EXTENSION SERVICES
WORKING FOR JERSEY BREEDERS
Jersey Canada Extension Representatives provide farm-level support to Jersey Canada members and Jersey breeders across the country. In collaboration with Jersey Ontario and Jersey Quebec, five extension representatives are available to anyone interested in Jerseys, or those that already have Jerseys in their herd. Friendly and knowledgeable reps will provide on-farm assistance and tools to help producers achieve their business goals.
This program’s main purpose is to encourage and facilitate use of services offered by Jersey Canada, and animal improvement services offered by industry partners. This initiative also includes elements of mentorship and education. Input can be provided on management of Jerseys, breeding topics, nutrition, dairy education outreach at agricultural schools, or connecting breeders to outside resources to help achieve individual goals.
If you are interested in learning more about this program or would like to contact an extension representative in your area, please contact the Jersey Canada office at info@jerseycanada.com.
MEET THE REPS
Ontario
Nick Groot
Western Ontario Extension Representative
nickgroot86@gmail.com
(519) 535-0075
Nick Groot, along with his wife Trudy and their business partner Jos Heinsbroek, owned and operated Grobrook farms in Ingersoll, Ontario, for 35 years. A tightly-managed operation and a closed herd since 2000, the Grobrook breeding philosophy was towards above average production, high components, high fertility and decent functional type. They excelled among their peers in published results, appearing on the CDN / Lactanet top Jersey herds by LPI multiple times, and had several Star Brood cows and lifetime production award winners in their herd.
Larry Sheardown
Central Ontario Extension Representative
larrysheardown@gmail.com
(416) 315-6110
Larry Sheardown serves Ontario as an Extension Representative, bringing more than four decades of experience to the role. Prior to joining Jersey Canada, Larry owned and operated Rexlea Jerseys near Schomberg, Ontario. This two-time Master Breeder herd is well known across Canada for producing award-winning animals, many of which have been foundational in other herds. Larry’s extensive dairy knowledge combined with well-earned respect from peers serves Ontario breeders well, whether new to Jerseys or expanding their herds.
Theo Elshof
Eastern Ontario Extension Representative
therihof@hotmail.com
613-330-1473
Theo was born in the Netherlands on a small dairy farm. After he graduated college, he came to Canada through a one-year student exchange program to work on a dairy farm in Richmond, Ontario. In 1989, he emigrated to Canada and worked on a dairy farm for two years before starting on his own doing relief milking and hoof trimming.
In 1994, Theo and his family were provided an opportunity to purchase the Spruce Vine Jersey farm. They found working with Jerseys so much easier than what they were used to growing up as breeding, feeding and calving all came with ease. Theo was on the Jersey Ontario board of directors and served as president in 2022. He has also been director and chair for their local milk committee as well the Stormont Federation of Agriculture.
Quebec
Jean Marc Pellerin
Quebec Extension Representative
jmp-jersey@hotmail.com
(819) 621-7875
Jean Marc is a Jersey expert and visits farms across Quebec helping breeders with registrations, transfers, embryo sourcing, milk recording, testing, classification, mating advice, bloodlines, and general herd management. Jean Marc is also available to talk about Jersey Canada, how producers can save money, and all of the benefits and resources available to Jersey breeders. He also participates in Jersey shows, sales, events and youth education programs. If you are looking for good quality breeding stock, Jean Marc is your man - he can facilitate these connections. Jean Marc loves to talk about cows in a practical manner and he enjoys spending time with his family.