Last week’s Western Canadian Classic youth dairy show in Saskatoon gave participants to a chance to shine in the ring
Young dairy farmers got moo-ving in Saskatoon last week at the 37th annual Western Canadian Classic youth dairy show.
Participants showed off their skills with herding, clipping and judging competitions for junior, intermediate and senior levels.
Participants ranged in age from 10 to 21 years old, so there was plenty of knowledge sharing between the senior team leaders, older team members and the younger kids.
“There’s so much value in teamwork and it gives kids the opportunity to push themselves as individuals but also to push themselves to work as a team and take in that team building atmosphere,” said Western Canadian Classic (WCC) chair Nancy Friesen.
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This marks the final year for nine 21-year-old WCC seniors, including the three graduating members from Team British Columbia, who placed in the top three in the clipping category.
Senior members from all four teams shared their tips for getting the most out of WCC and what they’ve learned from the experience.
Kyle Vaandrager, Team B.C., placed first place in clipping and is in his last year with WCC.
“Just watch people. Watch other fitters who are out on the road, and then ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and then clip as much at home as you can.”
Kassandra Archambault, Team B.C., placed second in clipping and is in her last year with WCC.
“The more you practice, the easier it gets, and the more you’re able to practise too, the faster you get, which is helpful for competitions.”
Jessica Podschadly, Team B.C., placed third in clipping and is in her last year with WCC.
“That’s the big thing is actually being willing to ask the questions. Same with showmanship. If you don’t understand something, and you’re in the middle of the line, ask the judge. They’ll give you a reason.”
Ethan Nienhuis, senior member of Team Saskatchewan, placed fourth in clipping.
“There’s always something that can be done, just look around. There’s always a heifer that’s going to need hay, there’s always some straw that can be swept, there’s always going to be something that can be dusted. It’s a never ending cycle, but you never need to be standing around.”
Isaac Boonstoppel, senior member of Team Manitoba, placed fifth in clipping.
“It just takes a long time to get up to where some of these competitors are today. Hundreds of calves have been clipped off by these guys so if you want to get into it, get a mentor. And then work out from there, ask lots of questions and it’s all about practice, practice, practice.”
Aaron Van Steekelenburg, graduating member from Team Alberta.
“A lot of opportunities like jobs and stuff, a lot of kids don’t get that. I don’t think they get to experience this teamwork aspect. Usually they’re stuck in the summer having their free time but here we’re working together, trying to almost run our own little business, marketing our own calves. You learn a lot of entrepreneurship skills.”
Andrew Mason, senior member of Team Manitoba.
“You’re not going to stand out if you don’t take the time to halter train your animal properly. The longer you train them, the better and more comfortable you are with them and the better the calf knows you and you know the calf.”
