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, and in contract with Holstein Canada to serve Western and Eastern Canada, seven 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
nick.groot@sympatico.ca
(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.
Al Cunnington
West Central Ontario Extension Representative
aljuliec25@gmail.com
(416) 209-9852
Al Cunnington milked a small Jersey herd of 25 head under the prefix ALAND and still owns a few registered animals today. He is a strong believer in the importance of cow families and with the purchase of his first three Jerseys, developed a genetic foundation that led to a herd with multiple Star Brood cows. In 2014, Alan and his wife Julie received a Jersey Canada Constructive Breeder award and have bred and owned multiple All Canadians during their active years.
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.
Michael Bols
Eastern Ontario Extension Representative
michaelbols@xplornet.ca
(613) 601-2870
Michael with his wife Monique owned and operated Drentex Jerseys in Russell, Ontario, selling the herd in early 2022. An award-winning herd, Michael and Monique were named this 2022 Jersey Canada Master Breeders, after winning the Constructive Breeder award in 2019. Through hard work and attention to detail, Drentex Jerseys became an internationally renowned and admired breeder.
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.
Western Canada
Toby Kleinsasser
Western Extension Representative
tkleinsasser@holstein.ca
(519) 865-4367
Toby was contracted by Jersey Canada through Holstein Canada as our Western Extension Representative in late 2021.
"I have been involved in the Ag industry for as long as I can remember. From a young kid working with my dad in the dairy barn, then in the hog farrow to finish operation as well the cropping side of the farm. I worked for a breeder around Coaldale AB close to six years, where I also became involved in 4H as well as Team AB WCC. After a year with DHI, I spent the past three years working in a mixed animal veterinary clinic, as well as doing relief evenings and weekend milking. I enjoy working in the field and meeting the people that make the dairy industry as great."
Darren Isaac
Western Extension Representative
disaac@holstein.ca
(519) 802-7189
"I have always been fascinated by animals of all kinds. I have worked with various species of livestock, including over 4 years as a herd manager at a Manitoba dairy. With my role as classifier and field service at Holstein Canada, I'm excited to help breeders improve their cattle at a herd and breed level. I value functional conformation and profitability and using services and information to maximize cow performance on farm. I love discussing genetics and breeding programs."