Holstein Canada directors and staff celebrated with industry partners, M.P. Phil McColeman, Brantford City Councillor Dan McCreary, Brant County Mayor Ron Eddy, and the Brant community as bronze, life-size sculptures of a dairy cow and calf were unveiled and displayed Tuesday, July 21. In attendance was the internationally-acclaimed creator Joe Fafard, Lumsden, SK. Commenting on his handiworks, Joe stated, “The first time working with a committee (Holstein Directors) turned out well. I wanted the sculptures to feel like they were living individuals.”
The actual unveiling of the cow was fulfilled by Joe and Holstein Canada’s Past-President, Brian Leach, Cobden, ON. Vice-President Glen McNeil, Goderich, ON and Executive Committee member Dale Strudwick, Balgonie, SK uncovered the calf. The cow’s name was announced as Kanata, referring to the Mohawk word for village or settlement, linked to the origins of the country’s name'Canada. The calf, identified as Kanata Bella Futura, is named after her mother and stands for beautiful future in Latin.
Ever since the permanent move to its Corporate Place location in 2002, Holstein Canada’s Board of Directors had discussed a permanent, identifiable, visual image for the forefront of its property. However, the timing was inappropriate until the dairy industry and export markets rebounded to normal levels, in 2008, following BSE and closed borders. Moreover, this artifact was commissioned in Holstein Canada’s 125th anniversary year. The charcoal-grey cow and calf posed on novel, steel bases portray the commitment of Canadian dairy breeders to excellence, draw attention to the beauty of the animal that produces wholesome, nutritious milk, and recognize the dairy cow’s contribution to human health. The cow symbolizes the original importations and ancestry of Canada’s dairy herd. The calf represents youth, the product of continuous breed improvement, and future generations to come.
Holstein Canada’s President Germain Lehoux, Saint-Elzéar, Qc elaborated on the symbolism of the dairy sculptures. He stated, “The dairy cow is our source of income and pride. The calf is the next generation of cows and our future.”
The Holstein dairy breed, easily recognizable by its black and white markings, was first imported to North America from Holland in 1881. Today, the Association has over 11,000 members across Canada and represents 93% of the Canadian dairy cattle population.
