Born in Holland, immigrated to Canada in 1955, retired from the Royal Canadian Engineers in 1990. My wife and I bought a fifty-acre farm north of London, Ontario and started in the sheep industry. The opportunity arose to go back to Holland in 1995 to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the end of the second World War.

While in The Netherlands I had a chance to see the Texelaar and spoke with several producers, in the process I met Rinus van Doorn who was interested in shipping embryos' to Canada. The first consignments of embryos arrived late in 1995 and were transferred to donor ewes in early 1996 and we have not looked back.

We have shown our Dutch Texels for the last five years at several different expositions. The most prestigious show being the " All Canadian Classic sheep show and sale" which is held once a year in a different province in Canada. This exhibition brings all the top producers together, to show their animals and be judged accordingly.

Cold Stream Texels have done well over the years, in 1998 our champion Texel ewe topped the sale at the Truro Nova Scotia Classic. In London, Ontario our ewe was reserved champion and our junior ram was champion. Last year in Calgary our Texel ram won reserve honours. At the 2002 Quebec Classic, there were an estimated 350 sheep with eighteen breeds present, of that, 29 Texels were consigned, the most ever at any show. Our Dutch Triple Crown rm 87L ram topped the sale at 1,700.00; our second ram Dutch King mr 82L sold for 1,450.00. A point of interest, as this was the first time a breeders flock was entered, we were awarded Reserve Champion flock.

The interesting part for the Texelaar producer in Holland is the sheep we have here can be traced back to Boslap, Kikker and van Doorn. You can see that the quality you produce is appreciated here in Canada

Sincere Regards,

Mels van der Laan

Texel is the largest of the Friesian Islands, and lies at the northern tip of the mainland province of North Holland in The Netherlands.

For centuries the local farmers have raised sheep and improved the breed for whatever the markets required. Wool production has been the backbone of sheep farmers for as long as people needed clothes. Milk from ewes has always been important to ensure a head start for young lambs. Also as an important source of income from the production of specialty cheeses. The value of the meat production has varied according to prevailing demands.

The Texel breed has always been adapted to differing market conditions and major changes have taken place, particularly since the Second World War. The supply of Wool increased from Australia and New Zealand. Milk was only valuable for supplementary income so all efforts were concentrated on the production of meat.

AND IN MEAT PRODUCTION THE "TESSELAARS' ARE LEADERS IN THE SUPPLY OF SUCCULENT LAMB THAT IS NOW IN GREAT AND CONSTANT DEMAND.

Sheep producers in Europe have taken to the breed with enthusiasm. The Texel is tops in dressed weight ratio and regularly produces outstanding economic results.

Originating on the windswept Island of Texel in the North Sea. In an environment that has proven beneficial, not only for the development of a world wide industry. But that has provided farmers and customers alike with a world class product. The 'Tesselaar' is a sturdy animal that responds well and thrives in our Canadian climate.

Cold Stream Ranch is located north of Poplar Hill in Middlesex County, Ontario Canada, and operated by Ruthanne and Mels van der Laan. They cordially invite you to check out this most desirable prize winning breed. YOU'LL BE GLAD YOU DID!!

For the Cold Stream Ranch, by John R. Alkema
Born on the Island of Texel, The Netherlands
Resides in London Ontario, Canada