Episode Notes: The Legacy of Mount Victoria Farms

• Introduction to Mount Victoria Farms, founded by Thomas Bassett Macaulay in Quebec, Canada in 1899

• Macaulay’s background as an insurance executive and actuary

• Macaulay’s late start in Holstein breeding at age 69 in 1924

• The acquisition of key foundation animals, including Johanna Rag Apple Pabst for $15,000 in 1926

• Macaulay’s scientific approach to breeding, focusing on high butterfat production and good conformation

• The development of influential cow families like the Colanthas, Bonheurs, and Hartogs

• The impact of Johanna Rag Apple Pabst and his descendants on the Holstein breed globally

• Key sires discussed: Montvic Pathfinder, Montvic Rag Apple Colantha Abbekerk, Montvic Rag Apple Ajax

• The global influence of Mount Victoria genetics, with an estimated 90% of Canadian Holsteins tracing back to the herd by the 1950s

• The dispersal of the Mount Victoria herd in 1942 and the continued impact of its genetics

• Lessons for modern breeders from Macaulay’s methods, including the importance of clear goals, data-driven selection, and challenging conventional wisdom

• The enduring legacy of Mount Victoria Farms in shaping the modern Holstein breed

https://www.thebullvine.com/breeder-profiles/the-vision-of-mount-victoria-t-b-macaulays-holstein-legacy/