Albert Cormier has a passion for Holsteins and unmatched cow sense that, over the years, has enabled him to contribute to the development of exceptional, influential cows such as Brookview Tony Charity, C Lauduc Broker Mandy, Skys-the-Limit Claire and Lylehaven Lila Z. Through perseverance and hard work, he earned a Master Breeder Shield in 2002 for his Calbrett Holsteins herd. Albert founded the Cormdale Export Company and was one if the pioneers in the export of high-quality, Holstein genetics. He was also one of the first in the industry to import European semen into Canada from the Netherlands. More recently, Albert was a founder of Genervations, one of the most successful private A.I. centres in Canada. The definition of a marketer, Albert has organized numerous world-class sales over the years, including the Cormdale High Index Sale and Cormdale 500. He has always been a future-focused individual and was one of the first breeders to use and promote indexes, genomics and the polled gene.

“By being visionary and progressive, Albert Cormier influenced an entire generation of breeders, exhibitors and sales managers,” writes nominator Robert Chabot of Ferme Belfast Inc. “For many he has been a great inspiration, and he has been an active participant in the development of investor groups such as Vogue Cattle Company, Génibeq and Showbiz. Albert has been a true mentor to many of the current leaders of our industry.”

Along with his wife, Dr. Karen Galbraith, Steve Dolson has been a long-time member and supporter of Holstein Canada, having earned a Master Breeder Shield for his well-respected Legacy Holsteins herd. In addition to managing the day-to-day operation of the farm, Steve has also made significant contributions to the industry in a number of ways. At the local level, Steve has been an active and valued director of the Perth County Holstein Club, serving as President in 2003. During his tenure with the club, Steve is credited with introducing the concept of the on-farm conformation competition or “Breeder’s Cup”, an idea he heard about in Australia. The first competition was held in Perth County in 2006, and has taken off with competitions now being held in almost every county in Ontario and a number in other provinces across Canada. A devoted father and mentor for youth in agriculture, Steve is a past 4-H leader in Perth County and currently serves as an Ontario 4-H Foundation Trustee. Steve also served as a Director of United Breeders Inc. (UBI) from 1988-1995, and served as President

in 1995. In 1996, Steve played a pivotal role when UBI and Western Ontario Breeders Inc. (WOBI) amalgamated to become Gencor. Steve went above and beyond during his tenure, even assuming overall management responsibilities for a time while searching for a new general manager. He was also involved early in the process of forming the Semex Alliance. In addition to his time spent in leadership on the breeding side of the industry, Steve has also spent several years serving as a Director on the Board for Gay Lea Foods. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board and played an integral role in Gay Lea’s decision to invest $140 million dollars to establish an innovative, nutrition and nutraceutical-grade dairy ingredients business in Canada.

“As if the pursuit of breeding excellence and the daily work involved in operating a modern dairy farm with a robot milking facility are not enough, Steve has managed to devote a vast amount of his life to the Holstein breed and dairy industry,” writes Tara Reynolds on behalf of nominator the Perth County Holstein Club. “Much of his effort has undoubtedly benefitted countless others at the regional, provincial and national level.”

Both incredibly prestigious and distinguished awards, the Certificate of Superior Accomplishment and the Certificate of Recognition have only been awarded a combined total of 23 times since 1954. Both the Certificate of Superior Accomplishment and the Certificate of Recognition were last awarded in 2016. Both awards recognize qualities and activities such as: enhancing working relationships; promoting the breed, the Association, and/or Association programs; mentorship and leadership; education; and time and contribution significantly over and above what is considered “part of the job”. The Certificate of Superior Accomplishment recognizes these qualities and activities with a national/international impact, while the Certificate of Recognition recognizes these same qualities and activities with more of a provincial or regional impact.