The slap for the female RBC Beef Supreme champion, PM Echo 8'16, from judge Sarah Buchanan at Agribition in Regina. |  Michael Raine photo

Alta., Sask., split supreme winners

REGINA — Every year, cattle producers are able to honour their peers at Canadian Western Agribition. The RBC Beef Supreme is the grand finale of the show that ran from Nov. 19-24 and recognizes the first among equals in the purebred cattle business. After 20 years the competition welcomes entrants from 17 shows in North […] Read more

Former federal agriculture minister Gerry Ritz burns the brand to officially open Canadian Western Agribition earlier this week. Looking on are Regina mayor Michael Fougere, left, and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit. | Karen Briere photo

Ritz remains popular at Agribition

He may be retired from official political life but Gerry Ritz still has rock star status at Canadian Western Agribition. The former federal agriculture minister burned the CWA brand to officially open the Regina show this week and was surrounded by well-wishers and fans. President Bruce Holmquist acknowledged Ritz’s role in securing federal funds for […] Read more



Chris Clark, assistant dean of academics at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine, talks with fourth year students Jasmine Paulson, left, Anne Hanbidge and Mirjam Stigter-Wassenaar in the school’s teaching pen. Clark estimates there are now about 1,580 veterinarians in Alberta, up from an estimated 1,400 practising in 2013. Of those, only 73 work as food animal practitioners.  |  William DeKay photo

Who will care for the cows?

Dr. Megan Williams had just finished one of the 12-hour days that are usual in fall, when ranchers have their cows checked for pregnancy and decide which ones will remain in the herd over winter. Despite a long day spent chute-side, she was upbeat about the work but concerned about the shortage of large animal […] Read more

Garth, left, Art, Brittany and Marie Andruchow attended Farmfair International earlier this month to show cattle and be recognized for 50 years with the Hereford breed.  |  Barbara Duckworth photo

Family recognized for 50 years of Herefords

The Andruchows looked to replace Herefords as they went out of style, but then the breed became fashionable again

EDMONTON — The Andruchow family has followed the Hereford life for 50 years. The golden Hereford anniversary for long-time Hereford breeders Art and Marie Andruchow was recognized at Farmfair International, which was held earlier in the month in Edmonton. If Art has his way, there will be more anniversaries to be celebrated. Now 72, he […] Read more


Thomas Wildman and his father, Kirk, judged the All Other Breeds show at Farmfair International. The 16-year-old comes from Sangudo, Alta., where his family raises Angus. This was his first foray into judging. | Barbara Duckworth photo

Young cattle producers learn judging ropes in the ring

EDMONTON — It was like bring your kid to work day when two teenagers were invited to join seasoned purebred cattle judges to shadow them for the day at Farmfair International. Thomas Wildman, 16, from Towaw Angus joined his father, Kirk Wildman, in judging the All Breeds Show, while David Vikse invited Travis Edwards to […] Read more

This past year has been a struggle for the feeding sector after a strong 2017. | File photo

Feedlot struggles expected to continue

A livestock analyst says there will be more beef and good demand next year, but fat prices are likely to struggle

EDMONTON — A feedlot owner who is making money is likely to share his good fortune with cow-calf producers by paying more for their calves. But this past year has been a struggle for the feeding sector after a strong 2017. There will be more beef and good demand next year, but fat prices are […] Read more

Jaxon and Jayden Payne hug after Greenwood Livestock wins the supreme female for its Limousin at Farmfair International.  |  Jeremy Simes photo

Family scores double win at Farmfair

The Paynes won the supreme championship with their Limousin female and the futurity show with an Angus bull 


EDMONTON — The Payne family is setting a quick pace for itself by winning a supreme championship for the second year at Farmfair International. “We have set two records because a Limousin female never won before; it is awesome,” said Jackie Payne, wiping away tears of joy. Named Greenwood Pld Ally 702A, the female came […] Read more


Mathilda Milligan, left, Valentina Gabert and their mother, Sharon Gabert, make up part of the Gabert family recognized for 50 years of consecutive membership in the Canadian Angus Association. Based at Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., the family has participated in every Farmfair International since it started 45 years ago.  |  Barbara Duckworth photo

Family’s dedication to Angus breed honoured

The Gaberts bought their first registered black-hided animal in 1968 ‘when Angus were the low people’ in the barns

EDMONTON — Breeding purebred cattle is a 50 year tradition for Rick and Sharon Gabert, owners of Crooked Creek Angus. The family from Fort Saskatchewan, Alta., was recognized at Farmfair International for their long-term dedication to the Angus breed and their continuous support of the Edmonton show for the last 45 years. The Gabert family […] Read more

Sara Van Sickle of Nolara Farms shows her grand champion Simmental bull, owned in partnership with Dave and Nadine Hawkins, Hawk-Eye Simmentals of Drayton Valley, Alta., during the supreme show at Farmfair International.  |  Jeremy Simes photo

Young Simmental breeder hits the big time in show ring

EDMONTON — Sarah Van Sickle was raised with Simmentals and now she has joined the big time. The accolades she received while showing her red Simmental champion bull at Farmfair International and the Olds Fall Classic were a heady experience for the young woman from Mayerthorpe, Alta. She is part of a new generation of […] Read more