Andrea Crowe Achievement Award & Endowment Fund

11/14/2024

Andrea Crowe Award Presentation 2024- Kenton Lindenbach.

To celebrate and honor the late Andrea Crowe of Hi-Caliber Holsteins, and her legacy as a passionate Holstein breeder, exhibitor and community-minded individual, this annual award recognizes someone who inspires others through a positive attitude and industry involvement; fosters dairy knowledge and interest in youth; and exhibits good sportsmanship. The Andrea Crowe Achievement Award honors Andrea’s passion for life, her positive attitude and most of all, her determination.

We are proud to present our 2024 winner who portrays the many traits at the foundation of this award. Passion, determination, love of the industry and support of youth. Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipient of the Andrea Crowe Achievement Award, Kenton Lindenbach.

Kenton is a true type model of a passionate Holstein breeder. He is a third-generation breeder known under the Robella prefix in Balgonie, Saskatchewan where he farms with his wife Alicia and their two daughters. Everyday he pours his heart and soul in developing his herd of cows and works tirelessly within the industry and his community to represent the Holstein breed.

He represented the Saskatchewan Holstein Branch as the provincial Young Leader delegate for many years and currently serves on the Holstein Canada Show and Judging Committee. He was also a valuable committee member welcoming Holstein Canada delegates to the prairies during the convention in 2020. Kenton is known in the show ring as an exhibitor but also serves as an official judge with Holstein Canada. He’s had the opportunity to judge at the regional and national levels and internationally in Portugal.

His favorite homebred cow is none other than Robella Sanchez Marabella VG-88 3 year old. She was nominated All-American Junior 2 year old in 2016 and went on to be Grand Champion at the BC Spring show in 2018. She has multiple daughters and granddaughters who are milking in the herd and she hails from the same family that bred the popular bull, Robella Major marketed at Blondin Sires. Kenton’s passion for showing is what drives him everyday. Kenton is always willing to lend a hand and prides himself on being able to pass knowledge or help a friend get the next show winner ready.

2023 will certainly not be forgotten for Kenton as it was the year he was diagnosed with GBS (Guillain-Barré Syndrome), however, much like Andrea’s personality traits, he accepted it and overcame the treatments with determination and positivity. His passion didn’t go unnoticed by his entourage, as he navigated his hospital stay, recovery in a rehab facility and on-going physical therapy, with phone calls and visits from friends that always included a discussion on cows, farming and his dream to one day walk around a show ring again. Whether it was to judge a show or lead a class winner, that goal and mindset was a large part of his recovery.

There’s a saying that goes : Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. That quote exemplifies Kenton. Farming is his life! The passion and enthusiasm he brings to the table everyday is contagious to those around him. Congratulations to Kenton Lindenbach, our 2024 Andrea Crowe Achievement
Award Winner.

09/19/2024

Its that time of year again! Time to send us your nominees for this very special award !

C’est à nouveau cette période de l’année ! C’est le moment de nous faire part de vos nominés pour ce prix très spécial !

To celebrate and honour our friend and colleague and her legacy as a passionate Holstein breeder, exhibitor and community minded individual, this annual award was created to recognize:
· Ability to inspire others through positive attitude and industry involvement.
· Fostering industry knowledge and interest in youth.
· Good sportsmanship.
Andrea loved to work hard with family, friends and industry peers for the betterment of the industry, the breed and for the pure joy of being part of something that isn’t just a job, but rather a way of life that we all cherish.
This award is meant to remind us of Andrea’s passion for life, her positive attitude, and most of all her determination. All attributes speaking to the Hi-Calibre of Andrea’s character and a life well lived.
The Andrea Crowe Achievement Award will be presented during the heifer show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Young adults who demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication to the dairy industry, as well as active involvement in their communities will be considered for the award. Candidates will be judged on their level of participation in the following areas, showing, exhibiting, and breeding – in any dairy breed, as well as volunteerism. Like Andrea, the individual must possess “the everyday love of the industry” through their personality, integrity and knowledge to make them well respected in the dairy fraternity.
Past winners include: Joel Phoenix, Stephanie Murphy, Joel LePage, Blair Weeks, Chad Crest, Kevin Jacobs, Ryan Krohlow, Lison Cote, Sheila Sundburg, and Rob Heffernan
Nominations for the award, along with a brief written biography of the nominee, should be emailed by October 1, 2023 to [email protected].

Pour honorer notre amie et collègue ainsi que son héritage en tant qu'éleveuse Holstein passionnée, qu’exposante et qu’une personne soucieuse de la communauté, ce prix annuel a été créé pour reconnaître:
- La capacité d'inspirer les autres par son attitude positive et son implication dans l'industrie.
- Favoriser la connaissance de l'industrie et l'intérêt des jeunes.
- L'esprit sportif.
Andrea aimait travailler dur avec sa famille, ses amis et ses pairs pour l'amélioration de l'industrie, de la race et pour la pure joie de faire partie de quelque chose qui n'est pas seulement un travail, mais plutôt un mode de vie que nous chérissons tous.
Ce prix est destiné à nous rappeler la passion d'Andrea pour la vie, son attitude positive et, surtout, sa détermination. Autant d'attributs qui témoignent de la qualité du caractère d'Andrea et d'une vie bien vécue.
Le prix Andrea Crowe Achievement Award sera remis lors de l'exposition de génisses à la Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Les jeunes adultes qui font preuve d'enthousiasme et de dévouement à l'égard de l'industrie laitière, ainsi que d'un engagement actif au sein de leur communauté, seront pris en considération pour l'attribution de ce prix. Les candidats seront jugés sur leur niveau de participation dans les domaines suivants : exposition, élevage - dans n'importe quelle race laitière - et bénévolat.
Comme Andrea, la personne doit posséder "l'amour quotidien de l'industrie" à travers sa personnalité, son intégrité et ses connaissances, ce qui la rend très respectée au sein de la fraternité laitière.
Parmi les anciens lauréats, citons : Joel Phoenix, Stephanie Murphy, Joel LePage, Blair Weeks, Chad Crest, Kevin Jacobs, Ryan Krohlow, Lison Cote, Sheila Sundburg et Rob Heffernan.

Les candidatures, accompagnées d'une brève biographie écrite du candidat, doivent être envoyées par courrier électronique avant le 1er octobre 2023 à l'adresse suivante : [email protected].

11/10/2023

Andrea Crowe Achievement Award Presentation 2023

To celebrate and honor the late Andrea Crowe of Hi-Caliber Holsteins, and her legacy
as a passionate Holstein breeder, exhibitor and community-minded individual, this
annual award recognizes someone who inspires others through a positive attitude and
industry involvement; fosters dairy knowledge and interest in youth; and exhibits good
sportsmanship. The Andrea Crowe Achievement Award honors Andrea’s passion for life, her positive attitude and most of all, her determination.

Past winners of this prestigious award include award Joel Phoenix, Stephanie Murphy,
Joel Lepage, Blair Weeks, Chad Crest, Kevin Jacobs, Ryan Krohlow, Lison Cote and Sheila Sundburg. Like Andrea, these recipients showcase the ‘’every day love for the industry’’ through their personality, integrity and knowledge to make them well-respected in the dairy fraternity.

We are proud to present our 2023 winner who portrays the many traits at the foundation of this award. Passion, determination, love of the industry and support of youth. Please join us in congratulating this year’s recipient of the Andrea Crowe Achievement Award, Rob Heffernan of Dalkeith Ontario.

Growing up on a small family’s farm in Hastings, Ontario, Rob took an early and keen interest in dairy cattle. At the age of 13, he made his first purchase of a Holstein heifer from a local Holstein dispersal sale. His purchase only produced a bull calf for him, but he was “hooked” and the beginning of a successful life journey to follow his passion for breeding, developing, and showing cows began.

Rob was active in the Northumberland County 4-H program and was fortunate to have competed for many years at the Canadian TD 4-H Classic Junior Dairy Show (formerly the Scotiabank Hays Classic) at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. Rob always commented “I was never at the top, but I always met new friends and learned a lot from those who have gone on to be some of my mentors.” Upon graduating from the 4-H program, Rob’s involvement continued through the clipping program, encouraging other peers to always learn, and to exhibit cattle in the industry.

His attention and passion for clipping cows and preparing them for exhibitions started early on. Regularly working sales at Vanhaven Auctions, Rob honed his craft and was fortunate to be exposed to many of his peers and friends in a rich dairy industry part of east central Ontario. He was a hard worker, would help anyone who was looking for advice or simply to give a helping hand. Humble at every step, Rob maintains that “there is always something new to learn”, a motto he continues to follow everyday.

His connections in 4-H and new opportunities to help local farmers at shows led to Rob start his own business developing, housing, and raising show heifers for other breeders. With a small barn and lots of elbow grease, he became the best at his craft with many peers refencing his operation as “Hotel Heffernan”, the place to send young Holstein animals to develop and meet their full potential. His fitting has taken him around the world to national shows across Canada, the United States, England, Germany and Mexico, but he always preferred to be home working with his heifers.

Everyday is a show day at Rob’s, with each animal in impeccable condition and always ready for visitors and buyers. He has had the distinction to have housed, owned, and developed several winners at the National Holstein Show. Between 2004 and 2006, he set a record of achieving 3 consecutive Junior Champion Heifer Awards at the Royal Winter Fair. Over 80+ All-Canadian nominations passed through his hands and he has owned or part-owned over 50 All-Canadian and All-American Holstein nominations.

He jokes he probably spends too much time out in the barn, but he just loves “getting up in the morning and knowing that there are some good heifers to go out and work with.” Although he is happy to share his knowledge with his peers, 4-Hers and co-op students, Rob has an innate gift, “the magic” touch, when it comes to raising heifers. His name always comes to the top of the list if anyone asks for a clipper or someone to board and prepare a show heifer. He is a valued and respected member of the Holstein industry.

His show heifer business was how Rob met his wife, Bethany MacDonald. Today, Rob and Bethany play an integral role in their family dairy operation at Kirklea Holsteins. While he manages his family’s 150-acres of crop production, their busy life has not curbed the enthusiasm to own, develop and house Holstein animals for others. Rob continues to work with young 4-H members who caught the passion for cows and want to tap into Rob’s experience.

When people describe Rob, they have used phrases like “a passion for his craft, the strongest work ethic in the business, a supporter of young individuals wanting to be involved in the industry” and “a great friend”. They also note his proudest accomplishment wouldn’t be the winners, but the friendships that developed because of his lifelong dedication to an industry he loves.

Congratulations to Rob Heffernan, our 2023 Andrea Crowe Achievement Award Winner.

photo credit Dann Brady

09/20/2023

2023 marks ten years since Andrea Crowe’s passing. For friends and family her memory and passion for the dairy industry remain close at heart. To celebrate and honour our friend and colleague and her legacy as a passionate Holstein breeder, exhibitor and community minded individual, this annual award was created to recognize:

· Ability to inspire others through positive attitude and industry involvement.

· Fostering industry knowledge and interest in youth.

· Good sportsmanship.

Andrea loved to work hard with family, friends and industry peers for the betterment of the industry, the breed and for the pure joy of being part of something that isn’t just a job, but rather a way of life that we all cherish.

This award is meant to remind us of Andrea’s passion for life, her positive attitude, and most of all her determination. All attributes speaking to the Hi-Calibre of Andrea’s character and a life well lived.

The Andrea Crowe Achievement Award will be presented during the heifer show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Young adults who demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication to the dairy industry, as well as active involvement in their communities will be considered for the award. Candidates will be judged on their level of participation in the following areas, showing, exhibiting, breeding – in any dairy breed, as well as volunteerism. Like Andrea, the individual must possess “the everyday love of the industry” through their personality, integrity and knowledge to make them well respected in the dairy fraternity.

Past winners include: Joel Phoenix, Stephanie Murphy, Joel LePage, Blair Weeks, Chad Crest, Kevin Jacobs, Ryan Krohlow, Lison Cote and Sheila Sundburg.

Nominations for the award, along with a brief written biography of the nominee, should be emailed by October 1, 2023 to [email protected].

L'année 2023 marque le dixième anniversaire du décès d'Andrea Crowe. Pour ses amis et sa famille, son souvenir et sa passion pour l'industrie laitière restent très présents dans leur cœur. Pour honorer notre amie et collègue ainsi que son héritage en tant qu'éleveuse Holstein passionnée, qu’exposante et qu’une personne soucieuse de la communauté, ce prix annuel a été créé pour reconnaître:

- La capacité d'inspirer les autres par son attitude positive et son implication dans l'industrie.

- Favoriser la connaissance de l'industrie et l'intérêt des jeunes.

- L'esprit sportif.

Andrea aimait travailler dur avec sa famille, ses amis et ses pairs pour l'amélioration de l'industrie, de la race et pour la pure joie de faire partie de quelque chose qui n'est pas seulement un travail, mais plutôt un mode de vie que nous chérissons tous.

Ce prix est destiné à nous rappeler la passion d'Andrea pour la vie, son attitude positive et, surtout, sa détermination. Autant d'attributs qui témoignent de la qualité du caractère d'Andrea et d'une vie bien vécue.

Le prix Andrea Crowe Achievement Award sera remis lors de l'exposition de génisses à la Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.

Les jeunes adultes qui font preuve d'enthousiasme et de dévouement à l'égard de l'industrie laitière, ainsi que d'un engagement actif au sein de leur communauté, seront pris en considération pour l'attribution de ce prix. Les candidats seront jugés sur leur niveau de participation dans les domaines suivants : exposition, élevage - dans n'importe quelle race laitière - et bénévolat.

Comme Andrea, la personne doit posséder "l'amour quotidien de l'industrie" à travers sa personnalité, son intégrité et ses connaissances, ce qui la rend très respectée au sein de la fraternité laitière.

Parmi les anciens lauréats, citons : Joel Phoenix, Stephanie Murphy, Joel LePage, Blair Weeks, Chad Crest, Kevin Jacobs, Ryan Krohlow, Lison Cote et Sheila Sundburg.

Les candidatures, accompagnées d'une brève biographie écrite du candidat, doivent être envoyées par courrier électronique avant le 1er octobre 2023 à l'adresse suivante : [email protected].

05/22/2023

One’s life is not measured by the number of years lived, but by the impact one has had while living. There is no truer statement to describe the life and legacy of Andrea Crowe.

Andrea was a former patient and special friend of the IWK who truly impacted everyone she met. She was vibrant, caring, witty, and extremely wise beyond her young years. Her smile lit up the room and she was relentless in her endless strength and determination. Everyone learned a life lesson from Andrea.

When she was not battling her illness in the hospital, Andrea was dedicated to her very successful Hi-Calibre Holstein business and health advocacy with decades of public speaking and volunteering for the IWK. Andrea was selected as the first IWK Telethon Champion Child for the Children’s Miracle Network and was later recognized for her tireless humanitarian efforts. There was no one more passionate than Andrea and her mom, Anne, about advocating for the needs of IWK patients and their families.

Sadly, Andrea passed away in 2013 at age 27 after her courageous battle with a long list of severe auto-immune rheumatologic conditions. To celebrate Andrea’s legacy, her family and friends established an endowment fund in her honour to raise funds to support ongoing research in pediatric auto-immune conditions. Anne and other family members are leaving a gift in their Will to help create a Research Chair in Translational Rheumatology to improve the understanding of childhood auto-immune and auto-inflammatory conditions.

Andrea’s vision was to leave a legacy of discovery and implementation where no child would have to go through what she had gone through. At a very young age, she realized that her health experiences could positively impact the lives of others. What a remarkable gift to give.

One’s life is not measured in number of years lived, but by the impact they have had while living. There is no truer statement to describe the life and legacy of Andrea Crowe.

04/13/2023

Three Andrea Crowe Achievement Award & Endowment Fund winners !! Fun at QC spring show !!

02/16/2023

Two Winners of Andreas Award having a visit tonight ❣️

Andrea's Girls!
2022 Sheila Sundburg & 2021 Lison Coté!

Enjoy your Visit!

Deux gagnants du prix Andreas en visite ce soir ❣️

Les filles d'Andréa !
Sheila Sundburg 2022 & Lison Coté 2021!

Bonne visite!

11/16/2022

“And the Winner Is”!!!!
“Et le Gagnant Est”!

Shelia Sundborg !!

11/13/2022

Congratulations Shelia Sundborg !!
Our 2022 Andrea Crowe Achievement Award !

Well deserved!

Thank you Ella Wright Photography for these photos and kind words.

Félicitations Shelia Sundborg !!
Notre prix d'excellence Andrea Crowe 2022 !

Bien mérité !

Merci Ella Wright Photography pour ces photos et ces gentils mots.

10/13/2022

Maintenant que Madison 2022 est dans les livres, nous passons aux préparatifs de la prochaine 100e Royal Winter Fair !

Aidez à passer le mot :

Il est à nouveau temps d'envoyer vos nominés pour le Andrea Crowe Achievement Award !
"Pour l'amour quotidien de l'Industrie"
Pour célébrer et honorer notre amie et collègue Andrea Crowe, et son héritage en tant qu'éleveuse Holstein passionnée, exposante et personne soucieuse de la communauté, ce prix annuel a été créé pour reconnaître :
- Capacité à inspirer les autres grâce à une attitude positive et à l'implication de l'industrie.
- Favoriser la connaissance de l'industrie et l'intérêt pour les jeunes.
- Bon esprit sportif.
Andrea aimait travailler dur avec sa famille, ses amis et ses pairs de l'industrie pour l'amélioration de l'industrie, de la race et pour la pure joie de faire partie de quelque chose qui n'est pas seulement un travail, mais plutôt un mode de vie que nous chérissons tous. .
Ce prix est destiné à nous rappeler la passion d'Andrea pour la vie, son attitude positive et surtout sa détermination. Tous les attributs parlent du Hi-Calibre du personnage d'Andrea et d'une vie bien vécue.
Le prix d'excellence Andrea Crowe sera présenté lors de l'exposition nationale Holstein à la Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Les jeunes adultes canadiens qui font preuve d'enthousiasme et de dévouement envers l'industrie laitière, ainsi que d'une implication active dans leurs communautés seront considérés pour le prix. Les candidats seront jugés sur leur niveau de participation dans l'un des domaines suivants, exposition, exposition et élevage - dans n'importe quelle race laitière, ainsi que sur le bénévolat. Comme Andrea, l'individu doit posséder «l'amour quotidien de l'industrie» à travers sa personnalité, son intégrité et ses connaissances pour être bien respecté dans la fraternité laitière.

Les candidatures pour le prix, accompagnées d'une brève biographie écrite du candidat, doivent être envoyées par courrier électronique avant le 28 octobre 2022 à [email protected]

10/13/2022

Now that Madison 2022 is in the Books – We move on with preparations for the upcoming 100th Royal Winter Fair!

Help spread the word:

It’s Time Again to Send in Your Nominees for the Andrea Crowe Achievement Award!
“For the everyday love of the Industry”
To celebrate and honor our friend and colleague Andrea Crowe, and her legacy as a passionate Holstein breeder, exhibitor and community minded individual, this annual award was created to recognize:
- Ability to inspire others through positive attitude and industry involvement.
- Fostering industry knowledge and interest in youth.
- Good sportsmanship.
Andrea loved to work hard with family, friends and industry peers for the betterment of the industry, the breed, and for the pure joy of being part of something that isn’t just a job, but rather a way of life that we all cherish.
This award is meant to remind us of Andrea’s passion for life, her positive attitude, and most of all her determination. All attributes speaking to the Hi-Calibre of Andrea’s character and a life well lived.
The Andrea Crowe Achievement Award will be presented during the National Holstein Show at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
Canadian young adults who demonstrate enthusiasm and dedication to the dairy industry, as well as active involvement in their communities will be considered for the award. Candidates will be judged on their level of participation in any of the following areas, showing, exhibiting, and breeding – in any dairy breed, as well as volunteerism. Like Andrea, the individual must possess “the everyday love of the industry” through their personality, integrity and knowledge to make them well respected in the dairy fraternity.

Nominations for the award, along with a brief written biography of the nominee, should be emailed by
October 28th, 2022 to [email protected]

10/13/2022

Welcome to our new page!

“The Andrea Crowe Achievement Award & Endowment Fund”.

This Page will show the highlights of the Andrea Crowe Achievement Award winners presented at the Royal Winter Fair on an annual basis.

We will also be posting details about the new Andrea Crowe Endowment Fund at the IWK Hospital in Halifax, NS

Bienvenue sur notre nouvelle page !

"Le prix d'excellence Andrea Crowe et le fonds de dotation".

Cette page montrera les faits saillants des lauréats du prix d'excellence Andrea Crowe présentés à la Royal Winter Fair sur une base annuelle.

Nous publierons également des détails sur le nouveau fonds de dotation Andrea Crowe à l'hôpital IWK à Halifax, en Nouvelle-Écosse.