Saskatchewan Beef Expo provides educational opportunity for 4-H members

Apr 12, 2024

Young cattle producers had a chance to show off what they learned during the tenth annual Saskatchewan Beef Expo.

Prairieland Ag Center in Saskatoon, Sask. hosted the three-day event, providing invaluable educational opportunities for 4-H members.

Roughly 80 attendees learned techniques and tips on selection, showmanship, and safe handling practices for livestock from Oklahoma clinician Kirk Stierwalt.

Prairieland Agriculture Manager Leigh-Ann Hurlburt said they were thrilled to have Stierwalt back to help celebrate the 10-year anniversary.

“This year’s event provided participants with the unique opportunity for hands-on learning from one of the greats in the industry,” Hurlburt said.

Participants also engaged in a lunch ‘n’ learn session. Dr. Emily Snyder, an assistant professor of beef cattle health in the Western College of Veterinary Medicine talked about the importance of colostrum in newborn calves.

Participants took what they learned from the demonstrations and put it into practice at the Heifer and Steer Show, providing participants the opportunity to showcase their 4-H and junior show projects.

Prizes and scholarships were awarded to the winning competitors.

First Place Senior Showmanship: Waylon Blacklock, Hanley 4-H Beef Club.

First Place Intermediate Showmanship: Katie Kolenosky, United Beef 4-H Club.

First Place Junior Showmanship: Briar Blanchette, Edam West 4-H Multiple Club.

HEIFER SHOW

Champion Angus Yearling Heifer: Kate Webb, Pangman Ogema 4-H Beef Club.

Reserve Champion Angus Yearling Heifer: Cacey Toner, Handel Multiple 4-H Club.

Champion Charolais Yearling Heifer: Bennett Blanchette, Edam West 4-H Multiple Club.

Reserve Champion Charolais Yearling Heifer: Briar Blanchette, Edam West 4-H Multiple Club.

Champion Red Angus Yearling Heifer: Averi Weekes, Monarch Multiple 4-H Club.

Reserve Champion Red Angus Yearling Heifer: Tegan Hovdebo, Weldon 4-H Beef Club.

Champion Simmental Yearling Heifer: Tyson Porter, Weldon 4-H Beef Club.

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Video: Why Rob Saik is Trying to Build the World’s Most Connected Agriculture Network

In a recent interview at the SeedLink Conference in Brandon, Man., Rob Saik, author, speaker, and CEO of AGvisorPRO, took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the beginnings of his career and what the future holds.

Graduating from the University of Alberta in 1983, Saik embarked on a journey that started in Brandon, Man. “I got a job with Elanko, got a U-Haul truck, threw everything I had into it, drove to the Victoria Inn, and lived there for three months while they tried to find an apartment for me to move into. So I started my career in Brandon,” Saik shared.

Fast forward to the present, Saik has evolved into an accomplished author and speaker, traversing the globe to engage in high-level discussions about the future of agriculture and the critical role it plays in feeding the world. Yet, despite his global presence, he finds himself back in Brandon, addressing a group of seed growers. But why? Saik emphasizes the fundamental importance of seeds, stating, “It all begins with a seed, doesn’t it?”

Reflecting on his own experiences as a farmer, Saik expresses his excitement when a planted seed germinates and evolves into a thriving crop. He underscores the significance of technology and breeding in seed development, recognizing the crucial role they play in ensuring farmers can propagate seeds, grow profitable crops, and contribute to global food security.

Saik delves into the challenges faced by the agricultural community, particularly the rapid pace of technological advancements. He believes that the key lies in connecting farmers to experts swiftly, boosting farmers’ confidence in adopting new technologies, and ensuring the timely implementation of these advancements. According to Saik, this approach is crucial for steering agriculture towards sustainability and profitability.

As Saik works on his upcoming book, tentatively titled prAGmatic, he sheds light on its central theme. “The thesis would be that I want to write a book that takes what the consumer wants, challenges what the consumer believes, and positions that against what the farmers can actually do pragmatically,” he explains. The book aims to bridge the gap between consumer expectations and the realistic capabilities of farmers, promoting sustainable intensification as the necessary path to feed the planet.

Looking ahead to 2024, Saik emphasizes the need for enhanced connectivity within the seed industry. He discusses his platform, AgvisorPro, which is designed to facilitate connections between farmers, experts, and companies in a way that transcends conventional social media platforms. Saik envisions a credible, connected agricultural network that goes beyond the noise of platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter.

In a passionate vision for the future, Saik imagines a tool for teachers that allows them to pose questions from students, answered by verified farmers and ranchers. This, he believes, would provide an authentic and valuable educational resource, connecting classrooms with individuals who truly understand the intricacies of agriculture.