1
00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:09,000
Welcome, dairy enthusiasts, to another exciting episode of the Bull Vine Podcast.

2
00:00:09,000 --> 00:00:12,160
I'm Bella, and with me is my co-host Douglas.

3
00:00:12,160 --> 00:00:17,600
In our 179th episode, we're diving into an incredible story of Holstein excellence that

4
00:00:17,600 --> 00:00:20,160
spans seven generations.

5
00:00:20,160 --> 00:00:21,680
That's right, Bella.

6
00:00:21,680 --> 00:00:26,200
We're exploring the legacy of Altoona Lay Holsteins, a family operation that's been

7
00:00:26,200 --> 00:00:32,640
breeding history since 1837, from 10 generation excellent cows to global genetics and community

8
00:00:32,640 --> 00:00:33,640
impact.

9
00:00:33,640 --> 00:00:36,720
This is a story you won't want to miss.

10
00:00:36,720 --> 00:00:39,680
Let's start by painting a picture for our listeners.

11
00:00:39,680 --> 00:00:44,960
Imagine stepping into the warm barn at Altoona Lay, where the sweet scent of hay mingles

12
00:00:44,960 --> 00:00:48,040
with the gentle sounds of contented cows.

13
00:00:48,040 --> 00:00:50,480
It's more than just a dairy operation.

14
00:00:50,480 --> 00:00:55,840
It's a family sanctuary where love, dedication, and passion have created something truly

15
00:00:55,840 --> 00:00:56,840
special.

16
00:00:56,840 --> 00:00:58,820
Absolutely, Bella.

17
00:00:58,820 --> 00:01:03,200
The Barkey and Puterbo families have woven together a tapestry that enriches not just

18
00:01:03,200 --> 00:01:07,200
their lives, but the entire Canadian dairy community.

19
00:01:07,200 --> 00:01:09,360
Let's dive into their remarkable journey.

20
00:01:09,360 --> 00:01:13,300
First, let's look at some key statistics about Altoona Lay Holsteins.

21
00:01:13,300 --> 00:01:17,540
They're located in Blackstock, Ontario, with 60 milking cows.

22
00:01:17,540 --> 00:01:23,040
Their land base includes 350 owned acres and 1,000 rented acres.

23
00:01:23,040 --> 00:01:28,760
The herd classification is impressive, with 12 multiple excellent, 8 excellent, 35 very

24
00:01:28,760 --> 00:01:31,640
good, and 13 good plus cows.

25
00:01:31,640 --> 00:01:36,120
Those are some stellar numbers, Bella, and their production stats are equally impressive.

26
00:01:36,120 --> 00:01:43,940
The herd averages 11,158 kilograms of milk, 498 kilograms of fat, and 365 kilograms of

27
00:01:43,940 --> 00:01:45,880
protein annually.

28
00:01:45,880 --> 00:01:52,440
Their breed class average scores are 260 for milk, 303 for fat, and 265 for protein.

29
00:01:52,440 --> 00:01:55,200
You're clearly doing something right, Douglas.

30
00:01:55,200 --> 00:01:57,160
Now let's talk about their feeding system.

31
00:01:57,160 --> 00:02:03,400
They use a total mixed ration, or TMR, with balage, corn silage, and ground corn.

32
00:02:03,400 --> 00:02:07,840
They also have a grazing program, with cows having pasture access for five months each

33
00:02:07,840 --> 00:02:08,840
year.

34
00:02:08,840 --> 00:02:13,200
That's a great balance of modern feeding techniques and traditional grazing.

35
00:02:13,200 --> 00:02:17,560
Now, Bella, let's delve into the history of this remarkable operation.

36
00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:19,540
Absolutely, Douglas.

37
00:02:19,540 --> 00:02:24,120
The Altoona Leah story begins in the early 1800s, when the Barkey family made the journey

38
00:02:24,120 --> 00:02:26,440
from Pennsylvania to Ontario.

39
00:02:26,440 --> 00:02:32,400
They were seeking a better life, and carried with them a vision of building a lasting agricultural

40
00:02:32,400 --> 00:02:34,060
legacy.

41
00:02:34,060 --> 00:02:36,480
And what a legacy it's become.

42
00:02:36,480 --> 00:02:41,320
In 1837, they acquired their first farm in Altoona, Ontario.

43
00:02:41,320 --> 00:02:45,960
Through generations of hard work and dedication, they laid the foundation for what would become

44
00:02:45,960 --> 00:02:50,080
one of Canada's most respected Holstein breeding programs.

45
00:02:50,080 --> 00:02:53,320
But it wasn't always smooth sailing, was it, Douglas?

46
00:02:53,320 --> 00:02:55,200
You're right, Bella.

47
00:02:55,200 --> 00:03:00,320
In 1972, Frank and Donna Barkey faced a significant challenge.

48
00:03:00,320 --> 00:03:04,320
The federal government expropriated their beloved family farm as part of a proposed

49
00:03:04,320 --> 00:03:07,640
airport project northeast of Toronto.

50
00:03:07,640 --> 00:03:10,760
It must have seemed like an insurmountable obstacle at the time.

51
00:03:10,760 --> 00:03:15,400
But as we often see in agriculture, adversity can lead to opportunity.

52
00:03:15,400 --> 00:03:20,160
Frank and Donna chose to see this challenge as a chance for a fresh start.

53
00:03:20,160 --> 00:03:24,360
In 1978, they purchased a new farm near Blackstock, Ontario.

54
00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:25,960
That's right, Bella.

55
00:03:25,960 --> 00:03:31,360
And while the buildings needed work and establishing a new operation wasn't easy, their determination

56
00:03:31,360 --> 00:03:33,560
never wavered.

57
00:03:33,560 --> 00:03:37,880
Even today, you can see the fruits of their labor in the roses and clematis that Donna

58
00:03:37,880 --> 00:03:43,160
and Frank planted around the farm, living testaments to their pride and vision for the

59
00:03:43,160 --> 00:03:44,160
future.

60
00:03:44,160 --> 00:03:48,480
That's a beautiful example of the resilience we see so often in farming families, isn't

61
00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:49,480
it, Douglas?

62
00:03:49,480 --> 00:03:54,080
Now, let's talk about the current generation running Alto'Naleah Holsteins.

63
00:03:54,080 --> 00:03:56,320
Absolutely, Bella.

64
00:03:56,320 --> 00:04:01,520
Today, the farm is managed by Glenn Barkey, his wife Karen, Glenn's sister Carolyn, and

65
00:04:01,520 --> 00:04:03,600
her husband Fraser Pewterbaugh.

66
00:04:03,600 --> 00:04:06,360
Each brings their own expertise to the operation.

67
00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:11,760
Glenn leads the breeding program, drawing on wisdom passed down from his father, Frank.

68
00:04:11,760 --> 00:04:15,960
He's both a Holstein Canada judge and an East Gen director.

69
00:04:15,960 --> 00:04:20,240
Karen manages the books and is involved with several agricultural organizations in the

70
00:04:20,240 --> 00:04:21,520
community.

71
00:04:21,520 --> 00:04:25,280
Carolyn works full-time off the farm, but brings her skills in event planning and public

72
00:04:25,280 --> 00:04:27,080
relations to the operation.

73
00:04:27,080 --> 00:04:34,080
Fraser's expertise is in crop management, ensuring their 1,350 acres produce quality

74
00:04:34,080 --> 00:04:37,040
feed for their exceptional herd.

75
00:04:37,040 --> 00:04:39,960
It's truly a family affair, isn't it, Douglas?

76
00:04:39,960 --> 00:04:44,720
And speaking of family, we can't talk about Alto'Naleah without mentioning their foundation

77
00:04:44,720 --> 00:04:46,240
cow Harriet.

78
00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:48,080
Can you tell us more about her?

79
00:04:48,080 --> 00:04:49,560
Absolutely, Bella.

80
00:04:49,560 --> 00:04:54,260
Alto'Naleah Starlight Harriet EX9 Star was born in 1971.

81
00:04:54,260 --> 00:04:58,240
She was the result of a practical decision by Frank Barkey to use Roybrook Starlight

82
00:04:58,240 --> 00:05:03,160
Semen instead of the more expensive Roybrook Telstar.

83
00:05:03,160 --> 00:05:06,440
Sometimes the best decisions are the practical ones, aren't they?

84
00:05:06,440 --> 00:05:08,240
What made Harriet so special?

85
00:05:08,240 --> 00:05:12,360
Well, Bella, Harriet's achievements were extraordinary for her time.

86
00:05:12,360 --> 00:05:19,660
She produced an astounding 95,530 kilograms of milk at 3.9% fat in her lifetime.

87
00:05:19,660 --> 00:05:23,380
She became the farm's first excellent cow in 1977.

88
00:05:23,380 --> 00:05:28,280
Those are impressive numbers, Douglas, but I understand her impact goes far beyond her

89
00:05:28,280 --> 00:05:29,280
own production.

90
00:05:29,280 --> 00:05:31,880
You're absolutely right, Bella.

91
00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:36,280
Today, 95% of Alto'Naleah's herd traces back to Harriet.

92
00:05:36,280 --> 00:05:39,900
Her genetic excellence culminated in two historic achievements.

93
00:05:39,900 --> 00:05:45,700
In December 2021, her descendant Alto'Naleah Classic Jazzy X91-2E became Canada's first

94
00:05:45,700 --> 00:05:49,320
homebred 10-generation excellent cow.

95
00:05:49,320 --> 00:05:53,680
That's an incredible achievement, and I believe there's more, isn't there?

96
00:05:53,680 --> 00:05:55,400
Indeed, Bella.

97
00:05:55,400 --> 00:06:00,520
Less than a year later, in November 2022, another of Harriet's descendants, Alto'Naleah

98
00:06:00,520 --> 00:06:06,280
Classic Zyndardor Glitzy X91, became Canada's second 10-generation excellent cow.

99
00:06:06,280 --> 00:06:10,040
Two 10-generation excellent cows in less than a year.

100
00:06:10,040 --> 00:06:14,760
That's a testament to the power of careful breeding decisions and the impact of a truly

101
00:06:14,760 --> 00:06:17,400
remarkable foundation cow.

102
00:06:17,400 --> 00:06:19,600
Absolutely, Bella.

103
00:06:19,600 --> 00:06:21,440
And the story doesn't end there.

104
00:06:21,440 --> 00:06:26,880
Both Jaz and Glitz have very good daughters who could potentially become the first 11th-generation

105
00:06:26,880 --> 00:06:29,360
excellent cows in history.

106
00:06:29,360 --> 00:06:31,160
That's exciting, Douglas.

107
00:06:31,160 --> 00:06:35,520
It really shows the long-term impact of good breeding decisions.

108
00:06:35,520 --> 00:06:39,120
Now let's talk about Alto'Naleah's show ring achievements.

109
00:06:39,120 --> 00:06:41,560
I understand they've had some impressive results?

110
00:06:41,560 --> 00:06:43,600
They certainly have, Bella.

111
00:06:43,600 --> 00:06:47,340
Their current star is Alto'Naleah Unix Hermione EX95.

112
00:06:47,340 --> 00:06:53,200
She started as Cooper Puterbo's 4H calf and has gone on to achieve remarkable success.

113
00:06:53,200 --> 00:06:56,360
Tell us more about Hermione's achievements, Douglas.

114
00:06:56,360 --> 00:07:00,400
Well in 2024, Hermione did something no cow had done before.

115
00:07:00,400 --> 00:07:06,560
She captured back-to-back grand champion titles at the Ontario Summer Holstein Show.

116
00:07:06,560 --> 00:07:12,800
In her 2023 show season, she achieved All-Ontario, Reserve All-Canadian, and Honorable Mention

117
00:07:12,800 --> 00:07:15,040
All-American 4-year-old honors.

118
00:07:15,040 --> 00:07:17,400
Those are some impressive accolades.

119
00:07:17,400 --> 00:07:21,200
And I believe the success continues with Hermione's daughter.

120
00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:22,640
That's right, Bella.

121
00:07:22,640 --> 00:07:28,680
Alto'Naleah Doc Helena V.G., 86, 2-year-old, was Reed Barkie's 4H project.

122
00:07:28,680 --> 00:07:33,000
She's already made her mark, claiming intermediate champion at the Atlantic Dairy Championship

123
00:07:33,000 --> 00:07:39,080
Show and first-place spring 2-year-old at Ontario Spring Discovery 2023.

124
00:07:39,080 --> 00:07:43,940
It's clear that Alto'Naleah has a knack for breeding show-stopping cattle.

125
00:07:43,940 --> 00:07:48,040
But their influence extends beyond Canadian borders, doesn't it, Douglas?

126
00:07:48,040 --> 00:07:49,480
Absolutely, Bella.

127
00:07:49,480 --> 00:07:54,240
Alto'Naleah's genetics have made significant waves across the Atlantic, particularly in

128
00:07:54,240 --> 00:07:55,920
the United Kingdom.

129
00:07:55,920 --> 00:07:59,160
Can you give us some examples of their international impact?

130
00:07:59,160 --> 00:08:01,600
Certainly, Bella.

131
00:08:01,600 --> 00:08:05,480
One of their most impressive achievements is breeding three grand champions at the Royal

132
00:08:05,480 --> 00:08:08,800
Highland Show in Scotland within a decade.

133
00:08:08,800 --> 00:08:14,200
These were Alto'Naleah broker Emma, Alto'Naleah thread amethyst, and Alto'Naleah Rudolph

134
00:08:14,200 --> 00:08:15,200
summer.

135
00:08:15,200 --> 00:08:20,200
Quite a feat, especially considering the Royal Highland Show is one of the UK's premier

136
00:08:20,200 --> 00:08:22,240
agricultural events.

137
00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:23,660
Indeed it is, Bella.

138
00:08:23,660 --> 00:08:29,880
And among their most celebrated exports is Alto'Naleah broker Emma X96 UK 9-star.

139
00:08:29,880 --> 00:08:34,360
She didn't just excel in the show ring, she became a living legend in British Holstein

140
00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:35,360
circles.

141
00:08:35,360 --> 00:08:36,960
I've heard about Emma.

142
00:08:36,960 --> 00:08:40,840
Didn't her owner do something special to commemorate her impact?

143
00:08:40,840 --> 00:08:42,080
He did, Bella.

144
00:08:42,080 --> 00:08:46,920
Emma's impact on her owner Alistair Laird was so profound that he commissioned a permanent

145
00:08:46,920 --> 00:08:51,880
tribute, immortalizing her image in a stained glass door in his home.

146
00:08:51,880 --> 00:08:55,520
That's a beautiful testament to Emma's impact.

147
00:08:55,520 --> 00:08:59,960
Now Douglas, let's talk about how Alto'Naleah is nurturing the next generation of dairy

148
00:08:59,960 --> 00:09:00,960
leaders.

149
00:09:00,960 --> 00:09:05,840
This is one of the most inspiring aspects of Alto'Naleah's story, Bella.

150
00:09:05,840 --> 00:09:09,820
They have seven young men who are carrying on the legacy of excellence with the same

151
00:09:09,820 --> 00:09:13,920
passion that fueled their grandparents decades ago.

152
00:09:13,920 --> 00:09:17,560
Can you tell us more about these young men and their achievements?

153
00:09:17,560 --> 00:09:19,400
Absolutely, Bella.

154
00:09:19,400 --> 00:09:24,560
Cameron Barkey at 23 has already established himself as a force in the show ring.

155
00:09:24,560 --> 00:09:30,360
He was part of the Ontario 4-H judging team at the World Dairy Expo in 2023.

156
00:09:30,360 --> 00:09:35,880
His brother Grant, 20, shares this competitive spirit and recently won coveted embryos at

157
00:09:35,880 --> 00:09:38,800
the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic.

158
00:09:38,800 --> 00:09:40,640
That's impressive, Douglas.

159
00:09:40,640 --> 00:09:43,200
What about the younger members of the family?

160
00:09:43,200 --> 00:09:48,520
Well Ian 17 and Reed 15 are already showing remarkable promise in herd management.

161
00:09:48,520 --> 00:09:53,820
Reed's 4-H calf, Alto'Naleah Doc Helena, became intermediate champion at the Atlantic

162
00:09:53,820 --> 00:09:56,040
Dairy Championship show.

163
00:09:56,040 --> 00:09:59,040
The pewterbub boys are also making their mark.

164
00:09:59,040 --> 00:10:04,300
Cooper 18 worked with Alto'Naleah Unix Hermony, who became a two-time grand champion at the

165
00:10:04,300 --> 00:10:06,680
Ontario Summer Show.

166
00:10:06,680 --> 00:10:11,800
It's clear that the future of Alto'Naleah is in good hands, but their impact goes beyond

167
00:10:11,800 --> 00:10:14,280
just their own family, doesn't it?

168
00:10:14,280 --> 00:10:16,200
Absolutely, Bella.

169
00:10:16,200 --> 00:10:21,540
For 37 consecutive years, Alto'Naleah has provided calves to the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy

170
00:10:21,540 --> 00:10:25,400
Classic, helping shape over 300 young minds annually.

171
00:10:25,400 --> 00:10:30,520
That's an incredible commitment to nurturing the next generation of dairy farmers.

172
00:10:30,520 --> 00:10:34,440
Now Douglas, let's talk about Alto'Naleah's plans for the future.

173
00:10:34,440 --> 00:10:37,960
So Bella, they're not resting on their laurels.

174
00:10:37,960 --> 00:10:41,680
Glenn Barkey has spoken about their plans to build a new barn that will improve cow

175
00:10:41,680 --> 00:10:45,800
care and make their operation more efficient.

176
00:10:45,800 --> 00:10:51,800
That sounds exciting, Douglas, and I understand their location gives them some unique opportunities?

177
00:10:51,800 --> 00:10:53,120
That's right, Bella.

178
00:10:53,120 --> 00:10:58,520
Alto'Naleah is strategically located just 40 minutes from Toronto, which opens up exciting

179
00:10:58,520 --> 00:11:00,800
possibilities for innovation.

180
00:11:00,800 --> 00:11:05,280
We're looking at following the successful model of Glenn and Carolyn's sister Sharon

181
00:11:05,280 --> 00:11:09,440
at Ennis Killen Jerseys and Sergeant Family Dairy.

182
00:11:09,440 --> 00:11:14,840
It's clear that Alto'Naleah is always looking to the future while honoring their past.

183
00:11:14,840 --> 00:11:19,600
As we wrap up, Douglas, what would you say are the key takeaways from Alto'Naleah's

184
00:11:19,600 --> 00:11:20,600
story?

185
00:11:20,600 --> 00:11:24,280
Well, Bella, I think there are several important points.

186
00:11:24,280 --> 00:11:27,320
First, their generational legacy.

187
00:11:27,320 --> 00:11:31,320
Ten generations of the Barkey and Puterbo families have built this Holstein dynasty

188
00:11:31,320 --> 00:11:37,000
since 1837, overcoming challenges like land expropriation to breed Canada's first ten

189
00:11:37,000 --> 00:11:39,880
generation excellent cows.

190
00:11:39,880 --> 00:11:42,200
That's truly remarkable, Douglas.

191
00:11:42,200 --> 00:11:43,640
What else stands out to you?

192
00:11:43,640 --> 00:11:46,560
Their foundation genetics are incredibly impressive.

193
00:11:46,560 --> 00:11:51,960
The fact that 95% of their herd traces back to Harriet, born in 1971, shows the power

194
00:11:51,960 --> 00:11:54,560
of a great foundation cow.

195
00:11:54,560 --> 00:11:59,280
And of course, their global impact can't be overstated, with three Royal Highland Show

196
00:11:59,280 --> 00:12:04,400
Grand Champions in the UK and genetics exported worldwide.

197
00:12:04,400 --> 00:12:07,380
Those are all excellent points, Douglas.

198
00:12:07,380 --> 00:12:13,080
And we can't forget their commitment to community stewardship with their 37-year streak of 4-H

199
00:12:13,080 --> 00:12:14,080
mentorship.

200
00:12:14,080 --> 00:12:15,920
Absolutely, Bella.

201
00:12:15,920 --> 00:12:18,960
And finally, their accolades speak for themselves.

202
00:12:18,960 --> 00:12:23,740
Four master breeder shields, 12 excellent and eight multiple excellent cows, and a herd

203
00:12:23,740 --> 00:12:28,000
average of 11,158 kilograms of milk per year.

204
00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:33,760
Thank you, Douglas, for helping us explore the incredible story of Altoona Le Holstein's.

205
00:12:33,760 --> 00:12:38,760
To our listeners, we hope you've been inspired by this tale of dedication, excellence, and

206
00:12:38,760 --> 00:12:41,240
family unity in the dairy industry.

207
00:12:41,240 --> 00:12:42,240
Indeed, Bella.

208
00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:47,360
Altoona Leah's story shows us that with vision, hard work, and a commitment to excellence,

209
00:12:47,360 --> 00:12:50,640
a family farm can have a truly global impact.

210
00:12:50,640 --> 00:12:56,160
It's a testament to the power of great genetics, careful management, and a passion for dairy

211
00:12:56,160 --> 00:12:57,160
farming.

212
00:12:57,160 --> 00:13:00,560
That's absolutely right, Douglas.

213
00:13:00,560 --> 00:13:05,760
And to our listeners, we encourage you to take inspiration from the Altoona Leah story.

214
00:13:05,760 --> 00:13:10,960
Whether you're running a dairy farm, breeding cattle, or just passionate about agriculture,

215
00:13:10,960 --> 00:13:16,080
there's something we can all learn from their commitment to excellence and community.

216
00:13:16,080 --> 00:13:21,240
And remember, if you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the Bull Vine Podcast

217
00:13:21,240 --> 00:13:23,280
and leave us a review.

218
00:13:23,280 --> 00:13:28,080
Your support helps us continue to bring you these inspiring stories from the world of

219
00:13:28,080 --> 00:13:29,380
dairy farming.

220
00:13:29,380 --> 00:13:31,200
That's all for today's episode.

221
00:13:31,200 --> 00:13:36,280
Until next time, keep breeding for excellence and building your own legacy in the dairy

222
00:13:36,280 --> 00:13:37,320
industry.

223
00:13:37,320 --> 00:13:38,320
This is Bella.

224
00:13:38,320 --> 00:13:41,920
And Douglas, signing off from the Bull Vine Podcast.

225
00:13:41,920 --> 00:13:46,200
Thanks for listening.