Ferme Claudale

What a surprise it was for Claude and Micheline Bilodeau when they found out that they were receiving a second Master Breeder Award! Their daughter Joannie has owned the Claudale Herd since January 2013 and this was a wonderful opportunity for her to thank them for all the work accomplished since the creation of the farm in 1979. Throughout their entire careers, Claude and Micheline had always been committed to breeding high quality Ayrshires and, today, we are pleased to say: mission accomplished! The Claudale prefix has been synonymous of success for already several years. Numerous animals paraded the show rings and won the highest honours. Claude has lost count of the All-Quebec, All-Canadian, and nominations they have received over the course of his career, but he is most certainly very proud of each and every one of these honours. His greatest pride has been the breeding of Claudale Sally VG 86, a 5-star brood cow. Several of her daughters have stood out at various shows and also contributed to the awarding of this Master Breeder title. For instance, Claudale Chally EX 91 3E, a 3-star brood cow, had been crown Grand Champion at the Spring Show 1997. Although thirty years have passed since Sally’s birth, 17 of her descendants can still be found among the herd. Claudale’s success has spread across the entire province, largely due to the sale of two cows. Sold in 2003 to Colleen McOuat, Claudale Millile VG 86 produced 80,763 kg in 8 lactations. Another one has been Claudale Elantra VG 85, sold to La Sapinière Ayrshire Farm, who has also contributed many points with a lifetime production of 72,337 kg over 6 lactations. When he was managing the Claudale Herd, Claude always made his breeding decisions in accordance with his philosophy, which he passed on to his daughter: aim for a well-balanced herd with regards to type and production but, above all, breed functional cows with great longevity. Claude and Micheline are presently enjoying a very active early retirement. Even though the quota and the herd have been transferred over to his daughter Joannie, Claude is still very involved at the farm and continues to play a big role in its success. His experience and knowledge will always remain valued in the development of the business. Claude still cultivates the land, with the assistance of Micheline. They own 220 acres of land, of which 135 are cultivated for forage and corn silage sold to Joannie. 25 acres are still wooded and 40 are assigned to the production of soy and oats intended for sale. Presently, the herd counts 78 animals, with 45 cows in lactation, and is classified as follow: 1 EX 92 2E, 21 VG, 19 GP, and 5 G. The production average is 7,956 kg with 4.35% fat and 3.56% protein. Although the Claudale prefix will slowly be replaced over the years by the Lady In Red one, its genetics will remain forever etched into history and into the lineage of this herd.