EDMONTON – Farmfair International cancelled four breed sales this year – Shorthorn, Hereford, Salers and Charolais -because of a lack of interest and as a cost cutting measure.
Len Poholka, a Horned Hereford breeder from Breton, Alta., said a letter was mailed to participants asking if they wanted to hold a sale, but only three responded, including himself.
Poholka said cost, breeders’ own sales and numerous consignment sales in Alberta make Farmfair a tough sell for some breeds.
“It just happened it wasn’t the right fit for some people,” said Poholka, who brought seven animals to the show.
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Showing animals costs money, and Poholka has trimmed expenses over the years. He stays with relatives in Edmonton and brings his own food. He also hired 4-H kids to help fit and show cattle rather than using more expensive professional stock fitters.
“For me I just keep things simple and do as much of my own work as possible.”
Barbara Dixon of Mannville, Alta., said the 40 animals planned for Farmfair’s Shorthorn show weren’t enough to hold a sale.
Instead, breeders at the show will make private sales from their stalls.
Not holding a sale is also a cost-cutting measure in an industry hurt by depressed cattle prices. Advertising, auctioneer and consignment costs all add up.
“There is a cost when you put animals through the sale,” she said.
Ian Harvie of Olds, Alta., said the Charolais breed also didn’t have enough interest to hold a sale as originally advertised.
“It was difficult to get enough consigners to make the program work,” said Harvie, chair of the Charolais show and sale committee.
About 25 to 30 head of cattle are needed to offset the cost of sales and marketing. Only about 12 to 14 Charolais were consigned.
Last year the World Charolais Congress was held at Farmfair and breeders brought more than 350 head to show and sell. This year 110 cattle attended the Charolais show and none are from out of province.
While Farmfair is on the fall show circuit, Harvie said it doesn’t draw the same crowds as Canadian Western Agribition in Regina and competes for farmers with the Agri-Trade show in Red Deer.
