Simcoe dairy farm gets national recognition

The work started four generations ago on a Simcoe farm has been nationally recognized.

Meadow Lynn Farms on Decou Road was recently awarded the 2023 Jersey Canada Master Breeder Award at a ceremony in Levis, Quebec.

Jersey Canada is an agricultural association for owners and breeders of Jersey cattle.

“This is our Oscars moment,” said Thomas Judd of the prestigious honour. “It’s quite amazing and means a lot to our family and our farm.”

Thomas operates the farm with his wife Sarah and parents, K. Fred and Sharon Judd.

The award is given annually to an eligible farm, with points earned for breed advancement in production and type. Recognizing long-term excellence in breeding Jersey cows, the award is based on 20 years of data. It can be won just once every two decades. Several hundred farms would have been eligible for this year’s prize. This is the first Master Breeder win for Meadow Lynn.

Thomas and Sarah also were named one of three National Jersey Young Achievers for 2023, marking the success of those under age 40.

Meadow Lynn began in 1946 when Thomas’s great-grandfather, Fred Judd Sr., and grandfather Ron Judd, with a herd of less than 10 cows, began producing under a small contract with a Simcoe dairy.

The milking herd grew over the years, reaching 30 in the 1970s, 40 in the ’80s and 55 today.

Fred and Sharon Judd took over the farm in the early 1980s and Thomas and his sisters grew up there. Thomas assumed management of the herd after graduating from the University of Guelph in 2010.

Each family member has their own specialty. Fred oversees all the field work, Sharon runs about nine acres of pick-your-own strawberries, and Sarah is in charge of the Community Supported Agriculture veggie box program, providing fresh produce to local families.

When asked about the evolution of his family farm over the past 77 years, Thomas said “everything and nothing has changed.”

While technology has surged the flow of information and changed the milking process – Meadow Lynn installed a robotic milking system last summer – evidence that “happy cows make happy milk hasn’t changed,” said Thomas.

He said the farm’s national distinction was a wonderful surprise.

“We weren’t really looking for it but it’s a feather in the cap. It represents almost 80 years of work. We stand on the shoulders of giants.”

The public can get a look at the Jerseys at Meadow Lynn Farms at its Who Let the Cows Out event on May 1, weather permitting. Marking the first spring sprint to pasture, it has been a tradition on the farm for many years. Those who want to watch the cavalcade of cows are advised to call ahead at 519-426-4461.