Ferme La Sapinière

Guylaine Lepage and Jean-Marc Daigle became owners of Ferme La Sapinière Ayrshire inc. in March 1997. They bought the herd, quota, land and buildings from Pierre Boulet, a well-known auctioneer. In September of the same year, they registered with the official Milk Recording, classified the animals and updated the registration. A big change in the same year! Eleven years later, their work showed in various ways; their herd classification average was 85 points and there was 9 EX, 34 VG, 16 GP and 6 NC. They were also credited with the best national herd average in the 35 to 49 cows in 2008 and the 2nd best herd average in 2009. For 2010, the La Sapinière herd produced an average of 9512kg of milk with percentages of fat and protein of 4.0% and 3.4% for a BCA of 272-262-278. They were also finalists many times for the quality of their milk in their region. The year 2012 will be special for the Daigle family when their daughter Andréanne will join them at the farm permanently. With a diploma in dairy production from Laval University in 2010, as her very proud parents say: “she will be a high-standard successor.” Therefore, with this arrival, certain projects will materialize, such as the purchase of quota and extension of the present barn. The La Sapinière herd as many good breeding animals, such as La Sapiniere Cacy EX 91 4E 4*. She produced 92,622kg of milk in 7 lactations with 5.0% fat and 3.5% protein. Her highest productions were at 4 years 2 months when in 305 days she produced 13,756kg with components of 4.7% fat and 3.5% protein and at 5 years 10 months, 14,186kg with 5.9% fat and 3.3% protein, for a BCA of 350-509-357. Cacy is not only a great producer; she’s also a beautiful cow. She was the first cow the farm showed at the Spring Show in 2000 where she was 1st and Best Udder of all the Junior 2 year old in the show. Two years later, this Cornelius daughter became the first EX of the herd. Her daughters stand out among the others, such as La Sapiniere Facy VG 88 1*, a Lorenzo. Her sister by Kellcrest Ice Man is classified EX 91 3E and another descendent of Cacy by B-Jurist is classified VG 88 is an Elite Cow. Cacy’s family has numerous Star and Elite cows, which greatly contributed to obtaining this Master Breeder title. They also have some good bulls available from Semex and surely other in the future. Laitquipe Patrick Blanche VG 87 2* was also a good purchase for the farm with two VG 87 daughters, as well as Laitquipe Patrick Dina VG 89 2* with her five VG descendents. For them, this award certifies that their herd is one of the best in the herd. Many envy this title, but they are particularly proud to be among the 2010 recipients. It’s their relentless work that earned them this reward, only 14 years from the beginning. Ayrshire Canada sincerely congratulates Guylaine and Jean-Marc Daigle for this Master Breeder title.