It may have looked like an African savannah, but walking among the lions, zebras, gorillas, burning torches and stone statues were Charolais bulls and heifers.
For the second year the Charolais association has hosted a Sir-vivor competition based on the popular television program Survivor where contestants are voted off the island.
In the Charolais game, a group of 57 Charolais breeders paid $700 for the chance to vote Charolais heifers and bulls out of the ring and hopefully win their choice of top bull or heifer.
Craig Scott of Olds, Alta., said the competition is a chance for breeders to show off their best animals, and win what they believe is the top animal in the breed.
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“The animals entered are the top animals in Western Canada,” said Scott before the Sir-vivor competition at Farmfair International.
In last year’s first contest, the top 71/2 animals (only a half interest was sold in one) sold for an average of $8,700 each, double the Charolais spring bull average.
This year 33 bulls and 15 heifers were entered in the competition.
“It’s promotion,” said Scott. It’s one way for the Charolais association to generate excitement when there isn’t a sale at the cattle show at Farmfair International, he added.
Cream of the crop
Allan Marshall of Innisfail, Alta., entered two bulls in the competition and also paid for the chance to judge what he believes will be the best group of animals in the show ring.
“We’re all looking for new herd sires,” said Marshall, who could win $15,000 if one of his animals is the Sir-vivor winner.
Jack Rairdan of Stettler, Alta., who entered a bull in the competition, said it’s unique that all 57 members are judging the animals, not a single judge deciding which animal is the winner.
“Everybody is looking for something different. You’re voting for something you think is important,” said Rairdan, who won the top bull in last year’s event.
Rairdan said it’s important to get down into the ring and closely inspect the animals. It’s rare to see the top animals all at once and close together.
The reason Kasey Phillips of Waskatenau, Alta., bought a membership to the event was simple.
“I just bought a membership hoping to win a bull.”
At the least, he and others in the contest will receive 10 straws of semen and a jacket.
Marshall said for producers looking for a new herd sire, this is the perfect opportunity to compare the animals when they’re looking their best.
“You see the best of the best here. You’d wear out a pickup driving around to see all these great animals.”
In the end, a bull owned by L.A. Land and Livestock of Leduc, Alta., and
A. Sparrow Farms of Vanscoy, Sask., won the event.
