Russell Gammon speaks about the impact of a closed border
Holstein World: What have been some of the most noticeable changes (if any) in the breed since the closing of the border? How has Jersey Canada continued to maintain the demand and respect of their high quality genetics during this time?
Russell Gammon: Let me begin by being somewhat political in saying that we have all over-reacted about 5,000% to this issue. In life it really does pay to live by the maxim that when handed a lemon or a number of them, make lemonade!
Let’s try and look at some of the positive impacts of this seemingly unfortunate and highly regrettable state of affairs:
Herds are younger with lower SCS ratings, culling has become much tougher as there is not room to keep free-loaders and trouble causers around, our people have realized how very much value there is in those young heifers as herd replacements, producers have realized once again the immense value of investing in animal improvement programs to give them a clear edge in managing their herds’ performance and future.
The quality level of Jerseys on Canadian farms has literally gone through the roof. Prior to May 20, 2003 we were selling scads of really good animals to the USA and Mexico. In both countries interest in Jerseys has grown to such levels that they need lots of the breed. In some years in the late 1990s and early 2000s we were exporting one animal for every four or five registered. There is no question that this was a positive stimulus! Our latest two National Jersey Shows at the RAWF have been out of sight in great quality as the cream of the crop have been staying right here at home. Our 2006 National Show was the largest since 1999, seven years ago! It is likely our population has never been better!
However, the most important aspect of all this has been that we are able to supply a burgeoning domestic demand for Jerseys at reasonable prices. This has made for those dramatic increases in membership mentioned earlier and the appearance of Jerseys on so many Canadian dairy farms! Exports were great but in the last three and a half years we’ve been given a terrific opportunity to grow the breed at home and we have grabbed it and milked it!
We do know that as producers find means of moving cattle of other breeds, that many are keen to add some Jerseys to their program! Sure the world needs live Canadian dairy animals, in addition to the embryos and semen they can have today. While current conditions persist we’ll forge ahead growing the breed here in Canada!
In the interim we have had cows with household names like Veronica, Rory and Circus, and many others bred and born in Canada working for us in major show rings in the USA and elsewhere.
We’re cooperating more than ever before with partners like the Semex Alliance and other AI companies, Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, to get our Canadian message out there. We were thrilled to be part of the amazing Endless Performance conference sponsored by CLGA here in Canada in early November. The world sure saw how Canada was more than ready for the future at that event!
We’re forging ahead with our partners on topics like genomics, health and fitness traits and look forward to the coming to fruition of work at Canadian Dairy Network on profitability and health of dairy cows. We’re also maintaining a leadership role in the World Jersey Cattle Bureau.
Our people still do a fantastic job representing Canada on international marketing/training missions around the globe!