After 70 consecutive years at The Royal Winter Fair, Paul Ekstein's empty chair transforms this year's show into something far beyond competition. As the 2025 Royal approaches, six elite breeding operations—including Quality Holsteins, Kingsway, and Ferme Jacobs—prepare to compete while carrying forward the work of those who can't be there to see it. From operations that started with grade herds to those managing thousands of cows, this episode reveals the untold stories behind Canada's most successful breeding programs and why their approach to excellence challenges everything the genomics revolution promised. With $201.2 million in Canadian genetics exported globally last year, discover what these operations know that your genetics rep won't tell you. Key Takeaways: Why Paul Ekstein's 70-year Royal streak proves consistency beats any genomic shortcut How Kingsway Holsteins became Canada's #2 breeder of Excellent cows starting with a grade herd The shocking 2018 Royal sweep that proved cow families still trump genomics Why operations like Ferme Blondin and Pierre Boulet turn passion into $1,500/cow profit margins How Westcoast Holsteins finds champions among thousands using systematic excellence The 8-week preparation rituals that separate Royal champions from also-rans What foundation cow Kingsway Sanchez Arangatang's 18 Excellent daughters teach about lasting genetics Why US powerhouses like Budjon and Triple-T make this year's competition unprecedented Deeper Dive - Why Listen: This episode goes deep into the preparation happening right now for next week's Royal Winter Fair, revealing how six radically different breeding philosophies all converge on one truth: excellence takes showing up decade after decade. You'll discover how Quality Holsteins maintains 95% homebred genetics while competing against genomic giants, why Ferme Jacobs refuses to use any bull that's minus for milk, and how Pierre Boulet has achieved more EX-97 cows than anyone in the industry through recognizing excellence early and developing it systematically. The conversation exposes the generational transitions reshaping Canadian dairy, from Ari Ekstein showing his father's cattle for the first time alone to Morgon McMillan inheriting a four-decade pursuit of a Grand Champion banner. Learn how operations with thousands of cows identify that one-in-a-thousand spark, why three generations working together in the same barn creates knowledge you can't download, and what Judge Joel Lepage and JP Proulx will really be evaluating when they point to champions next week. Whether you're breeding for your own herd or building a genetics business, this episode delivers actionable insights on why time and dedication still beat technology, how starting with nothing can lead to global influence, and why the real victory happens long before anyone enters the ring. Resources & Engagement: Subscribe to The Bullvine Podcast for weekly episodes that challenge conventional dairy wisdom and deliver actionable insights that impact your bottom line. Visit https://www.thebullvine.com/show-reports/the-royal-winter-fair-show-reports/the-royals-empty-chair-where-six-dreams-meet-one-legacy/ for the complete article, photos from The Royal, and breeding profiles of all six operations discussed. Join the conversation on social media using #TheRoyalWinterFair and #BullvinePodcast to share your own Royal experiences and breeding philosophy. Don't miss our upcoming coverage of the 2025 Royal results and what they mean for your breeding decisions.
