Morey Receives Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award

Lee Morey has been selected as the recipient of the Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award. The Award, established in 2024, is presented to an individual, aged 18-30 (on Jan. 1 of the award year), who exemplifies the qualities that Richardwas known for – his great cow sense, deep love of dairy cattle breeding and husbandry and strong belief in the importance of training and guiding dairy youth. Nominators submit the nominee for consideration, providing details about the traits the nominee shares with the late Richard Caverly and citing examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities.

Lee Morey is a partner in Unique Valleystream Genetics, a division of Northland Dairy Ltd. in Rochester, Alberta. He manages the 400-cow lactating herd that consists of Jerseys, Holsteins, Brown Swiss and Milking Shorthorns. Morey organizes the daily operations of the farm, while managing the herd’s breeding program and nutrition. Morey and his wife, Casey, have also taken the lead on the IVF/ET program on the farm, securing several contracts worldwide for their genetics.

Like Richard, Morey has a passion for cattle genetics. He understands that breeding is both an art and a responsibility.  He feels it is important for breeders to ensure that the breed evolves, remaining viable in an ever-changing industry without sacrificing the traits we appreciate. This is evident in the success Unique’s breeding program has experienced since he took charge in 2018. Morey’s goal is balance – developing genetics that combine profitable production with type that can compete in the showring. Under his watch, Unique has placed 25 sires into AI over the past eight years. Unique-bred females are having a strong impact as well. In 2026, 11 of the top 20 cows in Canada are from Morey’s breeding program.  The top 5 cows are Unique animals and the No1 LPI cow in Canada for the last 7 proof rounds was bred by Morey. The success this young man’s breeding program has had in a six-year period demonstrates a commitment and passion that Richard would admire in a young person.

Morey worked sales and shows around the world in his youth, becoming a respected fitter thanks to mentoring received from many individuals.  He appreciates the time others committed to him in his early years and feels strongly that it is his turn to give back. Morey is an Official Judge with Holstein Canada and Jersey Canada and uses that designation to help youth programs. He never refuses a judging assignment, even if it is a small 4-H club clipping competition or a 4-H judging workshop.  He is always willing to teach youth at judging, showmanship and clipping clinics. And if a young person needs a heifer to show, Morey makes sure there is a good one from Unique available. This year, Morey took on the added responsibility of being Alberta Team Coordinator and coach for the WestGen Canadian. He knows the importance of giving back in appreciation for what was given to you, and this echoes Richard Caverly’s commitment to youth.

These are a few of the examples that demonstrate why Lee Morey is perfectly suited for this recognition. He will help to keep Richard’s memory alive by continuing to be a breeder, caretaker, fitter, mentor, and avid promoter and advocate for the dairy industry.

Recipients of the Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award become the caretaker of a beautiful traveling trophy – a wooden carving of Glenamore Gold Prize EX-97-6E, created and donated by Scott Hussey, a close friend of Caverly. “Prize” was a five-time Grand Champion at the Royal

Winter Fair in Toronto, Canada. Richard worked with an extensive number of award-winning bovines during his career, but when asked to declare his favorite, he would respond “Prize” without hesitation. Caverly award recipients also receive a commemorative plaque and embroidered travel bag.

The 2026 Richard Caverly Memorial Award was presented to Lee Morey on Tuesday, September 29 on the ‘colored shavings’ at World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin, following the crowning of the Jersey Grand Champion.

The Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Fund (RCMDF) was created as a way for family, friends and acquaintances of Richard to continue his memory. This Richard Caverly Memorial Dairy Award will be presented annually. The fund also supports youth activities to continue Richard’s legacy of helping dairy youth. Individuals interested in donating to the fund can find details by visiting the RCMDF Facebook page or contacting Committee Chair Jim Strout.