
Their consistency as breeders is remarkable. Extensive research reveals an impressive lineage: over 381 Roxy descendants have achieved EX status, tracing directly back to Glenridge Citation Roxy. This legacy expands exponentially when considering the progeny of her sons. A standout in perpetuating this excellence is Gloryland Lana Rae EX-94-2E-USA DOM. An impressive 16 out of Lana Rae’s 21 classified daughters have reached EX status, with an average score of 90.9 points. Lana Rae descends from an exceptional line: an EX Lindy daughter of Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96-2E, following Hanoverhill TT Roxette EX-94-2E USA, then back to Roxette.
Good udders, feet, legs, great frames, and diligent milk production mark the Roxy legacy. These cows are healthy, fertile, and resilient, rebounding from stress and not “knuckling under” as some do.
Roxy’s Most Outstanding Daughter Mil-R-Mor Roxette (EX-30*)
Until 1977, Bob Miller had never sold a daughter. He relented that year when he consigned Roxy’s Elevation daughter to the National Convention Sale in Columbus, Ohio. She was Mil-R-Mar Roxette, born on Valentine’s Day the year before and sold openly. Peter Heffering purchased 17 heads, ringing up a bill of $207,600. Among the cattle purchased was J.P.G. Standout Kandy, the top seller at $41,000, and Mulder Elevation Mazie. He also bought Mil-R-Mar Roxette for $25,000, the third highest price of the sale.
R Peter Heffering commented, “We felt that Roxy was one of the breed’s great cows and probably the best daughter of Citation R. Elevation was making a lot of good offspring, so when the Elevation heifer was coming up for sale at the National Convention Sale, we bought her as a foundation female for the herd. Roxette flushed well and became one of Roxy’s strongest transmitting daughters.”
After the sale, Miller raised objections regarding the investor’s terms. A rumor persists that the transaction nearly collapsed. However, years later, Miller expressed his gladness that Roxette ended up at Hanover Hill. Roxette’s son, Hanoverhill Raider (EX-Extra), is sired by Hanoverhill Starbuck (EX-Extra) and ranks among the top Hanover Hill bulls.
Her notable daughters include:
- Hanover-Hill Astra Roxie (EX-GMD) This Paclamar Astronaut’s daughter recorded six consecutive records over 22,000 lbs. milk and 1,000 lbs. fat. She was the dam of three Excellent and three Very Good daughters, including Hanoverhill TTA Roxie (EX), one of the first cows to produce over 50,000 lbs. milk in Canada with her record of 52,879 lbs. milk, 2,200 lbs. fat, and 1,801 lbs. protein in 365 days.
- Hanoverhill TT Roxette-ET (EX-94-2E-GMD-DOM) Roxette’s Triple Threat daughter was sold for $37,000 in the 1989 Hanover Hill Dispersal. She made 31,790 lbs. milk, 1,303 lbs. fat, and 961 lbs. protein at six years. Her daughter, Hanoverhill Tony Rae, became grand champion at the 1992 Western Spring National and the 1993 Western National. Tony Rae left nine Excellent and 13 Very Good daughters. One of her notable descendants was Scientific Debutante Rae (EX).
- Hanoverhill Star Roxy (EX-92-3E-GMD-DOM) She was Roxette’s Hanoverhill Starbuck daughter and a full sister to Hanoverhill Raider. As a four-year-old, she produced 31,779 lbs. milk, 1,393 lbs. fat, and 1,054 lbs. protein and left behind six Excellent daughters. One of her exceptional daughters, Hanover-Hill-R MSCT Roxy (EX-93), was sold for $40,000 in the 1998 Hanover Hill Dispersal.
- Hanover-Hill-R Rhonda-TW (EX-94-4E-GMD-DOM) Rhonda, Star Roxy’s Leadman daughter, mothered Hanover-Hill-R MI Rochelle-RC (EX-93), who was dam to Sir Ridgedale Rustler-Red (EX-95). Rustler was exceptionally popular in Germany.
- Mil-R-Mor Toprox-ET (EX-94-3E-GMD): This highest-record daughter of Glenridge Citation Roxy produced 43,660 lbs. of milk, 5.3% fat, and 3.4% protein. Described by Mary Briggs of Brigeen Farms as healthy and fertile, Toprox was known for her temperance and capacity—a monument at Mil-R-Mor farm honors Glenridge Citation Roxy’s remarkable achievements and contributions.
Roxy’s Descendants Continue to Make an Impact
Roxy’s descendants continue to make an impact. Their consistency as breeders is remarkable. Breeders who invested in Roxy’s lineage developed strong lines under varied management conditions. Notable descendants still making an impact include:
Golden-Oaks Champ Rae EX-93
Ms Crushable Carolina
Reserve Intermediate Champion World Dairy Expo 2022
(Crushabull x GOLDEN OAKS BY CHARLOTTE ET EX 90 x GOLDEN-OAKS MCC CHARLINA-ET EX-90
x GOLDEN-OAKS ATWD CHARLA-ET EX-93 x GOLDEN-OAKS CHAMP RAE-ET EX-93)
(Calbrett-I H H Champion x Scientific Beauty Rae RC EX-90 x Scientific Jubilant Rae RC EX-90 x Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96 x Hanoverhill TT Roxette EX-94 x Mil-R-Mor Roxette EX x Glenridge Citation Roxy EX-97)
Champ Rae, a foundation dam bred at Golden-Oaks Farm in Wauconda, Illinois, has 47 US-class daughters, with 17 scored VG and 19 EX. Many of these daughters have achieved top records of 35,000-40,000 lb. (18,144 kg) of milk. The dam’s fame is spreading internationally, with Spanish AI Ascol testing Byway son Tec Laureles Sanmames out of granddaughter Charlina. The dam’s daughters and granddaughters have performed well, with Golden-Oaks Sid Charlise VG-87, now at Cherry Crest Holsteins in Canada, and Golden-Oaks Atwood Chloe EX-92 from Cranehill Genetics and Long-Haven Sid Carla EX-94 from Oakfield Corners Dairy. New York’s Kings-Ransom Farm hosts three special sisters: Kings-Ransom Cleavage, Cleo, and Kings-Ransom Epic Cassie, each with EX-94 scores. Jeff King, manager at Golden-Oaks Farm, praises Champ Rae’s enormous frame and her sisters’ functional and productive nature, stating that they give lots of milk with a high-fat test and require minimal attention. The goal is to combine Champ Rae descendants with high-type sires, sacrificing as little as possible for fitness traits and longevity.
Gloryland-I Goldwyn Locket EX-94
Walkerbrae Doorman Locket EX95
HM All American 5yr old 2018
Nominated AA and AC Junior 3 2016
Doormand x GLORYLAND-I GOLDWYN LOCKET 2E94
(Braedale Goldwyn x Gloryland Lakota Rae VG-88 x Gloryland Lana Rae EX-94 x Scientific Liza Rae EX-90 x Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96 x Mil-R-Mor Roxette EX x Glenridge Citation Roxy EX-97)
Bred by David Tait, goes back to Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96. Locket, classified EX-94, through Scientific Liza Rae EX-90 and the notable Gloryland Lana Rae EX-94. Lana, distinguished for her superb udder quality and excellent feet, produced 32 daughters, with 22 achieving EX status, including the illustrious Gloryland Lexie Rae EX-96 and Gloryland Liberty Rae EX-95, who commanded $410,000 in 2008. Locket’s exceptional genetics originated from the Canadian Crasdale herd of Brian Craswell, who produced Locket and her full sister through embryo transfers. Bert Tuytel later acquired a share in Locket.
Brigeen-C Integrit Robin EX-95
Dirigo-Conant Gold Rissa-ET (Ex-91)
1st Aged Cow, BU and Hon. Mention Champion Louisville 2012
Her dam is Brigeen-C Integrit Robin-ET (Ex-95)
(Robthom Integrity x C Haselmere Prelude Rhoda EX-91 x Brigeen Southwind Rhonda VG-88 x Mil-R-Mor SWD Rockette VG-86 x Mil-R-Mor Toprox EX-94 x Glenridge Citation Roxy EX-97)
In 1985, the Briggs family from Brigeen in Maine bolstered their herd by selecting six members of the Roxy family. Among them was Mil-R-Mor Toprox, a Hilltop Apollo Ivanhoe daughter from Roxy, who set records with figures of 43,660 lbs of milk at 5.3% fat. Toprox was the highest classified at EX-94. The group also included two Valiant heifers who matured into highly regarded cows. A partnership with David Saunders from Canada led to the purchasing of a Southwind heifer, which eventually scored EX-91 and produced the EX-91 Prelude heifer sold at the Maine State Sale in 1999 named Brigeen-C Integrit Robin. Robin, acquired by Steve Keene and Duane Conant, was flushed to Emory before the sale, resulting in notable offspring like Brigeen Emory Raisa EX-92, a Grand Champion in 2005. Robin’s legacy continued with her daughter, Brigeen Convincer Rhonda EX-95, who also became a champion. Brigeen Atwood Regina EX-90 is a standout, holding a national fat record. Robin’s influence extended globally with exports to Japan and Europe, where her descendants continued to excel, including Ladys-Manor Celebrity EX-94 and Plant-Tree Robin EX-90, solidifying the enduring excellence of the Roxy family.
Sancy MAHOU
Grand Champion SUMMIT of Breeding 2021
(Diamondback x Destry x Barbwire mahogany red EX92 x Scientific (Storm)Mahogany Red EX-90-USA x Scientific Jubilant Rae *RC EX-90-USA x Hanoverhill Tony Rae EX-96-USA 3E x Hanoverhill TT Roxette EX-94-USA 2E x Mil-R-Mor Roxette EX-90 )
Liddlehome Beemer Rockstar Et EX 92
(Beemer x Liddlehome-R Durham Rhonda Et EX 95 xMiss Ridgedale Rhonda Et EX 92 x Hanover-Hill-R Rhonda EX 94 x Hanover-Hill Star Roxy Et EX 92 x A Mil-R Mor Roxette EX 90 xGLENRIDGE CITATION ROXY ET EX 97)
The Bottom Line
Glenridge Citation Roxy’s legacy intertwines excellence and remarkable influence. Her outstanding EX 97-point classification and the groundbreaking achievement of producing Excellent daughters established her lineage as a cornerstone in the dairy industry. Born over 50 years ago, Roxy inaugurated a transformative era for the Holstein breed. Renowned breeders like Bob Miller and Pete Heffering have become legends due to their work with her progeny. The strength of Roxy’s lineage is evident in her female descendants, with no other Holstein family producing more EX cows. Numerous branches of this family continue to excel globally. Still today, every significant sales catalog features at least one female descendant of Roxy, highlighting her lasting influence. She truly is the Queen of the Breed.
Key Takeaways:
- First cow in the world to have ten daughters classified as Excellent.
- First cow to achieve the prestigious 4E-97-GMD classification and be a third-generation 200,000-lb. milk producer.
- Member of eight All-American, All-Canadian, or Reserve All-Canadian groups.
- Her lineage is omnipresent in the dairy industry, appearing in sale catalogs worldwide.
- Renowned for transmitting her superior type and production capabilities consistently across generations.
Summary:
Glenridge Citation Roxy, hailed as the “Queen of the Breed,” is a legendary bovine, noted for being the first cow in the world to have ten daughters classified as Excellent and to achieve the rare 4E-97-GMD designation while also being a third-generation 200,000-pound milk producer. Her remarkable genetics have made an indelible mark on the industry, with her descendants gracing sale catalogs and show rings across the globe. Andy Clawson and Avery Stafford, classifiers who assessed her, spoke in unison about her unparalleled excellence, describing her as the finest cow they had ever encountered. Even decades later, her family lineage continues to influence dairy cattle breeding standards, preserving her legacy of superior type and production. As the definitive example of bovine perfection, Roxy’s influence is perpetuated through an impressive roster of accolades and the enduring popularity of her offspring, ensuring that her name remains synonymous with dairy excellence.
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