1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:17,440 Welcome to the Bullvine Podcast. I'm Bella, joined by my co-host Douglas. Today in our 2 00:00:17,440 --> 00:00:23,280 194th episode, we're diving into an incredible story of a family farm that's making waves 3 00:00:23,280 --> 00:00:28,720 in the Holstein world. Douglas, I can't wait to share this one with our listeners. 4 00:00:28,720 --> 00:00:35,000 That's right, Bella. We're exploring how Kingsway Holsteins, a relatively modest sized operation 5 00:00:35,000 --> 00:00:40,280 in Canada, has achieved the remarkable distinction of being named Canada's number two breeder 6 00:00:40,280 --> 00:00:46,160 of all time for excellent cows. This isn't just about exceptional cattle. It's about 7 00:00:46,160 --> 00:00:51,680 family, passion, and a multi-generational commitment to breeding excellence. 8 00:00:51,680 --> 00:00:56,740 And what makes this story so compelling is that they've accomplished this without the 9 00:00:56,740 --> 00:01:01,600 massive herd sizes we often associate with top breeders, right? 10 00:01:01,600 --> 00:01:08,080 Exactly. Today we'll unpack how the McMillan family built this legacy, their breeding philosophy, 11 00:01:08,080 --> 00:01:13,160 and the impact they're having globally. We'll also meet Orangatang, a truly legendary cow 12 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:19,640 who has changed the game for Kingsway. So grab your coffee, or maybe milk, since we're 13 00:01:19,640 --> 00:01:24,880 talking dairy, and join us for the next hour as we explore the heart of excellence behind 14 00:01:24,880 --> 00:01:26,880 Kingsway Holsteins. 15 00:01:26,880 --> 00:01:33,240 Douglas, let's start with the achievement itself. Being named Canada's number two breeder 16 00:01:33,240 --> 00:01:38,960 of excellent cows is impressive. But can you help our listeners understand just how significant 17 00:01:38,960 --> 00:01:40,200 this is? 18 00:01:40,200 --> 00:01:45,240 Happy to, Bella. In Holstein classification, excellent represents the pinnacle of type 19 00:01:45,240 --> 00:01:50,840 evaluation. Only about 3 to 5 percent of all classified Holsteins ever achieve this elite 20 00:01:50,840 --> 00:01:56,320 status. It requires exceptional scores across numerous physical traits that contribute to 21 00:01:56,320 --> 00:01:59,480 longevity and functionality. 22 00:01:59,480 --> 00:02:05,280 So we're talking about the cream of the crop, the absolute elite of Holstein cattle. 23 00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:11,400 Precisely. And typically this kind of recognition goes to operations with much larger herds, 24 00:02:11,400 --> 00:02:16,320 simply because they classify more animals annually. For Kingsway to achieve this ranking 25 00:02:16,320 --> 00:02:20,880 with their modest sized herd speaks volumes about the quality and consistency of their 26 00:02:20,880 --> 00:02:22,680 breeding program. 27 00:02:22,680 --> 00:02:27,600 When Morgan McMillan first heard about this recognition, I understand he was genuinely 28 00:02:27,600 --> 00:02:28,920 surprised. 29 00:02:28,920 --> 00:02:34,880 Yes, and that reaction says a lot about the family's humility. Morgan admitted they were 30 00:02:34,880 --> 00:02:40,680 surprised, noting that their farm markets many heifers and cows each year. What's particularly 31 00:02:40,680 --> 00:02:45,440 impressive is that many of those animals went on to score excellent in other herds, which 32 00:02:45,440 --> 00:02:49,120 contributed significantly to their total. 33 00:02:49,120 --> 00:02:54,680 So their breeding impact extends far beyond their own barn walls. That's the true test 34 00:02:54,680 --> 00:03:00,600 of a breeding program, isn't it? Creating animals that excel regardless of environment. 35 00:03:00,600 --> 00:03:07,680 Absolutely. Any breeder can get lucky with a good cow or two. But when your animals consistently 36 00:03:07,680 --> 00:03:13,000 perform at the highest levels across different management systems and environments, that's 37 00:03:13,000 --> 00:03:17,680 when you know you've created something special. It's like the difference between having one 38 00:03:17,680 --> 00:03:21,800 hit song and creating a lasting musical legacy. 39 00:03:21,800 --> 00:03:28,480 And for the McMillans, this recognition validates years of careful breeding decisions. I imagine 40 00:03:28,480 --> 00:03:33,660 competing against operations many times your size and coming out near the top must feel 41 00:03:33,660 --> 00:03:38,160 a bit like a small town baseball team out playing the Yankees. 42 00:03:38,160 --> 00:03:44,040 That's a perfect analogy, Bella. Their achievement represents generations of smart decisions, 43 00:03:44,040 --> 00:03:49,680 starting with Morgan's father Gord and continuing through Morgan and his brother Ethan today. 44 00:03:49,680 --> 00:03:55,320 So what's their secret sauce? How has this family consistently bred such exceptional 45 00:03:55,320 --> 00:03:56,320 animals? 46 00:03:56,320 --> 00:04:00,640 It all started back in the late 1980s when Morgan's dad Gord took over what was mostly 47 00:04:00,640 --> 00:04:06,360 a great herd. His approach was refreshingly straightforward, using the absolute best bulls 48 00:04:06,360 --> 00:04:10,240 available even when that meant investing more in semen. 49 00:04:10,240 --> 00:04:15,040 That makes sense in theory, but I know many farmers struggle with balancing semen costs 50 00:04:15,040 --> 00:04:20,860 against potential returns. How did this investment pay off for them? 51 00:04:20,860 --> 00:04:26,560 Gord saw dramatic results early on, particularly with Starbucks genetics, making what Morgan 52 00:04:26,560 --> 00:04:32,500 described as big strides in one generation. That early success cemented a philosophy that 53 00:04:32,500 --> 00:04:37,360 continues today. The return on investment became clear when they saw how quickly they 54 00:04:37,360 --> 00:04:40,020 could transform their herd. 55 00:04:40,020 --> 00:04:44,080 And Morgan and his brother Ethan have maintained this approach. 56 00:04:44,080 --> 00:04:49,240 Yes, they've stayed true to this philosophy. Morgan mentions they've had great success 57 00:04:49,240 --> 00:04:55,440 with bulls like Dundee, Sanchez, Goldwyn, Dorman, Unix, and more recently Alligator 58 00:04:55,440 --> 00:05:01,000 and Lambda. Each of these sires was considered cream of the crop during their era. 59 00:05:01,000 --> 00:05:06,000 With genomics revolutionizing breeding over the past decade, have they embraced that technology 60 00:05:06,000 --> 00:05:08,160 as well? 61 00:05:08,160 --> 00:05:13,000 That's an interesting point. Morgan explains that their sire selection isn't primarily 62 00:05:13,000 --> 00:05:21,360 geared toward putting bulls in AI. They generally prefer proven bulls for their reliability. 63 00:05:21,360 --> 00:05:25,880 Their experience has shown that a bull whose name stays in the marketplace for a long time 64 00:05:25,880 --> 00:05:30,540 gives them a better chance to build stronger pedigrees and make fewer mistakes when breeding 65 00:05:30,540 --> 00:05:34,960 for show winners or excellent productive cows. 66 00:05:34,960 --> 00:05:38,040 But surely they don't ignore genomics entirely. 67 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:44,040 No, they don't. Morgan mentions there have been seasons where they've used more genomic 68 00:05:44,040 --> 00:05:49,720 sires when the proven bulls available didn't fit their criteria. It's a balanced approach, 69 00:05:49,720 --> 00:05:54,440 sticking to proven principles while remaining flexible enough to incorporate new tools when 70 00:05:54,440 --> 00:05:56,020 appropriate. 71 00:05:56,020 --> 00:06:01,100 So Kingsway's success shows that investing in top tier genetics doesn't have to mean 72 00:06:01,100 --> 00:06:07,140 chasing trends. Their preference for proven sires ensures reliability while selectively 73 00:06:07,140 --> 00:06:10,600 incorporating genomic advancements keeps them competitive. 74 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:15,940 Exactly. In an industry that sometimes gets caught up in the latest genetic trends, there's 75 00:06:15,940 --> 00:06:20,880 something to be said for this balanced, thoughtful approach that has clearly stood the test of 76 00:06:20,880 --> 00:06:21,880 time. 77 00:06:21,880 --> 00:06:26,680 Let's talk about Aurangatang. From what I understand, she's not just a cow. She's 78 00:06:26,680 --> 00:06:30,240 a legend whose influence extends worldwide. 79 00:06:30,240 --> 00:06:35,160 You're absolutely right. Aurangatang is the kind of cow that comes along once in a career, 80 00:06:35,160 --> 00:06:41,640 if you're lucky. Morgan speaks about her with unmistakable pride and for good reason. 81 00:06:41,640 --> 00:06:44,120 What made her so special? 82 00:06:44,120 --> 00:06:49,080 Well her show record alone reads like a Holstein Hall of Fame. Reserve All-Canadian Spring 83 00:06:49,080 --> 00:06:55,280 Calf, Honorable Mention All-Canadian Spring Yearling, Nominated All-Canadian Junior 3-year-old, 84 00:06:55,280 --> 00:07:01,760 Honorable Mention All-Canadian 4-year-old, Nominated All-Canadian Mature Cow. That kind 85 00:07:01,760 --> 00:07:05,800 of consistent recognition across multiple age classes is rare. 86 00:07:05,800 --> 00:07:09,880 Wow, consistent success at every age. That's remarkable. 87 00:07:09,880 --> 00:07:14,540 But what's even more impressive is that she wasn't just a pretty face in the show ring. 88 00:07:14,540 --> 00:07:19,040 During a time when she was being heavily shown and flushed for embryos, activities that 89 00:07:19,040 --> 00:07:24,640 typically reduce milk production, she achieved a superior lactation. 90 00:07:24,640 --> 00:07:29,760 And what does Morgan say about what made her truly special? 91 00:07:29,760 --> 00:07:34,640 Morgan explains it wasn't just her show wins or production records, but how she handled 92 00:07:34,640 --> 00:07:40,000 everything we asked of her. He describes her incredible will to perform, whether in the 93 00:07:40,000 --> 00:07:45,560 show ring, the milking parlor, or the flush program. And critically, she passes that attitude 94 00:07:45,560 --> 00:07:50,460 to her daughters, which makes them so valuable in any environment. 95 00:07:50,460 --> 00:07:55,200 And I understand she's been exceptional as a brood cow as well. 96 00:07:55,200 --> 00:08:01,400 That might be her greatest achievement. Orangatang has 18 excellent daughters, the second most 97 00:08:01,400 --> 00:08:07,180 excellent daughters of any cow in Canada. Let me put that in perspective for our listeners. 98 00:08:07,180 --> 00:08:12,440 Most cows, even great ones, might produce one or two excellent daughters in a lifetime. 99 00:08:12,440 --> 00:08:14,720 18 is almost unheard of. 100 00:08:14,720 --> 00:08:19,080 18, excellent daughters. That's incredible genetic prepotency. 101 00:08:19,080 --> 00:08:25,280 Absolutely. Her descendants have taken the dairy world by storm, including Dorman Andrea, 102 00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:30,440 first senior two-year-old at World Dairy Expo for Glamourview, and Alligator A Twicks, supreme 103 00:08:30,440 --> 00:08:36,280 junior champion at World Dairy Expo and two-time royal junior champion for Veltis Farms. 104 00:08:36,280 --> 00:08:43,280 What traits does Morgan believe make her genetics work so well across different farms and countries? 105 00:08:43,280 --> 00:08:49,080 Morgan points to fundamental traits, abundant dairy strength, and a great will to milk. 106 00:08:49,080 --> 00:08:54,040 These descendants thrive in diverse environments, winning in elite show herds, performing in 107 00:08:54,040 --> 00:08:59,840 commercial operations, and excelling in technology-driven settings like Kingsway's robotic milking 108 00:08:59,840 --> 00:09:00,840 system. 109 00:09:00,840 --> 00:09:07,560 So she's creating animals that look great and work hard no matter where they end up. 110 00:09:07,560 --> 00:09:12,720 That's the ultimate validation of their breeding approach, isn't it? 111 00:09:12,720 --> 00:09:17,720 Exactly. In the dairy world, we often see animals that excel in one environment but 112 00:09:17,720 --> 00:09:23,640 struggle in others. When your genetics succeed across diverse management systems, that's 113 00:09:23,640 --> 00:09:26,400 when you know you've created something truly special. 114 00:09:26,400 --> 00:09:31,800 You know, let's shift gears and talk about the people behind these exceptional cows. 115 00:09:31,800 --> 00:09:35,700 The McMillan family has quite a legacy in dairy farming, don't they? 116 00:09:35,700 --> 00:09:40,640 They certainly do. When you step into the barns at Kingsway, you're stepping into six 117 00:09:40,640 --> 00:09:46,280 generations of dairy farming history. Morgan represents the sixth generation farming in 118 00:09:46,280 --> 00:09:51,400 this area, carrying forward a legacy that stretches back centuries. 119 00:09:51,400 --> 00:09:55,080 How do they divide responsibilities on the farm? 120 00:09:55,080 --> 00:10:00,320 Morgan describes it as a typical family farm where everyone chips in to get the work done. 121 00:10:00,320 --> 00:10:05,520 The division of labor plays to each person's strengths. Morgan's father Gord, brother 122 00:10:05,520 --> 00:10:11,640 Ethan, and Morgan are all cow guys who collaborate on daily decisions. Morgan's wife Lindsay 123 00:10:11,640 --> 00:10:18,160 and their sons Lawson, who's six, and Lennox, who's four, help feed calves every evening. 124 00:10:18,160 --> 00:10:23,560 Ethan's wife Molly and Gord work with the calves and young heifers. Ethan handles feeding, 125 00:10:23,560 --> 00:10:29,200 while Morgan's mom Pauline and Morgan look after 95 cows in the robot barn and 15 cows 126 00:10:29,200 --> 00:10:30,960 in the tie stall. 127 00:10:30,960 --> 00:10:36,400 I love hearing about the youngest family members getting involved. What are Lawson and Lennox 128 00:10:36,400 --> 00:10:38,700 like in the barn? 129 00:10:38,700 --> 00:10:43,280 Every evening around 5.30, Lindsay arrives with the boys, who eagerly put on their rubber 130 00:10:43,280 --> 00:10:49,600 boots. Lawson's are adorned with Holstein spots to match the cows he admires. At six 131 00:10:49,600 --> 00:10:54,260 years old, Lawson already has opinions about certain cow families and enthusiastically 132 00:10:54,260 --> 00:10:59,720 shares his observations about new calves. Meanwhile, four-year-old Lennox has mastered 133 00:10:59,720 --> 00:11:04,440 bottle feeding and proudly announces when calves finish their milk. 134 00:11:04,440 --> 00:11:09,480 That's not just adorable. It's how the next generation learns, isn't it? These nightly 135 00:11:09,480 --> 00:11:14,600 routines are passing the torch, teaching farming values through hands-on experience from the 136 00:11:14,600 --> 00:11:16,600 earliest ages. 137 00:11:16,600 --> 00:11:23,460 Absolutely. Can you think of a better classroom for raising future dairy farmers? These boys 138 00:11:23,460 --> 00:11:29,080 are absorbing knowledge about animal care, genetics, and work ethic without even realizing 139 00:11:29,080 --> 00:11:34,160 they're learning. It's the natural transfer of knowledge that's been happening on family 140 00:11:34,160 --> 00:11:36,120 farms for generations. 141 00:11:36,120 --> 00:11:42,500 The McMillan family's dairy connections extend beyond their immediate household, don't they? 142 00:11:42,500 --> 00:11:49,000 They certainly do. Morgan explains he's the sixth generation dairy farming in this area. 143 00:11:49,000 --> 00:11:53,640 On his mother's side, the Atkinson family is a successful dairy farming family in North 144 00:11:53,640 --> 00:11:59,160 umberland County. On his wife's side, the Oxby family is a four-time master breeder 145 00:11:59,160 --> 00:12:04,400 from the Guelph area. His sister Emma married Sandy Cole from a well-known herd in Nova 146 00:12:04,400 --> 00:12:10,200 Scotia, and his brother married Molly Herberg from a well-known Minnesota farm. As Morgan 147 00:12:10,200 --> 00:12:14,280 puts it, farming is definitely all in the family for us. 148 00:12:14,280 --> 00:12:19,680 With dairy breeding so thoroughly woven into their family fabric, pursuing the next great 149 00:12:19,680 --> 00:12:23,600 cow becomes as natural as breathing, doesn't it? 150 00:12:23,600 --> 00:12:29,160 Exactly. Morgan sees himself as a steward rather than an owner, stating, 151 00:12:29,160 --> 00:12:33,480 My goal as it has been with those before me is to put the farm in a good position to be 152 00:12:33,480 --> 00:12:40,280 successful for next generations. Each generation isn't building something new. They're strengthening 153 00:12:40,280 --> 00:12:43,400 the foundation for those who will follow. 154 00:12:43,400 --> 00:12:49,560 One detail I absolutely love is about their wedding photos. Tell our listeners about Jasmine. 155 00:12:49,560 --> 00:12:53,520 It's one of those details that perfectly illustrates how thoroughly these families live and 156 00:12:53,520 --> 00:12:59,520 breathe dairy farming. When asked about cows with special meaning, Morgan immediately mentioned 157 00:12:59,520 --> 00:13:04,840 Nonadale Jasmine EX-964E-STAR-16. 158 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:07,200 What's so special about her? 159 00:13:07,200 --> 00:13:12,840 Both Morgan and his brother Ethan included this exceptional cow in their wedding photos. 160 00:13:12,840 --> 00:13:17,280 For Morgan and Lindsay's wedding, Jasmine stood regally beside the couple in a lush 161 00:13:17,280 --> 00:13:23,640 pasture, her exceptional dairy character and impressive stature creating a striking contrast 162 00:13:23,640 --> 00:13:30,400 with Lindsay's flowing white gown. And Ethan and Molly did the same for their wedding. 163 00:13:30,400 --> 00:13:34,920 I can just imagine the reactions from wedding guests who weren't dairy farmers. 164 00:13:34,920 --> 00:13:39,240 Morgan reflects on that, saying, When people ask why we included Jasmine in our wedding 165 00:13:39,240 --> 00:13:45,240 photos, they don't always understand immediately. But for us, these special cows are extensions 166 00:13:45,240 --> 00:13:52,320 of our family. They represent not just our livelihood, but our passion and heritage. 167 00:13:52,320 --> 00:13:56,560 Having Jasmine there symbolized how our marriage would be built around this shared love of 168 00:13:56,560 --> 00:13:59,160 exceptional Holstein cattle. 169 00:13:59,160 --> 00:14:05,240 And Jasmine wasn't just photogenic. She was an exceptional cow in her own right. 170 00:14:05,240 --> 00:14:11,360 Absolutely. Morgan describes her as a youthful dairy cow when they purchased her as a two-year-old. 171 00:14:11,360 --> 00:14:15,720 She won her class at many local shows every year until reaching her peak as a production 172 00:14:15,720 --> 00:14:23,720 cow, scoring EX96 and placing second at the Royal. For context, an EX96 classification 173 00:14:23,720 --> 00:14:28,840 is nearly perfect in the Holstein world, a score few animals ever achieve. 174 00:14:28,840 --> 00:14:30,640 And as a brood cow? 175 00:14:30,640 --> 00:14:35,180 Her impact has been equally impressive, with 11 excellent daughters, many still in their 176 00:14:35,180 --> 00:14:40,780 first lactation, and numerous show-winning descendants worldwide. These include her granddaughter 177 00:14:40,780 --> 00:14:48,120 Kingsway Unix Jacqueline, international champion at Swiss Expo 2024 for the Gobbily family, 178 00:14:48,120 --> 00:14:55,160 and her daughter Kingsway Lambda Julip EX92, honorable mention All-American senior, three-year-old 179 00:14:55,160 --> 00:14:57,840 for Showbox and Howard View. 180 00:14:57,840 --> 00:15:03,560 Eww. These personal connections to individual animals really highlight how dairy farming 181 00:15:03,560 --> 00:15:08,500 is more than just a business for families like the McMillans, doesn't it? 182 00:15:08,500 --> 00:15:10,280 It certainly does. 183 00:15:10,280 --> 00:15:15,480 One more meaningful memory Morgan shared was when Kingsway Dundee Abracodabra won the Royal 184 00:15:15,480 --> 00:15:22,440 as a summer yearling in 2007. Ethan led her while Morgan clipped her for the ring. That 185 00:15:22,440 --> 00:15:27,080 victory validated their developing breeding program and foreshadowed greater successes 186 00:15:27,080 --> 00:15:32,200 to come. These milestone moments become part of the family history. 187 00:15:32,200 --> 00:15:38,200 You know, let's talk about how the McMillans have expanded their influence through partnerships. 188 00:15:38,200 --> 00:15:43,760 Even with a clear breeding vision, they've strategically collaborated with others, right? 189 00:15:43,760 --> 00:15:50,120 Yes, and it's been a smart approach. Morgan mentions Lady Rose caught-your-eye EX95 as 190 00:15:50,120 --> 00:15:54,680 a cow they owned in partnership with Riverdown and Millen Farms that positively influenced 191 00:15:54,680 --> 00:15:56,220 their operation. 192 00:15:56,220 --> 00:15:58,600 How did that partnership work? 193 00:15:58,600 --> 00:16:02,580 They purchased her with Justin Velthus and Jason Millen at the Duckett sale in the spring 194 00:16:02,580 --> 00:16:08,700 of 2021. Under Duckett's care, they were able to produce many pregnancies and show 195 00:16:08,700 --> 00:16:15,000 her to first place at World Dairy Expo as a junior two-year-old. Following this success, 196 00:16:15,000 --> 00:16:20,080 caught-your-eye and her pregnancies were sold to Genesource, but they negotiated to keep 197 00:16:20,080 --> 00:16:23,000 back the alligator pregnancies. 198 00:16:23,000 --> 00:16:25,440 And that collaboration continued. 199 00:16:25,440 --> 00:16:31,400 Yes, they maintained a partnership with Steve Veltice on one of the alligator calves. Kingsway 200 00:16:31,400 --> 00:16:38,320 caught a vibe, VG87, one-year World Dairy Expo, junior champion, All-American, junior 201 00:16:38,320 --> 00:16:43,040 yearling, 2022, which has already produced promising offspring. 202 00:16:43,040 --> 00:16:49,520 Hey, these partnerships seem to do more than just distribute costs. They're building relationships 203 00:16:49,520 --> 00:16:51,800 and expanding their network. 204 00:16:51,800 --> 00:16:56,560 Absolutely. The Kingsway operation has also benefited from relationships with established 205 00:16:56,560 --> 00:17:01,360 breeders in their region. Morgan specifically mentions learning from Rob Heffernan and partnering 206 00:17:01,360 --> 00:17:08,280 with Gerald Coughlin on Terrason Ally EX952E-Star 10, a former Cow of the Year that helped bring 207 00:17:08,280 --> 00:17:11,640 their farm significant exposure. 208 00:17:11,640 --> 00:17:15,920 What's Morgan's perspective on competition within the industry? 209 00:17:15,920 --> 00:17:22,160 I really admire his attitude. He mentions local herds like Crow Valley, Ronbeth, Clairecrest, 210 00:17:22,160 --> 00:17:27,060 and Webview that bred and showed excellent cattle while they were growing up. His take, 211 00:17:27,060 --> 00:17:32,320 it was a lot of fun showing against them. I strongly believe in healthy competition. 212 00:17:32,320 --> 00:17:38,160 It helps push you to be better. Rather than seeing competitors as threats, they view them 213 00:17:38,160 --> 00:17:40,440 as motivation to improve. 214 00:17:40,440 --> 00:17:46,480 Their influence extends well beyond Canadian borders, doesn't it? Tell us about their international 215 00:17:46,480 --> 00:17:48,120 impact. 216 00:17:48,120 --> 00:17:52,240 It's remarkable to think that genetics from this family farm regularly appear in championship 217 00:17:52,240 --> 00:17:58,220 lineups from Wisconsin to Switzerland. Their successful embryo export program began through 218 00:17:58,220 --> 00:18:03,520 showring accomplishments, particularly at the Royal Winter Fair. 219 00:18:03,520 --> 00:18:09,560 But it takes more than just show wins to build an international reputation, right? 220 00:18:09,560 --> 00:18:14,480 Absolutely. Morgan explains that ensuring these cows have full pedigrees with good production 221 00:18:14,480 --> 00:18:20,280 records has been crucial. International buyers want the complete package, animals that look 222 00:18:20,280 --> 00:18:23,720 great and produce consistently. 223 00:18:23,720 --> 00:18:27,360 How do they maintain this international program? 224 00:18:27,360 --> 00:18:32,880 They have a forward-looking strategy, continuously keeping their eyes open for young cows or heifers 225 00:18:32,880 --> 00:18:37,200 from recognizable pedigrees with potential to develop into animals that could classify 226 00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:43,920 high and perform well in shows. This systematic approach maintains their pipeline of marketable 227 00:18:43,920 --> 00:18:46,260 genetics. 228 00:18:46,260 --> 00:18:51,000 The international success must be particularly satisfying. 229 00:18:51,000 --> 00:18:56,560 Morgan acknowledges exactly that, saying, it is very satisfying to see your genetics 230 00:18:56,560 --> 00:19:02,200 do well for other breeders. I believe that is the true mark of a good cow family if they 231 00:19:02,200 --> 00:19:06,760 can rise to the top under different care and management practices. 232 00:19:06,760 --> 00:19:10,900 Can you share some specific international success stories? 233 00:19:10,900 --> 00:19:16,080 The evidence is impressive. In Switzerland, Kingsway Unix Jacqueline captured the international 234 00:19:16,080 --> 00:19:21,960 champion title at Swiss Expo 2024 for the Gobli family. In the competitive U.S. show 235 00:19:21,960 --> 00:19:27,960 circuit, Kingsway Lambda Julep EX92 earned honorable mention All-American Senior 3-year-old 236 00:19:27,960 --> 00:19:34,640 honors. And Alligator A Twix achieved Supreme Junior Champion at World Dairy Expo and twice 237 00:19:34,640 --> 00:19:38,120 captured Royal Junior Champion honors for Veltus Farms. 238 00:19:38,120 --> 00:19:42,920 What makes these international successes particularly meaningful? 239 00:19:42,920 --> 00:19:49,080 They validate the McMillan's breeding philosophy. When their genetics thrive in European tie-stall 240 00:19:49,080 --> 00:19:55,120 barns, American freestall facilities, or under the intensive management of elite show herds, 241 00:19:55,120 --> 00:20:01,120 it confirms their focusing on the right traits—dairy strength, mammary systems, feet and legs—that 242 00:20:01,120 --> 00:20:06,240 create adaptable functional animals that excel anywhere. That's the definition of breeding 243 00:20:06,240 --> 00:20:07,820 excellence. 244 00:20:07,820 --> 00:20:14,080 Binary farming isn't always easy. How do the McMillan's handle the inevitable challenges? 245 00:20:14,080 --> 00:20:16,680 Morgan acknowledges this reality, saying, 246 00:20:16,680 --> 00:20:21,760 Challenges come in many different circumstances on the farm. We try and focus on what today 247 00:20:21,760 --> 00:20:27,520 has in store. He notes that in today's social media world, it's easy to get overwhelmed 248 00:20:27,520 --> 00:20:32,640 with current events, so they try to step back, look at the big picture, and make decisions 249 00:20:32,640 --> 00:20:34,240 accordingly. 250 00:20:34,240 --> 00:20:38,240 Any specific challenges they've navigated successfully? 251 00:20:38,240 --> 00:20:44,480 The transition to robotic milking represents one significant challenge they handled well. 252 00:20:44,480 --> 00:20:49,360 Installing the system required substantial investment and adaptation, but the technology 253 00:20:49,360 --> 00:20:54,200 has allowed them to maintain their exceptional breeding program while improving operational 254 00:20:54,200 --> 00:20:57,440 efficiency and quality of life. 255 00:20:57,440 --> 00:21:02,580 Morgan notes the robots have been a game-changer for managing their herd. 256 00:21:02,580 --> 00:21:06,200 What about their international business? 257 00:21:06,200 --> 00:21:11,520 Expanding their embryo export program internationally presented another challenge. They had to navigate 258 00:21:11,520 --> 00:21:16,260 different countries' health regulations, manage long-distance client relationships, 259 00:21:16,260 --> 00:21:19,280 and ensure consistent quality control. 260 00:21:19,280 --> 00:21:23,800 Morgan admits it wasn't easy, dealing with different regulations, breeding preferences, 261 00:21:23,800 --> 00:21:28,360 and often different languages. But seeing their genetics succeed globally has made those 262 00:21:28,360 --> 00:21:30,240 challenges worthwhile. 263 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:33,960 What keeps them motivated through difficult times? 264 00:21:33,960 --> 00:21:38,480 For the McMillans, it's the cows themselves. Morgan shares that, 265 00:21:38,480 --> 00:21:42,800 There's something special about watching a young heifer develop into exactly what you 266 00:21:42,800 --> 00:21:48,020 envisioned when you planned that mating. Those moments when you see a two-year-old fresh 267 00:21:48,020 --> 00:21:52,380 for the first time and realize she's going to be exceptional, that's what keeps you 268 00:21:52,380 --> 00:21:59,880 going through the challenging days. It's that pursuit of the next great cow that drives us. 269 00:21:59,880 --> 00:22:06,360 That's beautifully said. His advice to others reflects this long-term view, too, doesn't it? 270 00:22:06,360 --> 00:22:12,960 Yes. Morgan advises that, breeding and showing cattle is a long-term investment. My biggest 271 00:22:12,960 --> 00:22:17,820 advice to a younger self is to be patient. Being consistent every day and doing your 272 00:22:17,820 --> 00:22:23,460 best to do the little things right will pay off in the end. That patience and consistency 273 00:22:23,460 --> 00:22:26,280 have proven essential to their success. 274 00:22:26,280 --> 00:22:32,800 Beyond dairy, the McMillans have found ways to connect with their community, haven't they? 275 00:22:32,800 --> 00:22:39,040 They certainly have. While Holstein breeding remains their primary focus, they've diversified 276 00:22:39,040 --> 00:22:43,240 in ways that deepen their community connections. 277 00:22:43,240 --> 00:22:47,500 Morgan's father grows about 18 acres of sweet corn in the summer months. They have their 278 00:22:47,500 --> 00:22:53,040 own stand and supply other vegetable stands and grocery stores in the area. Morgan and 279 00:22:53,040 --> 00:22:57,960 his boys grow a few acres of pumpkins to sell at their stand and supply a grocery store 280 00:22:57,960 --> 00:23:00,000 as well. 281 00:23:00,000 --> 00:23:06,160 I love how this creates opportunities for the boys to develop skills beyond dairy. 282 00:23:06,160 --> 00:23:11,840 Exactly. As Lawson and Lennox helped tend the pumpkin patch throughout the growing season, 283 00:23:11,840 --> 00:23:17,820 they learned valuable lessons about crop production, marketing, and customer service. Imagine their 284 00:23:17,820 --> 00:23:22,880 excitement in autumn when families visit to select pumpkins they helped grow. 285 00:23:22,880 --> 00:23:27,540 And the stand serves a broader purpose beyond just sales, right? 286 00:23:27,540 --> 00:23:33,160 The roadside stand is more than just a business. It's a bridge to their community. Customers 287 00:23:33,160 --> 00:23:38,780 buying sweet corn or pumpkins often ask questions about the dairy operation, creating natural 288 00:23:38,780 --> 00:23:43,960 opportunities for agricultural education and relationship building. In an era when fewer 289 00:23:43,960 --> 00:23:49,120 people have direct connections to farming, these conversations help close the gap between 290 00:23:49,120 --> 00:23:51,880 food producers and consumers. 291 00:23:51,880 --> 00:23:55,720 I understand their community involvement extends even further. 292 00:23:55,720 --> 00:24:01,920 Yes, the McMillan family's community roots go well beyond their roadside stand. Faith 293 00:24:01,920 --> 00:24:06,360 and service play central roles in their lives through active involvement in their local 294 00:24:06,360 --> 00:24:11,120 Christian church, where they've formed deep connections with neighbors beyond the farming 295 00:24:11,120 --> 00:24:13,440 community. 296 00:24:13,440 --> 00:24:19,000 They're also fixtures at the local ice rink, with both Morgan and his father Gord dedicating 297 00:24:19,000 --> 00:24:24,080 countless winter evenings to coaching minor hockey over the years. 298 00:24:24,080 --> 00:24:28,280 How does Morgan see these community activities? 299 00:24:28,280 --> 00:24:32,860 Morgan shares that, being involved in coaching has been a great way to connect with families 300 00:24:32,860 --> 00:24:38,460 in our area and teach kids about teamwork and perseverance. The same values that make 301 00:24:38,460 --> 00:24:44,440 a successful farm, commitment, hard work, and supporting each other, translate perfectly 302 00:24:44,440 --> 00:24:46,960 to hockey. 303 00:24:46,960 --> 00:24:52,000 These community involvements reflect the McMillan's belief that building strong rural communities 304 00:24:52,000 --> 00:24:55,440 requires engagement that reaches beyond the barn doors. 305 00:24:55,440 --> 00:24:59,840 Looking ahead, what's next for Kingsway? 306 00:24:59,840 --> 00:25:03,800 As they look to the future, the McMillans remain grounded in the values that built their 307 00:25:03,800 --> 00:25:09,400 current success while embracing opportunities for continued growth. Morgan states their 308 00:25:09,400 --> 00:25:16,040 goal is to run a profitable farm that continues to grow and improve in all aspects. 309 00:25:16,040 --> 00:25:21,760 Their annual tag sale seems to be an important part of their business model. 310 00:25:21,760 --> 00:25:23,720 Absolutely. 311 00:25:23,720 --> 00:25:28,680 Morgan mentions they're excited about their upcoming tag sale, hosted on farm April 7th 312 00:25:28,680 --> 00:25:33,560 and 8th. They'll be offering roughly 80 head from their farm, with a few consignments, 313 00:25:33,560 --> 00:25:37,640 mainly show-aged heifers from their best cow families. 314 00:25:37,640 --> 00:25:42,560 Since establishing this tradition in 2011 with the influence of Ally Sale, these annual 315 00:25:42,560 --> 00:25:47,280 events have created consistent marketing channels while building relationships with buyers who 316 00:25:47,280 --> 00:25:50,640 return year after year. 317 00:25:50,640 --> 00:25:54,000 Any specific dream they're working toward? 318 00:25:54,000 --> 00:25:58,640 Morgan shares a touching family aspiration. My dad has said that he would like to have 319 00:25:58,640 --> 00:26:05,880 Grand Champion at the Royal someday. For anyone in Canadian dairy, this needs no explanation. 320 00:26:05,880 --> 00:26:10,480 The Royal Winter Fairs Grand Championship represents the ultimate recognition in Canadian 321 00:26:10,480 --> 00:26:15,760 dairy showing. Achieving this distinction would validate decades of careful breeding 322 00:26:15,760 --> 00:26:18,480 decisions and herd development. 323 00:26:18,480 --> 00:26:22,280 What advice does Morgan offer to aspiring breeders? 324 00:26:22,280 --> 00:26:27,660 He offers this practical wisdom. My advice to younger breeders is to do their best with 325 00:26:27,660 --> 00:26:32,840 what they have at home. When opportunities present themselves, make sure to capitalize 326 00:26:32,840 --> 00:26:38,360 on them. It's a good thing to get motivation by looking up to other farms, but everyone's 327 00:26:38,360 --> 00:26:45,640 situation is a little different so your path to success may look different than your neighbors. 328 00:26:45,640 --> 00:26:52,200 That's great advice. Acknowledging that inspiration is valuable, but recognizing that everyone's 329 00:26:52,200 --> 00:26:55,220 journey will be unique. 330 00:26:55,220 --> 00:27:00,680 As we come to the end of our time today, I'm struck by how Kingsway Holsteins proves that 331 00:27:00,680 --> 00:27:06,120 you don't need to be the biggest to be among the best. Their recognition as Canada's number 332 00:27:06,120 --> 00:27:11,240 two breeder of excellent cows stems not from herd size or marketing prominence, but from 333 00:27:11,240 --> 00:27:16,800 consistent dedication to Holstein excellence expressed through daily decisions and long-term 334 00:27:16,800 --> 00:27:18,060 vision. 335 00:27:18,060 --> 00:27:21,920 From Gord's early work transforming a great herd with Starbucks genetics to Morgan and 336 00:27:21,920 --> 00:27:26,960 Ethan's current success with international embryo exports and partnerships, each generation 337 00:27:26,960 --> 00:27:33,680 has built upon the foundation while maintaining core values. As Morgan simply puts it, farming 338 00:27:33,680 --> 00:27:37,360 has been something that we have always known growing up. 339 00:27:37,360 --> 00:27:42,080 That modest statement captures the essence of Kingsway's success, doesn't it? Breeding 340 00:27:42,080 --> 00:27:48,200 exceptional dairy cattle isn't just what they do, it's who they are. Their legacy continues 341 00:27:48,200 --> 00:27:53,120 to grow through the animals they develop, the relationships they build, and the passion 342 00:27:53,120 --> 00:27:56,640 they bring to Holstein breeding every day. 343 00:27:56,640 --> 00:28:01,240 And with young Lawson and Lennox already showing their love for the cows, we might just be 344 00:28:01,240 --> 00:28:07,180 watching the seventh generation of this remarkable dairy tradition take shape before our eyes. 345 00:28:07,180 --> 00:28:13,180 If you've enjoyed today's episode about Kingsway Holsteins, we'd love to hear from you. Please 346 00:28:13,180 --> 00:28:19,040 rate and review the Bullvine podcast wherever you listen and share it with a friend who 347 00:28:19,040 --> 00:28:21,880 might be interested in dairy breeding excellence. 348 00:28:21,880 --> 00:28:27,940 You can find the complete article about Kingsway Holsteins at thebullvine.com along with photos 349 00:28:27,940 --> 00:28:31,180 of some of the remarkable animals we've discussed today. 350 00:28:31,180 --> 00:28:33,520 Until then, I'm Bella. 351 00:28:33,520 --> 00:28:34,880 And I'm Douglas. 352 00:28:34,880 --> 00:29:01,880 Thanks for joining us on the Bullvine Podcast.