Marilie Farm

Julie and Mario purchased their farm in 1988, a transfer not involving any relatives. At the beginning, the farm had about forty mixed Ayrshire animals. The quota was 11 kg/day, the average production per cow was 4,500 kg, and the property consisted of 70 hectares of land and the essential equipment and machinery required to operate a farming business. From the beginning, emphasis was placed on increasing productivity and profitability. Over the years, quota purchases were made, one after another, and land drainage and building improvements were undertaken. During those start-up years, their passion for genetics wasn’t overlooked; their  sustained investments into good cow families enabled them to establish the basis for a strong herd which fulfilled their needs: functional cows able to perform both in the barn and in the show rings. The prefix Marilie obtained its first Master Breeder Award in 2006, quite a recognition at the time for two youngsters who had had a lot of ground to make up. At that time, the farm had a quota of 36 kg/day, their herd was composed of 80 purebred head of Ayrshire cattle, their land was fully drained, their buildings were functional for the amount of quota they had but clearly insufficient to allow any further business growth and ensure its continuity. In 2007, a major decision needed to be made: either we invest in our dairy farm and pursue farming, or we focus our investments in real estate – we owned 36 housing units in Trois-Rivières at the time – and make it our main revenue stream. Since we’re here tonight, no need to tell you which option we chose. In 2007 and 2008, a complete business overhaul was undertaken: construction of a barn, milk house, manure storage pit, machine shed, as well as updating of the machinery. Currently, the farm has a quota of 98 kg/day, 95 hectares of land, a herd composed of 160 head of purebred Ayrshire cattle (135 Ayrshires and 25 Holsteins), a production average of 9,000 kg, and a classification of 6 EX – 29 VG – 34 GP – 9 G. Genetic development remains a priority for Ferme Marilie. Among the animals which contributed the most to improvement of our herd, we wish to highlight : Woodland View Milkmaid 2 EX 91 (45% of the herd), Marilie BB Polkie EX 95 (internationally renown and mother of the bull Poker), Marilie Cornelius Lottie EX90 (strong production family), and De St-Pierre Jade Youstie EX 91 (head of the family for Marilie Gentleman Karmina, Grand Champion RAWF 2016). Over the years, we have been able to count on the support of our 5 children. Alexandre currently works in construction. Gabriel, a graduate from ITA, is a partner with us on the farm. Philippe, also a graduate from ITA, works with his spouse on his in-laws’ farm. Sarah, also a graduate from ITA and then from Université de Lorraine in France with a specialty in cheesemaking, is a cheesemaker at the Fromagerie Montebello. And, finally, Nicolas, equally a graduate from ITA, is presently studying agronomy at Université Laval. We wish to thank all of our business partners who, over the years, have trusted us with the development of our business. Ayrshire Canada offers its most sincere congratulations to Ferme Marilie for its Master Breeder Award.