By Tom Collins
ORANGEVILLE — Matt Yates says he always knew there was something special about Aleah Millen Naughtys Secret.
“From day one when she was born, we knew she was a better kind of animal,” said Yates. “She’s a laid-back cow that loves to eat and make milk.”
Naughtys Secret — bred and owned by Matt and Tyler Yates of Aleah Farms at Beaverton in Durham Region and Jason Millen of Millen Farms at Omemee in Kawartha Lakes — was nominated as an All-Canadian as a calf and as a senior two year old. Adding to her victories, she was named grand champion at the Autumn Opportunity at Orangeville in Dufferin County on Oct. 17. Autumn Opportunity is one of the most prestigious annual Holstein shows in Ontario.
“We’re still in shock,” said Yates, adding the fact that Naughtys Secret is home-bred makes the victory even better. “We were really happy with the way she got ready for (the show). You just keep your fingers crossed on the day that everything comes together.”
Here are some of the winners at this year’s Autumn Opportunity:
Grand champion: Aleah Millen Naughtys Secret, bred and owned by Matt and Tyler Yates of Aleah Farms at Beaverton in Durham Region and Jason Millen of Millen Farms at Omemee in Kawartha Lakes
Reserve champion: Bosdale Shottle Liberty, bred by John Hunyady at Kitchener, Ont. and Ed, Gerald, John, and Pete Bos of Bosdale Farms at Cambridge, Ont., owned by Bosdale Farms
Honourable mention: Cityview Braxton Lois, bred by David G. Innes at Woodstock, Ont., owned by John, Elizabeth, David, Ryan, Kelly and Amy Martin of Marthaven Holsteins at Woodstock, Ont., Brian, Sharon, Cole and Wes Haggins of Loralans Holsteins and Weswin Holsteins at Ruthven, Ont. and BBC Holsteins at Ruthven, Ont.
Junior champion: Ronbeth Doorman Sultana, bred by Camron and Stephanie Murphy of Ronbeth Holsteins at Hastings, Ont., owned by Mt. Elgin Dairy Farms at Guelph, Ont., Adam Clark of Clarkvalley Holsteins at Woodville, Ont., Peter Leach at Woodville, Ont. and Keaton Phoenix at Uxbridge, Ont.
Reserve: Walkhavern Doorman Zadie, bred and owned by Tanya and Colin Walker of Walkhavern Farms at Stayner, Ont.
Honourable mention: Crovalley Solomon Sparkle, bred by John, Cynthia, Christina, Justin, Ryan, and Vanessa Crowley of Crovalley Holsteins at Hastings, Ont., and owned by Aleah Farms, Howard M. Doner at Whitby, Ont., Ava Doner at Courtice, Ont., Select Farm and Export Services at Hanover, Ont. and Gerardo and Jose Gonzalez at Mexico.
Breeders herd: Ed Bos at Cambridge, Ont.
Reserve: Ari Ekstein of Quality Holsteins at Vaughan, Ont.
Premier exhibitor: Vale-O-Skene Holsteins at Little Britain, Ont.
Reserve: Quality Holsteins
Premier breeder: Bosdale Farms
Reserve: Quality Holsteins
