Throughout the year, French know-how was highlighted on numerous European rings. Indeed, several cows born in France have shone at the largest European exhibitions in 2024 (Switzerland, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom).
At the same time, our French approved judges worked on competitions abroad (Belgium, Hungary, Spain).
The year started with the Swiss-Expo in January. Luc Sassel, approved judge, was the official translator thanks to his knowledge of judgment and his mastery of languages (French, German, English). The public appreciated his performance as a translator throughout the Swiss competitions, as did his talents as a judge highlighted in Germany and the Netherlands in recent years.
But the real stars of this event are the cows. Cows born in France confirm their superiority on the international scene.
Gourmande EX96 was once again able to convey emotion to its owners, GAEC DU TOMBUY, Adrien and Antonin Dailly by winning the class of the oldest cows in the competition. She achieved this performance during 8th lactation with more than 100,000kg of milk produced. Born at EARL de la Pommeraie (55), GOURMANDE’s career exploded in competitions as an adult with numerous section and championship prizes in France, but also a first place at the European Confrontation in Libramont in 2019.
Another cow born in France (GAEC DE L’ESCALE: 22) caused a sensation in Switzerland this year and on several occasions. This is Michard Pernelle EX94. She dazzled the ring at the Swiss Expo with her modernity and her exceptional breast system. She stands out as the 3th best cow of the competition in the eyes of the judge: Honorable Mention Grand Champion and Honorable Mention Grand Champion Mamelle. The new owners of Michard Pernelle (Mattenhof Holsteins, Dupasquier Farms and Stampfi Fredy) have been able to fully exploit the potential of this exceptional cow from an equally exceptional family. Indeed, this daughter of Delta Lamb comes from a Mc Cutchen TB86, on the famous Michard Damion Escale EX97.
Two months later, Michard Pernelle stood on the first step of the podium and was crowned Grand National Champion in Switzerland, at the EXPO BULLE.
The month of May was very rich for cows born in the Côtes d’Armor. In Germany, Kervisio Raclette TB87 (Fitz Toc x Classic oc) born at EARL DE KERVISIO won the Sigerkuh mittel prize at the RUW Regional Schau 2024 competition. This cow also comes from several generations of cows classified TB or EX worked brilliantly by the Toquet family.
Brittany is recognized as a land of excellence in terms of Holstein genetic creation. Spanish breeders buy a lot of animals in Brittany every year, including some gems for shows. Panama de l’Orangerie EX92 is one of those special cows for exhibitions, whose career continues in Spain at the Finça Ascension farm. This daughter of Millenium x Mesdoor x Damion X Planet was crowned Galician champion this year.
A cow sold during WILT Happy Day’s 2023 distinguished itself twice in Germany in 2024. This is Wilt Haniko Elaya TB87, a new worthy heir to the Elégance family developed by WILT breeding in Alsace.
1era and Honorable Mention at 50th Show Der Best 2024
Reserve champion at SBT Tage Osnabrück 2024
Property: Middelkampf-Nesslage and Buscherhof
Across the Channel, this time it was a cow born in Dordogne at the MAG Holstein farm which caused a sensation. MAG Pandor EX93 (Sidekick x Jacoby) won three times in the UK rings with her new owners (Blyth Farm and Ferme Blondin).
In the spring, she became Grand Champion of the UK Dairy Expo just fresh calved less than 3 weeks old. In June, she confirmed her superiority by winning Grand Champion at the Scottish national competition (Royal Highland Show). She ended her year in style by once again winning the Reserve Grand Champion prize at the UK national competition (UK Dairy Day) in September.
The Prm’Holstein France breeders’ association congratulates all of you, breeders, breeders of champions for your selection work. You actively participate in the reputation of the quality of French Holstein around the world!
Our French judges in turn trod the sawdust of foreign rings.
Just a year ago, Yoann Henrion had his first experience of judging abroad during Ath by night, with our Belgian friends. He was able to judge the Holstein, Jersey and Showmanship competitions. “Three competitions where the winners were of an excellent level. Above all, I remember a spectacular atmosphere, with a magnificent ring and podium, where the crowd and good humor enlivened the evening.” We would like to thank the Ath By Night organizing committee for the trust placed in the French judges. Yoann was on the 4thth French approved judge to officiate, and certainly not the last.
In the spring, PHF President and approved judge, Céline Le Ru Le Laurent had the opportunity to judge the Hungarian National Competition. A farmer (one of the largest in the country) at the head of several cattle and pig farms created this agricultural fair on one of his sites with facilities solely dedicated to this show. Céline explains how she judged a good hundred animals with a judging system that is quite original for the French, but common in many countries in northern and eastern Europe. “ We start by calling the last one, then we go up to number 6th. The first 5 are only ranked after starting the music ». The milk performance of the cows is impressive, the national average is 11,000kg in 305 days and the size of the herds is more than 350 cows.
Jérémy Bazaillacq also had a superb judging experience with his friend and assistant Benoit Exposito in Spain during the Asturias regional competition (Llanera). “It was a competition in a magnificent setting of a good level, but with a certain heterogeneity. A very beautiful champion stood out belonging to the Bardiola breeder. Jérémy also highlights the excellent Spanish welcome. You should know that the quality of French approved judges is recognized in Asturias. This competition was also judged in past years by Olivier Vallès and Franck Delagnes.
Jean-Philippe Duchange and Anthony Le Trionnaire have represented French judges abroad for many years within the European association (EHRC). Jean-Philippe wanted to give up his place. We thank him for having worked all these years as an approved European judge and thus participating in the promotion of French Holstein. The European Judging Workshop took place in Northern Ireland last November. This approval is very difficult to obtain, because only the best European judges with a command of English are accepted. Anthony Le Trionnaire was revalidated as a European judge. Luc Sassel also passed the exam for the first time. He thus joins Yoann Henrion and Sylvain Durand as candidates for the very restricted official list of approved European judges.
In 2025, 2 French judges are already invited to judge national competitions:
- Luc Sassel: national competition Holstein Austria
- Sylvain Durand: national Holstein, Jersey and Brown competition in the Czech Republic.
Prim’Holstein France wishes to all breeders to create and raise the champions of tomorrow and to all French judges of fine competitions in France and abroad for 2025.
Best wishes to all.
 | Sylvain Durand, Head of the competition department |
