Like Father Like Son

I mentioned earlier in the week what a great week we had in at FarmFair International and at our National Simmental Show.  Simmental were the largest breed represented at the show with 140 entries.  The quality in all of the classes was second to none.  One of the things that impressed me the most was the number of newer (1st or 2nd time) exhibitors to the show and how young our exhibitors are compared to some of the other breeds.  This sure goes to show you that our junior program works and that our breed has a great future.

A few years ago the idea of having the National show rotate across the country was discussed.  The Canadian Simmental Association decided that the show would rotate between the Toronto Royal, Livestock Expo in Brandon, Canadian Western Agribition in Regina and Farm Fair International in Edmonton.  We wanted to support this idea so off we headed to Brandon last year.

 2 other Alberta breeders join us.  We were treated royally by the Brandon Simmental Association and the facility they have is tremendous.  The hotel and restaurants are connected right to the exhibition hall.  No starting cold vehichles and driving across town to get to you hotel or back to the show grounds.  One of the animals that we took was IPU Revolution 172U.  He was named National Champion Bull.

This year the Alberta Simmental board offered to host the 2011 National show and AGM.  We had a few more animals in the stall as this is our home town show.  One of them was a son of Revolution - RJY Rival 13Y.  He was named Junior Bull calf Champion and Reserve National Champion Bull.  Not only is he following in his fathers footsteps in the show ring but he sure looks a lot like his daddy too.

We have always thought that your younger cattle should be better than their sire and dams.  We think Rival is as good or better.  Factor in that he is dark red in color and has been confirmed by Tru-Polled to be homozygous polled and he is a pretty exciting young herdsire.

Congratulations to all of the exhibitors at this years National show.  Can't wait for it to be held at Agribiton in 2012.  Hope to see you there.