Welcome to episode 175 of the Bullvine Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of dairy
farming and cattle breeding. Today, we have a fascinating story about one of the most
influential breeding programs in Holstein history, Mount Victoria Farms. Join our hosts
Bella and Douglas as they explore the legacy of Thomas Bassett McCauley and how his vision
revolutionized the Holstein breed. Get ready for an inspiring tale of innovation, perseverance,
and genetic excellence. Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast. I'm Bella,
joined by my co-host Douglas. Today, we're diving into a fascinating story that shaped
the Holstein breed as we know it. We're talking about Mount Victoria Farms and its visionary
founder, Thomas Bassett McCauley. That's right, Bella. This is a tale of how
an insurance executive revolutionized Holstein breeding through scientific innovation and
sheer determination. It's a story that every dairy farmer and cattle breeder should know.
Absolutely. Let's start at the beginning. Douglas, can you set the scene for our listeners?
Certainly. Picture this. It's 1899 and a 44-year-old insurance executive named Thomas
Bassett McCauley purchases a 200-acre farm in Quebec, Canada. Little did anyone know
that this seemingly ordinary land acquisition would be the first step in a journey that
would transform the entire dairy industry. It's hard to imagine an insurance executive
becoming a cattle breeding pioneer. What made McCauley different?
Well, Bella, McCauley brought a unique perspective to cattle breeding. He applied his analytical
skills from actuarial science to the world of genetics. He approached breeding with the
precision of a mathematician and the vision of an artist.
That's an interesting combination. What was McCauley's main goal with his breeding program?
His primary objective was to create a strain of Holstein cattle that would consistently
produce milk with high butterfat content. We're talking 4% or higher while maintaining
excellent confirmation. This was quite ambitious for the time.
I can imagine. So how did he go about achieving this goal?
McCauley spent years honing his skills in animal management. He meticulously studied
breed journals, pedigrees, and production records. But his real breakthrough came in
1924 when he purchased his first Holstein cow at the age of 69.
Wow, 69! That's a late start in the breeding world. Wasn't that a disadvantage?
You'd think so, but it actually turned out to be his secret weapon. McCauley wasn't
bound by traditional practices or preconceived notions. He approached Holstein breeding with
a fresh perspective and a rigorous scientific methodology.
That's fascinating. Can you tell us more about his breeding methods?
Certainly. McCauley's breeding strategy was built on four key pillars. Systematic inbreeding
and line breeding, data-driven selection, focus on butterfat, and a holistic approach
to breeding. Could you break those down for us?
Of course. First, McCauley understood the power of inbreeding to concentrate desirable
traits. He carefully planned matings to increase the frequency of genes for high butterfat
production and excellent conformation. Secondly, he instituted a comprehensive system of milk
testing and recordkeeping that was far ahead of its time. Every cow at Mt. Victoria was
regularly tested for milk volume and butterfat percentage.
That sounds like a lot of work. But it paid off.
His third pillar was a focus on butterfat. While most breeders were focused solely on
milk volume, McCauley set the ambitious goal of developing a strain of Holsteins that would
consistently test at 4% butterfat or higher. Finally, he took a holistic approach to breeding.
While many breeders focused on either production or conformation, McCauley insisted on improving
both simultaneously.
That's impressive. But I'm curious, how did the dairy farming community react to McCauley's
methods?
Initially, with a lot of skepticism. Many doubted that an insurance executive with no
formal agricultural training could succeed in the competitive world of Holstein breeding.
But McCauley was about to prove them all wrong.
How did McCauley prove his skeptics wrong? How did he do that?
Well, Bella, it all started with his foundation animals. McCauley's research led him to Oxford
County, Ontario, which had become a hotbed of Holstein innovation. In 1924, he attended
the dispersal sale of Newton Chambers, a respected Oxford County breeder.
What did he purchase at this sale?
He bought O'Kirst Calanthe Abbekerk for $900, the highest price of the sale. This cow would
become the foundation of Mount Victoria's Calanthe family. He also acquired Ingleside
Pia Chaposh for $550.
And those names might not mean much to our listeners. Can you explain why these cows
were significant?
Certainly. These cows, along with four others, became known as the Big Six. They formed the
backbone of the Mount Victoria breeding program. Their descendants would dominate show rings
and milk production records for decades to come.
Fascinating. Who were the other members of the Big Six?
The others were Dixie Calanthe Hartog, Lady Meg Poesch, Bonner Abbekerk Posh II, and
Triune Papoose Peebe. Each of these cows established important families within the Mount Victoria
herd.
It sounds like Macaulay was building quite a foundation. But I understand there was one
more crucial piece to his breeding puzzle. Can you tell us about that?
Absolutely. In 1926, Macaulay made his most audacious move yet. He sent his farm manager,
Joe Chandler, to a sale in Wisconsin with instructions to purchase a bull named Johanna Rag Apple
Pabst.
And how did that go?
Well, when the bidding reached $15,000, an astronomical sum for the time, Chandler hesitated
and called Macaulay. Macaulay gave the go-ahead to continue bidding, and Old Joe, as the bull
was affectionately known, came to Mount Victoria for $15,000.
That's an incredible amount of money for the time. Was it worth it?
It certainly was. Johanna Rag Apple Pabst became the cornerstone of Macaulay's breeding
program. His daughters consistently produced milk with over 4% butterfat, which was exactly
what Macaulay was aiming for.
So with his foundation animals in place, what happened next?
That's when the real magic began. Macaulay started implementing his scientific breeding
methods and the results were remarkable. By the late 1930s, the average butterfat test
of the Mount Victoria herd was over 4% at a time when the breed average was closer to
3.5%.
That's impressive. But I'm curious, did the impact of Mount Victoria farms extend
beyond their own herd?
Absolutely, Bella. The influence of Mount Victoria farms on the Holstein breed is a
tale of genetic dominance that spans continents and decades. By the late 1950s, it was estimated
that over 90% of Canadian Holsteins could trace their lineage back to Mount Victoria
breeding.
Wow, that's incredible. And what about today?
Today, it's widely accepted among breed experts that every registered Holstein in the world
carries some Mount Victoria blood. It's a testament to the breed shaping power of Macaulay's
breeding program.
That's truly remarkable. It seems like Mount Victoria's influence extended far beyond
Canada. Can you tell us more about its global impact?
Certainly. After 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 tracing back to Johanna Rag Apple Pabst, were in high demand. In Europe,
countries like the Netherlands, Germany, and Italy imported Mount Victoria bloodlines to
improve their herds. South American countries like Brazil and Argentina also saw a revolution
in their dairy farming thanks to these genetics.
It sounds like Mount Victoria truly changed the face of dairy farming worldwide.
As we wrap up, Douglas, what do you think are the key lessons modern breeders can learn
from Macaulay and Mount Victoria farms?
Great question, Bella. I think there are several important takeaways. One, the power of a clear
vision. Macaulay had a specific goal in mind and pursued it relentlessly. Two, the importance
of data-driven selection. Macaulay's meticulous record keeping and analysis were key to his
success. Three, the value of a scientific approach. Macaulay's background as an actuary
informed his breeding decisions, demonstrating the power of applying scientific principles
to agriculture. Four, the benefits of challenging conventional wisdom. Macaulay's late entry
into Holstein breeding allowed him to approach problems with fresh eyes. Five, the impact
of patience and persistence. Building a world-class herd took Macaulay nearly two decades of dedicated
effort.
Those are excellent points, Douglas. It's clear that Macaulay's methods were truly revolutionary
for his time. To our listeners, whether you're a seasoned breeder or just starting out, there's
a lot we can learn from the Mount Victoria story.
Absolutely, Bella. The legacy of Mount Victoria farms demonstrates that with vision, scientific
rigor and unwavering dedication, it's possible to achieve remarkable results in animal breeding.
Thank you, Douglas, for sharing this fascinating story with us. And thank you to our listeners
for tuning in to the Bullvine Podcast. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it
with your fellow dairy farmers and breeders. Until next time, keep breeding for excellence.
And remember, in the words of Thomas Bassett Macaulay, what cannot art and industry perform
when science plans the progress of their toil.
Beautifully said, Douglas. Goodbye, everyone, and happy breeding.
That wraps up our 175th episode of the Bullvine Podcast. We hope you enjoyed this incredible
journey through the history of Mount Victoria farms and the lasting impact of Thomas Bassett
Macaulay on the Holstein breed.
If you found this episode informative, please share it with your fellow dairy farmers and
breeders. Don't forget to subscribe to our podcast for more fascinating stories from
the world of dairy cattle.
Until next time, keep breeding for excellence.