Photo courtesy
Gary Bowers, longtime Eastern Townships dairy farmer and recent recipient of the 2024 Dairy Cattle Improvement Industry Distinction Award, stands with one of his prized Jersey cows. Known for his leadership in advancing dairy genetics and his nearly 40 years of service to the industry, Bowers remains active on his family farm in Compton, where he continues to promote innovation and efficiency.

Bowers joins elite group of crème de la crème of dairy farming

By William Crooks

Local Journalism Initiative

Gary Bowers, a long-time resident of the Eastern Townships, has been awarded the prestigious Dairy Cattle Improvement Industry Distinction Award by Lactanet Canada. This recognition highlights his nearly 40 years of dedication to advancing the dairy industry, particularly in the field of genetics, where his contributions have left an indelible mark.

Bowers, who grew up on Bowers Road near the Milby Golf Course, has been involved in dairy farming his entire life. “That was my grandfather’s farm,” he noted in a recent interview. Though the family sold the farm when he was only five years old, Bowers’ early exposure to dairy life left a lasting impression. He worked on various farms across Ontario before settling back into the Eastern Townships, where he has since become a well-known figure in the Canadian dairy scene.

A lifetime of leadership

Over the course of his career, Bowers has taken on numerous leadership roles, beginning locally but eventually extending to national and international platforms. His leadership roles began with Jersey Québec, where he served as president, and expanded to include Jersey Canada, the Canadian Dairy Network (CDN), Ciaq, and Semex Alliance. He also held a significant role with Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC), contributing to multiple projects aimed at improving dairy farming across the country.

According to a recent release provided by Bowers, his work with Semex, in particular, brought about significant changes in the industry. Under his leadership, bull housing, semen production, and distribution systems were streamlined, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs for dairy producers. These efforts were not only appreciated in Canada but also internationally, as Bowers became known for his innovative approach to dairy cattle genetics.

As president of Jersey Canada, Bowers played a key role in the establishment of the Multi-Breed Classification Program in 2005. This program remains one of the most important tools for dairy farmers in evaluating cattle quality and is offered as a service by Holstein Canada. It allows for a more accurate assessment of dairy cattle across various breeds, helping farmers make more informed decisions about breeding and herd management.

In addition to his administrative roles, Bowers was heavily involved in improving the genetic makeup of dairy cattle. His work on the CDN board was instrumental in the introduction of genomic evaluations in 2009. Genomics allows for the use of DNA to predict a cow’s future traits, such as milk production, health, and reproductive efficiency. Bowers’ leadership in this area helped bring this cutting-edge technology into the mainstream, revolutionizing the way dairy farmers select animals for breeding. He also contributed to the creation of Pro$ in 2015, a profit-based economic index that helps farmers maximize the profitability of their herds.

One of Bowers’ final contributions before stepping down from board work in 2020 was his involvement in the creation of DairyTrace, Canada’s national dairy cattle traceability program. This program helps track the movement of dairy cattle across the country, improving food safety and disease control.

A global ambassador for Canadian dairy

While Bowers made significant contributions on a national level, his influence extended far beyond Canada. As a well-respected judge, he was invited to judge dairy cattle shows in countries around the world, including Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Australia, Japan, and South Africa. His expertise in evaluating cattle earned him invitations to the biggest shows, such as the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto, where he judged twice.

“Judging cattle is an honour and a responsibility,” Bowers explained. “It’s about recognizing the best animals that will drive the future of dairy farming. I’ve been lucky to do it in so many countries.”

Bowers noted that being a judge isn’t something you can be trained for; it comes from years of experience and a keen eye for detail. “People get to know your name, and you get asked to judge. It’s not something you apply for; it’s something you grow into after years of being involved.”

His role as a judge not only helped showcase Canadian dairy genetics on the international stage but also solidified his status as an ambassador for Canadian agriculture. Wherever he went, he promoted the strength of Canadian dairy cattle, helping build the country’s reputation as a leader in the global dairy industry.

Challenges in the dairy industry

Though Bowers has achieved much success, he acknowledges that the dairy industry faces significant challenges today. “The rising cost of inputs—feed, fuel, labour—are making it harder and harder for producers to turn a profit,” he said. “With interest rates on the rise, it’s tough to make ends meet.”

Mechanization and technology, however, offer hope. On his own farm, located in the Compton area, Bowers and his family have implemented robotic milking systems. “The ones that are going to survive in the future are going to have to use all the technology they can to lower their costs,” he emphasized. “Robots have made a huge difference for us, cutting labour costs and freeing up time.”

Bowers sees technology as not just a means to survive but as a way to enhance the quality of life for farmers. “For so long, dairy farmers have been tied to a rigid schedule. Robots give us flexibility. Now, we can enjoy things like having supper with friends, something that used to be a rare luxury.”

A humble recognition

Despite his many accomplishments, Bowers remains humble about receiving the Dairy Cattle Improvement Industry Distinction Award. “I was never expecting anything like that,” he admitted. “It’s kind of a lifetime achievement for me, but I didn’t really set out for it. I just kept going from one board to the next, always trying to do what was best for the industry.”

Reflecting on his nearly 40 years of service, Bowers expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has had to make a difference. “I’ve been passionate about dairy farming my whole life, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished. This award is a nice recognition of that.”

Bowers will officially receive the award at the 2024 Dairy Cattle Industry Forum in Toronto on Sept. 17-18. As he continues to farm with his family, his contributions to the industry will undoubtedly be felt for years to come, both in the Eastern Townships and across Canada.

With this award, Gary Bowers joins an elite group of only 15 individuals who have been recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Canadian dairy cattle improvement industry. His story is one of passion, innovation, and a lifelong commitment to advancing the dairy sector.