A Regina couple honoured for their international promotion of Canadian Western Agribition say they are no different from others who talk about the show around the world.
Helge and Candace By were named the winners of the 2010 Jim Lewthwaite award during Agribition’s international reception at the show held Nov. 21-26 in Regina.
The award was established in honour of the show’s co-founder.
The Bys are well known for their work mainly in the Charolais breed but have also been longtime supporters of Agribition.
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“It’s something we find really easy to do because we truly believe it’s the best show in Canada,” said Candace.
Helge said he was surprised to win.
“We’re no different than hundreds of other volunteers at Agribition,” he said.
However, the Bys have in the last few years travelled to 11 countries – Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Great Britain, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia and the United States – where they have taken time to talk about the show.
“We’ve actually helped move embryos for multiple breeds and we’ve made contacts in lots of areas,” said Candace.
Through their travels, they have arranged for delegations from Australia, Finland and Norway to attend the Regina show.
“They are always astounded at the enormity of the show,” Candace said. “No matter how much we tell them this is the biggest show and how great it is, they are still overwhelmed by the size of it when they get here.”
One of the things that amazes international visitors is seeing the cattle moved out of the barns at night to the tie-outs, said Helge.
“That astounds them when they see the cattle walk out into -20 and spend the night quite comfortably on straw pack. That also helps sell the cattle when they see how hardy and vigorous these cattle are in this kind of conditions.
“Canada does need a big show and an international marketplace, and this happens to be the big one,” he said.
Agribition also recognized the City of Regina and province of Saskatchewan with the Chris Sutter award. It recognizes individuals and organizations that have been builders and is named for Sutter, another founder of the show.
