A number of World Dairy Expo breed champions hailed from farms in Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania. But the top prize, the 2017 Supreme Champion honors, went to a 7-year-old Holstein from Richford, Vt.

Rosiers Blexy Goldwyn-ET, co-owned by Budjon, Vail, Abbott, Van Exel and Woodmansee, topped the 6-year-old cow class on her way to being tabbed as Grand Champion Female of the International Holstein Show. Then she was selected as the all-breeds champion of the Madison, Wis., show, considered the Kentucky Derby of the cow world.

Humble beginnings
Early on, Blexy was destined for greatness. “We knew Blexy was special,” says Tim Abbott, who led her through the show rings. The cow is co-owned by a consortium including Tim and Sharyn Abbott of Borderview Genetics. “Now we know that the judges think so, too,” adds Tim Abbott, who nurtured this cow to the pinnacle of the cow business.

“We thank all our friends and family who helped us reach this goal,” notes Sharyn Abbott. “It’s a dream come true. We couldn’t have done this without the help of so many special people.”

The top cow award will help Borderview Genetics grow its business. Blexy will have more calves, and her strong pedigree will allow the Abbotts to market more of their herd for sale across the United States, Canada, Mexico and other parts of the world.

The Abbotts have deep farming roots. Tim grew up on a Cabot, Vt., farm. Sharyn was raised on a farm in Enosburgh, Vt. The couple met studying animal science at the University of Vermont. “Sharyn and Tim are proof Vermont is at the head of the class when it comes to dairy,” says Anson Tebbetts, Vermont agriculture secretary.

After the World Dairy Expo, Blexy took a break from the show circuit to rest and relax in Wisconsin before traveling to her next stop: the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair at Toronto, Canada. There, she’s scheduled to compete Nov. 10 and 11 for top honors.

Source: Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets