What does it take to build a facility fit to house an outstanding herd, recognized for its high-caliber classification around the world? Years of preparation, says Steve Comtois of Victoriaville, Quebec’s Comestar Holstein.

Coined the “most prolific accolade awarded” by Holstein Canada, the Master Breeder Award is not something to sneeze at.

In 2002, Doug Blair, David Chalack and Glenn Hockley started a conversation at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair that would prove extremely fruitful for themselves and the Holstein breed.

Much like the focus elite athletes give to their workouts, training programs and diets, managers of high-producing dairy cows must dedicate a similar level of care and attention to fine-tuning the health and routine of their herd.