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Ferme RJM Demers

Ferme RJM Demers

2012

The 6th generation is currently active on the Ferme RJM Demers Farm, located in Béthanie, Québec, which is not far from St-Hyacinthe. Over its long history, Ayrshire cows have always been part of this breeding herd. In 1974, a new page was turned toward the future, as official milk recording and registrations were introduced at the farm. 4 years later, Richard purchased the business from his father and, in 1988, he established the business Ferme RJM Demers with his brother Jean-Marc. 60 cows were then in lactation. Today, it is with much pride that the 6th generation works on the farm. Maxime, Richard’s son, manages the fields. He also takes care of the farm’s maple grove, mostly as a hobby. Alexandre, for his part, manages the herd. He selects sires, supervises feeding… he is the herd’s wizard. Alexandre’s spouse, Catherine, gives a hand during her free time as well as in the evenings and on week-ends, as she also has another job offsite. They share a passion for exhibitions; as such, it is always a pleasure for them to attend these. Alexandre and Maxime’s parents are also still very much involved. Richard oversees the business as a whole, while his wife Louise is always ready to help and cover as needed. The Farm currently has 80 cows in lactation. Among these, 9 are EX, 47 are VG, 40 are GP, and 3 are G. The production average is 7,789 kg with a BCA of 224-210-227. For 2012, the Farm was a matter of fact ranked 5th for its milk quality in the region.  The business owns 565 acres of land, of which 300 are cultivated annually. In the future, the owners would like to increase the production of milk per cow, by optimizing their crop yield in the fields. Also, the animals’ comfort will eventually be improved, and the feeding system, upgraded. Eventually, the Farm will also be transferred from Richard to his sons, Alexandre and Maxime. For them, their countless hours of work are being rewarded with this Master Breeder Award, the work for a passion which requires a lot of time and will. In addition, winning this Award with almost no purchased cow at the base of the herd brings them great satisfaction. Many cows contributed points toward this Award, such as Demers Medalist Marina EX 3E, who produced 76,367 kg of milk, Demers Legend Dixie EX 3E with 77,192 kg of milk, or even Demers Plata Shado VG 86 with a lifetime production of 95,887 kg. These cows with a non-negligible longevity have greatly impacted the herd. They are also proud of having cows which stand out at exhibitions, including Demers Sum Total Cacahuette who was Grand Champion at the Québec Show this year. In addition, over the last 10 years, Alexandre’s intensified work earned the prefix Demers 11 All-Canadian Nominations, including 2 Reserve titles. Many Breeder and Exhibitor banners have also been won, including in St-Hyacinthe and Brome, and every time they have the chance, they exhibit animals in Toronto. Nevertheless, let us recall that Demers Marcellus Megane was the first big star of the Farm. Many cows have received stars as breeder cows but also for their great productions. For the owners, farming is a work and a passion that is transmitted from generation to generation. The Ayrshire Canada Association is proud to offer this first Master Breeder Award to the Ferme RJM Demers Farm for the entire work accomplished.