EDMONTON – Before Bill Biglieni decided to haul cattle across three provinces to the national Hereford show at Farmfair in Edmonton, he held a family meeting.
Would the benefits of coming to the national show outweigh the cost of pulling a heavy stock trailer loaded with cattle and staying in a hotel and eating in restaurants for a week?
“It’s expensive. I just about got vetoed,” said Biglieni, who farms near Douglas, Man.
In the end, the importance of developing new contacts, meeting new buyers and showcasing his Polled Herefords at the breed’s national cattle show won out.
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“We’ve seen enough new people today that it’s pleasing,” said Biglieni, who brought five animals to the show.
Biglieni said he may not get paid in cash at each event, but every show and sale builds recognition and helps sell more animals at other shows.
“It’s important I be seen at major events like this. There’s business done quietly in the stalls.”
It’s the first time Greg Pugh of Edgerton, Alta., has brought his Polled Hereford cattle to Farmfair. He also brought a string of Red and Black Angus cattle, which are holding their national breed show in Edmonton.
“If we can meet new contacts and show cattle producers our program, it’s worthwhile,” said Pugh, who was confident his two Hereford heifer calves would do well.
“I think you have to have faith in your own program. We wouldn’t bring them to town if we didn’t think they would do well and showed what we have at home.”
A Hereford cow owned by Leonard and Eugene Poholka of Breton, Alta., earned an award for dam of great distinction during the national Hereford show.
The award is given to a cow that has produced at least 10 calves that have at least a 105 index in the herd, which is a measure of superiority.
“Maternal strengths is one of our biggest focuses,” said Leonard, who has shown Herefords at Farmfair since 1993.
He said having the national show at Farmfair focuses the spotlight on Hereford cattle in the area.
“It brings people to see the cattle from the West. We need to show everyone here Herefords are a bright spot.”
