Being a young farmer in Canada today is a challenge, but Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers regional winners Michael and Jessica Lovich, owners of Lovholm Holsteins, are rising to it–answering the call to farm in innovative ways.
The couple—both raised on Alberta farms—were married in 2007, and worked on Michael’s parents’ dairy farm at Cherhill, Alberta for eight years. By 2015 the Lovichs’ ambition had grown along with the size of their family (they now have three daughters), and they decided to make a move. They purchased land from another farm family at Balgonie, outside of Regina, Saskatchewan, and, in the span of one month, the family and cows were all transported to their new farm.
The new land brought new challenges, and the Lovichs have risen to these, adapting and innovating over the last six years. Lovholm Holsteins now covers 500 acres of feed production, with 72 purebred milking cows and an additional 120 head of dry stock.
The Lovichs were recently celebrated as regional winners for Saskatchewan in Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers Program, an annual competition that recognizes farmers aged between 18 and 39 who exemplify excellence and promote agriculture in ways that foster urban-rural relations.
The couple has implemented new technologies and innovative practices to support herd health and productivity. They give milking cows as much time outside as possible, do not push them to produce at maximum level, and feed with a focus on longevity.
The Lovichs’ commitment to advancement has paid off. Their cows produce significantly more milk than average and are productive for eight to ten years–almost double the average. “Lovholm Holsteins is all about the cows. Cow comfort and longevity in our herd is our main focus,” says Michael.
The Lovichs’ passion for genetics and breeding has gained them significant recognition at shows across North America. They were Holstein Breeder of the Year in SK (2019-2021) and listed in the top 10 master breeders for their herd size across Canada (2020).
They also support education and urban-rural relations by hosting farm tours and hiring pre-vet students and agronomy interns. “We encourage learning on our farm, and we learn in turn,” says Jessica.
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