Every so often, the BC Branch recognizes one of its members for their outstanding contributions to the Holstein industry by presenting a recipient with an Honourary Lifetime Member award.

Ben Cuthbert has been an active part of BC’s dairy industry for many years. Ben, and wife Suzanne, along with son Thomas and daughter-in-law Catherine, own and operate Silvermaple Holsteins, in Ladysmith, BC. The Cuthberts run approximately 300 head of Holsteins, including 110 milk cows, and crop roughly 300 acres of land. Ben has always had a keen interest in Holstein genetics and the Silvermaple herd reflects that passion with investment in cow families from some of the breeds biggest names like: Frosty, Missy, Tony Beauty, Elegance and Star Lily.

Silvermaple left their own mark on the genetics world in a big way with SILVERMAPLE DAMION CAMOMILE EX-95 7*. Camomile was Intermediate & Reserve Grand Champion at World Dairy Expo in 2011, as well as Intermediate Champion at the Royal the same year. She is a 2X All-American and All-Canadian winner and was Grand Champion at the BC Spring Show in 2012. While her show results are impressive, her ability to transmit her genetics is maybe even more so.

In 2016, her daughter SILVERMAPLE WINDHAM CAMILE was Intermediate & Grand Champion of the Junior Holstein show at World Dairy Expo. At home the Cuthberts also continue to feel the influence of Camomile with many branches of her family.

Ben has been actively involved in several agriculture organizations. He served his first term with the BC Milk Marketing Board from 1996-2014, acting as Vice-Chair during that time, as well as BC’s representative on the Western Milk Board and Canadian Milk Supply Management Committee.

In 2015, Ben became the BC National Director on the Holstein Canada Board. He served on a variety of committees during his nine years as National Director, including Finance, Governance and Breed Advisory. Ben was the Chairman of the Board beginning in 2021 and served as the President of the Association from 2022-2024.

Ben has always been a strong advocate and an excellent ambassador for BC Dairy Producers and Canadian genetics locally, provincially and internationally, making him well-deserving of the Honourary Lifetime Member award.

Thank you, Ben, for all you have done to promote the BC dairy industry throughout your career so far, and congratulations on your successful bid to become Director for a second term with the BC Milk Marketing Board. It is our privilege to recognize you as the newest Honourary Lifetime member of the BC Holstein Branch.