Laroc Farm

The farm began in 1913, with my grand-father, George Larocque. I, Claude, bought the farm from my father, Elzéar, in 1981. At that time, the herd was made of 45 crossbred Ayrshires. In 1989, my wife, Andrée Chicoine, joined the business as partner. The farm is now at its 4th generation, with the arrival in 2018 of my children Joanie and Alexandre as partners. The herd is now composed of 75 cows in milk, for a total of 145 head of purebred Ayrshire cattle. In 2012, several improvements were made to the cow barn, including an extension comprised of heifer stalls. We own 90 hectares of land that are 100% drained. This allows us to be self-sufficient. The classification of the herd is as follows: 5 Excellent, 35 Very Good, 40 Good Plus, and 7 Good. The current production is 9,016 kg of milk, with a BCA of 264-274-276. To enhance the herd performance, we collect embryos from our best cows, such as: Laroc Oblique Fanie VG-87 2*, who has 2 sons at Semex (Laroc Equinox and Laroc Faby); Laroc Prédator Contess ex-91, dam of Laroc Maxxum at Semex, as well as Laroc Oreo Mode VG-89, 1st 2 Yr Old Junior, Best Udder, and Honorable Mention at the St-Hyacinthe Expo in 2016 and Grand Champion at the 2016 and 2017 Brome Fair. We wish to thank Mr. Yves Charpentier, from Ayrshire Canada, for his valuable advice over the years. Here are some of the cows that have contributed to this Master Breeder Award: Laroc Burdette Mylla, VG-87 12,085 kg 4.2% f 3.3% p 339-344-337; Laroc Oréo Merlie, GP-84-2-10 11,234 kg 4.8% f 3.5% p 334-384-355; Laroc Nor Daisy, EX-5.0 10,987 kg 4.0% f 3.2% p 289-280-278; Laroc Jumper Fiona, VG-2-1 9,851 kg 3.5% f 3.2% p  326-288-316; Laroc Peterslund Fancy, VG-88 3* 2-11 10,322 kg 4.1% f 3.3% p 304-304-307 (Her son, Laroc Oreo, is at Semex); Laroc Pardner Miche VG, who has produced more than 70, 000 kg of milk in her lifetime; Laroc Joy Danouk VG-87 1*, with more than 77,000 kg in her lifetime; and, finally, Laroc Peterslund Régale GP-83 1*, showing a lifetime production of more than 80,000 kg. On January 1st, 2018, my other son Mathieu and I purchased a neighbour’s quota, with the barn rental, and the herd composed of 100 purebred head of cattle, including 60 cows in milk. Over all of these years, we have received much support and help from our 4 children. Mathieu completed studies (DVS) in Dairy Production, Joanie earned a diploma in Farm Management, Émilie graduated as Administrative Assistant, and Alexandre, finally, also obtained a diploma (DVS) in Dairy Production. In the future, we wish to continue improving both our herd’s production and conformation as well as continue taking part in exhibitions. We will also, obviously, be striving for a second Master Breeder title. Ayrshire Canada is proud to present this Master Breeder Award to Ferme Claude Larocque Inc. Sincere congratulations.