Discover the legacy of Mount Victoria Farms, where one man’s vision revolutionized Holstein breeding. From unlikely beginnings to global influence, this tale of scientific innovation and relentless pursuit of excellence shaped the future of dairy cattle worldwide—a game-changer in agricultural history.

Few names resonate as powerfully in the annals of dairy cattle breeding as Mount Victoria Farms. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Quebec, Canada, this unlikely crucible of genetic innovation would reshape the entire Holstein breed, leaving an indelible mark on dairy farms worldwide. 

In 1899, a 44-year-old insurance executive, Thomas Bassett Macaulay, purchased a 200-acre farm overlooking the Lake of Two Mountains. Little did the world know that this seemingly ordinary land acquisition would be the first step in a revolutionary journey that would span decades and transform an entire industry. 

“Macaulay, armed with a sharp analytical mind from his work in actuarial science, approached cattle breeding with precision and creativity.”

He aimed to create a strain of Holstein cattle that consistently produces milk with high butterfat content while maintaining excellent conformation. What unfolded over the next four decades was nothing short of extraordinary. Through meticulous selection, innovative breeding practices, and an unwavering commitment to his vision, Macaulay and his team at Mount Victoria Farms developed bloodlines that would come to dominate the Holstein breed for generations. 

This is how one man’s passion for genetics, business acumen, and scientific approach created a legacy. This legacy revolutionized dairy farming globally. It’s a tale of perseverance, innovation, and the pursuit of perfection that continues to influence dairy producers today. Prepare to step into Mount Victoria Farms, where one of the most significant breeding experiments in agricultural history took place, forever changing the face of the Holstein breed.  

The Unlikely Breeder

In 1899, at 44, Thomas Bassett Macaulay made an unconventional decision that would reshape the future of Holstein breeding. The successful actuary and president of Sun Life Assurance Company purchased a 200-acre farm in Hudson Heights, Quebec, overlooking the picturesque Lake of Two Mountains. This acquisition was far from a retirement plan; it began an extraordinary journey into the world of dairy cattle genetics. 

Macaulay’s farm, which he named Mount Victoria, was initially a sandy plot with poor soil quality, presenting a challenging canvas for his breeding ambitions. Undeterred, he set about improving the land with the same methodical approach he applied to his insurance work. He acquired diverse livestock, including French-Canadian cattle, goats, sheep, and horses. Macaulay’s insatiable curiosity drove these early experiments in animal husbandry, as did his desire to understand the principles of breeding and genetics. 

For 25 years, Macaulay honed his skills and knowledge in animal management while continuing to lead Sun Life to new heights. His unique background in actuarial science provided him with a distinct advantage: the ability to analyze complex data and apply statistical principles to breeding decisions. This analytical approach would later become the cornerstone of his success in Holstein breeding. 

In 1924, at the age of 69, an age when most men were considering retirement, Macaulay embarked on a new adventure: his legacy. He purchased his first Holstein cow, marking the beginning of one of the most influential breeding programs in the breed’s history. This late entry into Holstein breeding, far from being a disadvantage, proved to be Macaulay’s secret weapon. 

Unencumbered by traditional practices and preconceived notions, Macaulay approached Holstein breeding with an outsider’s fresh perspective and a scientist’s rigorous methodology. He meticulously studied breed journals, pedigrees, and production records, applying his actuarial skills to identify the most promising genetic combinations. 

Macaulay’s unique approach quickly set him apart from other breeders. He wasn’t content with following established practices; instead, he sought to revolutionize the breeding process through careful selection, innovative breeding techniques, and a relentless focus on improvement. His goal was clear: to create a strain of Holsteins that consistently produced high butterfat milk while maintaining excellent conformation. 

As word of Macaulay’s innovative methods spread, the dairy farming community watched with curiosity and skepticism. Many doubted that an insurance executive with no formal agricultural training could succeed in the competitive world of Holstein breeding. Little did they know that this unlikely breeder was about to embark on a journey that would forever change the face of the Holstein breed and leave an indelible mark on dairy farming worldwide. 

The Foundation

In the early 1920s, Thomas Bassett Macaulay embarked on a quest to reshape the Holstein breed. Armed with his analytical mind and passion for improvement, he dove deep into dairy cattle genetics. Macaulay spent countless hours reviewing breed journals, studying pedigrees, and analyzing production records. His goal was clear: to create a strain of Holsteins that would consistently produce high butterfat milk while maintaining excellent conformation. 

Macaulay’s research led him to a surprising conclusion. The best Holstein genetics in North America were not found in the established herds of New York or Wisconsin but in the rolling hills of Oxford County, Ontario. With its rich dairy farming tradition, this region had become a hotbed of Holstein innovation. 

In 1924, Macaulay made his first significant move. He attended the dispersal sale of Newton Chambers, a respected Oxford County breeder. He purchased Oakhurst Colantha Abbekerk for $900, the sale’s highest price. This cow would become the foundation of Mount Victoria’s Colantha family and prove a wise investment. 

The following year, Macaulay set his sights on Alfred Hulet’s herd, another Oxford County breeder known for his work with the Posch-Abbekerk bloodlines. At Hulet’s dispersal, Macaulay acquired several key animals, including Dixie Colantha Hartog and Lady Meg Posch. These cows would establish essential families within the Mount Victoria herd. 

However, Macaulay’s most audacious move was yet to come. In 1926, he sent his farm manager, Joe Chandler, to a sale in Wisconsin with instructions to purchase a bull named Johanna Rag Apple Pabst. This bull, already famous for his show ring success and production-siring ability, was the missing piece in Macaulay’s breeding puzzle. 

Chandler hesitated when the bidding reached $15,000 – an astronomical sum for the time. He called Macaulay, who gave the go-ahead to continue bidding. Ultimately, “Old Joe” came to Mount Victoria for $15,000, setting a post-World War I record for a Holstein bull at public auction. 

The acquisition of Johanna Rag Apple Pabst sent shockwaves through the Holstein breeding world. Many questioned Macaulay’s judgment in spending such a sum on a single animal. However, Old Joe would prove to be worth every penny. His daughters consistently produced milk with over 4% butterfat, a highly sought-after trait but challenging to achieve. 

With his foundation animals in place, Macaulay was ready to begin his ambitious breeding program. He had assembled a group of cows with strong production records and excellent conformation and now had a herd sire capable of elevating their offspring to new heights. The stage was set for Mount Victoria Farms to become one of Holstein’s most influential breeding establishments.

The Macaulay Method

Thomas Bassett Macaulay’s approach to Holstein breeding was nothing short of revolutionary. Drawing on his background as an actuary, Macaulay applied rigorous scientific principles to cattle breeding in an unprecedented way for his time. At the heart of Macaulay’s method was a deep understanding of statistics and probability. Just as he had used mathematical models to predict life expectancy and risk in the insurance industry, Macaulay now applied similar principles to predict and shape the genetic outcomes of his breeding program. 

Macaulay’s breeding strategy was built on four key pillars: 

1. Systematic Inbreeding and Line Breeding: Macaulay understood its power to concentrate desirable traits, unlike many breeders who feared inbreeding. He carefully planned matings to increase the frequency of genes for high butterfat production and excellent conformation. However, he balanced this with rigorous selection to avoid the pitfalls of inbreeding depression.
2. Data-Driven Selection: Macaulay instituted a comprehensive milk testing and record-keeping system far ahead of its time. Every cow at Mount Victoria was regularly tested for milk volume and butterfat percentage, and the records were meticulously analyzed to inform breeding decisions.
3. Focus on Butterfat: When most breeders were focused solely on milk volume, Macaulay set the ambitious goal of developing a strain of Holsteins that would consistently test at 4% butterfat or higher. This foresight would prove invaluable as the dairy industry later shifted towards valuing butterfat content.
4. Holistic Approach to Breeding: While many breeders focused on production or conformation, Macaulay insisted on simultaneously improving both. He believed genetic progress could only be achieved by selecting all economically important traits.

Macaulay’s office at Mount Victoria was meticulously organized, with walls covered in pedigree charts and production records, showcasing his commitment to a scientific approach. He developed a complex system of index cards for each animal, tracking not just their performance but that of all their relatives. This allowed him to calculate what we now recognize as estimated breeding values for each animal. 

One of Macaulay’s most innovative practices was using “progeny testing,” which was used long before it became standard in the industry. He would hold back promising young bulls and breed them to a select group of cows, carefully observing and evaluating the resulting offspring before deciding whether to use the bull more widely. This patient, data-driven approach starkly contrasted to the more common practice of using bulls based solely on their pedigree or appearance. 

Macaulay also instituted a practice of “contract matings” with other breeders. He would send his best bulls to be used on top cows in different herds, with the agreement that he could buy back any outstanding offspring. This allowed him to expand his genetic base and test his bulls in diverse environments. 

The results of Macaulay’s scientific approach were remarkable. By the late 1930s, the average butterfat test of the Mount Victoria herd was over 4%, when the breed average was closer to 3.5%. Moreover, the herd’s production levels and show ring successes proved that high butterfat could be achieved without sacrificing other essential traits. 

Although Macaulay’s methods were highly successful, they were not without controversy among traditional breeders. Many criticized his approach as too clinical, arguing that successful breeding required an intuitive “eye for cattle” that couldn’t be reduced to numbers. Others were skeptical of his inbreeding practices. However, as the results spoke for themselves, more and more breeders began adopting Macaulay Method elements. 

In many ways, Thomas Bassett Macaulay laid the foundation for the modern approach to cattle breeding based on genetics. His insistence on data-driven decisions, his understanding of population genetics, and his willingness to challenge conventional wisdom set a new standard for scientific breeding that continues to influence the Holstein industry today.

The Key Players

At the heart of this remarkable breeding program were six exceptional females that came to be known as “The Big Six,” a term coined by William Prescott of Holstein-Friesian World. These cows would form the foundation of Mount Victoria’s success and shape the future of the Holstein breed worldwide.

The story of the “Big Six” cows begins in the early 1920s with Macaulay’s methodical and scientific approach to assembling his herd. Thomas Bassett Macaulay, an insurance executive passionate about cattle breeding, began making his herd then. Macaulay sought the best genetics to build his program. 

The first two “Big Six” members were acquired at the Newton Chambers’ dispersal sale in 1924. Oakhurst Colantha Abbekerk, a daughter of the influential Prince Colanthus Abbekerk, was purchased for $900, the sale’s highest price. This cow would establish the Abbekerk family at Mount Victoria, becoming a five-time Grand Champion, including at the prestigious Royal Winter Fair. At the same sale, Macaulay acquired Ingleside Pietje Posch for $550. This cow had already made a name for herself, placing first in the Junior Yearling class at the 1923 Royal Winter Fair and being part of Ontario’s winning State Herd at the National Dairy Show in Syracuse that same year. Ingleside would find the Pietje family at Mount Victoria. 

The third “Big Six” member came from Alfred Hulet’s 1924 dispersal sale. Dixie Colantha Hartog, born in 1917, was purchased for $700, the highest sale price. Dixie would establish the Hartog family at Mount Victoria and set a Canadian record for milk production for several years. 

The Hulet Estate Sale in 1925 provided two more members of the “Big Six.” Lady Meg Posch, described in the pre-sale promotion as one of the top show prospects of the offering, was acquired for $1,000, the sale’s top price. Bonheur Abbekerk Posch 2nd, born September 23, 1924, was also purchased at this sale. These two cows would become the cornerstones of the Posch and Bonheur families, respectively. 

The final “Big Six” member joined the herd in 1928, when Macaulay made his most audacious purchase yet. At the National Ormsby Sale in Minneapolis, he acquired Triune Papoose Piebe for $11,100. This cow, already famous for her show ring success, would become one of the most distinguished female show winners of all time, claiming All-American honors for six consecutive years. 

Together, these six cows formed the backbone of the Mount Victoria breeding program. Their descendants would dominate show rings and milk production records for decades, with their influence still felt in modern Holstein pedigrees worldwide. The “Big Six” story is a testament to Macaulay’s vision and ability to identify exceptional animals. By bringing together these diverse but complementary bloodlines, he created a herd that would redefine the Holstein breed and leave a lasting legacy in the world of dairy cattle breeding.

The Impact on the Breed

The influence of Mount Victoria Farms on the Holstein breed is a tale of genetic dominance that spans continents and decades. What began as one man’s vision in Quebec, Canada, would go on to reshape dairy cattle populations worldwide in ways that even Thomas Bassett Macaulay could scarcely have imagined.

By the late 1950s, Mount Victoria genetics had already had a staggering impact. An estimated 90% of Canadian Holsteins could trace their lineage to this remarkable herd. But the story doesn’t end there. Today, it’s widely acknowledged that every registered Holstein globally carries Mount Victoria blood, showcasing the profound impact of Macaulay’s breeding program.

The global spread of Mount Victoria genetics occurred through several channels. In the years following World War II, as countries sought to rebuild their agricultural sectors, there was a surge in demand for high-quality Holstein genetics. Mount Victoria descendants, particularly those of the legendary Johanna Rag Apple Pabst, were in high demand.

The impact was profound in Europe. Countries with strong dairy traditions, such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy, imported Mount Victoria bloodlines to improve their herds. The result was a marked improvement in milk production and, crucially, butterfat percentages. In the 1960s and 1970s, European breeders reported significant increases in butterfat tests, often attributing this improvement to the influence of Mount Victoria genetics.

South America saw a similar revolution. In countries like Brazil and Argentina, where dairy farming was expanding rapidly, Mount Victoria’s descendants played a key role in establishing high-producing herds. The adaptability of these genetics was particularly noteworthy, as they seemed to thrive even in the diverse climates of South America.

In Australia and New Zealand, where dairy farming is a cornerstone of the agricultural economy, Mount Victoria bloodlines contributed to a new era of productivity. Farmers reported improvements in milk yield and longevity, a trait Macaulay had emphasized in his breeding program.

Even in Asia, where dairy farming was less traditional, Mount Victoria’s influence was felt. As countries like Japan and South Korea developed their dairy industries in the latter half of the 20th century, they often turned to North American genetics, with Mount Victoria descendants prominently featured.

The impact of Mount Victoria breeding went beyond just production traits. The emphasis on strong udder conformation, a hallmark of Macaulay’s breeding philosophy, led to significant improvements in udder health and milking efficiency worldwide. This focus on functional type would prove particularly valuable as the global dairy industry moved towards more intensive production systems.

Perhaps most remarkably, the influence of Mount Victoria genetics has endured. Even in the age of genomic selection and advanced reproductive technologies, the foundational impact of this herd continues to be felt. Top show winners and high-producing cows worldwide often trace their pedigrees back to Mount Victoria multiple times, a testament to the enduring quality of these genetics.

Mount Victoria’s impact on the Holstein breed is not just a story of numbers and percentages. It’s a story of how one breeder’s vision and scientific approach created a genetic legacy that transformed dairy farming, improved farmers’ lives, and contributed worldwide food security. Mount Victoria’s influence stands as a compelling testament to how focused breeding can have profound and enduring impacts, fundamentally shaping the future of a breed.

Global Influence

The impact of Johanna Rag Apple Pabst on the Holstein breed transcends mere statistics or pedigrees. His influence sparked a genetic revolution that reshaped dairy cattle breeding worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the industry that persists. Born in 1921 on Philip Linker’s farm in Hartford, Wisconsin, “Old Joe,” as he came to be known, was destined for greatness from the start. His sire, Pabst Korndyke Star, and dam, Princess Johanna Rag Apple Pontiac, were both exceptional producers, foreshadowing the genetic potential that lay within their son. 

When Thomas B. Macaulay purchased Johanna Rag Apple Pabst for the then-astronomical sum of $15,000 in 1926, few could have predicted the seismic shift this bull would bring to the dairy world. Macaulay’s vision of creating a strain of Holsteins with consistently high butterfat percentages found its perfect vehicle in Old Joe. 

Significant genetic progress occurred when Johanna Rag Apple Pabst was bred with carefully selected foundation females at Mount Victoria Farms. The resulting progeny, particularly those from the Posch-Abbekerk bloodlines, was phenomenal. These offspring combined the high production and excellent conformation of their sire with the strong dairy characteristics of their dams, creating a new standard for the Holstein breed. 

As news of the exceptional qualities of the Rag Apple descendants spread, breeders from across North America and beyond sought to incorporate this bloodline into their herds. The demand for Rag Apple genetics skyrocketed, with bulls and cows commanding premium prices at sales and auctions. 

In Canada, the combination of Johanna Rag Apple Pabst’s bloodlines with those of another influential sire, King Toitilla Acme, proved particularly potent. This blend of genetics produced animals that excelled in the show ring and the milk parlor, setting new benchmarks for the breed. 

A sire’s greatness is truly tested by the achievements of his descendants over generations. In this regard, Johanna Rag Apple Pabst’s legacy is unparalleled. His sons and grandsons became influential sires in their own right, spreading the Rag Apple influence far and wide. Notable among these were Montvic Rag Apple Abbekerk, Montvic Rag Apple Sovereign, and Montvic Bonheur Rag Apple, each leaving their mark on herds across the continent. 

By the late 20th century, almost every registered Holstein worldwide could be traced back to Johanna Rag Apple Pabst, showcasing his widespread influence. This level of genetic saturation is unprecedented in livestock breeding and speaks to the enduring quality of the traits Old Joe passed on to his descendants. 

The Rag Apple revolution wasn’t confined to North America. As dairy farming modernized globally in the post-World War II era, many countries looked to import superior genetics to improve their local herds. Rag Apple bloodlines became highly sought after, with descendants of Johanna Rag Apple Pabst going to Europe, South America, Japan, and New Zealand. 

Johanna Rag Apple Pabst’s influence can still be seen in dairy barns worldwide nearly a century after his birth. His legacy is a testament to the power of selective breeding and the profound impact that one exceptional animal can have on an entire industry. The Rag Apple bloodline, born from the vision of Thomas B. Macaulay and the genetic potential of Old Joe, remains a cornerstone of modern Holstein breeding. It is a living legacy of a bull that genuinely changed the face of dairy farming forever.

Lessons for Modern Breeders

The story of Mount Victoria Farms and Thomas Bassett Macaulay offers a wealth of inspiration and lessons for today’s dairy breeders. This tale of an insurance executive turned cattle breeder revolutionizing the Holstein industry is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and scientific thinking in agriculture. 

Vision and Goal-Setting

Macaulay began with a clear, ambitious vision: to create a strain of Holstein cattle that consistently produced milk with 4% butterfat while maintaining excellent conformation. This goal, considered nearly impossible then, guided every decision he made in his breeding program. Modern breeders can learn from Macaulay’s example by setting specific, measurable goals for their herds and aligning all breeding decisions with these objectives. 

Data-Driven Selection 

Macaulay’s background as an actuary gave him a unique perspective on cattle breeding. He meticulously recorded and analyzed data on each animal in his herd, using this information to make informed breeding decisions. His office walls were covered with pedigree charts and production records, and he developed a complex system of index cards to track the performance of each animal and its relatives. 

This data-driven approach allowed Macaulay to identify the most promising animals for his breeding program and make objective decisions about which traits to prioritize. Today’s breeders have access to even more sophisticated genetic analysis tools, but the principle remains the same: objective, data-driven selection is key to consistent genetic progress. 

Scientific Rigor in Breeding 

Macaulay approached breeding with the exactitude and rigor of a seasoned scientist. He was well-versed in the works of Gregor Mendel and applied the principles of genetics to his breeding program. His experiences in corn breeding directly influenced his methods in cattle breeding, demonstrating the application of scientific principles across disciplines. 

One of Macaulay’s most innovative practices was using “progeny testing” long before it became standard in the industry. He would hold back promising young bulls and breed them to a select group of cows, then wait to evaluate the offspring before deciding whether to use the bull more widely. This patient, data-driven approach starkly contrasted with the prevalent practice of selecting bulls based solely on their pedigree or appearance. 

Challenging Conventional Wisdom 

Macaulay’s late entry into Holstein breeding at 69 allowed him to approach the industry with fresh eyes. He wasn’t bound by traditional practices or preconceived notions about how things should be done. This outsider perspective enabled him to challenge conventional wisdom and develop innovative breeding strategies. 

For example, while many breeders of his time feared inbreeding, Macaulay understood its power to concentrate desirable traits when combined with rigorous selection. He carefully planned matings to increase the frequency of genes for high butterfat production and excellent conformation, balancing this with strict culling to avoid the pitfalls of inbreeding depression. 

Patience and Persistence 

Macaulay dedicated nearly two decades to building the Mount Victoria herd into a world-class breeding program. He understood that genetic improvement is a long-term process and was willing to invest the time and resources necessary to achieve his goals. 

Macaulay’s patience extended to his breeding decisions. He was willing to wait to see the results of his choices, often holding onto promising animals for multiple generations to evaluate their genetic potential fully. This long-term perspective allowed him to make sustained genetic progress over time. 

Holistic Approach to Breeding 

While many breeders of his era focused on production or conformation, Macaulay insisted on improving both simultaneously. He believed that genetic progress could only be achieved by selecting all economically important traits. This holistic approach to breeding resulted in animals that excelled in the show ring and the milk parlor, setting a new standard for the breed. 

Mount Victoria Farms’ legacy demonstrates that remarkable animal breeding results can be achieved with vision, scientific rigor, and unwavering dedication. As modern breeders face new challenges, including the need for increased efficiency, improved health traits, and adaptation to changing climates, Thomas Bassett Macaulay’s example continues to offer valuable lessons in innovation, persistence, and the power of applying scientific principles to the art of cattle breeding. 

The Bottom Line

 Thomas Bassett Macaulay stands as a testament to the profound impact one visionary breeder can have on an entire breed. Through careful selection, innovative breeding practices, and an unwavering commitment to improvement, Macaulay created a genetic powerhouse that reshaped the Holstein breed worldwide.

Key points that underscore Mount Victoria’s greatness include: 

1. The acquisition and strategic use of Johanna Rag Apple Pabst, whose influence became so pervasive that every registered Holstein today carries his blood.
2. The development of influential cow families like the Bonheurs, Colanthas, and Hartogs produced generation after generation of superior animals.
3. The creation of breed-defining sires like Montvic Pathfinder, whose descendants dominated show rings and milk production records for decades.
4. The focus on high butterfat percentages helped redirect the industry’s attention towards producing milk components.
5. Applying scientific principles to breeding sets a new standard for the industry.

Mount Victoria’s influence exceeded its herd, shaping breeding programs in North America and worldwide. The farm’s dispersal in 1942 scattered these valuable bloodlines, allowing countless other breeders to benefit from Macaulay’s work. Perhaps most importantly, Mount Victoria demonstrated the power of a clear vision, scientific approach, and long-term commitment in achieving remarkable genetic progress. Macaulay’s willingness to challenge conventional wisdom and his patient, data-driven approach to breeding inspire breeders today. 

In the annals of Holstein history, Mount Victoria Farms is one of the most significant breeding establishments. Nearly a century after its founding, its influence is still felt in dairy barns worldwide. Mount Victoria’s story powerfully illustrates how one breeder’s vision and dedication can shape a breed’s future, leaving a legacy that spans generations.

Key Takeaways:

• Thomas B. Macaulay, an insurance executive, founded Mount Victoria Farms in Quebec in 1899 at age 44.
• Macaulay began breeding Holsteins 1924 at age 69, applying his analytical skills from actuarial work to cattle breeding.
• He purchased the influential bull Johanna Rag Apple Pabst in 1926 for $15,000, which became the cornerstone of his breeding program.
• Macaulay focused on developing a strain of Holsteins with consistently high butterfat (4%+) while maintaining good conformation.
• He used scientific breeding methods, including line breeding, inbreeding, and rigorous selection.
• Key foundation cows included the “Big Six”: Oakhurst Colantha Abbekerk, Ingleside Pietje Posch, Dixie Colantha Hartog, Lady Meg Posch, Bonheur Abbekerk Posch 2nd, and Triune Papoose Piebe.
• Mount Victoria developed influential cow families and sire lines that shaped the Holstein breed globally.
• By the late 1950s, over 90% of Canadian Holsteins traced back to Mount Victoria breeding.
• Today, it’s believed every registered Holstein worldwide carries some Mount Victoria blood.
• Macaulay’s scientific approach to breeding set new standards for the dairy cattle industry.

Summary:

Mount Victoria Farms, founded by Thomas Bassett Macaulay in Quebec, Canada, became one of Holstein’s most influential breeding establishments. Macaulay developed bloodlines that continue to impact the global Holstein population through careful selection, innovative breeding practices, and a focus on high butterfat production. The cornerstone of his breeding program was Johanna Rag Apple Pabst, purchased in 1926, whose descendants dominated show rings and milk production records for decades. Macaulay’s scientific approach to breeding, combining his background as an actuary with genetic principles, led to the creation of influential cow families like the Bonheurs, Colanthas, and Hartogs. The impact of Mount Victoria genetics extended far beyond Canada, shaping breeding programs worldwide. By the late 1950s, over 90% of Canadian Holsteins could trace their lineage back to Mount Victoria, and today, it’s believed that every registered Holstein in the world carries some Mount Victoria blood.

Learn more:

• The History of Holstein Breeding: From Europe to North America

• 10 Bulls That Changed the Holstein Breed Forever

• The Evolution of Holstein Cow Families


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