LLOYDMINSTER, Sask. – Some 186 bulls were shown at the 91st annual Pride of the Prairies Bull Show and Sale in Lloydminster March 7-8.
The number of head on offer was down from last year, but seven breeds were represented in the two-day event.
“Economics. We can get (the sale) all done in one day,” said Mike Sidoryk, general manager of the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association, about the event shortened from its usual three days. In the past, the sale has been held over two days, leaving one day for the show.
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He added the show and sale ranks among the top three longest-running consignment sales in Canada.
Between calving season and off-farm jobs, many producers cannot be gone from home for long, said Sidoryk. The cost of travel, hotels, fuel and food also lower participation when economic times are tough.
“To shave one or two days off of an event like this keeps more money in the farmer’s pocket.” He also spoke highly of animal quality.
“To come out of here with a grand champion or reserve grand champion bull means you have a pretty special bull,” said Sidoryk.
He thinks buyers will take that into consideration when marketing and buying.
“It’s an opportunity to show that, yes, you do have good bloodline, yes, you have good genetics and yes, that’s a strong, solid bull.”
Results from the March 8 sale were not available by press time.
