The Rural Voice, 2003-05, Page 18A dream fulfilled
Ernst and Yolanda Gubelmann have found the
success they sought when they came to Canada to
set up their dairy operation
Story and photo by Bonnie Gropp
Twelve years ago Ernst and
Yolanda Gubelmann brought
their young family to Canada
to fulfill a dream.
Having grown up on a farm, then
working as a farm manager in his
native Switzerland, Ernst knew the
reality. "There was no way we could
afford land there, so coming to
Canada gave us an opportunity to
farm."
An opportunity of which they are
making the most. Now with son
Stefan and his wife Rita living on a
14 THE RURAL VOICE
neighbouring property, the two
families cash crop about 500 acres of
land, and operate a 60 -cow dairy
operation in McKillop.
The herd has a few of the area's
most popular breed, Holstein, but is
primarily comprised of Brown Swiss,
a favourite of Ernst's. "The first
reason I like them is because I grew
up with them on our farm. When I
came here I took over some
Holsteins. They are a good cow, but I
think Brown Swiss have some good
alternatives. They are a tougher
The Gubelmann name and its
Brown Swiss cattle are proudly
displayed at the roadside by their
Walton -area home. The sign was
painted by Yolanda, pictured with
Ernst.
animal, a stronger animal with a
higher percentage of protein in the
milk."
Gubelmann says the animal's black
hooves with higher heels are like
work boots, an advantage anywhere,
but particularly when the cattle are
walking on concrete in a free -stall
environment.
Noting that there aren't that many
Brown Swiss producers in the
province now, Gubelmann sees that
number increasing in the future.
"Because of the points I just made.
Those are things dairymen are
looking for, good feet and legs, a
healthy, strong animal."
Making the breed even more
attractive is its personality. "Brown
Swiss are docile, more calm."
Gubelmann adds that they have