Buyers Agenda 2026 Spring Edition - Issue XVII

your very own sales handbook

This publication has been made specifically with the bull buyer in mind. Designed to make the choice of your next herd sire easy and stress-free. Let us help you keep track of your favourite bull & female sales this Spring. Our Buyer’s Agenda is a catalogue that will list all of our sales in detail from the day it happens, to a map of where the sale is and who exactly will be attending the sale that day on behalf of the Bohrson team. Know the who, where, when and what will be selling all in the ease of one book.

Presented by Bohrson Marketing Services

121

EASY. SIMPLE. FOLLOW THE CIRCLE.

Each sale has its very own number. This number stays consistent throughout the guide. Find it on the calendar, map and the ad pages in the back. Know the when, where and what all by the simplicity of this little orange dot!

sale index {alphabetical listing}

24th

Annual Diamond W Charolais, Red & Black Angus Bull Sale

606 Livestock 1st Annual Angus Bull Sale

Allison Farms 8th Annual Bull Sale

Anchor D Simmentals & Charolais 27th Annual Genetic Edge Bull Sale

Anderson 2-Year-Old Pairs Commercial Female Sale

Ashworth Farm & Ranch 23rd Annual Simmental Bull Sale

B Bar C/Starwest 7th Annual Bull & Female sale

Beck Farms & McCoy Cattle Co. 16th Annual Bull Sale

Beechinor Bros. Simmental Bull Sale

Belvin Angus 14th Annual Bull Sale

Black Gold Simmentals Bull & Female Sale

Blairs.Ag Cattle Co & guests Pursuit of Excellence Bull Sale

Bonchuk Farms Bull Sale

Brandl Cattle Co. 50 Years of Angus Bull Sale

Bridge City 6th Annual Simmental Bull Sale

Brooking Angus Ranch 14th Annual Bull Sale

Brooking Angus Spring Online Embryo Sale

Bull Fest ’26 Simmental Bull Sale

Cockburn/Merit Bull Sale

Coleman Angus Bull Sale

Country Roots 4th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Cowboy Trail 4th Online Bull & Female Sale

Crossroad Farms 20th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Daines Cattle/O’Neill Livestock 31st Annual Bull Sale

Deeg Simmentals 23rd Annual Bull & Female Sale

Diamond T Cattle Co “Stockmans Choice” Bull & Female Sale

DK Land & Cattle Bull and Female Sale

Dorran Cattle Co Bred Heifer Sale

Double Bar D “Best of Both Worlds” 26th Annual Bull Sale

Elder Charolais 16th Annual Bull Sale

Erixon Simmentals Bull Sale

Evolution on Ice Frozen Genetics Sale

Ferme Gagnon Inc. 27th Annual Bull Sale

G2 Cattle’s Worthy To Be Praised Bull & Production Sale

Gawazuk Farms Online Simmental Bull Sale

Greenvalley Ranch Online Bull Sale

Burnett Cattle Annual Bull Sale Harvie Crest Bull Sale

Canadian Sires April Online Semen Sale

Canadian Sires August Online Semen Sale

Ranching 15th Annual Bull Sale

Hawkeye Ranching Company Angus Bull Sale

Canadian Sires Early-February Online Semen Sale Heinz Cattle Co 7th Annual Bull Sale

Canadian Sires Early-March Online Semen Sale High Bluff Stock Farms Charolais & Simmental Bull Sale

Canadian Sires July

Cattle Co

28

LaBatte Simmentals with guest, East Poplar 46th Annual Sale

Lewis Farms 41st Anniversary Bull Sale

Mader Ranches 37th Annual Bull Sale

Mar Mac Farms and Guests Annual Bull Sale

March Madness Online Frozen Genetics

Maxwell/Rancier 31st Annual Bull Sale

McLeod Livestock 13th Annual Bull Sale

McMillen Ranching Ltd 32nd Annual Bull Sale

Millington/Willerton Online Bull Sale

Murray Ranches Bull Sale

Northern Classic 23rd Annual Charolais & Simmental Bull Sale

Northern Light Simmentals Annual Bull & Female Sale

Northway Cattle Co 7th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Oakview / Perkin / Triple R Simmental Bull Sale

Olds Bull Sale

Peak Dot Ranch Spring Sale

Perrot 9th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Pheasantdale 22nd Annual Bull & Female Sale

Power & Progress Bull Sale

Prairie Partners Bull Sale

Schaff Angus Valley 123rd Production Sale

Schwan Angus Ranch 6th Annual Bull Sale

Scott Stock Farm 13th Annual Bull Sale

Shiloh Cattle Co 12th Annual “Trendsetter” Bull & Female Sale

Siroski/Grass Roots/Anchorage Bull & Female Sale

Six Mile Ranch 51st Annual Bull Sale

Sliding Hills Charolais & Mission Ridge Herefords 20th Annual Bull Sale

South Sask Simmental & Angus Bull Sale

South View Ranch 26th Annual Bull Sale

Southwest Showcase 17th Annual Simmental Bull Sale

Sunny Valley Simmentals 36th Annual Bull Sale

Sunrise Ranching Company 27th Annual Production Sale

Tandem T Farms Red & Black Simmental Annual Bull Sale

Ter-Ron Farms 21st Annual Bull & Select Female Sale

The Chosen One Bull Sale

The Event 6th Annual Bull & Female Sale

The Gentlemen’s Bull Sale

Townview Farms & 7th Valley Angus Bull Sale

Stock Farms 15th Annual Bull & Female Sale

Threat 8th Annual Bull & Female Sale Premium Beef Simmental Bull & Female Sale

Springs Farm 2nd Annual Bull & Commercial Female Sale

Ranchers Select 7th Annual Simmental Bull

Canadian

DLMS.ca

TUESDAY MAY 05

Canadian Sires April Online Semen Sale

DLMS.ca

TUESDAY JUNE 02

TUESDAY JULY 07

Canadian Sires April Online Semen Sale DLMS.ca

TUESDAY AUGUST 07

Canadian Sires April Online Semen Sale DLMS.ca

why?

top 5 reasons to utilize BOHRSON MARKETING SERVICES with assisting you in sourcing your next herd bull

1 2 3 4

5

INTEGRITY - Our order buying services have been built on integrity and always doing what is best for the customer. We always represent our customers in a professional and confidential manner when sourcing their next herd bull or female. Our customers’ best interest comes absolutely first and we pride ourselves on the many repeat customers that annually utilize our order buying services with confidence.

KNOWLEDGE - When the staff at BMS share the same strong passion for the livestock industry, the knowledge for quality livestock starts at a young age. From learning from parents and other mentors to competing in 4-H along with broadening education in post-secondary agriculture college; this has all added knowledge to our team in order to source cattle for the most astute cattleman. Foot quality, structural soundness and udder strength through maternal genetics are all musts when we select new genetics for our customers and that never goes overlooked.

TIME-SAVING - We know that cattlemen are very busy and can’t attend every event. With our staff attending 57 sales from the most progressive breeders, feel free to utilize our knowledge to source genetics to enhance your program within your budget. From purchasing on sale day to the breeders delivering the animal in a timely fashion, we will ensure a positive experience from start to finish.

FREE - One of the largest misconceptions with our order buying services is that we charge customers to purchase cattle for them, this is not the case. We professionally represent our customers at these sales and we are not paid buyer’s commissions so in no circumstance are we tempted to sell an animal that isn’t what our customer is wanting. We will remain patient to find an animal that is right for the customer’s needs and within their budget at one of the many sales we work throughout the fall.

FOLLOW-UP - Our service doesn’t just end on sale day after buying a customer their next bull(s) or female(s). We assist with lining up insurance on your new purchase(s) plus continue to communicate with the seller after the sale to ensure proper delivery in a timely fashion. We work hard to get to know the cattleman and their program whom we purchase livestock for. In many situations, we will also assist in helping them grow their program and market progeny from their purchases in to the future.

Selling 550 Registered Bulls & Females

Featuring a vast number of embryo progeny from our proven, top-producing donors, as well as large sire groups by Badger, Courage, Charisma, Magnum, Throttle, Renovation, Rise N Shine, Royal Flush, Rise Above, Colossal, Architect, Anthem, Downpour, Duke, Dexter, Credential, Gable, Grant, Gunsmoke, Grand Canyon, Glory Days, Smokehouse, Territory and

Majestic 5654

Magnum x SAV Madame Pride 3145.

SAV Blackstone 5275

1832.

Gable x SAV Madame Pride 8375. A performance and maternal trendsetter with a fashionable outcross pedigree, world-class phenotype and all the right numbers.

TUESDAY,

Threat 8th Annual Bull & Female Sale - Feb.21 35 Bulls & Females - Simmental

BMS Rep: Darryl 780-385-5561, Cody 403-845-8806, Nate 306-869-7130, Riley 639-213-7777

Farms 41st Anniversary Bull Sale - Feb.28

300 Bulls - Black Angus, Red Angus & Simmental

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Jaxon 306-830-0456, Nate 306-869-7130, Billy 705-761-0896

Tandem T Farms Red & Black Simmental Annual Bull Sale - Feb.28 25 Bulls - Simmental

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Jaxon 306-830-0456, Darryl 780-385-5561, Nate 306-869-7130

BLL RUMBLE 62H

BEE BEAST 241H

BEE ALPHA 915J

BEE SCORPION 759K

BEE OMEGA 119L

FSMB KEGGER 22K

DOUBLE BAR D MALONE 39K

PERKS RED WOLF 44G

CIRCLE G HEAT WAVE 10H

SUN RISE PILLAR 3D

MADER WALK THE LINE 92J LEGACY GAME DAY 45G

LEGEND 903L

APOLLO 209K

64H

TUESDAY,

yearling simmental bulls two year old angus bulls registered Simmental and commercial SimAngus open heifers yearling angus bulls

LaBatte Simmentals with guest, East Poplar 46th Annual Sale Mar.6 90 Bulls, 10 Open Heifers - Simmental

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Cody 403-845-8806, Nate 306-869-7130

50 Bulls - Hereford & Charolais

BMS Rep: Jaxon 306-830-0456, Nate 306-869-7130

65 Bulls - Black Angus

BMS Rep: Rob 306-270-6082, Jaxon 306-830-0456, Nate 306-869-7130, Scott A. 587-282-9683, Tanner 403-896-4364

Cattle Co. 50 Years of Angus Bull Sale - Mar.14 60 Bulls - Black & Red Angus

BMS Rep: Darryl 780-385-5561, Riley 639-213-7777, Scott A. 587-282-9683

Sunrise Ranching Company

Annual Production Sale - Mar.16

Bulls - Angus

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Taylor 306-821-4169, Jaxon 306-830-0456, Darryl 780-385-5561, Nate 306-869-7130, Riley 639-213-7777

70 South Sask Simmental &

Twin Springs Farm 2nd Annual Bull & Commercial Female Sale - Mar.16 21 Bulls & 25 Heifers - Simmental & Angus

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Taylor 306-821-4169, Jaxon 306-830-0456

Evolution on Ice Frozen Genetics Sale - Mar.16 Frozen Genetics -

Simmental & Angus

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Jaxon 306-830-0456, Nate 306-869-7130

Prairie Partners Bull Sale - Mar.17

50 Bulls & 40 heifers - Simmental

BMS Rep: Rob 306-270-6082, Martin 306-220-7901, Darryl 780-385-5561, Cody 403-845-8806, Richie 204-724-6838

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Jaxon 306-830-0456, Darryl 780-385-5561

Northern Light Simmentals

Annual Bull & Female Sale - Mar.19 60 Bulls -Simmental & Black Angus

BMS Rep: Martin 306-220-7901, Cody 403-845-8806, Nate 306-869-7130, Richie 204-724-6838

High Bluff Stock Farms Charolais & Simmental Bull Sale -

73 Bulls, 20 Heifers - Charolais, Simmental & Angus

BMS Rep: Martin 306-220-7901, Cody 403-845-8806, Nate 306-869-7130

Sliding Hills Charolais & Mission Ridge Herefords 20th Annual Bull Sale - Mar.21 40 Bulls -Charolais & Hereford

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Riley 639-213-7777, Scott A. 587-282-9683

Diamond W Charolais, Red & Black Angus 24th Annual Bull Sale - Mar.23 90 Bulls - Charolais, Black & Red Angus

BMS Rep: Martin 306-220-7901, Cody 403-845-8806, Richie 204-724-6838

Cattle Annual Bull Sale - Mar.24 25 Bulls - Angus

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Nate 306-869-7130

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25,

G2 Cattle’s Worthy To Be Praised Bull & Production Sale - Mar.25 12 Bulls, 8 Heifer Calves, & Frozen Genetics - Angus BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Nate 306-869-7130

Cowboy Trail 4th Online Bull & Female Sale - Mar.25

50 Bulls & Heifers - Simmental Bulls & Heifers

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Darryl 780-385-5561, Cody 403-845-8806, Riley 639-213-7777

Charolais 16th Annual Bull Sale - Mar.26

60 Bulls - Charolais

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Jaxon 306-830-0456

Wheeler’s Stock Farm 23rd Annual Bull Sale - Mar.27

40 Bulls - Black & Red Angus

BMS Rep: Rob 306-270-6082, Martin 306-220-7901, Nate 306-869-7130

Country Roots 4th Annual Bull & Female Sale - Mar.28

60 Bulls & Heifers - Simmental, Angus, & Charolais

BMS Rep: Taylor 306-821-4169

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Martin 306-220-7901, Darryl 780-385-5561

BOUNDARY RANCH

Darby & Sarah Delorme Robsart, SK • P: 306.299.2006

Sarah: 306.299.7779 Darby: 306.662.7993 www.boundaryranch.ca boundaryranch@sasktel.net

SCHERGER RANCHING

Lane, Kacie, Andie & Millie Scherger

Swift Current, SK • Lane: 306.750.2129 lanescherger@gmail.com

X-T SIMMENTALS

Don Lundberg & Ryan Lundberg Eastend, SK P: 306.295.3843 • Ryan: 306.295.7999 x-tsimmentals@sasktel.net

Spring Bull and Female Sale

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Selling 180 Bulls

6 Elite Purebred Heifers and 30 Commercial Heifers

Our emphasis has always been committed to producing bulls that keep the commercial cowman on the top side of the market. We are proud to be a family owned cattle ranch operating from the same location for 4 generations. The bulls are penned and sorted by sire group with many groups of half, three-quarter and full brothers. There are several herd bull candidates in each group and we welcome your visit anytime prior to the sale. They sell in volume so they will be affordable in everyone’s price range. All bulls are semen tested and checked for soundness and ready to go to work. Over 75 percent of the bulls selling are calving ease bulls with superior performance that will work well on heifers. Good honest cattle, repeat customers, long-standing relationships and real genetic value is what we strive to accomplish.

South View Ranch

26th Annual Bull Sale - Apr.2

80 Bulls - Black & Red Angus

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Taylor 306-821-4169, Jaxon 306-830-0456, Nate 306-869-7130

Six Mile Ranch 51st Annual Bull Sale - Apr.4

150 Bulls & 50 Females - Black Angus, Red Angus & Simmental

BMS Rep: Scott 403-370-3010, Rob 306-270-6082, Nate 306-869-7130

Wilgenbusch Charolais 23rd Annual North of the 49th Bull Sale - Apr.6 95 Bulls - Charolais

Rob 306-270-6082, Nate 306-869-7130

TUESDAY,

CANADIAN SIRES BULLS WILL BE OFFERED ONLY THROUGH THESE ONLINE MONTHLY SALES

ONLINE SEMEN SALES ON DLMS.CA

TUESDAY, APRIL 7

Canadian Sires April Online Semen Sale

TUESDAY, MAY 5

Canadian Sires May Online Semen Sale

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

Canadian Sires June Online Semen Sale

TUESDAY, JULY 7

Canadian Sires July Online Semen Sale

TUESDAY, AUGUST 7

Canadian Sires August Online Semen Sale

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 3

Canadian Sires September Online Semen Sale

$50,000 TO OUR YOUTH

TITLE SPONSORS

ALTA GENETICS DAVIS-RAIRDAN

GOLD SPONSORS

ABBOTSFORD VETERINARY CLINIC

BOHRSON MARKETING SERVICES

BOW VALLEY GENETICS

CAM CLARK FORD

CANADIAN SIRES + DONORS

DIRECT LIVESTOCK MARKETING SERVICES

DMV GENETIQ SERVICES INC.

INNISFAIL FORD

MASTERFEEDS

ABBY

ALLISON FARMS

ALOIS

ALTON

ANITA DOKTOR

ARLEY BOHRSON

ARMOHR FARMS

B-ELLE RED ANGUS

BALISKY

BAR SK

BEECHINOR BROS

BLACK GOLD SIMMENTALS

BLAIRS.AG

BLANCHETTE CHAROLAIS

BLUESHOE

BOHRSON MARKETING

BROOKING ANGUS RANCH

COCKBURN RED ANGUS

COLEMAN ANGUS

DALTON PAYNE

DEEG SIMMENTAL

DESTINY SIMMENTALS

DIAMOND T LAND & LIVESTOCK

DK LAND & CATTLE CO.

DOUBLE BAR D

DOUBLE RN

DUNMAC FARMS

ENRIGHT FARMS

EVERBLACK ANGUS

FLAT TOP CATTLE CO

G2 CATTLE

GRASS ROOTS RANCH

GREENWOOD CATTLE

GREENWOOD SPECKLEL PARKS

HANDFORD FARMS

HARVIE CREST

HAVENCREST

HAWKEYE LAND & CATTLE

HEATHCOTE

HIGHLAND LIVESTOCK

HOEGL LIVESTOCK

NYR CONSIGNOR SPONSORS

HORNER CATTLE CO.

HUMMELL

INDIAN RIVER CATTLE CO.

INGRAM ANGUS

J-STAR LIVESTOCK

JARED MOHNEN

JOHN POST

JORGENSEN

JUSTAMERE FARMS

KATHOL SIMMENTALS

KAY-R CHAROLAIS

KEYSTONE

KFC FARMS

KNUTSON

KOPEECHUK

KRUGER FARMS

KSL SIMMENTALS

KT RANCHES

KURTIS REED

LABATTE SIMMENTALS

M&R CATTLE CO.

MAC OBERLE

MAR MAC FARMS

MARK LAND & CATTLE

MASTERLOC

MAVV FARMS

MAX GRAHAM

MCCORD

MCLAREN

MERIT CATTLE CO.

MILLHAM RANCHING

MILLINGTON RANCH

MONTANA RANCH

MUIRHEAD CATTLE CO

MURRAY RANCHES

NEW LIFE/VENTURE

OBERLE

PASHULKA/SHOLOGAN/WASYLIK

PAUL PERRAS

PERKIN LAND & CATTLE

PHEASANTDALE CATTLE CO

MNP

NOBLE EQUIPMENT LTD.

NORHEIM RANCHING

NORMS TURF

PROMOLD MARKETING INC.

TRANSOVA GENETICS

THE PET PAD

WESTERN LITHO PRINTERS

PHIL MUDGE

PIESCHEL FARMS

PINE COULEE

PINNACLE VIEW

PRAIRIE VIEW

RANCIER FARMS

RANCIER SIMMENTALS

RED WILLOW RANCH

RIDEAU ANGUS FARM

RILEY BOHRSON

RSK FARMS

SAJ SIMMENTALS

SCHMIDT

SERHIENKO CATTLE CO

SHAGGY MEADOWS RED ANGUS

SIROSKI SIMMENTALS

SIX MILE RED ANGUS

SLIDING HILLS CHAROLAIS

SMRT LIVESTOCK

SOUTHPAW CATTLE CO.

SOUTHSEVEN FARMS

SOUTHVIEW

STEP-N-STONE

SUNRISE SIMMENTALS

TER-RON RED ANGUS

THOMAS RANCH

ULTRA LIVESTOCK

VOSS ANGUS

W SUNRISE ANGUS

W2 LAND LAND & CATTLE CO.

WALLGREN FARMS

WALLGREN SIMMENTALS

WESTBROOK VENTURES

WESTWAY FARMS

WHEELER STOCK FARM

WILBAR CATTLE CO

WILBAR RED ANGUS

WILLOW CREEK SIMMENRTAL

YOUNG DALE FARMS

ZWT ANGUS

Last Fall we had 51 essays submitted by youth in Canada with the topic of “Write a letter to your younger self about the importance of agriculture and what it has taught you?’” The quality of essays received were outstanding. It was a positive reminder of just how great our youth in Agriculture truly are! Out of 51 essays we selected our top 8 finalists who were then interviewed by a panel of 5 judges that asked questions based on their essay and personal experiences with life in agriculture. The top 4 scholarship recipients were all individuals enrolled in secondary education and were awarded a cash prize on their interview placing. The top 4 Build Your Herd recipients are youth that are do not have to be enrolled in school but are building their life in agriculture and are awarded a sale credit to 3 multi-breed sales with the idea of “Building their herd”. We hope you take the time to read the essays submitted from these wonderful individuals.

Thank you TO EVERYONE THAT SUBMITTED AN ESSAY!

$50,000 THE 50K FOR THE FUTURE PROGRAM AWARDS in youth funding and prizes to 8 lucky cattle enthusiasts between the ages of 15-25. When starting this program, we really put a lot of thought into making the funding available to as many youth in Agriculture as possible. We wanted the same opportunity for those pursuing secondary education, to those pursuing their own breeding programs at home, which is how the two categories were developed.

$50,000

2025 ALTA GENETICS SCHOLARSHIP TOP 4 FINALISTS

Dear younger me,

$10,000 - First Place

JACK RAYMOND - Waterford, NB

My name is Jack Raymond, and first off I’d like to thank the sponsors of this scholarship and the team at Bohrson’s for the great work they do! I was born and raised on my family’s cow calf operation in Waterford, NB, where we raise polled Hereford cattle. Agriculture has been my base for success, and it has always been a big part of my life. Beef genetics were a big part of what inspired me to enroll in a Bachelor of Science in Biology at the University of New Brunswick.

You hate this… I know you hate it. Every part of all of it. The hard work, the time it takes to see results, the late nights, even the fun parts seem like they aren’t worth the effort. I look back to our time breaking 13E, how frustrating she was to deal with and no matter how much work you put in, she was still miserable. How embarrassing it was to be so terrible at something that comes so easily to the rest of the family. I remember particularly well how close you came to quitting it all, because there was no point in fighting with her, and I also remember that this was the attitude that we approached agriculture for quite a few years after this.

Sooner than you know, something called covid is going to shut down your life. Friends, events, school, all of it will be gone for the time being. It’ll bring days that seem like they never end, and without fail, bring another wave keeping you trapped a bit longer. You’ll be more isolated and disconnected than you’ve ever been. You’ll feel trapped, bored, and alone. Eventually, when it really does feel like there’s nothing else, you’ll make your way back to the barn.

There’s a memory from around then; I had gotten into the barn office and found some old registration papers from my grandfather’s cattle. I don’t know how I stayed interested, but I was down there for hours. I happened upon a certificate from 1979. It was a name I recognized, an old cow family who’d been been in the herd as long as I could remember. After that I worked my way down the line and found one of our heifers born that year. Then I stopped, did the math, then it clicked for me. 11 generations of these animals had lived on the same land I do, drank from the same wells, and had been cared for by the same family that had taken care of me. It was honestly a shock of perspective, the ties to agriculture that were so much bigger than me. That’s when I really started to fall in love with it all, and looking back, it was such a gift, having the farm as a place to channel my efforts, love, and faith. Being able to work, plan, and grow, not just myself, but my cattle, and seeing progress generation after generation.

I won’t start out with a lie. Reversing those bad habits was tough. Getting rid of laziness, irresponsibility, and inaction took a lot of work, and a ton of patience; patience with myself, for the animals, and for results. As the years have rolled on, we’ve been fortunate enough to see the effort pay off. Those heifers you hate, while they’ll still get away from you, get sick when they’re young, and still always calve when its least convenient. Those heifers will have become one of the centers of your life, and while each year, they may still be frustrating, miserable, and in most cases stupid. You’ll still love them. Love the process of getting them ready, caring for them, and you might not believe it, but you’ll even love halter breaking. All because you get to be a part of continuing your family tradition. Because our family tradition isn’t showing cows, it’s responsibility, it’s hard work, and it’s a passion for being able to work with what we love. It’s seeing continuous improvement within our herd, and the reward of knowing that we help feed the nation. It’s raising children, who know the value of work, of life, and of the world, and who would never take it for granted. Agriculture isn’t the only industry that these values are instilled to you, but we were so fortunate that we had the opportunity to be raised in the values, to grow in them, and to shape ourselves to them, because the farm really is such a gift.

Someone told me lately, “Do as much as you can, even if you’re bad at it. Someday you’ll look back and see how much you were helping your self.” Those words couldn’t have been more true. The cattle, 4-H, Junior Associations, and livestock shows are intimidating, and they’re difficult. All of that’s true, but they are rewarding. Those late nights have instilled in us a work ethic, patience, and passion for improvement.

Agriculture has given me so much, not just a work ethic, but a reason to care, to learn, and the opportunity to be part of something greater than myself.

So, I want to tell you to stick with it, because you’re gonna love this. I know you’ll love this, every part of all of it.

From, an older, wiser you

2025 ALTA GENETICS SCHOLARSHIP TOP 4 FINALISTS

$7,500 - Second Place

RAYELL HAUSTEIN - Erskine, AB

I grew up on a mixed operation near Erskine. Growing up I was surrounded by a commercial beef herd, a dairy herd, and crops. I took a liking especially to the beef industry, and while I didn’t grow up with purebred cattle I found an appreciation for them and desire to be a part of that side of the beef industry in some way. I am currently a third year student in a Bachelor of Biological Sciences and in May I start the DVM program at St. Matthew’s University. My goal is to practice as a large animal practitioner, further specializing in advanced reproduction upon obtaining my DVM license. I look forward to working alongside fellow cattle producers in all aspects, especially those looking to achieve their genetic dream herd through ET and IVF services.

Dear Younger Me,

As I sit here reflecting on the path that’s brought us here, I can’t help but think about one of the greatest influences in our life: agriculture. What began as a childhood surrounded by animals and chores will soon become the heartbeat of our future. You don’t know it yet, but the early mornings, long days, and muddy boots will teach you lessons far beyond the barnyard. They’ll shape our work ethic, our compassion, and our purpose in ways that will define who we are; both as a producer and, one day, as a striving large animal veterinarian.

Right now, you might see agriculture as long days in the elements and feeding calves before school. You might not yet understand that those moments are shaping our resilience, discipline, and respect for life. Over time, we’ll come to see agriculture not as a task, but as a calling — one that feeds families, fuels economies, and connects people to the land and to each other.

From the start, agriculture surrounded us. From the moment we could walk, we were bottle-feeding calves, watching cows in labor, and learning that caring for our animals is both a responsibility and a privilege. We didn’t know it then, but this would later serve as the foundation for a life devoted to both producing and protecting the animals that sustain not only us, but also the world.

At age nine, you’ll walk through the beef herd for the first time, trying to choose your first 4-H steer. Overwhelmed with options while simultaneously stubbornly sure of your favorite, the one you’ve had love goggles on for the whole summer. You’ve fallen in love — not only with that steer and the herd he came from, but with the entire 4-H experience. For more than a decade you will dedicate your spare time to the program, as first a member before aging out to continue as a willing volunteer. That project will ignite your lifelong passion for the beef industry. You’ll learn that success isn’t about trophies and big ole banners, but about responsibility, stewardship, and pride in a job well done.

By twelve, your world will expand even further. A “field trip” with your uncle to a bovine embryo collection and implant center will open your eyes to the combination of science and animal care. You’ll stand in awe as you witness embryo collections, grading, and transfers — a marvelous advanced specialty of precision in veterinary medicine. In that moment, a spark will ignite. Realization hits. Your future lies not just in raising animals, but in caring for them at the highest level. With complete enamourment and a giddyness inside, you’ll think to yourself, “I want to do this one day.”

At seventeen, your role will grow from farm hand and participant to being a producer on your own. You’ll own your own small herd, make breeding and management decisions, and take a leading role in herd health on the family farm. You’ll understand the weight of responsibility that comes with being a caretaker of both animals and land. Those hands-on experiences — from pulling a calf in the middle of the night to then helping make sure it gets going and survives while consulting with the local veterinarian — will confirm your desire to become one yourself. You’ll realize that similarly to your past, your future will always be rooted in the barnyard, even as your work expands into the clinic, the lab, and the community.

As you grow, you’ll find yourself straddling two worlds, the boots-on-the-ground producer and the aspiring veterinary professional. That dual perspective will become your greatest strength. You’ll understand animal health not only from the science of medicine but from the practical realities of production. You’ll know that behind every diagnosis is a producer’s livelihood, a family’s dream, and an animal that deserves the best care possible. You’ll carry that empathy into your career, knowing firsthand the challenges and triumphs of life in agriculture.

Over the years, you’ll spend countless hours in barns, show rings, and classrooms — always learning and pushing for excellence. You’ll discover that agriculture isn’t just about work; it’s about people. It’s the mentors who invest in you, lifelong friends who become family, and younger students who remind you of yourself and where you started. Satisfaction arrives from assisting others on their journey in life ranging from the calf you’re nursing back to health or the student you encouraged and inspired to keep going. There will be challenges. Trust me, there will be many. Animals will be lost, plans or ideas that will fail, and moments of doubt exacerbated by those who have a lack of faith in your passion. On the plus side, those hardships will strengthen your respect for this life and the people who live it. Agriculture will teach you patience, perseverance, and humility, preparing you for the demanding yet rewarding path of veterinary medicine.

So, to you - younger me- hold tight to that stubbornness, curiosity, and compassion for every creature and acre you touch. Don’t lose sight of the joy found in the sunrise over the pasture, the arrival of new life on a cold and frosty morning, or the pride of leading a heifer into the show ring. Those moments will define you far more than any award ever could.

Agriculture isn’t just what we do — it’s who we are. It’s where our story began, and where it will continue to guide our future. Every late night, every muddy boot, every victory or setback, big or small — all of it will lead us to a purpose greater than our own and be so worth it when it helps us accomplish our biggest dreams.

Right now, that purpose is veterinary medicine. Not only a dream, but a career that allows me to serve both animals and the people who care for them. As both a producer and a practitioner, I will bridge two worlds: the one that raises livestock and the one that heals them. With the goal of improving client education on herd health, promoting sustainable and affordable production, all while supporting producers through compassionate, science-driven care. I want to give back to the agricultural community that has given me quite literally everything: a foundation of values, a lifelong passion, and a clear direction for my future. With knowledge of the future and gratitude for the past, Your Older Self

2025 ALTA GENETICS SCHOLARSHIP TOP 4 FINALISTS

Dear younger me,

$5,000 - Third Place

INDY FOWLER - Bashaw, AB

Hi! My name is Indy Fowler, I’m in my last year of high school, and I will be attending the University of Saskatchewan next year, where I will earn a degree in Ag Business. I live in Bashaw, Alberta, where my family owns and operates Prairie Cove Charolais. I can’t wait to continue my career in agriculture. Thank you to Bohrson Marketing for the opportunity!

I know it’s been a long time since we have talked. I know you have questions about our lives and what we have learned about the industry that we have grown to become so passionate about. You may not realize it now, but the experiences, lessons, and people you meet along the way will shape not only your understanding of agriculture but also the person you become. From my understanding, your view of the agriculture industry is your Grandpa’s barn, you go to one show a year, showing an Angus heifer calf that you have helped get ready to the best of your abilities. What you don’t know is that very soon you will begin to learn a lesson that will take years for you to fully understand.

Soon, Grandpa’s barn will be taken away, and you will move to a small town in rural Alberta, Bashaw. Here you will meet a strange guy who says he is now part of your life. He will help you with many aspects of the industry and the opportunities it can offer, more than you may realize. As the year goes by, you grow up, and you’re simply just thrown into this. At first, it’s scary and intimidating, but you will learn to adjust. Over the years, you take in many lessons about the show cattle side of it, and how to properly work on cattle to see good results. You take in many lessons about being on the farm and how to feed and take care of cattle, and your equipment to get the best results. You watch as your family’s hard work pays off through bull sales and supremes, and for a while, you believe that is all there is to it.

Then, in late January of 2023, a life-changing event happens that will forever change your view on the agriculture and livestock industry. A farm accident takes place to someone in your family, and you are sent into a frenzy. Everyone is in panic, and you think that the life of sales and supremes is coming to an end. That day is filled with sorrow and sorries, and you cannot think of anything. Until the very next day, you’re back home to find your entire extended family picturing bulls for the upcoming bull sale. Whether they were in the picture pen, in the barn, or making food in the house, they were helping in the best way possible. When another farm accident occurred, we ended up losing someone we hold so close to our heart. But yet again, we had so many family, friends, and fellow breeders who supported and helped our family get back on our feet. Even though we watched our family go through its lowest, you also watched them overcome it and work even harder than before to achieve goals we have been striving to achieve for years.

These experiences have shown me the importance of agriculture and have taught me a key lesson in the industry that I will never forget. I have found that the importance of agriculture lies in reminding us that hard work, resilience, and community are at the heart of everything we do. Agriculture is not just about raising cattle for slaughter to feed consumers, or simply to win big banners and shiny buckles. It is about building and teaching a way of life that teaches responsibility, perseverance, and compassion. I’ve learned this through past experiences; I have been shown that no matter the hardships you endure, you always find a way to push through them. By losing a loved one, the industry has shown me the amount of responsibility that comes with the job that my family has been given. The work ethic that the business gives you is unmatched by any other. The early mornings, the late nights, the consistency and focus that is needed to be successful is something you have to live through to be able to relate to. However, the industry has also shown me the importance of connecting families, generations, and communities through purpose and passion. Whether it is shown through a breed, a herd, a show, or a goal, the livestock industry shows how much dedication and teamwork it takes to turn challenges into success. Through every up and every down, agriculture continues to remind me how important it truly is. Insuring me that no matter how hard a situation I am in, there is always a way out, and to never give up on a dream. It shows me the good in the people I share this life with and how lucky I am to be a part of it. Beginning to recognize the importance of agriculture has educated me in many ways, one of the lessons it has taught me over the years is one I will carry with me forever. Being part of the community of people from all over the world that the livestock industry has introduced me to has shown me that success is not measured by the number of prizes won or banners earned. Instead, it’s about the people you meet along the way and the relationships you build. This is no doubt a people business, the majority of what we do is face-to-face. You cannot make a living in this industry without having an in-person conversation. Whether these conversations take place at a sale or a show, maybe it is a friendly conversation or a simple handshake. However, it’s more than just a conversation and selling calves; it’s the community and trust that is built around it. The connections formed in this industry go far beyond transactions, they’re based on shared values and a common purpose. Whether it’s getting cattle sold, offering advice at a show, or simply showing up to support a neighbor, these relationships create a strong sense of belonging. In agriculture, people rely on one another, and that trust forms the foundation of everything we do.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that agriculture is more than just a career path or a hobby; it’s a lifestyle built on hard work, respon

sibility, and community. Every early morning and late night spent caring for the cattle has taught me the value of responsibility and resilience. The livestock industry has a unique way of bringing people together, creating lifelong friendships and shared experiences that go far beyond the show ring. It has shaped who I am today and continues to remind me that while banners and buckles are rewarding, the true reward lies in the lessons learned and the people who stand beside you through it all

2025 ALTA GENETICS SCHOLARSHIP TOP 4 FINALISTS

Dear Kasey,

$2,500 - Fourth Place

KASEY ADAMS - Forestburg, AB

Hello! My name is Kasey Adams, and I am currently attending Red Deer Polytechnic for a Bachelor of Kinesiology Degree. I grew up just outside of Forestburg, Alberta and I am a 4th generation farmer at Ter-Ron Farms. Ter-Ron Farms is a purebred red and black Angus herd, where we operate around 230 head. I would like to thank Bohrson Marketing Services and Sponsors for providing this scholarship opportunity!

Right now you are probably around eight years old, sitting in your grade three classroom, wishing you were at Agribition. Eventually, you get to go, and you keep going year after year until you head off to college and move away from home. Now, I’m the one sitting in class, wishing I was there, wishing I was walking through the barns, and blowing out our cattle. What I am really trying to tell you, little Kasey, is do not take it for granted. Don’t take for granted that you are young and you are able to do all these incredible things. One day you will look back and realize how quickly the time has passed, and that time will come sooner than you think. I am starting to run out of years to participate in junior shows, and it is a sad thought to think about. When you are younger, it feels like you will be able to show forever, but everything eventually comes to an end so do not wish any of it away. Soak it all in, every early morning, long night, and every victory and defeat, they are shaping who you will become.

The agriculture industry has given you so much. You have grown up showing cattle since you could hardly walk, and it is something that as you get older you fall more in love with. Through agriculture, you have seen more of the world than you ever imagined you would. You have traveled to shows in four different provinces, and have even been fortunate enough to attend one in Scotland. You got this opportunity through the Summer Synergy Setting Sails Travel Program, a truly amazing program that you were fortunate enough to win a trip of a lifetime to Scotland. You should be incredibly grateful that you were able to experience going to the Royal Highland show, and tour many herds in Scotland. One of the highlights was seeing some of my own family’s genetics in one of the red angus herds we toured. It showed to me how important making international connections is and it was truly something you will never forget. Because of the agriculture industry, you have traveled to shows all across Canada, and even the United Kingdom. This is something that you should feel grateful for, not everyone gets those opportunities.

You have always been a keen little girl who wanted to show cattle and do her very best. You used to watch your older sisters, and your mentors and think that you were going to be in that position one day. You have grown into an even keener young adult, that has the same dream as the little girl from the small town of Forestburg has. Keep that fire burning, and do not ever let it burn out. Keep wanting to succeed and do the best you can. Last but not least, give back to the agriculture industry that has given you so much. One of the most rewarding parts of your journey so far is being a part of the Alberta Junior Angus Association. You have been on the board for the past three years, and are sitting as the current president. It is such a full-circle moment, being able to give back to young kids who have the exact same spark you have. Leadership in this role will teach you responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of giving back. It reminds you that the agriculture industry is not just about the animals, it is about the people and hoping your friends succeed as much as you do.

You always wanted to be in 4H before you were even old enough, you would make fake record books and fill them out when your older sisters were doing books because you couldn’t wait. You would write down fake weights, and feed costs. When you finally age out of 4H, it will hit you on how much it gave you. Over the years you will sell nine steers, each one taught you something new about showing cattle and pushing me to get better. You will learn that hard work really does pay off, but also you will learn no matter how hard you work, some things will not always go your way. But that is completely okay, and it is the lessons you learn through it.

You have also been lucky to show some high-end females over the years. Every fall, you go into the pen, and pick out a heifer calf that you think we should show in the fall. She usually becomes your project for the summer, and eventually becomes a cow calf pair that you can take on the summer and fall runs. When you get to be fifteen you get to show in your very first supreme with your bred heifer that you showed all summer. You will remember that moment forever, the rush of walking into the ring, and seeing all your hard work pay off. You went on to Agribition Supreme and even made the top 10. That moment is still one of the many highlights of your showing career, and it truly makes the early mornings and late nights better. You do, and keep looking up to your two older sisters, and how much they have taught you. They are your biggest role models and you

want to grow up to be just like them. When they both age out of junior shows, you are forced to be on your own, it was a big adjustment, but it taught you so much more. It pushed you to be independent, and learn to do things on your own.

You grew up in the agriculture industry, and it did not only expand your connections, but it taught you respect for the animals, and for the people and connections you made. Patience, because cattle don’t magically learn to lead in a day. Work ethic, those early mornings and the long nights build determination that sticks with you forever. One of the most important things the industry has taught you is gratitude, gratitude for the people who support you and the mentors you look up to, and the opportunities that come your way.

Agriculture has shaped every part of who you are today. It showed you that success is not just measured in banners, it is about the lessons learned, friendships made, and most importantly confidence that comes from doing something that you love. It showed you that the work is a lot bigger than your small hometown. You would not be where you are today without the amazing industry you will grow up in and are truly blessed to be raised in such a great industry. Without growing up in the agriculture industry you would not have the incredible connections world wide you do now, or your knowledge of the industry. So, younger Kasey, what I am trying to say is don’t wish any of it away. The years go by a lot faster than you think, and one day you will realize that you just want to go back and do it all over again. Just like the old quote, “the days are long but the years are short.” Agriculture will give you more than you could ever imagine, a second family, motivation, and a lifetime love for the animals that you have been able to show. You are so lucky to be raised in this industry. Remember that. Never stop learning, never stop giving back, and never forget how much the agriculture industry has taught you and given you.

Best wishes,

Older Kasey

2025 DAVIS RAIRDAN INTERNATIONAL BUILD YOUR HERD TOP 4 FINALISTS

Dear younger self,

$10,000 - First Place

GARREN SKEELS - Rimbey, AB

Me and my fiancé Trinity Martin help operate our family farm of Anchor D Ranch Simmental, where we have over 50 head of registered Simmental females. I have participated in many Jr programs through out the years including being on both the National YCS board and the Alberta YCS board, where I was vice president the past two years. I  have also followed in my fathers foot steps heading into the Auction side of the industry where I now work ring at over 20 cattle sales throughout the year. I am very thankful for this opportunity from the Bohrson family!

It’s okay to be different. You’ll spend a lot of time wondering if you fit in, but one day you’ll realize that being raised on a Fullblood Simmental operation makes you part of something pretty special. Growing up at Anchor D Ranch surrounded by generations of dedication will teach you lessons that go far beyond halters and feed rations. It will teach you responsibility, pride, and what it means to truly carry on a legacy.

If I could only give you one big piece of advice it would be to not use showing Fullbloods as an excuse to stay in your comfort zone. Push yourself to learn, to ask questions, and to connect with people from every corner of this industry. Once you step outside the box, you’ll see how much you can learn from others, and how much you have to offer in return. You’ll only wish you’d done it sooner. Speak up. There will be times when you’ll want to blend in, to keep quiet instead of voicing your thoughts. But agriculture and especially the beef industry needs people who aren’t afraid to think differently. Whether you’re at a sale or in a junior show board meeting don’t underestimate the power of your voice. Confidence and humility can go hand in hand, and you’ll find that being genuine and honest earns more respect than pretending to be something you’re not.

You’ll come to realize how much your grandpa taught you, and how much you wish you could hear it all again. The stories, the advice, the lessons about cattle and people they’ll stick with you. Anchor D Ranch was his vision long before it was yours, and the values he instilled in your dad and passed down to you are what keep it strong today. The best way to honor him is to keep learning, keep growing, and keep sharing what he taught you with others.

Always be yourself, and never forget where you started. People will begin to look to you as a young cattleman, a friend, and a leader in this industry. Be the easygoing guy who’s willing to lend a hand, offer advice, or share what you’ve learned along the way. That’s what this industry is built on. People helping people, generation after generation.

You’ll find yourself stepping into leadership roles from the National and Alberta Young Simmental Associations to the Fullblood Fleckvieh Federation. Remember that those positions aren’t just titles; they’re opportunities to give back to the community that shaped you. You’ll meet people who will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you why agriculture is worth fighting for. And as the years go on, don’t be afraid of what’s ahead. Things will start to move quickly but take a moment to appreciate it all. Each handshake, each sale ring conversation, and each show road memory is another chapter in a story that began long before you, and one you now get to help write.

So, younger self, keep working hard, keep listening, and keep being proud of where you come from. The Simmental breed, your family’s legacy, and the agricultural industry as a whole are better because of the people who care and you’ll grow to be one of them.

Sincerely,

Your older self

2025 DAVIS RAIRDAN INTERNATIONAL BUILD YOUR HERD TOP 4 FINALISTS

Dear Younger Me,

$7,500 - Second Place

BOBBI-JO

FOSTER - Rossburn, MB

My name is Bobbi-Jo Foster and I am from Rossburn, Manitoba. I own and operate New Beginnings Black Angus alongside my fiancé Cody Carson. We also are very actively involved in his families operation, Northern Light Simmentals. Thank you to the Bohrson Crew and all the sponsors involved in this incredible opportunity!!

I know you’re just beginning to understand the world, and sometimes it feels overwhelming. Life on the farm may seem routine; feeding livestock, caring for crops, showing animals at achievement day and jackpot shows, but these small daily tasks are shaping you in ways you cannot yet fully appreciate. Every early morning, every long day, and every moment spent caring for your livestock is quietly teaching you patience, responsibility, and resilience. These lessons will guide you far beyond the farm, laying the foundation for who you are becoming, not just as a future purebred seedstock producer, but as someone who approaches life with resilience, empathy, and dedication.

Remember those early cattle shows? You may not realize it, but every early morning, every late night, and every moment you spent perfecting your showmanship was teaching you discipline and patience. As you grow older, you learn that showing livestock is about more than looking presentable; it’s about observation, understanding, and careful preparation. These skills, which may seem small now, will become invaluable in every leadership role you eventually take on. In these moments you are learning that preparation is not just about tasks, it is about anticipating challenges, thinking critically, and taking responsibility for outcomes, no matter how unpredictable they may be.

Before we dive too far ahead, there is someone you will meet, because of agriculture, who will become a very important part of your life. You don’t know it yet, but the boy you meet at a cattle show — Cody — will be someone you will eventually share so much with. At the time, you might just see him as another friendly face competing alongside you in the same ring, but there’s a spark in the way you connect. You can’t put your finger on it yet, and that’s okay. All you need to know is that this meeting is planting a seed, one that will grow in ways you can’t imagine for years to come.

During this time in your life, it isn’t always easy. Childhood had its share of challenges, moments of hurt, confusion, and uncertainty that sometimes feel heavier than you can carry. But even in the most difficult times, the farm was a refuge. Caring for animals, tending the fields, and showing livestock gives you purpose and control when other parts of life feel uncertain. You get used to the beautiful rhythm of the farm; early mornings, careful routines, and quiet observation and it becomes a sanctuary, a place where you can breathe and process your feelings. Agriculture is not just teaching you technical skills; it is teaching you resilience, patience, and a quiet strength that will carry you through every obstacle. The hours spent feeding calves, working hair, or working late in the barn are also hours of healing. These experiences, as ordinary as they may seem, are forming a foundation for courage and perseverance that will continue to serve you through life for years to come.

Younger me, I want you to notice the small victories and lessons hidden in these everyday moments. Remember when you bottle-fed that calf for the first time or groomed your show steer for hours with a rice root brush to make sure his hair was going the right way? Those experiences are teaching you empathy and responsibility. They are also teaching you that leadership and care often start in the most ordinary places, and that paying attention, showing up consistently, and putting in the effort matters more than recognition. Every animal you care for, every challenge you face on the farm, is shaping your ability to notice and nurture the potential in both animals and people.

Fast forward a few years, and your relationship with Cody begins when you would least expect it. By then, the friendship and connection you had formed at that cattle show five years prior have matured into something deeper. A partnership that was built on shared passions, mutual respect, and a love for agriculture. Looking back, you’ll realize how significant that early meeting was. You couldn’t have known then just how deeply agriculture would weave your lives together, but now it has become clear - he will be the one you build and expand your future purebred seedstock business with, as well as put in the work to reach your shared goals. Soon, you will take the next big step in your journey and attend Lakeland College. This place will be absolutely transformative. It is more than a school. It will be crucial for growth, friendship, and leadership. Academically, it will challenge you. Practically, it will push your skills on the Purebred Beef Student-Managed Farm Unit to the limits. And personally, it will introduce you to peers who will become lifelong friends and mentors who will guide you in ways you hadn’t imagined. These are peers who will celebrate your successes, offer support during setbacks, and challenge you to grow in ways you cannot yet see. Together, you will navigate long days on the farm, late nights in study sessions, and of course the “occasional” late nights having fun in each other’s presence. These friendships, that were founded on shared effort and trust, will teach you the value of community, collaboration, and empathy, lessons that will continue to shape both your professional and personal life in the future.

Lakeland is where you fall completely in love with the purebred seedstock business, and you will learn lessons that no classroom alone could ever teach. You will work with livestock that have significant economic value, manage large breeding programs, and collaborate

closely with other students to maintain high standards. Every decision you make will have consequences, and every challenge you overcome will build confidence, discipline, and resilience.

Throughout your time at Lakeland, you will also step into various leadership roles. Serving as President and Co - Chair of the Lakeland College Students’ Association and President of the Judging Club will teach you some very valuable lessons. You will eventually learn that leadership is not about being in charge; it is about service, responsibility, and listening deeply to others. There will be moments of self-doubt, times when the demands seem overwhelming, and instances when it feels like the weight of everyone’s expectations is on your shoulders. But these are precisely the moments that cultivate growth in you. You will learn to navigate conflict with patience, make informed decisions under pressure, and recognize the power of empathy. Some days you will feel stretched too thin, and yes, you will overcommit, as you always do. But these experiences will shape your confidence, refine your communication skills, and help your personal and professional development. Embrace the discomfort, growth always lives outside your comfort zone.

Time management will become one of your most critical skills learned during this time. Balancing farm responsibilities, leadership roles, academic demands, and personal life will test your organizational abilities. Some days, you will feel overdrawn, and some nights, the to-do list will seem endless. But each of these experiences will teach you to prioritize, delegate effectively, and recognize the value of teamwork. You will see firsthand that no one achieves success in isolation; collaboration, communication, and support are essential to achieving meaningful and realistic goals.

Mentorship will also play a crucial role in not only this stage of your life, but for years to come. There will be instructors, support staff, and peers who offer guidance, encouragement, and wisdom. They will show you the importance of learning from others, valuing their experience, and remaining humble in your own knowledge. It is because of these mentors that you will gain the confidence to tackle challenges, take initiative, and lead with integrity. You will never forget their contributions as your growth is as much theirs as it is yours. While leadership and mentorship are vital in your journey within agriculture, Lakeland will also teach you patience, resilience, and the satisfaction of seeing your efforts recognized. On the Purebred Beef Student-Managed Farm Unit, you will face large scale practical challenges. Such as; livestock health concerns, breeding decisions, and operational planning that will give you experience and skills that you will utilise on your own operation a few years down the road. Each problem will require careful thought, teamwork, and adaptability. You will leave Lakeland not only with technical skills but with a mindset capable of managing uncertainty and responsibility. One of the most important lessons you will learn from your experiences in agriculture is resilience. Agriculture is an industry that never stops testing you - weather, livestock health, equipment breakdowns, and market shifts will all challenge your patience and determination. As you get older, you will continue to find that success is rarely linear.

There will be setbacks, mistakes, and moments of doubt. Do not let these discourage you. Each challenge is an opportunity to reflect, adapt, and come out stronger. You will learn that perseverance is not just about enduring hardship but about using each experience to grow wiser, more capable, and more confident.

I often reflect on the people who helped you get here such as: family members, instructors, peers, and even competitors who pushed you to do better. Recognizing the guidance, encouragement, and example of these individuals keeps you grounded and humble. No accomplishment has ever been achieved alone, and every mentor has played a role in shaping your journey.

Your experiences on the farm growing up, in leadership roles, and at Lakeland College will lead you to your current position as a Seed and Crop Protection Manager at Twin Valley Co-op Agronomy Center. You will help growers make decisions that impact their livelihoods, you will build trust with customers who value honesty, integrity and knowledge. You will find pride in knowing and believing that your role contributes to the backbone of the agricultural community. You will rely on the skills learned through years of hands-on agriculture, mentorship, and collaboration to support farmers, manage crop programs, and ensure sustainable practices. It will be a role that demands knowledge, responsibility, and attention to detail; all qualities created in the quiet hours of farm work and the intense days of student leadership. Even on the busiest days, you’ll feel grateful - deeply sincerely grateful - that you get to spend your life in an industry, both with your career and operation at home, that once held you together when nothing else did.

As you reflect on the full circle of your journey, you will realize that agriculture has given you more than a career; it has given you purpose, relationships, and dreams realized. Cody and you, now raising purebred seedstock together, are living a life that once existed only in imagination. It is more beautiful and meaningful than anything you could have predicted when you first met at The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair so many years ago. That connection, cultivated through shared passion and perseverance, has become one of the most rewarding parts of your life. Working alongside him, caring for livestock and crops, as well as growing together professionally and personally has been something you used to pray for.

So, younger me, take a deep breath. Every long morning in the barn, every cattle show, every late night studying and every leadership challenge has incredible meaning. Every person who has guided, supported, and encouraged you has contributed to the foundation of who you are today. Your perseverance, humility, and willingness to learn will continue to shape the opportunities ahead. Remember to be grateful, to recognize the mentors in your life, and to stay grounded in the lessons that agriculture has given you. You are stronger than you realize, capable beyond your imagination, and guided by values that will serve you well throughout life. Agriculture has given you roots, Lakeland College has given you wings and a community, and your relationships — especially with Cody — have given you joy and partnership that enhance every accomplishment. Embrace each challenge, nurture your relationships, and lead with humility and heart. The journey is just beginning, and it is already extraordinary. With all the wisdom you are gaining each day, Your Future Self

2025 DAVIS RAIRDAN INTERNATIONAL BUILD YOUR HERD TOP 4 FINALISTS

Dear 13 Year-Old Me,

$5,000 - Third Place

KEELY

ADAMS - Forestburg, AB

Hi! My name is Keely Adams, and I was raised on a fourth-generation purebred Red and Black Angus cattle operation, Ter-Ron Farms. I am currently finishing my final year in the Doctor of Pharmacy program at the University of Alberta. Alongside my studies, I’m also focusing on growing my own small cattle herd at home, and I’m extremely excited and grateful to Bohrson Marketing Services for helping me continue to advance my herd with this program!

You are lucky. Lucky for so many reasons you don’t even realize yet. As you live your next few years, you may not always believe me. You will face hardships, losses, and instances where you think – life is unfair, it is not in my favour, and I am so unlucky. This could be brought on by the times you lose a heifer, or she comes up open. This could happen when you feel like nothing is going your way. You may feel so unlucky when you see a group of your friends hanging out together without you and wonder why you weren’t invited. But I promise, in 10 years, when you are my age, you will realize you are the luckiest girl in the world to grow up in the world you are in, with the people you are with, and with the family you grew up with. You are so lucky to be born into the agriculture industry – more specifically the cattle industry – and even more so, the purebred cattle industry.

If I remember correctly, right about now, you are gearing up for the fall show run: Farmfair and Agribition. Do not take these moments for granted. Work hard, but also take time to enjoy with your friends. One day, school or work might keep you from attending the full show. I know, unfortunate. Winning is fun, but the relationships you build are everything. Have fun!

One more thing; you will not have everything figured out by the time you are my age. Honestly, you might have more clarity then than I do now. But, that’s part of the journey, figuring it out as you go. I am not claiming to be wise, but I will try to give you a few words of wisdom. Here are three tips that have gotten me (us) this far. Number 1, stray from the norm, be extraordinary. Secondly, be grateful. Remember, you are lucky. Finally, positive relationships are everything. Friends and family are the things that make you happy. Let me explain.

Tip #1: Stray from the “norm”, do not be afraid of being extraordinary. It is okay to be your own person. You don’t have to have the same path as others around you, which can sometimes be hard in the agriculture industry. You’ve probably noticed it is actually a pretty trendy business. One person wears a new style of jeans, and suddenly everyone’s in them. (Fair warning: steer clear of the Miss Me Jeans era). Someone uses a new and improved cattle sorting system, and suddenly every barn has it. One thing I have learned is to do what makes you happy, you don’t have to follow the trends. For example, when you finish high school maybe you’ll pursue a career outside of agriculture, or maybe you’ll make it your full-time career. Maybe you will find a way to do both. Which one is for you? Whatever it is, it’s okay. I still don’t have it totally figured out, but it is fun to try to figure it out. Spoiler alert: you’ll still be in your parents’ basement in 10 years finishing school, but hey – free meals! You will experience a lot of stressors throughout the next 10 years, especially through high school and college. The two most common questions you will get are, “What are you taking in school?” and, “What job are you going to get?”, so prepare for these. It is okay to say, “I am not too sure, I am still figuring it out”. You are lucky to have people who support you no matter what, even when it doesn’t feel that way. You are probably at the age where you are starting to notice judgement from the people around you, agriculture or not. The lucky part is that you actually have two families that support you through the judgement. They will even support you while you are busy being extraordinary. The first is, obviously, your immediate family which is full of love and support. No matter what they tell you, even if you don’t like what they are staying at times, they are supporting you and just want you to be happy. You don’t have to do what they say. Well, yes in a way you do – don’t stay out too late, don’t wreck things, don’t hang out with the wrong crew. What I really mean is you can forge your own path, it doesn’t have to be the same as theirs or the same as your sisters, it can be unique. The second family that supports you is the agricultural family. Most of those people love you more than you know, and would likely take a bullet for you. When you are being extraordinary (because I am telling you to be in this letter), they will support you 100% of the way through. Please be your own person and stray from the “norm”. Be awesome! Tip #2: Be grateful.

Remember what I said before? You are lucky. You grew up on a family raised farm surrounded by people who taught you what hard work and love look like. Think of the memories you’ve already made – riding with Grandpa in the tractor, fencing with Dad, gardening with Mom, showing cattle with your sisters, and even baking cookies with Grandma when we are hiding from work. You’ve already learned skills most people never will. When you miss the whole month of school in November for fall shows I bet you learn more and build more skills there than you are learning in a math class; tell your teachers that if they give you trouble. Be grateful for these skills you have learned. The first important skill is responsibility, you have to feed your steer everyday or he won’t eat right? That teaches you responsibility. The second and perhaps most important thing you’ve learned is staying humble. You have been lucky to have some success in the show ring, but I hope you are taking those wins in stride and stay that way forever. Winning doesn’t make you better than anyone else. This industry also teaches you how to be resilient. The early mornings, late nights, blood, sweat, and tears, are more important than you will ever know. Oh, and just wait until 2020, the resilience will really come in handy then. As mentioned, the skills you learn in this

industry are one reason you are considered lucky. Be grateful for all the skills you have, and will learn. Be grateful not just for what agriculture gives you, but for the joy it gives you. Not many kids have the opportunity to love something as much as you love raising and showing cattle. Apply for whatever scholarship, bursary, or trip that is available to you and you will likely be packing your bags at some point. You may see the importance of agriculture around the world. In the places where it is equally important, but so much different. Everyone is helping to feed the world, and it is interesting to see the different techniques and challenges. Appreciate that, and be proud to be part of it.

Tip #3: Create and maintain positive relationships.

Be kind. No one likes the bully. No one likes the person who thinks they are better than the people surrounding them, or the person with the big ego. Arguably, the most important thing in the agriculture industry is the people. Think about it, to run a successful farm you need to have buyers, sellers, truck drivers, feed reps, nutritionists, and the list goes on. These are all the people you need. Relationships matter. Take our annual bull sale, for example. It’s one of the most important days of the year, and success depends on the relationships you’ve built. Most people will buy bulls that they like, from the people they like and trust. Kindness is key. You will find people you are not fond of, but still be kind because once a bridge is burned it is hard to rebuild that bridge. Be outgoing, but not overly annoying, stay in your lane. You can build a lot of business by having a few meaningful conversations and in order to do this you just have to be honest, respectful, and have some integrity. If you do that, you will be set.

Finally, the people in the cattle industry are truly the best people. I’m sure you’ve noticed that they are the only people in the world that get you. When you have to go off to school, try to explain showing cattle to a city person and you will know exactly what I mean. Explaining it as a “beauty pageant for cows” helps, but you kind of get a funny look. Your best friends will always be the people who understand this world. They will be the ones you call for everything – school troubles, relationship problems, and guidance on what new and upcoming bull to use in your herd this year. Keep these friendships close. You are lucky to have them. Agriculture is important and it has taught you the millions of skills mentioned in this letter. But, what is even more important is that agriculture has shaped who you are and who you are becoming. The person you will be at my age in 10 years, will evolve even further in 20 years and I am so excited to see this. I have no idea where I (we) will be in 10 years, but I hope future-me writes us another letter like this.

Writing this one reminded me to appreciate what truly matters – the land, the cattle, the people, and the life we’re so lucky to live. If you remember nothing else from this letter, remember this: you are lucky – the luckiest girl in the world to grow up in this industry, with this family, and the joy and laughter that comes along the way.

Everything will work out exactly as it should.

With love,

23-Year Old Me

2025 DAVIS RAIRDAN INTERNATIONAL BUILD YOUR HERD TOP 4 FINALISTS

Dear Younger Clara,

$2,500 - Fourth Place

CLARA BLATZ - Priddis, AB

My name is Clara Blatz, and I am in my third year of a Bachelor of Communications degree with a major in Public Relations at Mount Royal University. I grew up on a small commercial cattle operation in Priddis, Alberta, where my family’s herd is mainly utilized for show stock. I am growing my own herd and remain active in my local 4-H club as a mentor. I would like to thank the Bohrson crew and sponsors for this incredible opportunity and for their continued commitment to youth in agriculture.

Right now, you think agriculture is just a part of who you are; something you do because of how you were raised. What you don’t yet realize is that agriculture will shape every part of your identity, and someday, it will give you a voice that helps others understand an industry they’ve misunderstood. The dust on your boots and the early mornings in the barn will mean so much more than what they do right now.

You will learn that the world doesn’t stop for bad weather or long days. Calves will come in the middle of the night, chores will need to be done no matter how tired you are, and there will be moments when you question why you keep at it. But, at the end of everyday it will feel rewarding as you watch your hard work pay off. Patience, resilience and integrity are all lessons that will become the foundation for everything else you do.

Here’s the part you don’t see coming. When you graduate high school, you will want nothing to do with agriculture. You will think you’ve already lived that life; the early mornings, long nights and small town expectations. You will want something different, something that feels like your own. Stepping away from the farm with burn out and hope for something else to call your name will become your new uncertain reality for a while. You will convince yourself that the city is where you belong. The urban lifestyle, with its pace and polish will seem easier and more exciting. This is something so foreign to what you have ever had before. A life built far from any mud and manure will feel like the success you need to chase. At that time, the pressure of keeping the family farm alive will subside. This unfamiliarity with the city will become an easy distraction from how exhausted you feel with the constant work and expectations that come with farming.

So for a while, you will pick up a job in the city and do whatever you can to be in town rather than at home, believing distance will help you find peace. However, the farther you get from it, the more you will realize how deeply the rhythm of the farm is stitched into who you are.

Sometimes you need to step away from something to see it clearly. The distance will make you realize how much agriculture has given you; not just in skills and knowledge but in character and community. It’s not just the work that matters but rather the people, purpose and the stories you create behind it.

One day, you will be given an opportunity you didn’t know was possible; representing agriculture in a national McDonald’s commercial. Walking into it will feel like just another experience, but soon it changes your whole perspective on the industry you call home. You will find yourself in conversations with people who question where their food comes from, have doubts about ethical farming and who don’t understand the care and consideration that goes into every decision on a farm.

Initially, those questions will catch you off guard. What feels normal and second nature to you; doctoring calves, cleaning pens and calving out heifers, is completely foreign to others. But instead of getting frustrated, you will find yourself wanting to help others understand. Sharing your family’s story, your values and what agriculture really looks like behind the headlines will hold such power. Given this opportunity to explain how farmers and ranchers care for their animals, their land and their community is your first true opening to advocacy for agriculture. In doing this you get to see how you can create your own purpose in a place you feel detached in. Something inside you will finally shift for the better.

You’re not just defending ag, you’re connecting people to it. You will see how communication can bridge the gap between two very different worlds of producers and consumers. Understanding that advocacy isn’t about proving people wrong but inviting them to listen. It’s about growing and understanding through empathy and truth.

This compelling realization will lead you somewhere unexpected; into public relations. You will come to see that agriculture doesn’t only need hardworking hands but rather strong voices working alongside one another. It needs people who can tell its story with authenticity, passion and honesty. You will become one of these people.

Finding more meaning in that purpose will come through your work at the Calgary Stampede Cattle Trail. For three summers, you will sit beside your cattle on display to answer questions from hundreds of people everyday. Some will approach out of curiosity, others with skepticism. Many will be surprised and even doubtful that you as a young woman do the same work as everyone else on your farm. Learning to answer every question with patience and pride will be so valuable to show what women in agriculture are capable of.

On the other hand, there will be people that challenge you, that don’t believe raising cattle for beef is ethical or sustainable. Although these conversations won’t always be easy, they will be what matters most. You will listen carefully, respond honestly and remind them that agriculture is built on care, not only for the livestock but the environment, and the people that depend on both.

The most impact you will find is in the moments when you talk to kids. They will look at it with genuine curiosity, eager to learn where their food comes from and what it means to care for animals. You will realize that youth are the most open-minded and that by teaching them, you’re helping shape the next generation of informed consumers. Helping just one person each day by answering these questions that change how someone sees agriculture will feel more rewarding than most banners earned in the show ring. Those conversations will remind you why this lifestyle matters.

Through the Stampede, you will learn that communication is more than words; it’s connection. You will see how storytelling, honesty, and approachability can break down walls of misunderstanding. Every question answered, every conversation held, becomes a small act of advocacy and proof that communication can change perspectives one interaction at a time.

Throughout your degree in public relations, you will see how storytelling can create real change. Learning about messaging, ethics and audience engagement will help you connect it all back to agriculture and the industry you grew up in. You will see that every media campaign, social post and press release has power to shape perception. Your background full of work ethic and dedication will give you something special that no textbook could ever offer; credibility.

Agriculture has taught you that you don’t always need to shout to be impactful. Impact is made in your passion for the industry and speaking from your heart. This will carry from your degree into the industry; the ability to communicate truthfully, to listen first and to build understanding through conversation.

Eventually, you will see that your initial desire to leave farming wasn’t a rejection but a redirection. You needed to look from the outside to see the importance of the industry. This isn’t something you can ever walk away from because it’s part of our roots. The things that made you question your longevity in this industry will become tools and will remind you how strong you are. The pushback and negativity from the media will only be a challenge, creating purpose in your life.

Your definition of advocacy for this industry will at times look like standing in a show ring, driving a tractor or helping a heifer through her first labour. This will show resilience in always loving this industry no matter the pushback that comes your way. Advocacy will too look like sitting down for a conversation, or finding the right words to explain why this way of life matters. It means protecting rural communities, supporting sustainable practices and preserving a way of life that is built on integrity and care. It means using your greatest gift, being your voice, and ensuring that people understand where their food comes from and they see the humanity behind it. So don’t stop showing up. Keep working hard. And when you start to doubt whether your story matters, remember; it always has and always will. Your voice will carry the values of generations before you into the future. It will remind others that agriculture is more than an industry; it’s a community, a calling and a story worth telling.

With pride and gratitude,

Older Clara