Marbrae Farm

This is the third Master Breeder title for the Marbrae Herd. The MacFarlane’s first won the award in 1965 and then again in 1999. The herd consists of about 160 head with about 60 cows in milk. There are 2 EX, 25 VG, 38 GP and 2G with a herd average of over 8000 kg. The farm consists of 400 acres and they rent about 100 more. They grow barley, soyabeans and corn which provides all of the feed for the herd. This farm is a favourite stop for visitors. The herd is incredibly uniform from a wide variety of sires. Young Sires are used a lot and also several different proven sires are selected for matings on the cows. As you look down the row, cow after cow they are all functional, dairy animals. Marbrae uses embryo transfer to improve their herd. They also purchase embryos. One of the cows that had a big influence on the herd was Marbrae Lady’s Lib, EX-2E who lived a productive life until she was 20. Many of her descendants are in the herd today and contributed to this Master Breeder award. Marbrae has also had bulls in AI - Marbrae Captain, Marbrae Ambition and now Marbrae Kindle on the Young sire proving program. Another bull, Marbrae Jamboree sired a few show winners. Marbrae is truly a family farm; Brian MacFarlane farmed first with his father, Brodie, and then formed a partnership with his wife, Holly, in 1993. In addition to the cows they also make maple syrup, which means that this is a busy time of year for them. All the work on the farm is done by the Brian, Holly and their four children. Brian is also a volunteer fireman. Dale is in his second year studying agriculture at MacDonald College and plans to return home to farm. Rachel is in her final year at High School and very active in 4-H like her younger siblings, Julie and Kevin. The four children have all had success at 4-H shows like Ormstown, Huntingdon, Howick, Lachute and the Classic at the Royal. The passion for good Ayrshires is being passed down to the next generation so the future looks bright for Marbrae. There may be more Master Breeder titles in years to come.