Cattle qualify for the event by winning their country’s major national or supreme shows in five regions of the world
EDMONTON — Recognition on the world stage for a job well done is one way to showcase top beef cattle from 72 countries. Internationally known cattle judge and consultant, P.J. Budler, created the Champion of the World competition for beef cattle seven years ago and it has expanded to recognize top quality animals. So far, […] Read more
Barbara Duckworth
Stories by Barbara Duckworth
Alta., Sask., split supreme winners
REGINA — Every year, cattle producers are able to honour their peers at Canadian Western Agribition. The RBC Beef Supreme is the grand finale of the show that ran from Nov. 19-24 and recognizes the first among equals in the purebred cattle business. After 20 years the competition welcomes entrants from 17 shows in North […] Read more
Ranch family tackles mental health
A suicide attempt prompts Alberta producer to set up scholarship for the promotion of mental health awareness
EDMONTON — Lee Kemp flashes a smile through fluffy white whiskers, but behind the good humoured face are fresh memories of his struggles with mental health. After a bout in hospital last spring following a suicide attempt, the Alberta farmer learned it is not a sign of weakness to ask for help or talk about […] Read more
Outdoor pig operation proves successful
On the Farm: Alberta farm is the first outdoor pork operation in Western Canada to achieve Canadian Quality Assurance designation
IRRICANA, Alta. — When a career-oriented couple decided to leave the corporate world behind and become pig farmers, they took the risk of sailing on uncharted waters. Christopher and Jessica Fasoli started Bear and the Flower Farm in 2015, where they raise outdoor pigs near Irricana. Their pork sales have skyrocketed. They have experimented with […] Read more
Family recognized for 50 years of Herefords
The Andruchows looked to replace Herefords as they went out of style, but then the breed became fashionable again
EDMONTON — The Andruchow family has followed the Hereford life for 50 years. The golden Hereford anniversary for long-time Hereford breeders Art and Marie Andruchow was recognized at Farmfair International, which was held earlier in the month in Edmonton. If Art has his way, there will be more anniversaries to be celebrated. Now 72, he […] Read more
Young cattle producers learn judging ropes in the ring
EDMONTON — It was like bring your kid to work day when two teenagers were invited to join seasoned purebred cattle judges to shadow them for the day at Farmfair International. Thomas Wildman, 16, from Towaw Angus joined his father, Kirk Wildman, in judging the All Breeds Show, while David Vikse invited Travis Edwards to […] Read more
Feedlot struggles expected to continue
A livestock analyst says there will be more beef and good demand next year, but fat prices are likely to struggle
EDMONTON — A feedlot owner who is making money is likely to share his good fortune with cow-calf producers by paying more for their calves. But this past year has been a struggle for the feeding sector after a strong 2017. There will be more beef and good demand next year, but fat prices are […] Read more
Family scores double win at Farmfair
The Paynes won the supreme championship with their Limousin female and the futurity show with an Angus bull
EDMONTON — The Payne family is setting a quick pace for itself by winning a supreme championship for the second year at Farmfair International. “We have set two records because a Limousin female never won before; it is awesome,” said Jackie Payne, wiping away tears of joy. Named Greenwood Pld Ally 702A, the female came […] Read more
Family’s dedication to Angus breed honoured
The Gaberts bought their first registered black-hided animal in 1968 ‘when Angus were the low people’ in the barns
EDMONTON — Breeding purebred cattle is a 50 year tradition for Rick and Sharon Gabert, owners of Crooked Creek Angus. The family from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., was recognized at Farmfair International for their long-term dedication to the Angus breed and their continuous support of the Edmonton show for the last 45 years. The Gabert family […] Read more
Young Simmental breeder hits the big time in show ring
EDMONTON — Sarah Van Sickle was raised with Simmentals and now she has joined the big time. The accolades she received while showing her red Simmental champion bull at Farmfair International and the Olds Fall Classic were a heady experience for the young woman from Mayerthorpe, Alta. She is part of a new generation of […] Read more
