Young people from throughout the Prairie provinces were at the Estevan Exhibition Association’s grounds recently for the Lord of the Ring Junior Stock Show.
Approximately 55 participants under the age of 21 showcased the steers and heifers that they have worked on for the past year for judges.
“It’s just another opportunity for these kids to get out to another show, compete and get in and win some prizes and learn some new skills,” said Justin Van de Woestyne, one of the organizers of the show.
The grand champion steer was won by Waylon Blacklock from the Saskatoon area, while the reserve champion award went to Toby Noble from Lloydminster. The grand champion heifer was owned by Mason Beck of Milestone, while Casey Brokenshire of Estevan had the reserve champion heifer.
“The quality of cattle was excellent,” Van de Woestyne said. “They’re certainly probably some of the best livestock in Western Canada that come out to these events, so it’s top-notch quality for sure.”
Lord of the Ring was held for the first time in May 2014, making this the sixth edition. Van de Woestyne and his girlfriend Nicole McKim organize it each year, and there are some volunteers who help out prior to and during the show.
“We all grew up in the cattle industry, and as kids we all took part in shows like this, whether it was in 4-H or shows just like this where it was just a jackpot show,” said Van de Woestyne.
The show represents a good chance to give back to the younger generation of ranchers.
“Every time they go out and do an event like this, they just get better at what they do and meet a lot of people,” said Van de Woestyne.
There’s also a show in Weyburn each year that takes place just before Estevan, allowing participants to make a weekend out of their time in the southeast.
“It’s a pretty big draw in this corner of the province for these kids who show livestock,” said Van de Woestyne. “There are kids from Manitoba and all over Saskatchewan, and we even draw some kids from Alberta.”
