Young producers vie for scholarships, prize money at livestock show
Cole McMahon may be the standard for the next generation of farmer. He will be educated and he will be adaptable. He may grow grain, raise livestock or do both. Raised on a grain farm at Galahad, Alta., the 18-year-old is off to the University of Saskatchewan this fall to study agribusiness. “The University of […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Simmental keeps racking up wins
Dakota Townsend has been a scene-stealer since she was a toddler leading her parents’ llamas across a stage as an auctioneer encouraged the crowd to offer five figure bids. Now she is striking out on her own with Rock Star Cattle Co., where she is building a herd of Simmentals that reside with her family’s […] Read more
Young auctioneer makes his mark
Ryan Konynenbelt claims to have sold everything from emus to plants to cattle, and he has enjoyed every minute of it. At 18, the Nobleford, Alta., native is probably the youngest person ever to enter the Calgary Stampede’s North American international livestock auctioneer competition. Three days of trials before some of the most experienced auctioneers […] Read more
Girl takes on heavy horses
Halley Ruzicka is a third generation heavy horse exhibitor who can be seen driving the gentle giants or catching up on homework at the family’s stalls. The 14-year-old from Viking, Alta., won the youth aggregate award at the Calgary Stampede heavy horse show after excelling at grooming, showmanship, decorations and driving. “I grew up around […] Read more
Settlement reached in XL beef recall case
A $4 million settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit against XL Foods following Canada’s largest ever beef recall. A hearing will be held this fall in Edmonton to approve the settlement, said Linda Visser of Siskinds LLP in London, Ont. The law firm represents anyone harmed in connection with the recall of […] Read more
Young people compete at Stampede event
Supporting rural youth has become a major component of the Calgary Stampede held July 3-12. This year the open steer show was changed to a junior competition with 60 contestants from the four western provinces and an entry from Kansas. The grand champion steer and winner of $15,000 in scholarships and cash was Katie Serhienko […] Read more
Money raised at Stampede for air ambulance service
UPDATE: July 13, 2015 – 1330 CST – Video of Cody’s cousin showing his steer at the Calgary Stampede added. The family of a young boy fighting for his life in a Saskatoon hospital is asking sympathizers to donate to STARS air ambulance. Ten-year-old Cody Sibbald of Beechy, Sask., was critically injured in a tractor […] Read more
Auctioneers show their skills at Stampede
Auctioneers from Florida and Alberta were the big winners at the Calgary Stampede International livestock auctioneers competition held July 11. Marcus Kent made his first trip to the Stampede and took away $5,000 in cash and other prizes for his ability to out chant 26 other competitors in the 27th annual event. He works for […] Read more
Stampede, Olds hold first day of Summer Synergy
For the last five years, the Calgary Stampede and the Olds Agricultural Society have co-operated to stage a mega youth livestock show. Youngsters 21 years of age and under are invited to Summer Synergy to show, learn marketing techniques, groom and judge animals. The rewards are thousands of dollars worth of scholarships and other prizes. […] Read more
Holstein nets $197,000 at Alberta sale
COCHRANE, Alta. — A polled red cow was the high seller at the Rocky Mountain High Holstein sale in Cochrane July 2. Westcoast Ladd Aspen sold for $197,000 to West Coast Holsteins of Chilliwack, B.C., after active bidding in the sales tent, where more than 90 prime Holsteins were on offer. “We think she will […] Read more
