BONNYVILLE, Alta. – Cattle from 52 breeders were featured at The Action Barn in Bonnyville, about 170 kilometres northwest of Lloydminster, for the recent North East Alberta Beef Breeders Association field day.
Visitors and prospective buyers were there to shop and compare stock from 15 different breeds grown in that district. Most breeders brought cows and calves, as well as bulls, so interested buyers could measure the kind of offspring the bulls produced.
“This (field day) shows people they don’t have to travel to Lloydminster or Edmonton for bulls,” said Charolais breeder Gloria Oughten of Vilna. So many people stopped at her stall during the Oct. 15 show, she was reluctant to leave even for a quick lunch, in case she missed a customer.
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“Marketing is what this event is all about,” said NEABBA president Stan Harder.
Something for everyone
White and red factor Charolais, tall, hefty Angus and some sleek-looking Tarentaise showed “there’s something for everybody here,” said Harder.
Visitors also had an opportunity to see rare breeds like the miniature Dexter and Speckle Park, a composite of White Park and Shorthorns.
NEABBA formed just over a year ago as a co-operative to help purebred breeders sell their bulls locally. Previously, they would have been forced to travel long distances for a new herd sire.
A few private sales were settled during the field day including a Charolais cow selling for $5,000.
The cattle were displayed in range condition. Other than a quick brush and wearing halters, the animals appeared without the careful clipping and shaping of professional groomers.
The next NEABBA sale is set for Feb. 20.
