Denver Stock Show

A couple of weeks ago Rob and I had the opportunity to attend the 106th National Westerner Stock Show in Denver.  This was courtesy of Masterfeeds.  You can read about that in the blog we wrote http://www.highcountrycattle.blogspot.com/2011/12/luck-or-good-management.html         

This was only the second time that I have attended and about the fourth for Rob, although it has been many years.  Lots had changed in the type of cattle and the number of Canadians that were exhibiting there, but the Yards and the Hill shows are pretty much the same as they were 20 years ago.

The five days that we were there were filled with meeting many people that we read and follow through their websites, shows and production sales.  Spending time with Crystal and Jon and the Blin Family of Star Lake Herefords.  Attending the American Simmental Associations events including their AGM, SimMagic on Ice and the Chairman's Gala and Foundation Auction.

Star Lake Carload Bulls getting ready.

Starlake Carload Bulls showing
Starlake won the carload for the 13th consecutive year.

It was really good to see sire groups that we may consider breeding to.  Although we certainly need to do our homework when looking at genetics to buy from the USA.  Many of the bulls that we liked were 7/8.  Which are purebred in the ASA herdbook, but considered % in the Canadian herdbook.  Good cattle but it can make a difference to your herd depending on the choices that you are making.  EPD's usually entered the conversation with most of the breeders and they also played a part in most of the shows that we watched.  When speaking with many of the breeders though, we all agreed that at the end of the day the cattle had to be structurally sound, with good feet, udders and testicles as well as having data that backed them up.  Many were not aware that our EPD's were not the same like they were a few years ago.  While at the ASA annual meeting they announced that their Spring 2012 numbers now include the first multi-breed EPD for calving ease - including data of both Simmental and Red Angus.  It will be interesting to compare the change in numbers on the American sires that we have available for our use here in Canada.

Simmental heifer waiting to up to the Hill show.

Amazing Hair



Steer Displays are always
fun to go through

All in all it was a great trip.  Learned lots, seen great cattle, met interesting people. 


Can't ask for more than that.  While all this was going on in Denver, Stacy and Dan were dealing with one of the busiest calving days we have had of 6 calves in 18 hours, while the temperature dropped to -30.  I think they were very glad to see us come home.  Thanks guys for all of your help and again to Masterfeeds for the trip.