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 bea ...