Ferme Des Chamois

For Des Chamois, it’s determination, hard work and courage that won them this title of Master Breeder. It all began in 1989, when Jacques Henchoz and Loraine Yersin acquired Ferme Des Chamois, located in Farnham, Quebec. With their two children, Raoul and Jenny, they left Switzerland and their family to begin a new adventure; it’s with Ayrshires that they would live it. A few years later, following a long battle with sickness, Jacques retired from the farm. However, with the passion in her blood, Loraine decided to take on the challenge of raising her two children and continue working the farm by herself. Then one day, she met Roger Goncerut, someone who shared the same passions, and they decided to pursue the farm’s evolution together. Many changes were made, one of which was the construction of a new barn to house all the animals under one roof, simplify tasks and greatly improve the animals’ comfort. Loraine and Roger are actively involved in genetics selection and herd management. Loraine looks after feeding the heifers and the cows, while Roger divides his time between genetics and other tasks such as milking. He also does all the inseminations and come summer, supervises the work in the fields with Raoul who has not completed a diploma of professional studies in agriculture in 2000. The latter, being passionate about machinery, is in charge of the tractors maintenance and works in the fields while helping with milking morning and night. His friend Karine is also involved in the business on a part-time basis. Having always had a passion for good animals, they are particularly proud of their herd. Even if, for marketing reasons, the herd is now mix, the Ayrshires will always have their place in the herd, mainly for their pride and stout-heartedness. Today, the Ayrshire herd has 1 EX 96 2E, 2 EX 91, 4 VG and 1 GP and it’s 6 EX, 18 VG, 9 GP and 1 G for the Holstein herd. The production averages are 10 851kg with 4.2% fat and 3.4% protein for a BCA of 294-305-301; for the Holsteins, 11 313kg with 4.0% fat and 3.2% protein, for a BCA of 249-271-252. For Roger and Loraine, competition is always on their mind. Therefore, come summer, it is often time to prepare the animals for exhibitions. This is why when we asked them to name a cow that they are particularly fond of, it was Jonholm Kellogg’s Fiona that they named. As Loraine says: “All breeders dream of hang a Grand Champion banner from the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair and Jonholm Kellogg’s Fiona gave us this magic moment last November.” » Many other cows left their mark, one only needs to remember VKH Jessamine Nationale, EX 95 3E that Loraine had purchased directly on the fairgrounds at the World Dairy Expo in 1999, or again Marilie BB Polkie, EX 95 5E 3* who produced Des Chamois Poker ET, a very popular bull in America, as well as in Europe and Australia. Des Chamois Victoire, EX 90 2E 3* was one of the best cows raised at the farm. Having had some of the best show results, she produced Des Chamois Vertica, EX 92 6E 4*, who was winner of the Junior 3 Year Old class at the World Dairy Expo at Madison in 2001, as well as numerous All-Canadian and Tout-Quebec nominations and her many participations in various championships. “Victoire” has given over 63% of the points to obtain this Master Breeder award. We cannot not mention the greatest herd ambassador, Des Chamois Sugus, EX 95 7E 3* who was the greatest ambassador in the herd. With her 106,625kg of milk lifetime in 9 lactations, she succeeded in being profitable and produced 2 EX, 3 VG and 1 GP. In view of enforcing the value of the herd and give everyone the change of acquiring a « Des Chamois », it was in April 2003 that “The Sale of Champions” was organized. It was the opportunity for then to show the improvement in their herd from the beginning, and they wanted to offer to everyone the chance to acquire a “Des Chamois”. The highest price paid was for Des Chamois Midnight, purchased by an American, along with a few other animals. Without knowing it, it was an unbelievable stroke of luck because a month later the border was closing for many years. However, ever with less good cows, they never stopped participating in exhibitions and leaving their mark. For them, the title of Master Breeder is, above all, pride. It represents a lot of work and challenges overcome, but today, they are rewarded. Their goals always were and always will be, to breed good cows and be proud of the time they spend doing what they love most, breeding excellent animals. Congratulations to Loraine Yersin, Roger Goncerut and Raoul Henchoz for their first Master Breeder title.