With the troubles in the fields due to recent cold temperatures and snow, there was some trepidation in purchasing at last weekend’s Texas Longhorn show and sale.
The sixth annual Alberta Texas Longhorn Association (ATLA) fall select show took place Oct. 13 at the Calnash Ag Events Centre with eight different farms from around the province putting more than 40 heifers and bulls up for auction.
ATLA president Greg Butt explained that while possible looming feed shortages — because of the early winter-like conditions — put a damper on some buyers, overall the event went well.
“There were plenty of ranchers who were willing to pay top dollar for quality stock,” he stated, noting the event is somewhat a rebirth for the ATLA.
“We are striving to improve the profile of a historic and iconic breed. By carefully selecting the animals, we are able to showcase Canadian genetics. For the ATLA, this is a great step forward.”
Butt added that recently there has been a lot of interest generated in the Canadian side of the industry from south of the border, with American breeders closely watching the growth and quality of the bloodlines produced up here.
“In the years to come, we will ensure our American friends have the opportunity to take advantage of what we are achieving,” he stated.
The show is the premiere event on the western Canadian calendar for the industry and saw bidders — in person and on the phone — from around Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario.
There was also one big highlight of the event as longtime breeder Len Bloomberg — who operates Longbranch Bar Ranch near Fort MacLeod — won the Grand Champion yearling heifer with Miss Maisy. It was the first time Bloomberg put in an entry to the show side of the event, paying off in not only the ribbon but also walking off with the top sale price for that age category.
“It was a great moment for Len, who was both surprised and gratified with the success,” Butt added.
Show results
Diamond D Freckles, owned by Drucella Dennis of Thorsby’s Diamond D Cattle company, was named the reserve champion heifer while third place also went to Diamond D Cattle’s RG Point Taken, owned by Shawna and Darcy Dennis.
Grand Champion bull went to RG Power Point 74E of Lone Ridge Quarter Horses and Longhorns of Wetaskiwin, owned by Cody Bailey.
MSW Farm’s Mark and Tina Stewart wound up taking home the reserve champion bull and third place with MSW Game Shakers and MSW Sally’s Criminal respectively.