Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast. I'm Bella, joined by my co-host Douglas. Today in our
194th episode, we're diving into an incredible story of a family farm that's making waves
in the Holstein world. Douglas, I can't wait to share this one with our listeners.
That's right, Bella. We're exploring how Kingsway Holsteins, a relatively modest sized operation
in Canada, has achieved the remarkable distinction of being named Canada's number two breeder
of all time for excellent cows. This isn't just about exceptional cattle. It's about
family, passion, and a multi-generational commitment to breeding excellence.
And what makes this story so compelling is that they've accomplished this without the
massive herd sizes we often associate with top breeders, right?
Exactly. Today we'll unpack how the McMillan family built this legacy, their breeding philosophy,
and the impact they're having globally. We'll also meet Orangatang, a truly legendary cow
who has changed the game for Kingsway. So grab your coffee, or maybe milk, since we're
talking dairy, and join us for the next hour as we explore the heart of excellence behind
Kingsway Holsteins.
Douglas, let's start with the achievement itself. Being named Canada's number two breeder
of excellent cows is impressive. But can you help our listeners understand just how significant
this is?
Happy to, Bella. In Holstein classification, excellent represents the pinnacle of type
evaluation. Only about 3 to 5 percent of all classified Holsteins ever achieve this elite
status. It requires exceptional scores across numerous physical traits that contribute to
longevity and functionality.
So we're talking about the cream of the crop, the absolute elite of Holstein cattle.
Precisely. And typically this kind of recognition goes to operations with much larger herds,
simply because they classify more animals annually. For Kingsway to achieve this ranking
with their modest sized herd speaks volumes about the quality and consistency of their
breeding program.
When Morgan McMillan first heard about this recognition, I understand he was genuinely
surprised.
Yes, and that reaction says a lot about the family's humility. Morgan admitted they were
surprised, noting that their farm markets many heifers and cows each year. What's particularly
impressive is that many of those animals went on to score excellent in other herds, which
contributed significantly to their total.
So their breeding impact extends far beyond their own barn walls. That's the true test
of a breeding program, isn't it? Creating animals that excel regardless of environment.
Absolutely. Any breeder can get lucky with a good cow or two. But when your animals consistently
perform at the highest levels across different management systems and environments, that's
when you know you've created something special. It's like the difference between having one
hit song and creating a lasting musical legacy.
And for the McMillans, this recognition validates years of careful breeding decisions. I imagine
competing against operations many times your size and coming out near the top must feel
a bit like a small town baseball team out playing the Yankees.
That's a perfect analogy, Bella. Their achievement represents generations of smart decisions,
starting with Morgan's father Gord and continuing through Morgan and his brother Ethan today.
So what's their secret sauce? How has this family consistently bred such exceptional
animals?
It all started back in the late 1980s when Morgan's dad Gord took over what was mostly
a great herd. His approach was refreshingly straightforward, using the absolute best bulls
available even when that meant investing more in semen.
That makes sense in theory, but I know many farmers struggle with balancing semen costs
against potential returns. How did this investment pay off for them?
Gord saw dramatic results early on, particularly with Starbucks genetics, making what Morgan
described as big strides in one generation. That early success cemented a philosophy that
continues today. The return on investment became clear when they saw how quickly they
could transform their herd.
And Morgan and his brother Ethan have maintained this approach.
Yes, they've stayed true to this philosophy. Morgan mentions they've had great success
with bulls like Dundee, Sanchez, Goldwyn, Dorman, Unix, and more recently Alligator
and Lambda. Each of these sires was considered cream of the crop during their era.
With genomics revolutionizing breeding over the past decade, have they embraced that technology
as well?
That's an interesting point. Morgan explains that their sire selection isn't primarily
geared toward putting bulls in AI. They generally prefer proven bulls for their reliability.
Their experience has shown that a bull whose name stays in the marketplace for a long time
gives them a better chance to build stronger pedigrees and make fewer mistakes when breeding
for show winners or excellent productive cows.
But surely they don't ignore genomics entirely.
No, they don't. Morgan mentions there have been seasons where they've used more genomic
sires when the proven bulls available didn't fit their criteria. It's a balanced approach,
sticking to proven principles while remaining flexible enough to incorporate new tools when
appropriate.
So Kingsway's success shows that investing in top tier genetics doesn't have to mean
chasing trends. Their preference for proven sires ensures reliability while selectively
incorporating genomic advancements keeps them competitive.
Exactly. In an industry that sometimes gets caught up in the latest genetic trends, there's
something to be said for this balanced, thoughtful approach that has clearly stood the test of
time.
Let's talk about Aurangatang. From what I understand, she's not just a cow. She's
a legend whose influence extends worldwide.
You're absolutely right. Aurangatang is the kind of cow that comes along once in a career,
if you're lucky. Morgan speaks about her with unmistakable pride and for good reason.
What made her so special?
Well her show record alone reads like a Holstein Hall of Fame. Reserve All-Canadian Spring
Calf, Honorable Mention All-Canadian Spring Yearling, Nominated All-Canadian Junior 3-year-old,
Honorable Mention All-Canadian 4-year-old, Nominated All-Canadian Mature Cow. That kind
of consistent recognition across multiple age classes is rare.
Wow, consistent success at every age. That's remarkable.
But what's even more impressive is that she wasn't just a pretty face in the show ring.
During a time when she was being heavily shown and flushed for embryos, activities that
typically reduce milk production, she achieved a superior lactation.
And what does Morgan say about what made her truly special?
Morgan explains it wasn't just her show wins or production records, but how she handled
everything we asked of her. He describes her incredible will to perform, whether in the
show ring, the milking parlor, or the flush program. And critically, she passes that attitude
to her daughters, which makes them so valuable in any environment.
And I understand she's been exceptional as a brood cow as well.
That might be her greatest achievement. Orangatang has 18 excellent daughters, the second most
excellent daughters of any cow in Canada. Let me put that in perspective for our listeners.
Most cows, even great ones, might produce one or two excellent daughters in a lifetime.
18 is almost unheard of.
18, excellent daughters. That's incredible genetic prepotency.
Absolutely. Her descendants have taken the dairy world by storm, including Dorman Andrea,
first senior two-year-old at World Dairy Expo for Glamourview, and Alligator A Twicks, supreme
junior champion at World Dairy Expo and two-time royal junior champion for Veltis Farms.
What traits does Morgan believe make her genetics work so well across different farms and countries?
Morgan points to fundamental traits, abundant dairy strength, and a great will to milk.
These descendants thrive in diverse environments, winning in elite show herds, performing in
commercial operations, and excelling in technology-driven settings like Kingsway's robotic milking
system.
So she's creating animals that look great and work hard no matter where they end up.
That's the ultimate validation of their breeding approach, isn't it?
Exactly. In the dairy world, we often see animals that excel in one environment but
struggle in others. When your genetics succeed across diverse management systems, that's
when you know you've created something truly special.
You know, let's shift gears and talk about the people behind these exceptional cows.
The McMillan family has quite a legacy in dairy farming, don't they?
They certainly do. When you step into the barns at Kingsway, you're stepping into six
generations of dairy farming history. Morgan represents the sixth generation farming in
this area, carrying forward a legacy that stretches back centuries.
How do they divide responsibilities on the farm?
Morgan describes it as a typical family farm where everyone chips in to get the work done.
The division of labor plays to each person's strengths. Morgan's father Gord, brother
Ethan, and Morgan are all cow guys who collaborate on daily decisions. Morgan's wife Lindsay
and their sons Lawson, who's six, and Lennox, who's four, help feed calves every evening.
Ethan's wife Molly and Gord work with the calves and young heifers. Ethan handles feeding,
while Morgan's mom Pauline and Morgan look after 95 cows in the robot barn and 15 cows
in the tie stall.
I love hearing about the youngest family members getting involved. What are Lawson and Lennox
like in the barn?
Every evening around 5.30, Lindsay arrives with the boys, who eagerly put on their rubber
boots. Lawson's are adorned with Holstein spots to match the cows he admires. At six
years old, Lawson already has opinions about certain cow families and enthusiastically
shares his observations about new calves. Meanwhile, four-year-old Lennox has mastered
bottle feeding and proudly announces when calves finish their milk.
That's not just adorable. It's how the next generation learns, isn't it? These nightly
routines are passing the torch, teaching farming values through hands-on experience from the
earliest ages.
Absolutely. Can you think of a better classroom for raising future dairy farmers? These boys
are absorbing knowledge about animal care, genetics, and work ethic without even realizing
they're learning. It's the natural transfer of knowledge that's been happening on family
farms for generations.
The McMillan family's dairy connections extend beyond their immediate household, don't they?
They certainly do. Morgan explains he's the sixth generation dairy farming in this area.
On his mother's side, the Atkinson family is a successful dairy farming family in North
umberland County. On his wife's side, the Oxby family is a four-time master breeder
from the Guelph area. His sister Emma married Sandy Cole from a well-known herd in Nova
Scotia, and his brother married Molly Herberg from a well-known Minnesota farm. As Morgan
puts it, farming is definitely all in the family for us.
With dairy breeding so thoroughly woven into their family fabric, pursuing the next great
cow becomes as natural as breathing, doesn't it?
Exactly. Morgan sees himself as a steward rather than an owner, stating,
My goal as it has been with those before me is to put the farm in a good position to be
successful for next generations. Each generation isn't building something new. They're strengthening
the foundation for those who will follow.
One detail I absolutely love is about their wedding photos. Tell our listeners about Jasmine.
It's one of those details that perfectly illustrates how thoroughly these families live and
breathe dairy farming. When asked about cows with special meaning, Morgan immediately mentioned
Nonadale Jasmine EX-964E-STAR-16.
What's so special about her?
Both Morgan and his brother Ethan included this exceptional cow in their wedding photos.
For Morgan and Lindsay's wedding, Jasmine stood regally beside the couple in a lush
pasture, her exceptional dairy character and impressive stature creating a striking contrast
with Lindsay's flowing white gown. And Ethan and Molly did the same for their wedding.
I can just imagine the reactions from wedding guests who weren't dairy farmers.
Morgan reflects on that, saying, When people ask why we included Jasmine in our wedding
photos, they don't always understand immediately. But for us, these special cows are extensions
of our family. They represent not just our livelihood, but our passion and heritage.
Having Jasmine there symbolized how our marriage would be built around this shared love of
exceptional Holstein cattle.
And Jasmine wasn't just photogenic. She was an exceptional cow in her own right.
Absolutely. Morgan describes her as a youthful dairy cow when they purchased her as a two-year-old.
She won her class at many local shows every year until reaching her peak as a production
cow, scoring EX96 and placing second at the Royal. For context, an EX96 classification
is nearly perfect in the Holstein world, a score few animals ever achieve.
And as a brood cow?
Her impact has been equally impressive, with 11 excellent daughters, many still in their
first lactation, and numerous show-winning descendants worldwide. These include her granddaughter
Kingsway Unix Jacqueline, international champion at Swiss Expo 2024 for the Gobbily family,
and her daughter Kingsway Lambda Julip EX92, honorable mention All-American senior, three-year-old
for Showbox and Howard View.
Eww. These personal connections to individual animals really highlight how dairy farming
is more than just a business for families like the McMillans, doesn't it?
It certainly does.
One more meaningful memory Morgan shared was when Kingsway Dundee Abracodabra won the Royal
as a summer yearling in 2007. Ethan led her while Morgan clipped her for the ring. That
victory validated their developing breeding program and foreshadowed greater successes
to come. These milestone moments become part of the family history.
You know, let's talk about how the McMillans have expanded their influence through partnerships.
Even with a clear breeding vision, they've strategically collaborated with others, right?
Yes, and it's been a smart approach. Morgan mentions Lady Rose caught-your-eye EX95 as
a cow they owned in partnership with Riverdown and Millen Farms that positively influenced
their operation.
How did that partnership work?
They purchased her with Justin Velthus and Jason Millen at the Duckett sale in the spring
of 2021. Under Duckett's care, they were able to produce many pregnancies and show
her to first place at World Dairy Expo as a junior two-year-old. Following this success,
caught-your-eye and her pregnancies were sold to Genesource, but they negotiated to keep
back the alligator pregnancies.
And that collaboration continued.
Yes, they maintained a partnership with Steve Veltice on one of the alligator calves. Kingsway
caught a vibe, VG87, one-year World Dairy Expo, junior champion, All-American, junior
yearling, 2022, which has already produced promising offspring.
Hey, these partnerships seem to do more than just distribute costs. They're building relationships
and expanding their network.
Absolutely. The Kingsway operation has also benefited from relationships with established
breeders in their region. Morgan specifically mentions learning from Rob Heffernan and partnering
with Gerald Coughlin on Terrason Ally EX952E-Star 10, a former Cow of the Year that helped bring
their farm significant exposure.
What's Morgan's perspective on competition within the industry?
I really admire his attitude. He mentions local herds like Crow Valley, Ronbeth, Clairecrest,
and Webview that bred and showed excellent cattle while they were growing up. His take,
it was a lot of fun showing against them. I strongly believe in healthy competition.
It helps push you to be better. Rather than seeing competitors as threats, they view them
as motivation to improve.
Their influence extends well beyond Canadian borders, doesn't it? Tell us about their international
impact.
It's remarkable to think that genetics from this family farm regularly appear in championship
lineups from Wisconsin to Switzerland. Their successful embryo export program began through
showring accomplishments, particularly at the Royal Winter Fair.
But it takes more than just show wins to build an international reputation, right?
Absolutely. Morgan explains that ensuring these cows have full pedigrees with good production
records has been crucial. International buyers want the complete package, animals that look
great and produce consistently.
How do they maintain this international program?
They have a forward-looking strategy, continuously keeping their eyes open for young cows or heifers
from recognizable pedigrees with potential to develop into animals that could classify
high and perform well in shows. This systematic approach maintains their pipeline of marketable
genetics.
The international success must be particularly satisfying.
Morgan acknowledges exactly that, saying, it is very satisfying to see your genetics
do well for other breeders. I believe that is the true mark of a good cow family if they
can rise to the top under different care and management practices.
Can you share some specific international success stories?
The evidence is impressive. In Switzerland, Kingsway Unix Jacqueline captured the international
champion title at Swiss Expo 2024 for the Gobli family. In the competitive U.S. show
circuit, Kingsway Lambda Julep EX92 earned honorable mention All-American Senior 3-year-old
honors. And Alligator A Twix achieved Supreme Junior Champion at World Dairy Expo and twice
captured Royal Junior Champion honors for Veltus Farms.
What makes these international successes particularly meaningful?
They validate the McMillan's breeding philosophy. When their genetics thrive in European tie-stall
barns, American freestall facilities, or under the intensive management of elite show herds,
it confirms their focusing on the right traits—dairy strength, mammary systems, feet and legs—that
create adaptable functional animals that excel anywhere. That's the definition of breeding
excellence.
Binary farming isn't always easy. How do the McMillan's handle the inevitable challenges?
Morgan acknowledges this reality, saying,
Challenges come in many different circumstances on the farm. We try and focus on what today
has in store. He notes that in today's social media world, it's easy to get overwhelmed
with current events, so they try to step back, look at the big picture, and make decisions
accordingly.
Any specific challenges they've navigated successfully?
The transition to robotic milking represents one significant challenge they handled well.
Installing the system required substantial investment and adaptation, but the technology
has allowed them to maintain their exceptional breeding program while improving operational
efficiency and quality of life.
Morgan notes the robots have been a game-changer for managing their herd.
What about their international business?
Expanding their embryo export program internationally presented another challenge. They had to navigate
different countries' health regulations, manage long-distance client relationships,
and ensure consistent quality control.
Morgan admits it wasn't easy, dealing with different regulations, breeding preferences,
and often different languages. But seeing their genetics succeed globally has made those
challenges worthwhile.
What keeps them motivated through difficult times?
For the McMillans, it's the cows themselves. Morgan shares that,
There's something special about watching a young heifer develop into exactly what you
envisioned when you planned that mating. Those moments when you see a two-year-old fresh
for the first time and realize she's going to be exceptional, that's what keeps you
going through the challenging days. It's that pursuit of the next great cow that drives us.
That's beautifully said. His advice to others reflects this long-term view, too, doesn't it?
Yes. Morgan advises that, breeding and showing cattle is a long-term investment. My biggest
advice to a younger self is to be patient. Being consistent every day and doing your
best to do the little things right will pay off in the end. That patience and consistency
have proven essential to their success.
Beyond dairy, the McMillans have found ways to connect with their community, haven't they?
They certainly have. While Holstein breeding remains their primary focus, they've diversified
in ways that deepen their community connections.
Morgan's father grows about 18 acres of sweet corn in the summer months. They have their
own stand and supply other vegetable stands and grocery stores in the area. Morgan and
his boys grow a few acres of pumpkins to sell at their stand and supply a grocery store
as well.
I love how this creates opportunities for the boys to develop skills beyond dairy.
Exactly. As Lawson and Lennox helped tend the pumpkin patch throughout the growing season,
they learned valuable lessons about crop production, marketing, and customer service. Imagine their
excitement in autumn when families visit to select pumpkins they helped grow.
And the stand serves a broader purpose beyond just sales, right?
The roadside stand is more than just a business. It's a bridge to their community. Customers
buying sweet corn or pumpkins often ask questions about the dairy operation, creating natural
opportunities for agricultural education and relationship building. In an era when fewer
people have direct connections to farming, these conversations help close the gap between
food producers and consumers.
I understand their community involvement extends even further.
Yes, the McMillan family's community roots go well beyond their roadside stand. Faith
and service play central roles in their lives through active involvement in their local
Christian church, where they've formed deep connections with neighbors beyond the farming
community.
They're also fixtures at the local ice rink, with both Morgan and his father Gord dedicating
countless winter evenings to coaching minor hockey over the years.
How does Morgan see these community activities?
Morgan shares that, being involved in coaching has been a great way to connect with families
in our area and teach kids about teamwork and perseverance. The same values that make
a successful farm, commitment, hard work, and supporting each other, translate perfectly
to hockey.
These community involvements reflect the McMillan's belief that building strong rural communities
requires engagement that reaches beyond the barn doors.
Looking ahead, what's next for Kingsway?
As they look to the future, the McMillans remain grounded in the values that built their
current success while embracing opportunities for continued growth. Morgan states their
goal is to run a profitable farm that continues to grow and improve in all aspects.
Their annual tag sale seems to be an important part of their business model.
Absolutely.
Morgan mentions they're excited about their upcoming tag sale, hosted on farm April 7th
and 8th. They'll be offering roughly 80 head from their farm, with a few consignments,
mainly show-aged heifers from their best cow families.
Since establishing this tradition in 2011 with the influence of Ally Sale, these annual
events have created consistent marketing channels while building relationships with buyers who
return year after year.
Any specific dream they're working toward?
Morgan shares a touching family aspiration. My dad has said that he would like to have
Grand Champion at the Royal someday. For anyone in Canadian dairy, this needs no explanation.
The Royal Winter Fairs Grand Championship represents the ultimate recognition in Canadian
dairy showing. Achieving this distinction would validate decades of careful breeding
decisions and herd development.
What advice does Morgan offer to aspiring breeders?
He offers this practical wisdom. My advice to younger breeders is to do their best with
what they have at home. When opportunities present themselves, make sure to capitalize
on them. It's a good thing to get motivation by looking up to other farms, but everyone's
situation is a little different so your path to success may look different than your neighbors.
That's great advice. Acknowledging that inspiration is valuable, but recognizing that everyone's
journey will be unique.
As we come to the end of our time today, I'm struck by how Kingsway Holsteins proves that
you don't need to be the biggest to be among the best. Their recognition as Canada's number
two breeder of excellent cows stems not from herd size or marketing prominence, but from
consistent dedication to Holstein excellence expressed through daily decisions and long-term
vision.
From Gord's early work transforming a great herd with Starbucks genetics to Morgan and
Ethan's current success with international embryo exports and partnerships, each generation
has built upon the foundation while maintaining core values. As Morgan simply puts it, farming
has been something that we have always known growing up.
That modest statement captures the essence of Kingsway's success, doesn't it? Breeding
exceptional dairy cattle isn't just what they do, it's who they are. Their legacy continues
to grow through the animals they develop, the relationships they build, and the passion
they bring to Holstein breeding every day.
And with young Lawson and Lennox already showing their love for the cows, we might just be
watching the seventh generation of this remarkable dairy tradition take shape before our eyes.
If you've enjoyed today's episode about Kingsway Holsteins, we'd love to hear from you. Please
rate and review the Bullvine podcast wherever you listen and share it with a friend who
might be interested in dairy breeding excellence.
You can find the complete article about Kingsway Holsteins at thebullvine.com along with photos
of some of the remarkable animals we've discussed today.
Until then, I'm Bella.
And I'm Douglas.
Thanks for joining us on the Bullvine Podcast.