Alberta Breeder of the Year, President’s Club Cow & Marj Atkins Award Winners

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The Alberta Holstein Association is excited to announce that John Iversen of Innislake Dairy Farm was awarded the Marj Atkins Achievement Award at the Alberta Holstein AGM in Olds this February. Truly deserved with John’s lifelong involvement and commitment to the Holstein breed.

The Marj Atkins Achievement Award is handed out to someone who has been a pioneer in the industry, paving a road for others, that possesses characteristics to strive for. It’s an Alberta Holstein special achievement award that includes breed involvement.

John Iversen has been a true leader in the Holstein Industry for Holstein Canada, Alberta Holstein Association, and for the local Southern Alberta Holstein Club. Innislake Dairy Farm received the prestigious Master Breeder award in 2006. John’s passion for cows, and his early commitment to artificial insemination, classification, and milk recording has been a big part of this.

John’s parents Aage and Kristine Iversen started farming at the current location in Olds in 1968. In 1977 a new milking parlour and freestall barn were built. In 1978 the farm became member of Holstein Canada under the Serevi prefix. John and his brother Eric became part of the family farm in 1983. At this time Innislake Dairy Farm was formed under the Innislake prefix. Both John and his brother Eric worked for the Western Breeders at an early age.

Innislake Dairy farm has been recognized for the following achievements over the years:

-Winner of the Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award in 1999

-2001 Alberta Holstein Association Breeder of the Year

-Winner of the prestigious Master Breeder shield in 2006

-2007 distinguished Farm Family Award from the Olds Agriculture Society

John’s involvement as a leader in the Holstein industry and local community:

-National Director and Holstein Canada President in 2007

-Past President of the Southern Alberta Holstein Club

-Past President of the local 4-H dairy club

-Director of the Calgary Stampede Dairy Committee

-Past President of Olds Sportsmans Association

-Past President of Olds Snowmobile Club

-Past President of Olds Car Club

-Currently director of the Olds Golf Club

Congratulations John Iversen and thank you for your commitment and leadership to the Holstein Industry and local community!

For the 2nd year in a row, Marsfield Denzel Kimmy EX93-7E 5* wins the Alberta President’s Club Cow Award!
What an incredible Holstein cow she is!
-1 Super 9
-9 Superior Lactations
-Over 166,000 KG Lifetime Milk in 9 Lactations
-Over 13,000 KG Lifetime Fat + P
-2 Excellent & 2 VG daughters
-4X Grand Champion of the CAHC Barn Cow Competition

Congratulations to the other club nominees:

CRHC
Helmusstead Yance Tinsel- EX-91-4E
Longtime 100,000 KGs
Freedom Dairy

NAHC
Rietben Comet Lorene EX-90-5E
Longtime 100,000 KGs
Rietveld Dairies

SAHC-
Benthemmer Chelios Haven EX-93-3E 1*
Longtime 60,000 KGs
2 Superior Lactations
Van Benthem Dairy

GAHC-
Continental Dempsey Delores EX-90
Longtime 120,000 KGs
5 Superior Lactations
Deerfield Colony Farming Co. Ltd

Congratulations to the 2023 Alberta Breeder of the Year, Crestomere Holsteins, Ev & Marylee, Lee & Lisa Simanton!
Highlights from their year include:
116 Records
9 new VG 2 Yr Olds
9 First time EX
12 ME
7 new stars
10 Longtime Production awards
Premier Breeder at the Alberta Dairy Congress

Congratulations to the other Club nominees as well:

CRHC – Enterprises Lavoie (1999) Inc. – The Lavoie Family
NAHC – Rietveld Dairies – Jason & Kristine Rietveld & Family
SAHC – September Dairy – Merein & Kelsey van Benthem & Family
GAHC – Nifera Holsteins Ltd. – Ard & Jennifer Van der Kooij & Family