Hello, and welcome back to the Bullvine Podcast.
I'm your host, and today, folks, I've got a story
for you that is quite simply astounding. It's
a tale of dedication, of family, of incredible
vision, and let's be honest, some truly beautiful
cows. We're talking about a farm that has reached
a pinnacle in dairy breeding that most can only
dream of. Imagine this, breeding not one, not
10, not even 100, but 415 excellent classified
cows. Yes, you heard that right, 415 EX cows.
In an entire country, that's a monumental achievement,
and that's exactly what Bosdale Farms has accomplished
right here in Canada. This isn't just a number,
it's a testament to over half a century of grit,
unwavering faith, and some of the most precise,
thoughtful breeding decisions you'll ever encounter.
Behind this incredible success story is the Bos
family, a multi -generational team whose passion
and hard work have placed them firmly among the
legends of Canadian dairy. So grab a coffee,
settle in, because I want to take you on their
incredible journey. This is the story of Bosdale
Farms, the legacy behind Canada's most excellent
cows. You know, some success stories seem to
happen overnight. A flash in the pan, a lucky
break. Well, let me tell you, the Bosdale story,
it's the polar opposite of that. This is a story
built brick by brick, decision by decision, generation
by generation. Our story begins way back in December
1972. Bastian Boss, the patriarch, along with
his four sons, John, Gerald, Ed, and Pete, they
started with what you'd call humble beginnings.
An unclassified commercial herd, about 80 milking
cows. Nothing fancy, nothing out of the ordinary,
just a family looking to make a life in dairy.
They first decided to classify their herd in
1976. Now, for those of you who might be new
to this, Classification is basically a scorecard
for a cow's physical traits, how well she's built,
how functional she is. And those first results?
Well, they were modest. They had 45 cows score
good, another 45 good plus, and just two, only
two, that managed to hit very good. And excellent
cows? Not a single one in sight. Zero. Think
about that starting point. It's a long way from
415, isn't it? Their very first excellent classification.
a moment I'm sure is etched in their memories,
didn't arrive until November 7th, 1980. That
first EX cow must have felt like winning the
lottery. It was a huge milestone, a sign that
maybe, just maybe, they were on the right track.
But here's where the real story of their perseverance,
their sheer tenacity, begins to shine. Are you
ready for this? They didn't achieve their second
EX classification until July 23rd, 1991. That's
nearly 11 years later. 11 years between their
first and second excellent cow. Let that sink
in. Most people, and I mean most people, would
have probably thought, well, maybe this high
-type breeding isn't for us. Maybe we should
focus elsewhere. They might have given up on
that particular dream, but not the boss family.
That tells you something profound about their
character, their belief in their vision, and
their patience. Oh, the patience. And you know
what? That patience, that unwavering belief,
it eventually paid off. And it paid off in a
big way. In 1993, Bosdale Farms earned their
first Master Breeder Shield from Holstein, Canada.
Now, for those outside the dairy world, think
of a Master Breeder Shield as winning the Stanley
Cup or an Olympic gold medal, but for dairy cattle
breeding. It recognizes years, often decades,
of breeding cows that excel in both production
and confirmation, generation after generation.
It's the ultimate accolade. And they didn't just
do it once. They've earned that prestigious shield
three times. Three master breeder shields. That's
entering dynasty territory, folks. Fast forward
to today, and Bosdale Fall Farms is something
truly awe -inspiring. They're milking 250 cows
across two locations. But they haven't just stuck
to dairy. They've diversified. They have a 900
-sow farrowing barn, two finishing barns for
pigs, and they're farming 1 ,700 acres, growing
corn, beans, wheat, and alfalfa. This isn't just
a dairy farm anymore. It's a significant agricultural
enterprise, employing 15 people. And at its heart,
it remains one of the world's most respected
breeding programs for Holstein cattle. So the
question everyone asks, the question I'm sure
is on your minds right now is, what's their secret?
How on earth does a farm go from zero henleys,
excellent cows, to 415? How do you build that
kind of legacy? Well, it all boils down to their
breeding philosophy. And it's a philosophy that's
beautifully simple in its concept, but incredibly
disciplined in its execution. They've always
centered on confirmation excellence. Breeding
cows that are structurally sound, beautifully
balanced, but, and this is crucial, always with
practical, economic considerations in mind. They
put it this way, and I quote, We have always
believed that breeding for a well -balanced high
-type cow achieves the highest profitability.
An excellent cow is a good benchmark for longevity.
We see our profitability per cow being maximized
with cows that continue to keep themselves in
the herd. Listen to that again. Cows that continue
to keep themselves in the herd. That's the key.
This focus on confirmation, on type as we call
it, isn't just about winning ribbons at the local
show though believe me they've won their fair
share of those too it's about creating functional
durable long -lasting cows cows that stay healthy
breed back easily and deliver high quality milk
over many lactations cows that are simply put
profitable because they stick around their breeding
decisions the ones they make every single day
revolve around three critical areas three pillars
of a great dairy cow udders feet and legs, and
rumps. Think about it. A fantastic udder is essential
for milk production and health. Strong feet and
legs are crucial for mobility, for getting to
the feed bunk, for comfort, especially as cows
get older. And a good rump structure? That's
important for calving ease and overall strength.
Get these right, and you're building a cow that's
built to last. Now, having a philosophy is one
thing. Putting it into practice consistently,
year after year, decade after decade, that's
where the magic, or rather the hard work, really
happens. The Boz family's approach to genetic
selection isn't about chasing trends. It's methodical,
it's personalized, and it's patient. Here's how
they describe their process for choosing which
bull to mate with which cow. When selecting sire
matings, we begin by analyzing each cow, including
her breakdowns, her strengths, and her weaknesses.
Then we select a sire that will most adequately
produce progeny that will see genetic improvement
over the dam in these areas. It's like being
a master tailor. You're not just grabbing any
fabric. You're looking at the individual, seeing
what fits, what needs to be enhanced, what needs
to be corrected. They're not just hopping on
the bandwagon of the latest, hottest, young genomic
sire with no proven daughters yet. No, their
advice, and it's advice they live by. is stay
current always using the best proven bulls proven
bulls bulls that have already demonstrated through
their daughters that they can deliver the goods
this steady consistent approach has allowed them
to make continuous genetic progress avoiding
those wild swings that roller coaster ride that
can sometimes come with relying too heavily on
less proven more volatile genetics it's a marathon
not a sprint and they've paced themselves perfectly
You know, a farm with this level of success,
spanning over 50 years, it doesn't happen without
an incredible team. And at Bosdale, that team
is family. This isn't just a business. It's a
family legacy, built and maintained by multiple
generations working side by side. Ed and John
Boss, two of Bastian's sons, they've been there
since day one. Imagine the changes they've seen,
the challenges they've overcome, the triumphs
they've celebrated together. And now, the next
generation is deeply involved, each bringing
their unique talents and passion to the operation.
There's Josh, Justin, Peter, and Ben. Peter,
for instance, he's managing a secondary dairy
that the family recently acquired. But he's not
just there. He's also heavily involved with the
shows, with marketing and sales for their elite
genetics, and he's out in the fields too. Justin,
he's focused on the day -to -day herd management,
a massive job in itself. and he works closely
with his father on those critical breeding strategies
we just talked about. Ben, he's got the crucial
role of overseeing calf raising, the future of
the herd. He's also diving into research on profitable
dairy practices, always looking for an edge,
and he handles equipment and cropping responsibilities.
And Josh, he's been instrumental in bringing
new technologies into the operation, finding
that perfect sweet spot between innovation and
the time -tested traditions that have made Bosdale
what it is. I was really struck by how the brothers
describe working together. They said, and I quote,
Working together as brothers comes with a greater
responsibility towards each other in facing life's
challenges. We have enjoyed that mentality of
being there for each other in challenging situations,
as well as other things like a late -night filling
silo or calving cows. Wow. a greater responsibility
towards each other. That really says it all,
doesn't it? That's the kind of bond, that shared
commitment, that mutual support, that builds
something truly special, something lasting. It's
not always easy working with family, as many
of us know, but when it clicks, when that respect
and shared purpose are there, it's an incredibly
powerful force. And at Bosdale, it's clearly
clicking. Now, every truly great breeding operation
every farm that achieves this kind of consistent
excellence has its cornerstone cow families these
are the matriarchs the lines of cows that just
seem to have that magic touch consistently producing
daughters and granddaughters that are better
than themselves at bosdale two names stand out
the portrait family and the barbie family these
families haven't just stumbled into success they've
earned their esteemed status through generations
of consistent outstanding performance. The family
notes they are successful because they continue
to breed high -type productive cows that repeatedly
transmit good genetics from generation to generation.
It's that repeatability, that consistency, that
breeders dream of. And the story of the Portrait
family? Oh, it perfectly illustrates that blend
of strategic thinking, a bit of daring, and that
timely decision -making that has been a hallmark
of Bosdale's breeding program. Ed Boz shared
a pivotal moment, a real what -if moment that
changed their trajectory. He said, and I'm sharing
this directly because it's such a great insight.
We had a really exciting young counselor daughter,
a two -year -old, and while she was going through
her health tests, we decided to take a single
flush from her because, unfortunately, she had
to be culled because she was open, meaning she
wasn't pregnant. This single flush resulted in
Bosdale Stardust Portrait, who became the second
dam of the famous outside portrait. Without doing
that, without making that decision to flush her
right then and there, the portrait family would
not have been nearly as big a part of Bosdale
as they are today. Think about that. One decision,
one flush from a promising young cow that for
health reasons wasn't going to stay in the herd.
That single act of foresight. of recognizing
the genetic potential even when the cow herself
couldn't stay, created a genetic line that became
absolutely central to their entire breeding program.
It's a powerful reminder that sometimes in breeding,
you have to seize those fleeting opportunities.
It shows how recognizing those moments and having
the courage to act can make all the difference
in the world. What a story. So we've talked about
their philosophy, their family, their cow families.
But what about technology? In a world that's
changing so fast, how does a farm with such deep
roots in traditional breeding methods approach
modern innovations? Well, Bosdale approaches
new technologies with the same thoughtful consideration
they apply to everything else. They have a deep
respect for those tried and true breeding methods,
the cow sense that comes from decades of experience.
but they're not afraid to incorporate new tools
that can enhance their operation. Their approach
to genomic testing is a perfect example of this
balanced perspective. Now, genomic testing gives
us a DNA -based prediction of an animal's future
genetic merit even before she has her first calf.
It's a powerful tool. The Boz family acknowledges
this. They say genomic testing can provide a
baseline for genetic selection across a herd.
However, and this is a big however for them,
they believe, and I quote, a much higher degree
of reliability can be seen through knowing and
understanding individual cows, knowing how cow
families and bulls transmit, using bulls with
proven numbers, and using that information to
pinpoint your sire selection. So, they don't
dismiss genomics entirely. They use it selectively
for a baseline measure on certain traits where
data may be inadequately measured. But, and this
is their core belief, They maintain that nothing
should override good common cow sense with proven
cow families. It's that blend again, using the
new but trusting the proven. It's wisdom in action.
Perhaps one of the most significant technological
advancements they've embraced at Bosdale has
been the incorporation of robotic milking systems.
This is a big step for any dairy. The decision
to expand their operation using robots came from
a very practical desire. They wanted to grow
the farm. to milk more cows but without substantially
increasing their labor requirements labor is
a challenge for everyone in agriculture as we
all know the family explains we decided to expand
with robots because we wanted to continue to
grow the farm and still be able to manage it
without adding to our labor we continue to work
with both systems to maximize the herd's potential
so they have traditional tie stall facilities
where much of this breeding success was forged
and they also have these modern robotic milking
systems. This combination really shows how practical
and adaptable they are. They're embracing innovation
where it makes sense for their goals while maintaining
the practices that have proven successful for
them over decades. It's not about choosing one
over the other. It's about finding the right
mix for Bosdale. So, what truly drives them?
After 50 years, after all the accolades, the
challenges, the sheer hard work, What keeps the
Boz family going? What fuels their passion for
dairy breeding? When asked this, their answer
is one that just makes you smile. It's succinct,
it's a bit cheeky, but it's profoundly true for
so many dedicated breeders. They say, life is
too short to milk ugly cows. I love that. It's
honest, it's memorable. But behind that quip,
as you can imagine, lies a much deeper truth
about what motivates the Boz family. It's that
relentless, continuous pursuit of improvement,
the pursuit of excellence in everything they
do. They explain, The family doesn't just see
their work as farming. They describe it as the
pursuit of excellence. They acknowledge the realities.
Farming is hard work, they say. No one in this
industry would argue with that. But, they add,
When every new calf has the opportunity to become
your next big show cow, your next star brood
cow, or lifetime production cow, it makes farming
a passion and not just a job. Every new calf.
Every single one represents possibility, potential,
promise. It's that hope, that dream of breeding
the next great one, that transforms the daily
grind into a passionate pursuit. That's what
gets them up in the morning. That's what keeps
them going through long nights during calving
season, or harvest. It's a fire in the belly
that clearly hasn't dimmed one bit over all these
years. Now we've talked a lot about the triumphs,
the Forden 15 excellent cows, the master breeder
shields, but it's important to remember that
a journey of this length, especially in farming,
is never without its profound challenges. The
path to becoming Canada's leader in excellent
cow classifications wasn't a straight easy line.
We already talked about that incredible 11 -year
gap between their first and second EX cow. That
alone tells you about the patience and resilience
required. What makes the achievement of 415 excellent
cows even more remarkable is when you truly understand
the Holstein classification system. To achieve
an excellent score, a cow has to demonstrate
exceptional confirmation, that's her physical
structure, across multiple, very specific trait
categories. These aren't just pretty cows in
a show ring sense. These are functionally superior
animals, built to produce milk efficiently, stay
healthy, and last for many, many years. For context,
in most herds, even very good herds, only a small
percentage of cows ever achieve excellent status.
To have 415 individual animals reach this benchmark,
it just speaks volumes about the consistency
of Bosdale's breeding program, their unwavering
commitment to type, all while maintaining high
levels of production. They haven't sacrificed
one for the other. They've built this excellence
one generation at a time. Their approach has
been methodical, patient. They've focused on
steady, incremental improvement across generations
rather than chasing quick, flashy results or
blindly following every new trend. This is so
evident in how they select their matings. always
looking to address specific weaknesses in a cow
while building upon her existing strengths. We
talked about the portrait family and that strategic
flush. That really exemplifies this generational
thinking. They weren't just thinking about that
one cow, they were thinking about her potential
descendants. By making those kinds of astute
decisions, they've built genetic lines that continue
to produce exceptional animals, generation after
generation. It's like building a dynasty. This
long -term perspective, it extends to their bull
selection as well. While many breeders today
might be tempted to chase the newest genomic
young sires, the ones with exciting DNA profiles
but no actual daughters on the ground yet, Bosdale
has largely maintained their focus on proven
bulls. Bulls with daughter performance, they
can see, they can touch, they can trust. This
doesn't mean they're stuck in the past, not at
all. They simply value reliability and predictability
when making those crucial breeding decisions
that will shape their herd for years to come.
One of the most impressive aspects of the Bosdale
story, beyond the cows themselves, is how they've
navigated the complexities and challenges of
running a multi -generational family business.
It's one thing to be a great cow breeder. It's
another to successfully integrate multiple family
members, multiple generations into a thriving,
harmonious operation. With so many family members
involved, they've found ways to leverage everyone's
individual strengths while maintaining a clear,
unified vision for the farm. Their approach to
management sounds straightforward, but it's clearly
effective. Each family member has specific roles
and responsibilities. Breeding decisions, which
are so critical to their identity, are typically
managed by a smaller focused group within the
family this structure provides clarity accountability
and ensures everyone can contribute meaningfully
to the farm's overall success the involvement
of that next generation josh justin peter and
ben whom we mentioned earlier has been absolutely
key they're not just waiting in the wings they
are actively shaping the future of bosdale bringing
new perspectives new energy and specialized skills
to the operation. Josh's focus on technology
integration, Justin's hands -on involvement in
herd management and breeding strategy, Peter's
skilled management of their secondary location,
and his work in marketing, and Ben's dedication
to calf raising and innovative research, all
these contributions are vital to the farm's continued
evolution and success. Successfully integrating
multiple generations is a hurdle many family
farms struggle with. and some, sadly, don't overcome.
So Bosdale's accomplishment in this area, this
family harmony and shared purpose, is in my opinion,
just as noteworthy as their incredible breeding
success. It's the human foundation upon which
all those excellent cows are built. And like
all families, like all farm operations, Bosdale
has faced its share of significant challenges,
its heartbreaks. None they share. was more devastating
than the loss of their son and brother, Timothy,
on May 1, 2020. A loss like that is profound.
It changes a family forever. And for the Boz
family, this unimaginable loss reinforced for
them, in their own words, how precious life is,
that every day is a gift from our Heavenly Father,
and that we must be forever thankful for what
He has given us. It's a perspective born from
sorrow, but filled with grace. They've also navigated
that universal challenge one many family farms
face, growing the operation and incorporating
the next generation so that everyone can feel
that they are a part of the farm's success. Their
structured approach to management with clear
roles and responsibilities directly addresses
this, ensuring everyone has a stake, a voice,
and a sense of belonging. And of course, there
are the ongoing challenges inherent in the dairy
industry itself. Volatile milk prices that can
turn your budget upside down overnight. Rising
input costs for feed, fuel, fertilizer. Labor
shortages that make finding and keeping good
help a constant struggle and ever -evolving consumer
preferences that the industry must adapt to.
Bosdale has responded to these pressures by strategically
diversifying their operation, as we heard, with
their hog enterprise and extensive cropping,
all while remaining laser -focused on what they
do best. breeding absolutely exceptional dairy
cattle. Their ability to not just weather these
storms, but to continue to excel, to continue
to lead, speaks volumes about their resilience,
their adaptability, and their unwavering commitment
to their core values. As we delve deeper into
the Bosdale story, it becomes abundantly clear
that there's another dimension to their success,
a bedrock that underpins everything they do,
and that is the Boss family's faith. When you
talk to them about what drives them, what shapes
their decisions, their faith is central to that
conversation. They view their work not just as
a business, not just as a way to make a living,
but as a stewardship. They see the land, the
animals, the opportunities they've been given
as resources entrusted to them by God. And this
perspective, this deeply held belief, shapes
how they approach their breeding decisions, how
they manage their farm, and how they nurture
their family relationships. Their hope for how
Bosdale Farms will be remembered really reflects
this spiritual foundation. They shared this with
me, and I think it's incredibly powerful. If
we were to be remembered, hopefully it would
not simply be for achievements, but that those
achievements would reflect on our commitment
to working hard, the importance of family, and
our commitment to serving our Lord and Savior,
Jesus Christ. as we attempt to wisely steward
the animals, land, and people that we have been
given for the time we are here. Wisely steward
for the time we are here. That's a profound statement.
It speaks to a purpose that extends far beyond
profit margins and show ribbons and classification
scores. It gives a deeper meaning to the daily
toil, the triumphs, and the trials of farming
and breeding. It also helps to explain their
remarkable long -term approach. They're not just
building for today. They're building something
designed to last, something that honors their
beliefs, a legacy of excellence, yes, but also
a legacy of faithful stewardship. So, for those
listening today, especially the younger generation
of breeders, those who dream of achieving even
a fraction of what Bosdale has accomplished,
what wisdom does this remarkable family offer?
Their advice is practical. It's grounded in their
decades of lived experience, and it's pure gold.
They say, be patient. Success in breeding takes
time and hard work. That 11 -year gap we talked
about, prime example. Patience isn't just a virtue
in breeding. It's a necessity. They also advise,
don't be afraid to set your goals high and work
towards them. They aimed for excellence, and
they achieved it on an unprecedented scale. That
comes from having a bold vision. And finally,
a crucial piece of advice. always remember you
work together with each other as a team. Patience,
perseverance, ambitious goals tempered with realism,
and the incredible strength of family unity and
teamwork. This, in a nutshell, is what has made
Bosdale Farms so phenomenally successful. Their
emphasis on patience is particularly striking
in today's world, isn't it? We live in an age
of instant gratification, quick fixes, but breeding
exceptional dairy cattle Creating animals that
are both beautiful and productive and long -lasting,
there are no shortcuts for that. It takes time.
It takes generations sometimes. Their journey
proves that persistence, that sticking to your
principles even when results are slow to come,
eventually pays incredible dividends. Their advice
to set your goals high and work towards them,
that speaks to the power of vision. Without a
clear picture of what you're striving for, it's
so easy to get sidetracked. to get discouraged
by setbacks. Bosdale's unwavering focus on breeding
those well -balanced, high -type cows that has
been their North Star, guiding their decisions
for over 50 years through all the changes and
trends in the industry. And that reminder about
teamwork? It underscores the collaborative heart
of successful dairy breeding. No single person
can do it all. It truly takes a dedicated team,
all pulling in the same direction, working towards
those shared goals. This is especially true,
and often especially challenging, in family operations,
where aligning multiple perspectives, multiple
personalities, and multiple priorities can be
tough, but oh so rewarding when you get it right,
as the Bos family clearly has. Looking ahead,
what's next for Bosdale Farms? After achieving
so much, do they rest on their laurels? Not a
chance. The Boss family maintains their commitment
to strategic growth, saying simply, we will continue
to grow where opportunities arise. Their focus
remains crystal clear, breeding exceptional cattle
and maintaining their hard -earned position as
leaders in Canadian dairy genetics. With that
talented next generation, Josh, Justin, Peter
and Ben, now so actively and integrally involved
in every facet of the operation, Bosdale is incredibly
well positioned for continued success. for decades
to come. You've got the experienced leadership
of Ed and John who've seen it all, combined with
the fresh perspectives, the specialized skills,
the innovative drive of the younger generation.
That's a powerful, almost unbeatable foundation
for future growth and continued excellence. Their
balanced, thoughtful approach to technology adoption
suggests they'll continue to embrace innovations
that enhance their operation, that make them
more efficient, or provide new insights, but
always while staying true to those core breeding
principles that have served them so incredibly
well for so long. The successful integration
of robotic milking alongside their traditional
facilities is a perfect example of their ability
to evolve wisely, preserving what works while
adopting what's new and beneficial. As the dairy
industry continues to change, as it inevitably
will, Bosdale's enduring commitment to breeding
functional, profitable, long -lasting cows positions
them perfectly for whatever challenges and opportunities
lie ahead. Their unwavering focus on confirmation
excellence, always balanced with practical economic
considerations, has proven to be a winning formula
through decades of industry evolution, and there's
no reason to think that will change. You know,
by consistently, meticulously attending to the
small details, the individual cow, the specific
mating, the daily chores, While always keeping
their eyes on that bigger picture, that long
-term vision, Bosdale Farms has achieved what
very few breeding operations anywhere in the
world ever accomplish. Those 415 excellent cows,
they aren't just classification scores in a database.
They represent the brilliant culmination of patient,
dedicated breeding work across multiple generations.
Generations of cattle, yes, but just as importantly,
generations of the Bos family itself. In an industry
that is, quite rightly, increasingly embracing
technological solutions and data -driven decision
-making, the Bosdale story serves as a vital
and inspiring reminder. It reminds us that truly
successful breeding still requires those uniquely
human elements, decades of experience, keen intuition,
the art of observation, that direct hands -on
animal husbandry. Their story demonstrates so
powerfully that true excellence isn't achieved
through shortcuts or quick fixes. It's forged
through the consistent, disciplined application
of sound principles over a very long time. Perhaps
most importantly, though, the Bosdale story reminds
us that the most meaningful success, the kind
that truly endures, transcends mere numbers and
achievements. Their legacy isn't just about 415
excellent cows or three master breeder shields,
as incredible as those achievements are. It's
about a family, united in purpose, working together
to steward their resources wisely, to create
something of lasting value and beauty, and to
honor their faith through the dedicated pursuit
of excellence in their daily work. As we look
across the Canadian dairy landscape, and indeed
the global dairy scene, few operations have made
a mark as significant, as lasting, as Bosdale
Farms. Their journey from that unclassified commercial
herd in 1972 to becoming the breeder of the most
excellent classified cows in all of Canada is
a story that should inspire and teach every single
one of us who is passionate about dairy breeding,
about agriculture, or frankly, about achieving
any difficult worthwhile goal. Their story reminds
us powerfully that remarkable things are possible
with patience, with persistence, with an unwavering
commitment to excellence, and with a whole lot
of heart. Even if those remarkable achievements
take decades, or a lifetime to fully realize.
What a journey. What a family. What a legacy.
Bosdale Farms. Remember that name. Thank you
for joining me on the Bullvine Podcast today.
We'll catch you next time for more stories from
the heart of the dairy industry.