It would be easy to just take the winners from this year’s World Dairy Expo (Read more – World Dairy Expo 2012 Holstein Show – A battle for the ages) and predict that they will win at the Royal. But that is not always the case. It’s a different day, different judge, and new animals have calved and others have been fresh longer. Instead let’s take a look at the highlights of what is sure to be a truly Royal show.
The Judge
Callum McKinven – 2012 Royal Holstein Show Judge
At Lookout Holsteins in North Hatley, QC, Callum McKinven, his wife Kathy Beerwort and their three daughters work hard to create a comfortable, low-stress environment for their herd of show winners and genomic stars. When they first built their facility in the beautiful hills of Quebec, all details were put into place for sensible cow comfort. Callum has shown well-known heifers and cows to victory at major shows, including World Dairy Expo and the Royal. McKinven is a very active, respected judge, both domestically and internationally. Lookout in partnership has had several sale toppers lately including LOOKOUT PESCE EPIC HUE at the Planet Holstein Sale (Read – The Planet Explodes at World Dairy Expo – 2012 Planet Holstein Sale Recap) and RALMA-RH MANOMAN BANJO VG-88-2yr at the Gillette Visions sale (Read – Gillette Visions 2012 Sale – Great People, Great Cattle = Great Results)
The Contenders for Junior Champion
Lafontaine Aftershock Arrie – Junior Champion World Dairy Expo 2012
While the Junior Champion from Madison, Lafontaine Aftershock Arrie, certainly has to be considered the early favorite, it really could go any way. Nowhere is there greater variance every year than in the nod for Junior Champion. While many might go on to win their class at the Royal, winning Madison does not guarantee the Royal win that many would expect. Other heifers to watch for include the recent Quebec International Holstein Show Junior Champion Jacobs Jordan Babe (Read more – Expo International Holstein Quebec Heifers Results). Another one to watch for is Crovalley Knowledge Akika who looked very impressive winning junior champion at the recent Autumn Opportunity Show (Read more – Autumn Opportunity Holstein Show Results). In addition, note that the Madison Reserve Junior Champion Jaslyn Aftershock Avila will not be there as she is owned in partnership by Lookout Farms.
The Contenders for Intermediate Champion
Cookview Goldwyn Monique (Right ) and Whittier Farms Jasp Kinetic (Left) – World Dairy Expo 2012
While Cookview Goldwyn Monique looked extremely impressive (Read more – World Dairy Expo 2012 Holstein Show – A Battle for the Ages) and is the early front runner, other contenders include fellow class winners from Madison, Butz-Butler Gold Barbara and T-Triple-T Gold Prize (Read more – World Dairy Expo Winners: Investment Worthy). Other contenders would have to be the recent Intermediate Champions from Quebec, Robrook Goldwyn Cameron and from Ontario Quality Gold Danzi (Read more – Quality Holsteins – Well-Deserved Congratulations). Another X Factor might be Craigcrest Rubies Gold Rejoice. While not looking her best at Madison, don’t let her fall too far off your radar. With her massive frame and dairyness, the two times All-American and All-Canadian is always within striking distance.
The Contenders for Senior Champion
RF GOLDWYN HAILEY- Grand Champion Quebec International Show 2012
I would like to say it’s in doubt, but that simply is not the case. If RF Goldwyn Hailey EX-97 comes out looking as good as she did at Madison and the recent Quebec International Holstein Show, there really is no doubt. She is on a roll that doesn’t seem to be stopping any time soon, and she should easily assume the crown (Read more – The Story Behind How Two Full Sisters Dominated Expo Quebec). Other cows to keep an eye out for include Boulet Goldwyn Chalou and Quality Goldwyn Flansco.
The Red and White Story
Blondin Redman Seisme EX-96 (98-MS)
Just like Hailey, Blondin Redman Seisme, should be considered the strong favorite to win Grand yet again.
The Bullvine Bottom Line
While you never know how the cows will settle in and what they will look like on show day, this group certainly has to be considered the early contenders.
