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EDMONTON –Sharon and Richard McLoughlin were amazed at the primped and shiny cattle when they walked through the cow barns at Farmfair.
“We just saw the Premier Black Angus herd. They were very beautiful,” Sharon said.
“The work they must do to keep the animals so beautiful.”
About 10,000 visitors were expected to walk through the barns during the 10-day show in Edmonton.
It was a trip down memory lane for the McLoughlins. They were raised on farms and made a special trip from Devon, Alta., to see the show cattle before attending the Canadian Finals Rodeo.
David and Janet Kamelchuk brought their three children to the cattle barn as an educational event.
“It’s a good outing to bring the kids,” said David.
Cattle numbers are up from last year. Producers brought 795 purebred cattle to the show, representing 16 breeds. Black Angus had the most animals at 123. A total of 962 beef cattle were at the show, up from 800 last year.
Kamelchuk said he’s surprised how similar all the animals look now, with few breed distinctions.
“They’re all black or red. It’s hard to tell what’s what anymore.”
Blonde d’aquitaine, which the Kamelchuks raise, is still distinguishable by its colour. Next year, they will attend their first breed show in Olds, Alta., and they’re hoping to learn tricks of showing and grooming from professionals.
“We want to show the girls what’s going on and what we’re working towards,” he said.
Al and Kerrie Lemermeyer of Drayton Valley, Alta., brought their children and niece and nephew to the show to see the cattle.
“I grew up on a farm and I thought it was a good chance to show them cattle,” he said. “The kids never stop asking questions.”
