Another Ayr-area Jersey family receives Jersey Canada’s Honourary Life Member Award

Brenbe Jersey’s farm on the Waterloo-Brant Townline Road.

By Diane Baltaz

An Ayr-area couple who established a new Jersey line 40 years ago joined Jersey Canada’s Honourary Life Member roster in March.

Brent and Betty Butcher of Brenbe Jerseys are one of two recipients of the 2026 Jersey Canada Honourary Life Member Award.

This award is a member-nominated recognition of a Jersey Canada member’s long-term leadership contribution to the Jersey breed.

States the Jersey Canada press release about the Butchers, “Brent and Betty represent three generations of dedication to the Jersey breed, building on the foundations of Bell City and Granclare (two historic herds in the Brant County region) to establish Brenbe Jerseys in Ayr in 1986. Brent’s passion for Jerseys began in childhood and continued as he helped Granclare achieve its Master Breeder Award in 1984 before developing Brenbe into a top-tier herd.”

The Jersey Canada press release states that Brenbe bred more than 70 cows that achieved the Excellent cows status, including multiple Supreme Excellents, All Canadian nominees and high scoring descendents of early purchases.

Brenbe’s success also includes numerous Silver and Gold Production Awards, Lifetime Production records, two Constructive Breeder Awards and a Jersey Canada Master Breeder title in 2017.

In addition to being active at the Paris Fair, Brent has led local fairs and supported 4-H, encouraging young exhibitors, often transporting some calves to local shows himself.

“Today, Brent and Betty’s three children continue the Brenbe legacy and passion for Jerseys with their own ventures. The couple remains actively involved where they can,” adds the Jersey Canada press release.

Brenbe Jerseys’ Facebook page describes their farm as a tie stall operation located on the Brant-Waterloo Road.

This is the second, consecutive year that an Ayr-area Jersey family earned Jersey Canada’s Honourary Life Member designation. In 2025, their neighbour, George Kyle of Ash Lawn Farms on Brant-Oxford Road received this honour.

Jersey Canada’s second 2026 Honourary Life Member recipients are Roger Ray and Diane Jarrell Ray of Hollylane Jerseys, Bellville.

Jersey Canada presented the awards to both couples at its annual general meeting in Ottawa in late March. 