Shorthorn Report Fall 2025

The Canadian Shorthorn

The Canadian Shorthorn Report

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WINTERN 2026

DEADLINE JANUARY 1

PUBLICATION DATE JANUARY 10

The Canadian Shorthorn Report is looking for pictures to use in the magazine. Individual or group pictures of bulls, cows, or calves in all seasons, If you have any that you would like to share, please send them to: shorthornreport@gmail.com

The summer has been packed full of Shorthorn events across the country. Ontario hosted one of the biggest Junior shows in Canada this year, displaying elite Shorthorn cattle by an incredible group of young exhibitors. The World Shorthorn Congress was an event we were able to host and celebrate together as Canadians. One of the Tour participants, Rachael Madalay has written a colourful account about her experience on the Tour. We are headed full speed into the Fall shows and sale run, This a great time to pick up some prime females to add to the herd.

Adrianne

Order your tags @ tags.canadaid.ca or call 1-877-909-2333 to set up an account

Canadian Shorthorn AssociationPresident’s Message

Summertime is usually busy, but this summer was exceptionally busy in a good way in the Shorthorn breed. The AGM, late May, held in Wolfville, Nova Scotia was a well attended event. The organizers went all out to showcase their part of the world from the vineyards to the steak and lobster dining. Excellent! The Shorthorn breed is on fire in the Maritimes. The Junior’s on the east coast have a real strong presence that has been steadily growing the last number of years. Hats off to those that are promoting the Shorthorn breed at all levels!

July brought the World Shorthorn Conference to Canada. People from all over the world were hosted by breeders from across the country. Many events were planned for the guests from the Calgary Stampede to Niagra Falls and many farm tours in between. In speaking with a few of the attendees, they felt this was one of the most memorable Conferences ever held. Many thanks to Dennis Cox and Grant Smith enough for the hours of time and effort in organising this event! Also in July was the CJSA National Junior show in Lindsay ON. Record number of participants! Record number of animals! Truly a National Show with participants from nearly every province in Canada, the USA and New Zealand. Under the guidance of Jim Murray and Shaylla Chappell, the CJSA JUNIOR board put on one of the most memorable Junior shows. All we need to do is keep the ball rolling and have another successful one next year! With that brings us to Fall. One of the most busy times of the year. From harvesting, baling, hauling bales, weaning calves just to name a few. The list is long but we all manage to get through it, eventually. While weighing those calves. remember to submit those weaning weights and use the PURPLE Shorthorn RFID tags in those calves. Just a small way to be identifiable. Please consign to the many shows and sales being planned this fall and keep the momentum of the Shorthorn breed growing!

Richard Moellenbeck

President & SK Director 306-287-3420 bellmfarms@outlook.ca

Martin Mason

Vice President & Ontario Director 519-771-7066 martin.mason@redrosefarm.com

Casey Bishop

Alberta Director 780-603-8432 cbishopcattle@gmail.com

Grant Smith

British Columbia Director 250-835-0133 craiglachieshothorthorns@gmail.com

Grayson Ross

Manitoba Director 204-851-2293 mosssideshorthorns@gmail.com

Marvin Peters

Maritimes Director 902-315-2939 mipet@yahoo.com

Dennis Cox

Quebec Director 819-837-2086 triplejcox2018@gmail.com

Shayla Chappell

Secretary/Treasurer 306-757-2212 office@canadianshorthorn.com

LEGEND OF THE BREED 2025

PAINTEARTH SHORTHORNS- ALBERT & SUSAN O M

Thelegacy of Paintearth Shorthorns has been almost 50 years in the making. Albert Oram has been a cornerstone of Shorthorns in Alberta and beyond. Albert was born in 1949 in Castor, Alberta. He attended school in both Fleet and Castor, Alberta. After graduating high school, Albert attended a year at Mount Royal University in Calgary in pre vet courses. Before his second year, he returned to Castor to farm. In 1973 he married Debbie Sherring and in 1974 moved onto his grandfather’s farm near Castor and this is where he resides today. The farm in Castor provides unique views with the pastures highlighted with coulees. Albert purchased his first Shorthorn cows from Kendall and Shirley Bignell in 1974 and in 1976, he registered his first purebred Shorthorn calf. Albert and Debbie had two children, Holly in 1974 and Chad in 1977. In the 1980’s, Albert paid $50.00 to take an AI course. He has used this training for in herd use since then. In 1982, Paintearth Shorthorns were first seen at Farm Fair International in the show ring. Albert attended Farm Fair for 34 consecutive years. In addition, Paintearth attended the shows at the Stettler Fair, Red Deer Westerner Days and Olds Fall Classic. The showing was more for the kids as Albert did the fitting and the kids did all the showing. The showing was just the start for Paintearth Shorthorns. In 1988, Albert purchased the Lone Spruce Herd of 30-40 head. This led to Painteath Shorthorns being in the 4’s Company Shorthorn Sale in 1989. Albert has consistently provided 10-15 lots to the sale for 36 years. The many years of hard work has paid off with the Paintearth prefix being seen in registration papers across the country and beyond. A breakthrough in international markets came when Albert sold Paintearth Rama 53U to Wendy Bishop of Creekside Shorthorns. Rama was collected and sold around the world.

Albert has been a committed member of the community in Castor. In the 1990’s he was the general leader of the Paintearth 4-H club and held that title for 15 years. Even after his own children had aged out of the program, he continued to give his time and experience to the club. During the 90’s, he was also busy with the curling rink in

Castor. He was the ice maker for 10 years. Curling is a passion for Albert and if anyone had gone to the hospitality room during the 4’s Company Sale, you were sure to see a curling match on the TV.

At its’ peak, the Paintearth herd numbered around 120 head with 100 purebred Shorthorns and 20 commercial cows. Even with those numbers, Albert took the time to tie break all of his heifer calves in the barn. Bred heifers and open heifer calves were sold at 4’s Company Sale with purebred bulls being marketed by private treaty. Bulls were also sold in Alberta Shorthorn Association based sales such as the Cowman’s Advantage held in Innisfail. Paintearth Shorthorns also consigned to the Battle River Bull Sale. The herd is now around 35 purebred cows which Albert manages with his son Chad.

In 2005, Albert married Susan Henderson. Both Albert and Susan have been very involved with the Alberta Shorthorn Association. Susan served as the secretary and secretary/ treasurer for 9 years. Shortly after starting with registered Shorthorns, Albert began to serve on the ASA board. Albert served on the Association board in every capacity over the years except for secretary/treasurer or CSA representative. He held the position of field man as well, always ready to give background information or advice on the topic of the day at a meeting. Albert and Susan have dedicated decades of their Shorthorn years to the ASA. Their knowledge and guidance have been appreciated and has helped the board grow and improve over the years.

Paintearth Shorthorns has been a well-known name in the Shorthorn world not only in Alberta but across Canada and beyond. It takes hard work, dedication and commitment to achieve their level of success. Congratulations to Albert and Susan Oram of Paintearth Shorthorns, they truly do deserve the title Legends of the Breed.

LEGEND OF THE BREED 2025

ROBWAY ACRES- WAYNE & LOUISE MURRELL

TheOntario

Shorthorn Association would like to congratulate Wayne and Louise Murrell of Thorndale, Ontario, Legend of the Breed recipients.

Wayne and Louise live on Cherry Hill Road, Thorndale, just one road over from the original Murrell family homestead. Wayne’s Grandfather purchased 2 farms side by side in 1900. These 2 farms comprised of 200 acres that Wayne and Louise and family farm today.

Wayne was born in 1949. Louise was born in Niagara Falls and came to London area to attend Fanshawe College. Through mutual friends, Wayne and Louise met. Wayne was educated in a one room school house just up the road, continued on to Dorchester Highschool and then attended Ridgetown College for 2 years.

When Wayne and Louise were married, the Murrells were farming with horses and Louise, more accustomed to farming with tractors couldn’t understand why Wayne would take a rest each round when cutting hay. She thought they would get far more work done if they didn’t stop so much. Wayne explained that the rest wasn’t for him but for the horses.

The Robway Acres prefix was established in 1949 (RobWayne’s father and Way-Wayne). Prior to this time, cattle were registered under Murrell Brothers. Wayne and his father always milked Shorthorn cattle and shipped cream up until 1993. They also kept pigs, chickens and alongside the dairy cows were always a herd of beef Shorthorns.

The Murrells used to sell fat cattle in Toronto. Fat cattle would be driven across the fields to Thorndale station and then by rail to Toronto. Later, fat cattle would be supplied to Embro abattoir. Wayne notes that even during BSE, Embro never dropped the price and were very fair.

Wayne can remember the 4H show at Ilderton Fair having 30-40 Shorthorn entries. His grandparents, father and uncle showed at the R.A.W.F. and the Western Fair in the 1920s as Murrell Brothers. Wayne has T. Eaton

trophies presented to Murrell Brothers at the 1927 Western Fair.

Wayne and Louise continue to farm on the original 200 acre landbase with an additional 40 acres of grazing land rented. They have 3 children – Sandra, Valerie and Andrew. Valerie and family live on the home farm alongside Wayne and Louise. Andrew and family lives on farm #2. Sandra and family live in Exeter. Wayne and Louise put an addition onto their house a few years ago so that Valerie and husband Brad and family had a home and place to farm.

Over the years, Wayne has bought bulls from many herds and breeders across the country. Bulls have been purchased from Muridale, Bell M, Gardhouse, Scotsdale, Poplar Park, Horseshoe Creek, John McNiven, Andy Gaunt, and Glenrothes to name a few. Wayne is very fond of his current bull purchased from Long Lake in Saskatchewan.

Wayne hasn’t made a habit of buying many cows over the years but is always on the lookout for a promising 4H calf for his grandchildren. Wayne has one cow family (Ythan) that can trace lineage back 100 years. Murrell Brothers cattle can be traced back to 1911.

Congratulations to the Murrell family on your long history in the Agriculture community and in the Shorthorn Breed in Ontario and Canada.

The Canadian Shorthorn Association AGM 2025- Nova Scotia

Reprinted with permission from Atlantic Beef & Sheep Magazine

Written by Heather Jones

Pictures by Melanie Porter - Rural Focus Photography

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement when members of the Canadian Shorthorn Association (CSA) from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, and the three Maritime provinces converged on the Old Orchard Inn in Wolfville, N.S., in May for their 139th annual meeting – the largest in years. Members discussed beef prices, weather, crops, and marketing throughout the four-day event and conversed about calving, bulls, shows, sales, and the increasing interest in Shorthorns. “Our breed is growing right across the country. Shorthorns are coming back,” Philip Burgess, a veteran breeder from Falmouth, N.S., told Atlantic Beef & Sheep. “Our junior programs are at a high right now. The quality of their animals that we’ve seen shows that our breed is in good hands.” That opinion was echoed at the annual meeting. “Our CSA membership and Whole Herd Registry have increased modestly again this year as we move into exciting times in the beef industry,” Richard Moellenbeck said in his 2024 presidential report.

“One of the most promising aspects of our breed’s future is the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association (CJSA).”

Moellenbeck mentioned the excellent participation and the resounding success of the Stars Leadership Conference in Guelph, Ont., and the CJSA National Show in Saskatoon, Sask. “These young leaders are the future of our breed, and we’re proud to support their growth.” A number of provinces also praised the future generation of breeders in their annual reports. Maritime Shorthorn Association (MSA) president Adam Fraser noted that “2024 was a great year to be in the Shorthorn business here in the Maritimes. There was an increase in interest for the breed overall, as seen in the increase in junior as well as ‘senior’ members.

“The number of Shorthorn cattle at shows throughout the Maritimes was on the rise, and the quality exhibited was Future of the Shorthorn breed “is in good hands” topnotch. Junior and 4-H shows continue to be the main factor driving this increase, and it is very exciting to see. Our Shorthorn Showcase, held annually in August, hosted our largest number of juniors to date in 2024,” Fraser said.

SPEAKERS

Former federal minister of agriculture Kody Blois, of Wolfville, was on hand to welcome and speak to CSA delegates at the annual meeting. They also heard from the Maritime Beef Council chair Dean Manning, of Falmouth, who shared his experience with his talk “Cows, grazing corn, and using the farm’s natural resources.” Other guest speakers included Katie Hirtle, the Nova Scotia Federation

of Agriculture’s emergency management coordinator, who spoke about emergency preparedness, and Scotia Wealth Management’s Ceri Pothier, who discussed farm succession planning.

The upcoming World Shorthorn Congress was also on the CSA annual’s agenda.

The prestigious event was to begin in Calgary, Alta., on July 3 and end in Lindsay, Ont., so breeders could watch the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Showcase taking place there on July 20.

Maritime lobster and beef were on the menu when the weekend kicked off at the Burgess family’s Green Grove Shorthorns. Along with a farm tour, breeders eagerly participated in the kitchen party and barbecue. Other weekend highlights included tours of Bentville Farms in Berwick, and Martock Glen Farm and Oulton’s Meats in Windsor, a stop at the Blomidon Look-off in Canning, a Magic Winery Bus tour, and a formal dinner at Luckett Vineyards.

At the CSA closing banquet, bidders and buyers ensured that enough funds were raised at the Maritime Junior Shorthorn Association (MJSA) auction to help transport six MJSA animals to Ontario in July to compete in the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Showcase. “Amazing” and “wellorganized” were among the positive feedback that MSA vice-president and AGM chair Bailey Burgess received from CSA delegates. “Everyone was pleased with the weekend. I couldn’t have done it without the help of Christy Fraser, Kylynne Sheffield, and Nancy Locke Callendar,” she said.

18th World Shorthorn Conference Tour, Canada 2025

The 18th World Shorthorn Conference & Tour took place as planned beginning in Calgary, Alberta and winding up in Toronto, Ontario July 3- 18, 2025.

This event was a World Class experience for the Conference participants, the farm visit hosts and everyone who attended the Professional day. Beginning with a memorable visit to Banff in the Rockies and ending with a visit to Niagara Falls, the Conference visited Shorthorn Breeders in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario, as well as some iconic Canadian scenic and historical attractions.

The Shorthorn Breeders that participated in the Tour put no a impressive display of our Canadian Shorthorns genetics, Canadian agriculture practices and other useful information for our International Guests.

And the food! Who could forget the wonderful meals provided on many of the farms visited!

Needles to say, and in spite of the Tour Organizing Committees’ and Tour Companies’ best efforts there were hiccups along the way. Like the Tour bus A/C systems that gave up on warm days, the Historical Stop of Interest that was closed on the day we visited, and the sudden change of venue for the Professional and Business Day! However, all the glitches were accepted with good humor by the Tour Attendees and dealt with professionally by all of those involved.

Who could forget the two Farm mechanics and three tour guests assisting Brent, the Tour bus driver, to get the a/c up and running again on a warm Prairie afternoon. Or dragging a man out of the kitchen to get the a/v system to work at the Professional day venue.

Of course there were other ‘special’ tour moments as well, such as everyone trying to figure our how to pack a Calgary Stampede hat without crushing it, and Malcolm Douglas, the voice of

In closing, I wish to thank the CSA Organizing Committee, chaired by Dennis Cox for assembling such an impressive Conference Tour; it was indeed a world class ‘Showcase’ of Canadian Shorthorns and Canada, the wonderful Country we call home. Grant Smith

The End Of A Chapter In The Saga of Herbourne Shorthorns

The large portion of our basic herd consisting of 11 bred females has been sold! The calf crop of 2025 has either been sold privately, kept for the Jewels of the Prairie Sale or is consigned to the test station. There are 3 late spring heifer calves that will be fed at home over winter, with plans to sell them in a local auction market in the spring of ’26. There is an exceptional heifer calf in this youngest group; so you may want to watch or ask for further updates in the future. For those that were asking, the Grand Champion Female cow, Herbourne SVC Grace Anne 8G, that created so much attention and caused so much excitement at the display and show of Shorthorns for the World Shorthorn Conference Tour display at the Manitoba Bull Test Station in July, was included in the Herd Package. Her calf, Herbourne BKE Nancy Anne 4N, will be one of the entries in the Jewels Sale.

We are thrilled to announce the very exciting news that Steppler Farms of Miami, MB have purchased the Herbourne Shorthorns Herd Package. Andre Steppler is a very well respected cattleman that heads up the well known Steppler Farms Charolais Herd. We feel so honoured to have someone like him notice our Shorthorns. This is a Blessing to us beyond all measure. The Shorthorns sold themselves! It started by a chance meeting in a restaurant, where he happened to mention our nice big Shorthorn cows on pasture. He lives within 5 miles of the pasture our herd has occupied since 1994. I did mention we would be selling the majority of our herd this fall. I got a call in a couple of days if he could go into our pasture to look at them. He and his children purchased 2 heifer calves to show and he asked for -a quote on the herd.

The rest is history. We are excited for the Shorthorn Breed to have someone of his knowledge and skills to promote the breed.

To those that maybe feel they did not have an opportunity to purchase any of the herd: There is a total of 12 head being offered at public sales this fall and next spring. Two of our very best young cows (a first calver and a second calver, SDA 9K not pictured, HWA 3L) will be in the Jewels of the Prairie Sale and two of our very best heifer calves, HWA 2N, calf HWA 4N. Also a red-neck roan, (Mocha 16M) mid-July yearling heifer, that is purposely kept open, so someone could breed her for an early January 27 show calf.

Along with our four test station entries, we’ve been asked to offer the raffle heifer for the Test Station 2026 Sale. SDA 3N has been chosen for this. We would be honoured to have your interest and bids at these events; even buy $10.00 tickets on the raffle heifer.

The way things have fallen into place for us this summer! The right cattle, the right people, at the right place, at the right time, is beyond what we could do on our own. Our Lord & Master has heard our cry for help. For how He has been putting things together and still is, we are forever grateful!

The Herd Bull was originally in the Herd Package. But because Steppler Farms had purchased 2 heifer calves and the cows are bred to him, Andre asked to not include the bull in the herd package as he would have to make other breeding arrangements for ’26 year and on.

This excellent breeding bull, Balmoral Oaks Kinetic Energy (TAW 6K), will be offered for sale privately. He is presently out on rental for a small Shorthorn herd. In his three breeding season, he has not had any open cows.

We will not be vacating the Shorthorn breed entirely. There is a remnant left. Frozen genetics, the Saskvalley cow that we may flush again, and, one cow that has a hang-up but is bred and produces real well are still here. If either of our girls would want to resurrect Herbourne Shorthorns it still could be done!

right: Ruby’s Lily 3L (HWA 3L) bred cow, and her heifer calf (HWA 2N) are both in the Jewels Sale.

left: Roxie 13G (SDA 13G) with her calf (SDA 3N). This heifer calf 3N is the Test Station raffle heifer for 2026

is for

We will be showing the 2 heifer calves for the Jewels Sale at AG EX

A portion of the Herbourne herd in the fall of 2024

Grace Anne (HWA 8G) with heifer calf Nancy Anne (HWA 4N). 4N will be in the Jewels of the Prairie Sale, (Dec 3 Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB) This pair was the Grand Champion Female for the World Shorthorn Conference Tour in MB this summer.

Hearth & Home

Congratulations to Kayle Harakal of Red Creek Shorthorns and Wesley Morin on their wedding. The ceremony was held on August 27, 2025 in Canmore, Alberta. Here is to many happy years together!

Congratulations to Zane Gunderson for graduating in May 2025 from Holden Rural Academy!

Procter, Ross Stewart

Peacefully at Knollcrest Lodge, Milverton on Monday, August 25th, 2025, Ross Stewart Procter of Belgrave passed away three days short of his 98th birthday. Husband of the former Mary Louise (Cameron) Procter who predeceased him in 2017. Cherished dad of Cam & Laurie of Belgrave, Louise Procter Maio and Tony Maio of Aurora, Don and MJ Procter of Belgrave, Christopher Procter of Dundas and Anne Procter of Belgrave. Loving grandpa of ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Brother of George & Elizabeth Procter of Belgrave and Ruth Alton of Lucknow. Predeceased by his parents Stewart & Alice (Imlay) Procter, brother Charles (Grace) Procter, sister Mary Thomas and brother-in-law Ken Alton. To his family, he was a son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. To others he was a salesman, speaker, poet, world traveller, farmer and cowboy.

Born on the farm in Morris Township, Ontario, he loved growing up in the country surrounded by his family and his beloved grandfather, Abraham Procter. He graduated in Animal Science in 1950 from the University of Guelph. As a District Sales Manager for Ralston Purina for 17 years, home base for Ross and Mary was in Burlington. There they started a family, participated in the community and church, made friends for a lifetime, and began their extensive travels. But Ross never lost his interest in farming. In 1956 in partnership with his brother Charles, he founded Bodmin Ltd., a 1,200+acre mixed farm, later joined by brother George. By 1967 Ross and Mary moved their family to Morris Township so he could be a more active participant in the company. He always claimed, “his children were the best crop they ever raised”. His degree served him well as he raised Shorthorn cattle and showcased them at the Royal Winter Fair. He was also a former President of the International Shorthorn Council, where he made friends worldwide. While he loved cows, his passion was horses, being introduced to them at an early age. His greatest adventure was celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the Western Stock Growers’ Association in 1996. They staged a 6-day cattle drive across the 640,000-acre Suffield Military Base. Populated by 1,514 cowboys riding 1,700 horses they herded 2,200 cattle from Buffalo to Medicine Hat, Alberta. It really was the adventure of a lifetime and fulfilled Dad’s dream of being a cowboy as he trailered 2 of his horses to Alberta to participate. Travelling was also a keen interest of Ross, he dogsledded on Baffin Island, visited Antarctica and other points far and wide. This led to his next role as an “after dinner speaker”.

Slide projector in hand, he was often invited to deliver travelogues, showing his slides and sharing his travel tales. Losing Mary after 66 years, his final home was Knollcrest Lodge in Milverton, Ontario where he was warmly cared for. At 92 years of age, he added wedding singer to his resume. He performed at a nurse’s wedding held at the Home and charmed everyone. While his rendition of Let Me Call You Sweetheart was touching, his rousing rendition of Take Me Out to the Ballgame hit it out of the park.

Dad, you packed a lot of living into your almost 98 years. Love you and toodle pip!

A Celebration of Ross’ life will be held at the Wingham Columbus Centre on Thursday, September 11, 2025 from 1:004:00 p.m. Memories will be shared at 2:00 p.m. Final resting place, Brandon Cemetery, Belgrave.

VALDIMAR BENJAMIN KJERNISTED

Peacefully, surrounded by family, care staff and with amazing strength, Valdimar Benjamin Kjernisted passed away August 20, 2025, at Ayre Manor in Sooke, BC.

Val is predeceased by his loving wife Bev of 65 years and is survived by children Kevin (Charlotte) Bradley, Brent, Lori (Wes) and Lyle (Amber), his grandchildren Chloe, Nicholas, Bryn, Benjamin and Kristjan. He also leaves behind his little sister Shirley of Regina, brother-in-law Brian (Virginia) of Calgary and many nieces and nephews.

Val was born in the then RM of Siglunes on October 27, 1928, and was the second youngest of nine children. He grew up on the family farm at Oakview, Manitoba where they raised cattle and sheep, fished in the winters on Lake Manitoba, and where his father Carl and mother Lilja were the postmasters for Oakview Post Office from 1927 to 1961. He attended Darwin School in his early years before moving to Winnipeg to attend Daniel McIntyre High School, where he excelled in his studies and enjoyed track and field. After high school Val taught at Darwin School for one year before attending the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph, Ontario, graduating in 1954. He met his wife and lifelong dance partner, Beverley, while working as a veterinarian in Melita, Manitoba. They married in 1958 and settled in Stonewall, Manitoba where Val partnered with his mentor Dr. Cy Pickell at Stonewall Veterinary Clinic, At the same time, they established their family farm, Stone Oak Polled Shorthorns, where they raised their five children.

Val was passionate about his family, veterinary work and the relationships with people that he met throughout his far-reaching practice in the Interlake region of Manitoba. Many of his clients became his good friends and he worked tirelessly for the farmers that he was proud to be one of. In his “spare time” he and Bev built the family farm, nurturing their children, the land and at times 100 odd head of cattle. He particularly enjoyed the purebred cattle business, which resulted in the breeding of many champion show cattle shown throughout North America.

In 1978, Val left private veterinary practice to pursue the second part of his career, joining the Health of Animals branch of the federal government, retiring in 1992. The career move afforded he and Bev more time to enjoy some of their other interests: reading, fishing, golfing, gardening, travelling and spending time with family and friends at their Lake of the Woods cottage. Many fond memories were made with his grandchildren while at the cottage, where he taught them to enjoy nature, fish and for anyone wanting to learn - to fillet fish.

Val and Bev’s adventures continued when they moved to Colwood, BC in 2006 with Lori, Wes and Kristjan where they lived in their home for 18 years. Val and Bev continued, for many years, to spend summers at Lake of the Woods and in later years visiting friends and family in Manitoba. More recent years were spent in their Colwood backyard enjoying morning coffee, nature and one of Val’s passions, reading. Through the years they traveled with Lori, Wes and Kristjan and hung out at the rinks watching their grandsons play hockey. After Bev’s passing in 2024 and in accordance with her wishes, Val moved to the amazing Ayre Manor in Sooke, BC where he remained until his passing. It must be noted that Val took great pride in his Icelandic heritage often singing Icelandic songs and holding on to his first language until his passing. Hvil i fridi Dad, Grandpa and Afi. We love you and know that you are now again dancing with Mom, Grandma and Amma.

Val’s wishes were to have his ashes sprinkled along with Bev’s at Lake of the Woods, and a Celebration of Life will be held in the future. Many thanks to the staff at Ayre Manor for providing such great care to our Dad and making him feel like family.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2025

Country Connection

Alberta

What a crazy summer it has been in Alberta. Drought on one end of the province to record rain on the other. Making feed has been a trial this year for sure. The ASA held its AGM in Ponoka at the Moose Lodge on June 21. Presentations were given on the Olds College Feed Efficiency Trial by Sean Thompson and on EPD’s from Wyatt Glover of Neogen. It was a great learning experience for all in attendance. We want to send a thank you to the presenters for taking time to come out and speak to all of us.

We would like to welcome our newest board members Jenna Lingley, Nicole Gunderson and Connie Baehr to the board. For a full list of the current board members, please visit our website www.albertashorthorn.com. A thank you must go out to the board members that have served over the past year, your work was very much appreciated.

The ASA Commercial Breeder of the Year was awarded to Kevin and Gail Donnelly of Spruce View, Alberta. Kevin and Gail have been utilizing Shorthorn genetics for 27 years in their commercial herd crossing with Limousin and Gelbvieh to achieve hybrid vigor. We are pleased to present this award to such a deserving operation.

The ASA Breeder of Merit was voted to be Sean Thompson of Poplar Creek Farm. Hi Point awards for the previous show year were presented as well. Two lucky 4-H members won the draw for gift certificates towards the purchase of another Shorthorn animal for the upcoming year.

Our show committee has been hard at work preparing for the Olds Fall Classic Show (October) and for Farmfair (November). The fall show season is always one of excitement for all the exhibitors. Our judge for Farmfair this year is Katie Songer of Lucky Springs Farm.

Keep on eye on the website for all upcoming sales and events. The fall and winter female sales will be listed there. If you would like your farm to be listed on the interactive producers map, please contact the office at albertashorthorn@gmail.com

Happy Harvest to All!

Shari Barto, ASA Secretary

Manitoba

Howdy folks! It’s that time of year where we begin to wean calves and start preparing for the upcoming shows and sales and that means another summer has quickly flown by and fall has once again crept up on us. Although it’s the same cycle as every year, things feel a little different this year with all the optimism in the industry from the record high cattle prices we’ve been experiencing. It was a busy summer here in Manitoba and the highlight of it all was getting to host the World Shorthorn Conference for 3 days. It was a huge success and we would like to send a big thank you to everyone who was a part of it for making it a great event! If you’re in the market for any Shorthorns females this fall you can’t go wrong with checking out the selection in Manitoba. The Jewels of the Prairie Female sale will be hosting their 4th annual sale on December 3rd at the Keystone Center in Brandon Manitoba and as always there will be numerous breeders with a strong selection offered by private treaty. You’re sure to find something you’ll like here!

The board of directors has been busy planning for another Shorthorn show at Manitoba Ag Ex, the largest all breeds cattle show in Manitoba. This year it’s being held from October 29thNovember 1st. We would be thrilled if you brought your cattle to Brandon or even just came down to view the cattle on display. It’s sure to be a great show!

I look forward to catching up with everyone, whether it be at a show or sale this fall!

Terrance Vodon, Vice-President

Ontario

The summer and fall season are always busy, but this year has been particularly busy.

Below are a few of the things we have been up to.

OSA picnic/Field day

Don Jack of Coldstream Farm hosted our annual Picnic/Field Day on June 21. The event was attended by over 140 Shorthorn enthusiasts. We were treated with beef on a bun sandwiches, various salads, and pie for dessert. As part of the program over 40 juniors had the opportunity to participate various workshops: showmanship directed by Sam Lundy of Hill Haven Farm, Judging by Patty Lasby of Genex, Fitting by Brad Height of Height Land & Livestock Co and Marketing by Jessica Currie Stevens of Flightpath Shorthorns. It was a great day to share new stories and embellish old ones, fun was had by all.

2025 CJSA, Shorthorn Showcase

This year’s CJSA Shorthorn Showcase was held in Lindsay July 16-19. What a great show with over 125 juniors. Thanks to all involved particularly Jim Murray and Shayla Chappell. All-Star Series

The All-Star Conformation Series was established last year in

Memory of GEORGE & AUDREY BROWN. The first three eligible shows were recently held in Barrie, Renfrew and Lindsay. Shorthorn entries for all three fairs were dramatically up this year, over 35 head in Barrie and Renfrew and over 60 in Lindsay.

As an added bonus for the All-Star conformation Series, exhibitors in the Shorthorn Breeder’s Herd class at the Barrie, Lindsay and Erin Fairs are eligible to receive the James W. Rummerfield award of $100. The OSA is very appreciative of James Rummerfields support of the shorthorn breed.

The All-Star Showmanship Series was created to encourage and reward shorthorn juniors who participate in showmanship classes at various Ontario fairs. Currently over 30 juniors are participating and have submitted their results. The complete eligibility rules and prizes are listed on the OSA website. The showmanship portion of the All-Star series is kindly sponsored by the Den Haan family (Townline Cattle Company).

Upcoming events

•Emerson Clarke Memorial Junior Shorthorn Show, November 6, at the Royal

•Calves can be provided to juniors who have no calf at Royal

•Prizes to all participants

•Rules and regulations on OSA Facebook page

•All Canadian Juniors welcome

•Meeting of OSA Juniors at Royal

•Masterfeeds National Junior Beef Heifer Show, Royal, November 7 & 8

•Royal Shorthorn Show, November 8

New for this year: Each entry shown in the ring for the Shorthorn Breeder’s Herd class will be eligible to receive the James W. Rummerfield award of $500 subject

•OSA Fall Classic Sale, November 15 at Maple Hill Auctions in Walkerton

Hope to see you at one of our upcoming events and we encourage you to visit our website for more details of what’s happening in Ontario.

Saskatchewan

Another summer has come & (mostly) gone, and here we are entering fall: harvest & show season. This time of year for the SSA is pretty well solely focused on Canadian Western Agribition. Preparations are underway & we are very excited to be hosting the 2025 National Show! Detailed information and forms are available on our website –https://saskshorthorns.com/agribition.html. As well, a quick rundown on some details:

•Our judge this year is Toby Noble of Lloydminster.

•Cory Schaeffer will be joining us again as our barn boss.

•Our host hotel is, once again, the Atlas Hotel. A reminder about the booking form to be included in our block (this will be emailed to all exhibitors again this year and is also available on our website & socials).

•Our annual banquet is held the Thursday evening of CWA and is a really great event. This is a short program featuring awards, fellowship, and an excellent meal. Please consider attending!

•The CWA sale will be held Thursday November 27th at 1:30pm. Contact R&R Sales Management to consign!

•If you are interested in sponsoring a banner, a draw/door prize, or anything for our National Show, please reach out! We do not have sponsorship packages available as of yet, but we have received a few inquiries and will forward information along as these details are ironed out.

•Please direct all inquiries to our email address, or 306-9469808 (preferably text for quicker response as I am busy chasing a toddler these days!). We will continue to post details on our Facebook page as well, so please check it out!

Congratulations to our awardees for 2025:

• Honour of the Breed: Gerry & Betty Wyatt

•Commercial Breeder: Eugene Desroches (Kelvington, SK)

Our 4-H submissions for 2025 have closed and we want to thank & congratulate all who submitted their Grand Champion/Reserve Champion winnings! These kids will be featured on our Facebook page in the coming weeks. (If your club did not have a grand drive, please still reach out to us!)

The Shorthorn Alliance sale will be held Thursday December 11 th at Saskatoon Livestock Sales. Contact R&R Sales Management to consign (deadline for purebreds: October 10th )

Our AGM date will be finalized after CWA and announced on our Facebook page/emailed out to members. Stay tuned!

Hope everyone has a safe, bountiful harvest & all the best as fall work commences! See you all soon on the show trail!

O Canada! World Shorthorn Congress 2025

“To Travel Is To Evolve” – Pierre Bernardo

Every three years you know you are going to get a chance to explore new places, to meet incredible people, to catch up with friends of old and to share in the mutual passion of the Shorthorn breed. That is the beauty of the World Congress and this years host country was Canada. Canada is the second largest country in area at 9.98million square kilometres and boasts the world’s longest coastline which would take more than four and a half years to walk! Comprising of ten provinces and three territories, the population stands at a relatively low 41 million. 90% of the population reside within 150miles of the USA border, which is the longest internal land border. The country has a diverse landscape renowned for the five Great Lakes which make up the largest system of interconnected freshwater lakes on Earth. Climate varies with summer temperatures reaching 35 degrees whilst the winter average is -25 degrees. The enormity of this country full of wide-open spaces where nature reigns has a quiet calm wonder that was simply breathtaking. We landed in Calgary, Alberta, with half a day to spare before the 2025 World Conference tour officially began. Not one to waste an opportunity to explore meant the day was filled touring the city that lay on the Bow River before the evening welcome reception took place. Grant Smith, World President extended a gracious welcome to the 37 delegates from New Zealand, Australia, USA, England, Wales, Scotland and Canada before we enjoyed the three-course meal and time to reconnect with familiar faces. July 4th was set to be one of my favourite days of the tour as we set off for Banff National Park. Lake Louise in Banff, Alberta, is world renowned for its striking turquoise waters set against a backdrop of rugged snow-covered mountain peaks. Described as breathtaking, iconic, a bucket list tick for sure but somehow words and pictures fail to capture just how amazing the landscapes this trip afforded truly are. With that said, photos secured, the tour headed into Banff town, surrounded by alpine views, for lunch and a chance to roam before a quaint Hoodoo River float. This gentle drift down the Bow River is a perfect way to appreciate the Canadian Rockies away from the crowds of town. Immersed in the rich forests, dramatic towering mountains and iconic Hoodoo rock formations, this was a great experience. Back on the bus and we headed for the final activity of the day, which was a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain where we had dinner with stunning panoramic views of the National Park. Day three started with breakfast at Ramblin Ranch, Airdrie,

Alberta, home of Jeremy and Christine Tillman. We stepped off the coach to a feast of pancakes before we checked out the herd. The family are newcomers to the breed, having started in 2021. They own over 30 head of Shorthorns and have extensively used AI to advance the herd with elite genetics in hopes of developing maternal strength, structure and balance. The cows were a credit to them, showing great condition, good locomotion and doing calves at foot extremely well. Back on the coach, we headed to view Diamond Shorthorns of fellow delegate Dan Stephenson and family, based in Okotoks, Alberta. The family has a long history with the breed and has sent genetics all over the World, which is unsurprising as the herd had good size and powerwith current stock bull, Diamond 2nd Hubback 38H, showing great flesh. Once the tour was complete, we headed back to Calgary for the highly anticipated Stampede. And Wow! The Stampede dates back to 1912 and is a celebration of community, culture and the Western spirit. Watching the rodeo, which featured bull riding, barrel racing, bare back relay and the chuck wagon races, to name just a few of the competitions, is spectacular. Theres no wonder it’s called the Greatest Outdoor Show On Earth. The atmosphere is electric, and that’s not just in the arena, outside there’s so much more. The evening ended by watching the closing show filled with music, dancing, stunt car drivers, drones and a firework display that was amazing.

The next morning, we left Calgary and headed to Drumheller, Alberta, to an area known as the Badlands.

The scenery was otherworldly as we travelled through the multicoloured canyons and wind sculpted hoodoos to the dinosaur capital of the World. Time was spent at the internationally renowned palaeontology museum seeing World famous fossils of species that lived over 112 million years ago.

After lunch we headed to Olds College Smart Farm where we were greeted by Shaun Thompson. Shaun’s background includes two decades focused on feed efficiency and with 100 projects on the go and 2 million farm investment Olds College certainly has the tech, data and knowledge to help increase production in the industry. The College has been operating since the 1900s, focused mainly on crops and livestock, in 2018 resources increased to include GrowSave bunks which measure growth rates of stock to further management practises on the 1,000 head feedlot. The College tends to operate in partnership with machinery manufacturers to test new autonomous agricultural equipment across the 3,000 acres, each field averages 169 acres, for crops and forage. After an interesting tour we headed back to check into the hotel and enjoy a dinner organised by the Alberta Shorthorn Society breeders. Lovely to catch up with faces we had

met at the beginning of the tour. A few of us then ventured to the nearby youth show, which had taken place that morning, for drinks and to see the winning stock.

Day five started at the well-known Crooked Post herd. The herd has been vastly influenced by Crooked Post Stockman and Crooked Post Curfew and their sons over the last twenty years. There were some fantastic matriarchs in this herd, good senior cows with good udders and well-balanced females coming through. This is unsurprising as focus here is on maternal lines, fertility and building on longevity. Traits the Seaborn family have recognised as the most valuable Shorthorn genetics have to offer to the market. After lunch in the air hanger, we headed off to the Schutz Cattle Co. Stony Plain, Alberta where we were greeted off the bus by Colin and Brandy Schutz and son, Landon, who is the third generation dedicated to the breed. The Company has grown from the Six S stud of Colin’s parents, Sandie and Rod, and they continue to develop and place emphasis on the structural and maternal integrity of cow families.

Family lines revolve around the Cherrys, Millies, Marilyns and Perfects, flush programs help develop these proven genetics, concentrating on maternal instincts, longevity with good legs and feet without compromising femininity. Once Landon had given us an extremely well informed and impressive tour of the cattle, we enjoyed a BBQ with the family before the evening came to an end.

The next day would be our last in Alberta and we headed for Bishop Farms in Killiam, home of Casey Bishop and family. Here we had the pleasure of seeing samples of three different herds; Casey’s Bishop Farms, his brother’s Cointreau herd and sister’s Creekside herd, who she shares with her mother. The farm is grazed all year round with clover, legumes, red clover and winter

Saskvalley Shorthorns

triticale and they calve from the 1st of April until the end of May. The grazing programme has intensified over the years with the aim to

constantly improve soil health and productivity of the land. The cattle from all three herds demonstrated good udder conformation and legs and feet, noting that the base points have to be correct before everything else. Two matriarchs of Bishop Farms, from the Adoration and Drama families have been

selected as flush cows, the majority of the herd traces back to these two strong female lines, transmitting good udders and easy fleshing progeny. Before parting ways with the Bishop family, we had an excellent lunch, setting us up for our journey East, leaving Alberta for the Saskatchewan. July 9th started with a visit to Batoche which was declared a National Historic Site in 1923, because it brings to life the Metis settlement that once flourished along the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. The main attraction here was certainly the reintroduction of the Bison. A symbol of strength and resilience and a vital part of the indigenous people’s lives. Back on board the coach we headed to the picturesque setting of a golf club for lunch before viewing Saskvalley Shorthorns of the Lehmann family, Rosthern, SK. Saskvalley Stock Farm was started by Wes Lehmann in 1961

Poplar Park Shorthorns

but has been in the family for over 100 years as a mixed rural enterprise. Now the farm is run by Carl and his two brothers and has grown into a ranch that operates 4,000 acres with additional grazing, they currently run 500 pairs and 250 yearlings. Selection is based on genetics, looking for a minimal supervision type of cow that can graze all year round; this requires a moderate frame with plenty of scope and fleshing ability. Good udders and sound legs and feet are a must. In 2022 feed bunks were purchased to

measure individual animal intake, a project that Barry Lehmann is extremely passionate about as feed efficiency is a heritable trait. To gain information on individual animals and be able to identify those who are more efficient will add to the bottom line within the herd. Back at the hotel that evening for a relaxed evening to unwind over food and drink amongst friends. The next morning was spent at the Western Development museum that is a living history museum recreating the 1910 Boomtown experience. Wandering through the years of the machinery and agricultural exhibits, which highlighted how innovation has shaped western life, was perhaps the

most fascinating for most. Our next stop would be the Pound Maker feed lot where Brad Welter showed us around, he has worked here for 40 years! The company started in 1969 and operations began in 1970, expansion came in 1991 to include a low emissions ethanol plant. The lot now owns over 6,000 acres and hosts 25,000 head when at capacity. Interestingly, the cattle drink the ethanol stillage rather than water. At 8% solids the unfermented sugars, protein and fats that are left behind has become a resource to the feedlot. Our final stop of the day would be at Bell M Farms, Englefeld, SK, home of the Moellenbeck family. Richard is currently CSA President and we sure had a presidential welcome by the whole family. Bell M Farms is run by five brothers across 4,500 acres with the next generation all involved via 4H clubs, shows, sales and breeding their own cattle. The Shorthorn is the obvious breed choice here as they have to survive in the harsh Canadian climate, -40C or +35C, and do so on a marginal amount of feed. Not many breeds could compete, in these conditions, quite like the Shorthorn. The farm runs a large grain operation where wheat, canola and malt barley are grown, oats and corn are also grown for the cattle. 240 females were bred this year, calving starts February and is finished end of April, everything is out wintered although they calve in the barn and stay in, ideally for 3 days, because of the frost. In the herd Bell M Zirconium 53J stood out as an impressive bull with Richard noting that they have been fortunate enough to make their mark globally with Bell M Foreman and Bell M Guiness who had gone into the internationally well-known Shadybrook and Spry herds. Once the cattle had been seen, we were treated to an exceptional feast and Bell M signature cocktails!! With thanks to the whole family for such an enjoyable

evening.

The next morning, we headed to see the red army of the Bender family, Neudorf, SK. We arrived for lunch where we had yet another hearty feed before looking around the herd. Bender Shorthorns began in 1955 with a few purebred cows but has gradually increased to over 100 females, 4000 acres of crops and 500 acres of forage. First we had a look around the stock bulls; two had come forward from Star P Farms of Blaine and Rayleen Possberg alongside ACC Lachlan 89L, an impressive youngster. Birdtail Frontier 51J was a striking bull that was leaving his mark in the herd with promising progeny at foot. The cattle are a credit to the family being a smart, uniformed bunch of cows. The aim here is to produce cattle that will work in the commercial market and this is something that is clear with the quality of stock on display. We thanked the Bender family for our tour and hit the road for what would be our longest travel day as we left Saskatchewan heading further East for Manitoba.

A new morning, a new province and a new herd, Birdtail Shorthorns, Rossburn, Manitoba, of Ray and Susan Armbruster. This is a family run operation that farms in the beautiful Birdtail Valley which borders the Riding Mountain National Park, a remote spot to locate and certainly an interesting one in a bus!!

Once we had arrived, we were greeted yet again with fantastic hospitality from the family and given a brief introduction of how the farm is managed. The farm is only suitable to farm cattle here with any crops grown used for the cows, the majority of which is wild hay. The climate is extremely dry and wildfires are a concern, as is the surrounding wild life, hence the need for the four guardian dogs which Ray swears by to protect the cattle. We did not get to greet the dogs, unfortunately, as they tend to sleep through the day protecting the herd through the night from any wandering predators. Once lunch had finished, we went to see the herd of 150 head. The Shorthorn breed is definitely most suited for the rugged, hilly landscape demonstrating their ability to thrive without being pampered. Longevity is also a vital breed attribute alongside the exceptional legs and feet that were evident throughout this herd. With thanks to the Armbruster family for a lovely morning, we headed to our next farm. Poplar Park Farm, Hamiota, is run by John and Susan Thompson alongside son, Russell, and his wife, Jess. The farm was founded in 1907 and Shorthorns became the breed choice in 1940. Since then, they have flourished and are now the largest Shorthorn herd in Manitoba. The herd is run like a commercial herd, grazed June to January, calving March to end of April, although genetics have been utilised lately through AI and embryo transplants. The cattle were extremely

well balanced with sound legs and feet. Genetics from strong maternal families like the Muffins, Florences, Heroines and Promises, to name a few, that consistently perform in this herd shine through. Where well known bulls like Crooked Post

Stockman, and his progeny, have made a great contribution alongside Poplar Park Mist. Breeding bulls are selected mainly on easy calving traits. This is certainly a herd that has a bright future with the next generation already mucking in. We ended the evening with a lovely BBQ before saying our farewells.

On Sunday the 13th we headed to the Douglas Test Station where we were greeted by Tracey and Cam Wood who run operations there. The development centre first opened 61 years ago by three progressive cattlemen who understood that producers were eager to be a part of a collective industry objective; performance gain. Today the station markets approximately 125 head of bulls and heifers at their annual production sale in March. Intake is October with all calves weighing in at 600-800 pounds and the official 112 days of monitored performance begins. 30-40% of sales are online, and stock is taken all over, furthest of late being sold to Vancouver Island, Nova Scotia and the USA. Now the Douglas Station is known as the one stop for development, marketing and sale of breeding stock for 12 different breeds. This year sales have been outstanding, all making over £10,000, with Mosside Olympus being the highflyer in the Shorthorns. The test station had opened up to welcome dedicated local cattle breeders who brought forward cattle for a showcase that Sally Horrell had the honour of judging. Those breeders were Herbourne Shorthorns of Bill and Isabel Acheson, Melba Stock Farm, Hedley Livestock of Trent and Lesley Hedley, Anwender Cattle Company of Gary, Kim and Sadie Anwender, Prairie Nights Shorthorns from Nicki Stewart and C&S Livestock. We thank everyone who took this unique opportunity to showcase the

best their herds had to offer. Champion bull was awarded to Hedleys Apparition 2K whilst the Champion female went to Herbourne SVC Grace Anne. Congratulations to all the competitors for an enjoyable afternoon. That afternoon we headed to Mosside Shorthorns of Jeff and Grayson Ross. Grayson bought his first registered Shorthorn in 2015, but the family have always been influenced by the Shorthorn breed. Jeff, Grayson’s father has spent the majority of his life working in the industry for feed and pharmaceuticals companies whilst Grayson is a large animal vet, specialising in cattle. On arrival at the farm, we were greeted by Jeff and Grayson who had a fantastic and unique surprise in store for us all. The bus was unable to fit down the

farm track, so we were chauffeured in by draft horses. The new farm, acquired a year ago, is set in a beautiful, quaint spot and once everyone had been greeted with a beverage and said goodbye to the impressive horses, the 26th Field Regiment Pipes

and Drums arrived to officially open the evening’s tour. After yet another delicious feast we took a stroll around the herd. They calve 25 cows each year using AI or their very impressive and influential herd sire, Mosside Defender 51J, a son of Hill Haven Defender. Most of the calves at foot are his progeny and they show great promise. This herd, though small in number, certainly has some top-class animals. Once the herd had been seen we headed back for more entertainment from the pipe band who escorted us back to the bus. Many thanks to the Ross family for a most enjoyable evening. The next morning, we had a few free hours to explore Brandon, giving most an opportunity to peruse shops and buy some gifts to squeeze into the suitcase home. The afternoon was to be spent at the professional day and World Shorthorn Council. We were fortunate to have many interesting speakers forward; Grayson Ross, Brain Harper, Barry Lehmann and Dr Joseph Schallberger who covered topics on developing more resilient animals, increasing profits through better land management and grazing practises, feed efficiency based on genetic selection and the importance of heritage Shorthorns in the modern market. The World Conference was attended by representing international delegates including Charles Horton of Beef UK and Emi Thornber as a youth representative. The meeting thanked Grant Smith for his term as president and welcomed in Monty Soules from USA where the next conference will be held in 2028. The Secretarial role will remain with the UK Dairy Shorthorn Society. At the close of the meeting a dinner and light entertainment commenced, which included a game show like quiz and light music. This was a fantastic night to end the Manitoba section of the tour, many thanks to all involved. The next day was a full travel day as we headed to Winnipeg airport to fly to Ontario for the last leg of this trip.

July 16th started at Dale Asser and the late Bob Meldrum’s Hill Haven Shorthorns, Duntroon, ON. Hill Haven have recently celebrated 25 years breeding Shorthorns and, for city dwellers come breeders, they have certainly made a mark. Dale has never forgotten the help and knowledge that she was given in the early days and, alongside herdsman Mathew Hargrave, they continue to support and encourage new breeders by paying all this forward. This herd is very much dominated by two matriarch’s Hill Haven

Mark Your Calanders!

Oct 5- Olds Fall Classic Shorthorn Show

Oct 13- Hill Haven Selections Sale

Oct 30- Shadybrook Shorthorns

The Tradition Continues Online

Sale

Oct 30- AgEx Shorthorn Show

Nov 5-8 Edmonton Farmfair

Nov 8 - Toronto Royal Shorthorn

Show

Nov 15- OSA Fall Classic Sale

Nov 27- Agribition Shorthorn Sale

Nov 28- National Shorthorn ShowAgribition

Nov 30- 4’s Company Sale

Dec 3- Jewels Of The Prairie Sale

Dec 3&4- Muridale Heritage Sale

Dec 11- Alliance Sale

Sierra, who was flushed countless times before passing at 18myears old, and Hill Haven Breathless, who Hill Haven Firestorm traces back to. Their progeny, along with the Verona’s and Lilys, two additional foundation families, show great consistency. Show ring appeal is evident in this super balanced herd and has been achieved without compromising the desired breed traits of longevity, milk quality and calving ease.

Our next stop was at Don Jacks Coldstream farm, Fisherton, ON. What started as a hobby for Don to retire into in 2013 has become an impressive enterprise. We started with an amazing lunch in the stunning family home before looking round the 65 female strong herd. Coldstream is run on performance, and all the cattle are scanned with the aim to breed for shorter gestation versus birth weight. Embryos and AI have been utilised in hopes of widening the genetics and performance within the herd although the top bull for EPD is homebred Coldstream Pendleton. After dessert, which was served in the wedding barn, we said our thanks to the Coldstream team and boarded the bus back to our night’s accommodation.

The next morning was spent at the Ontario Beef Research Centre in Elora, ON. This cutting edge 233,000 square foot facility is dedicated to research in animal health, nutrition, genetics, welfare and environment. Dr Katie Wood and Martin Mason, a local Shorthorn breeder, greeted us to show us around this stateof- the-art infrastructure that opened in 2019. Dr Wood gave us an extremely fascinating and informative visit, seeing InSenTec feed systems at work as well as the solar powered methane data collection unit.

With a lunch visit into the quaint town of Elora we then heading to our last, but by no mean least, farm of the tour.

Banbury Grassland farms of David and Lesley Banbury focus on regenerative grassland management to promote soil health and biodiversity. The Heritage Shorthorns and this way of farming go hand in hand, being the ideal breed to rear on a 100% grass fed system. David farms the cattle outside all year round and had a tractor and trailer ready upon our arrival to take us out to see the herd. The herd looked extremely well, walking on excellent legs and feet. The pastures were diverse with five types of grass, red and white clover, chicory and dandelions, which have the same feed value as alfalfa. Diversity is key and helps maintain nutrients throughout paddocks and the seasons. Through the winter David bale grazes pastures, which he swears by for providing further nutrients back into the soil. After a comprehensive grassland tour we headed back to the barn for refreshments, food and great live music from neighbouring family friends. Thanks to the Banbury family for yet another evening of great entertainment. July 18th was to be another tourist packed day in Niagara Falls. Our first stop was to Picard’s Peanuts, a family-owned business with deep roots in Canada, before venturing into the winery region. Lunch was at the beautifully set Queenstown Mile Vineyard where we partook in a vino voyage of the wines they had on offer. Some may have benefitted more than others from this sip and swirl soiree! Niagara Falls has extremely warm summers and cold winters with great soil for growing grapes, which is why the region is host to over 90 estates renowned for their crisp Rieslings, Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Once our top-class lunch was finished, we were able to amble through the vines or find our competitive streak with an array of lawn games. Leaving here we headed to check into the hotel with a bus tour through the tourist attraction that is Niagara Falls

town. After a quick freshen, we headed to the yellow bug lifts up the Skylon Tower for breathtaking 360’ views in this revolving restaurant. The views were impressive as we ate dinner whilst watching one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. The last activity to end this fantastic day was, of course, the Lady of the Mist boat out to the Horseshoe Falls. Over a million gallons of water thunder over the falls every minute in an awe-inspiring sight. Most definitely a bucket list tick. And no, the red ponchos do not prevent anyone from getting an utter soaking from the mist of the falls,but it is totally worth every minute! Back on dry land, but not so dry, many of us decided to venture around the vibrant town, walking along the scenic walkway and observation decks before settling in the Queen Elizabeth for a cheeky cocktail while watching the night draw in and the falls light up with a firework display.

On this, the last day of the World Conference, we headed to the Canadian Junior Shorthorn National Show. This is an exceptional event that focuses on youth development offering the next generation a chance to sharpen their skills in showmanship, grooming, judging and management. The event is an opportunity to learn responsibility, form friendships, develop communication skills, build confidence and work within a team, all skills transferable to life outside the show ring. Youngsters benefit from the support of industry professionals and experienced breeders offering scholarships and awards that recognise the hard work that goes into this long weekend. In the show ring Grand Champion went to Hill Haven Breathtaker Ally 4M, sired by Little Cedar Worldwide 1979, shown by Junior Logan Hargrave. Reserve was Crawfdown Lucy 06N, sired by LSF Gold Coast ET, from Ella Noonan. Congratulations to everyone involved for this inspiring event that is so well executed. That evening we dined at the awards ceremony where 250+ members were in attendance. Again, we had a most enjoyable evening amongst breeders, and I had the pleasure of speaking to thank everyone for welcoming the World Congress to be a part of this special event. The Shorthorn breed is in safe hands with this next generation of breeders.

The next morning was a sad day as we all had to say our farewells to this little family we had become on tour. The World Conference continuously highlights the fantastic opportunity for anyone interested in the breed to deepen their knowledge and passion. But the tour goes beyond education, the tour creates space to network, to connect, to share insights on genetics and management practices, to encourage international partnerships and friendships that ultimately strengthen, enhance and inspire. Canada was a great World Conference Tour and on behalf of all the delegates to everyone involved be that host farms, committee organisers, sponsors or tour leaders, you know who you are, we thank you.

Article written and pictures taken by Rachel

Madeley

CJSA Update

On behalf of the Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association Board, I’m so excited to share a few highlights from our 2025 Shorthorn Showcase, held this July in Lindsay, Ontario. This year’s show proved why it’s such a special weekend for our juniors, bringing together juniors from across the country together to compete, connect, and celebrate the Shorthorn breed.

We had juniors from BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes as well as juniors from the State of Illinois and the Country of New Zealand compete in this year’s Junior Nationals. This truly made it an International Event with 185 Shorthorns and 128 juniors participating in this High-Quality show. This made it the largest single breed Junior Nationals to date in the Province of Ontario and made those other breeds stand up and pay attention to the Shorthorn Breed for sure.

It was amazing to see juniors from coast to coast not only show off some incredible cattle but also jump into all the other activities like showmanship, team grooming, judging, public speaking, and many others. The enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and dedication that all of the exhibitors brought really showed just how strong the future of the CJSA is.

I want to send a huge thank you to all of our sponsors, and volunteers—your support truly made this year’s Shorthorn Showcase possible. Because of you, juniors had the chance to step into the ring, try new competitions, and create memories that will stick with them for years to come. Your investment into our junior program means so much, not only for the future of our breed, but also for the growth and confidence of our youth.

Looking forward, I’m thrilled to announce several upcoming opportunities:

• CJSA Leadership Conference – Scheduled for February 2026 in Alberta, this multi-day event will offer invaluable workshops, leadership development, and networking designed especially for our junior members. Don’t miss out on building your skills and connecting with peers.

• CJSA Scholarship – We encourage all eligible juniors to apply. The deadline for applications is November 1, 2025. Two successful applicants will each receive a $1,000 award to support their post-secondary journey.

• 2026 Shorthorn Showcase – Mark your calendars now for July 2026, where our national junior show will be held in Olds Alberta

The 2025 Shorthorn Showcase in Lindsay was a clear reminder of the strength and potential within our junior program. Between the quality cattle in the ring, the range of competitions, and the connections built among members, this year’s event highlighted the dedication and drive of our juniors.

’m proud of what our members accomplished this year, and I’m confident the momentum we built in Lindsay will carry us forward into 2026 when we take our Junior National to Olds Alberta.

Lucy McNiven, 2025 CJSA President CJSA Pictures by Innovation Media

Canadian Junior National Shorthorn Showcase Results

2.Jessica Davey

Junior 1.Amelia Laroque 2.Sophie Murrell

Intermediate 1.Josey McNiven 2.Tyler Smith

Senior 1.Delaney Hopkins 2.Teygin Quinn

Senior + 1.Cara Doggett 2.Morgan Lehmann Cook Off

1.Best Of The West 2.Team Hawaii

Costume Competition

1.KISS 2.The Beach Bums

Team Grooming

Junior 1.Grayson Perkes-O’Neill, James Stephens, Josie Crawford. 2.Rosemary Belanger, Ryan Volkes, Ryan Murrell

Intermediate 1.Emma Anderson, Evan Burgess-Collins, Felicity Groves 2.Sakura

Whyte, Shelby Crawford

Senior 1.Heidi McFadden, Isabella Forbes, Jessica Davey 2.Ava Noonan, Ben Gilpin, Brayden Mills

Senior + 1.Blair Glashlan 2.Ben Rhodes

Judging

Junior 1.Avery Broadfoot 2.Ryan Murrell

Intermediate 1.Felicity Groves 2.Brielle Ormiston

Senior 1.Heidi McFadden 2.Katherine Possberg

Senior + 1.Cara Doggett 2.Blair McGlashan Ringman

Junior 1.Kingsley Whalen 2.Ryan Murrell

Intermediate 1.Colton Harrison 2.Lane Watson

Senior 1.Abby Staples 2.Lucy McNiven

Senior + 1.Morgan Lehmann 2.Jolie Quinn

Public Speaking

Junior 1.Josie Crawford 2.Dallas Coughlin

Intermediate 1.Emma Lehmann 2.Josey McNiven

Senior 1.Delaney Hopkins 2.Jessica Davey

Senior + 1.Cara Doggett 2.Morgan Lehmann Quiz

Junior 1.Grace DenHaan 2.Avery Broadfoot

Intermediate 1.Del

Wilkinson 2.Colton Harrison

Senior 1.Teygin Quinn

2.Sveinna Bjarnarson

Senior + 1.Blair

McGlashan 2.Cara Doggett

Graphic Design

Junior 1.Ryan Murrell 2.Josie Crawford

Intermediate 1.Shelby Crawford 2.Maddy Surrette

Senior 1.Teygin Quinn

Senior+ 1.Blair McGlashan 2.Ben Rhodes

Photography

Junior 1.Dana Stevens 2.Elise Stevens

Intermediate 1.Felicity Groves 2.Hunter Perkes-O’Neill

Senior 1.Teygin Quinn 2.Jessica Davey

Senior + 1.Morgan Lehamann 2.Cara Doggett

Literature

Junior 1.Molly Arnold 2.Ryan Murrell

Intermediate 1.Dawn Whyte 2.Sakura Whyte

Senior 1.Colin Arnold 2.Gabriella Kott

Senior + 1.Morgan Lehmann 2.Joline Quinn

Showmanship

Junior 1.Ainsley Fraser 2.Avery Broadfoot

Intermediate 1.Laci Wernicke 2.Hunter Perkes-O’Neill

Senior 1.Heidi McFadden 2.Isabella Forbes

Senior + 1.Morgan Lehmann 2.Cara Doggett

Overall Showmanship

Grand- Heidi McFadden Reserve- Ainsley Fraser

Written Judging

Junior 1.Molly Arnold 2.Josie Crawford

Intermediate 1.Laci Wernicke 2.Jenny Murrell

Senior 1.Heidi McFadden 2.Abby Staples

Senior + 1.Cara Doggett 2.Morgan Lehamann

Aggregate

Junior 1.Josie Crawford 2.Ryan Murrell

Intermediate 1.Felicity Groves 2.Lane Watson

Senior 1.Teygin Quinn 2.Delaney Hopkins

Senior + 1.Cara Doggett 2. Morgan Lehmann

Pee Wee Division

Marshall Ormistion, Rebecca Stephens, Logan Hargrave, Madeline White, Georgie

Miller, Brinley Whalen, Colton Munro, Josie

Belanger, Claire White, Open Heifer Calf

Champion- Holland Lane Calista Nicole 2N -Ainsley Fraser Reserve- Edmun Lacey 02LAva Noonan

Open Yearling Heifer

Champion- Hill Haven Breathtaker Ally 4MLogan Hargrave Reserve- BLM Maeve 3MAbligale Ciavoliello

Open Cow/Calf Pair

Champion- DSC Meg 2047H- Nicholas

Dempsey Reserve- Edmun Lacey 02L- Ava Noonan

Grand Champion Open Female

Hill Haven Breathtaker Ally 4M- Logan

Hargrave

Reserve Grand Champion Open Female

BLM Maeve 3M- Abigail Ciavoliello

Owned Heifer Calf

Champion- Crawfdown Lucy 06N- Josie

Crawford Reserve- Cloverleaf Nicki 1N ETAlice Cox

Owned Yearling Heifer

Champion- GCC Premium Margie 50- Carly

Watson Reserve- Glenrothes Lillian 10MDallas Coughlin

Owned Cow/Calf Pair

Champion- Little Rebel Lightning 4L- Andy Kearse Reserve- Hill Haven Myrtle Bonnie 15H- Gabriela Kott

Grand Champion Owned Female

Crawfdown Lucy 06N- Josie Crawford

Reserve Champion Owned Female

GCC Premium Margie 50- Carly Watson

Bred & Owned Heifer Calf

Champion- Crawfdown Duchess 05NShelby Crawford Reserve-Robway Acres

Molly Nitro 1N- Molly Arnold

Bred & Owned Yearling Heifer

Champion- Blenview Jazzy Miss Molly

210M- Brody Blenkiron Reserve- MCC

Moonlight 4M- Blair McGlashan

Bred & Owned Cow/Calf PairChampionCLL Honey Heart C 116L- Claire White

Reserve-WAT Bobby’s Fire Girl 120G- Lane

Watson

Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female

Crawfdown Duchess 05N- Shelby Crawford

Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned

Female- Blenview Jazzy Miss Molly 210MBrody Blenkiron

Supreme Female

Hill Haven Breathtaker Ally 4M- Logan

Hargrave

Reserve Supreme Female

Crawfdown Duchess 05N- Shelby Crawford

Open Bull Calf

Champion- Shadybrook- PL Decision 1NNicholas Dempsey Reserve- MCC No Nuts 4N- Blair McGlashan

Open Yearling Bull

Champion- Windyview Mitchell 4MMitchell Ormiston Reserve- Steele Brook/TJ

Top Gun 5M- Amy Sheppard

Grand Champion Open Bull

Shadybrook -PL Decision 1N- Nicholas Dempsey

Reserve Champion Open Bull

Windyview Mitchell 4M- Mitchell Ormiston

Owned Bull Calf

Champion- RCC Northern Lights 1N- Andy Kearse Reserve- Gableton Farms NeoJagger 1N- Gabriela Kott Owned Yearling Bull

Champion- Edensville Megatrome 16MBrayden Mills

Grand Champion Owned Bull Edensville Megatrome 16M- Brayden Mills

Reserve Grand Champion Owned Bulls RCC Northern Lights 1N- Andy Kearse

Bred & Owned Bull Calf

Champion- CLL 2360L Booger Brown 205NClaire White Reserve- Maelen’s Nash Is Cash 2N- Cody Staples

Bred & Owned Yearling Bull

Champion- BLM Razor 4M- Elizabeth Lockhurst Reserve- DJL Flash 1M- DJ Lawrence

Grand Champion Bred & Owned Bull CLL 2360L Booger Brown 205N- Claire White

Reserve Grand Champion Bred & Owned Bull- BLM Razor 4M- Elizabeth Lockhurst

Supreme Champion Bull

Shadybrook -PL Decision 1N- Nicholas Dempsey

Reserve Supreme Champion Bull CLL 2360L Booger Brown 205N- Claire White

Shorthorn Plus Heifer Calf

Champion- Crawfdown Miss Lea 31NShelby Crawford Reserve- CLL Dream

The Lehmann Family Rosthern, Saskatchewan

Barry – (306) 212-0240

barrylehmann15@gmail.com

Carl – (306) 232-3511

Murray – (306) 232-7131

Saskvalley Shorthorns

Since we began measuring individual feed intake we have received a lot of feedback – some positive and some negative. One concern that arises is that negative RFI cattle (more feed efficient than other animals in their contemporary group) are not easy keeping. Some people believe that feed efficiency tests will heavily favor tall, lean, late-maturing, high maintenance animals that lack the propensity for fat deposition and fleshing ability.

If a person holds that opinion, why not select moderate sized, easy fleshing animals to test ? Then, use the more feed efficient animals from that group in your breeding program. This is the approach that we are taking. We cull for all the reasons that we have for decades and then test the animals that make the cut.

We ranked our yearling bulls tested in 2025 according to RFI and then split them into 3 groups: top (lower RFI), middle, and bottom (higher RFI). Then we looked at the average ratio of these 3 groups for intramuscular fat (IMF) and fat thickness (FAT). The top 1/3 had an IMF ratio average of 102, FAT ratio average of 101. The middle 1/3 had an IMF ratio average of 103, FAT ratio average of 101. The bottom 1/3 had an IMF ratio average of 96, FAT ratio average of 98. These results agree with industry research that suggests selecting for RFI has no effect on carcass quality.

We also tested open purebred heifers in spring 2025. Daughters of Saskvalley Jangle 220J ate 5% less feed and had a slightly higher average daily gain than the rest of the pen.

Because we have the ability to measure individual feed intake, we can select more feed efficient breeding stock and increase profitability.

2025 CJSA Online Fundraiser Auction

In recognition of a successful fundraising auction, we would like to thank the following contributors...

DONORS

Bishop Farm

Bowman Superior Genetics

Double Arrow Stock Farm

Edensville Cattle Company

First Class Shorthorns

Head For The Hills Shorthorns

Jungles Shorthorn Farm

Kroner Cattle Company

Millbrook Farm

Ontario Shorthorn Association

Ridgeview Shorthorns

Saskatchewan Shorthorn Association

Schutz Cattle Company

Shadybrook Shorthorns

BUYERS

Ain't You Fine Shorthorns

Alliance Simmentals

Baehr Acres Shorthorns

Beattie Farms

Big Iron Shorthorns

Crawfdown Farms

Crawfdown Farms

Diamond Future Cattle Co

Double Arrow Stock Farm

Double C Farm

Flightpath Shorthorns

Fraser Farms

Green Grove Shorthorns

Independent Shorthorns

Kristjansson Farms

Leahy Stock Farm

MIP Show Supply

TrailView Shorthorns

TrailView Shorthorns

Triple J Farm

Watson Cattle Company

WH Cattle Co

A special thank you to all of our bidders and sale organizers for your continued support.

r our next CJSA Fundraiser tion in Spring of 2026!

PLATINUM

4-H Hall of fame 2025

CoNGRaTUlaTIoNS To THe 4-H memBeRS WHo SHoWeD SHoRTHoRN & SHoRTHoRN INflUeNCe CaTTle aS THeIR 4-H PRoJeCTS

Ross Siewert Foothills Sheep and Multi 4H Club

Brianna Partridge Res Champion Showman, Shorthorn Green Grove Franny Hants County Ex in Windsor NS

Sigga Vigfusson Head for the Hills Polka Dot Manitoba

Ben Buchanan Champion AOB at Alemeda 4H Regionals- Shorthorn Plus

Alysha Siewert Foothills Sheep and Multi 4H Club

Evan Burgess Collins Grand Champion Showman, Shorthorn Green Grove Ms Perfect Hants County Ex in Windsor NS

Steina Vigfusson Head for the Hills Max Rosa Manitoba

Arabella Buchanan Alemeda 4H Regionals AOB Class- Shorthorn Plus

Delaney Vandersluis Elm Creek 4-H Beef Club Guiseppe- Steer project

Delaney Vandersluis Elm Creek 4-H Beef Club Vanridge R Dell Rosie May 62M Club Champion Heifer

Spencer Hill Head For The Hills Rihanna 18M Reserve AOB at Alameda 4H Regionals- Shorthorn Plus

Emily Kelly Head for the Hills Great Cathy 1 st place Sr. Showman, Champion Beef Show person,Reserve Overall Showman

armacshorthorn@gmail.com www.naturalraisedpork.ca

TAMARACK

Johnson Box 27 Brownvale, AB T0H 0L0

& Susan Armbruster

(204) 859-2088

shorthornsue@gmail.com

GREEN GROVE SHORTHORNS

Philip Burgess & family pattyburgess1974@hotmail.com 902•790•2985

Dr. Christine Ewert Hill & Dr. Clarke Hill (306) 452-3803 (H) (306) 452-7867 (C) christine.ewert@gmail.com

& Sally Crawford 519-870-2396 gordcrawford@sympatico.ca Reed, Jane, Shelby & Josie Crawford 519-857-7333 riverpointcc@hotmail.com

SHADYBROOK CAROLINE 39N ET

ASA 4398077 / CSA# XCAN*35025

• Sire: Gilman’s GreensFork

• Out of the donor dam, CF NNN Caroline 161 BW X by Leveldale Boardwalk 530C.

• Full sister to the Carolyn 102M that won 2025 Houston Junior Show for John Wells

SHADYBROOK PL BLOSSOM 12N ET

ASA 4397520 / CSA # XCAN*34997

• Sire: Gilman’s GreensFork

• Out of the donor dam, Shadybrook Juanita 97C, by Shadybrook Hot Shot 88A.

SHADYBROOK RED KISS 4N

ASA x4397508 / CSA# XCAN*35227

• Sire: JSF Times Square 120G ET • MGS: Byland Flash 9U106

LAURENCE PATHY

Lloyd Wright, Manager: cell, 450.260.5272 / Kevin Dempsey, Herdsman: cell, 450.260.5567 19 Soles Road, West Brome, Quebec, Canada J0E 2P0 / office: 450.263.7137 email: shadybrookshorthorns@gmail.com / www.shadybrook.ca SALE MANAGEMENT ... SEARS MARKETING SERVICES 970.396.7521 / alan.sears@aksears.com

SHADYBROOK CAROLINE 3N ET

ASA 4397507 CSA: XCAN*35003

• Sire: Millbrook Tribute FB 6023J

• Out of the donor dam CF NNN Caroline 161 BW X by Leveldale Boardwalk 530C