Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives

Manitoba Jersey Cattle Club

The Manitoba Jersey Cattle Club was formed on January 26, 1928 with 33 members at a meeting in the Royal Alexandria Hotel, Winnipeg. Since its beginning the Club has worked to promote the marketing of Jersey milk and Jersey cattle. It has been a supporter of Jersey cattle shows since 1944 when 43 head were exhibited by nine breeders at the St. Vital Fair Grounds. Though there was no prize money, trucking assistance and other expenses were covered by grants from the Manitoba Jersey Cattle Club, the Manitoba Department of Agriculture and the Horned Cattle Fund.

Today, the Manitoba Jersey Cattle Club continues to be an organization that works to improve the Jersey breed. They annually recognize individual cows and herds through their production awards, as well as recognizing type through their awards for classification results. The Club supports 4-H with an annual sponsorship and gives a grant to 4-H members who complete their first year project with a Jersey calf.

From April 4-7, 2002, the Manitoba Jersey Cattle Club will host Jersey Canada's National Convention in Brandon. The Convention will be held in conjunction with Jersey Canada's Annual Meeting, which will be on April 6th at the Royal Oak Inn, Brandon. Members are busy planning and looking forward to hosting this event. Further details concerning Convention and Annual Meeting activities such as farm tours and the Prairie Pride National Heifer Sale (April 5, 2002) can be found at the Jersey Canada Website. This is only the second time that the National Convention has been hosted in Manitoba.