Eric Fettes received the 2024 Canadian Angus Foundation Junior Angus Stockman Award during the Saskatchewan Angus Tour. He is an integral part of his family operation, DKF Angus, near Gladmar, Sask., with his sister Brandy and their parents Scott and Tina. He is also attending college in Saskatoon, studying to become a heavy-duty mechanic. Fettes learned about genetics mostly from his father. He raises and sells his own herd bulls and has been mixing some Black Angus genetics into his Red Angus herd. He also put his interest in mechanics and engineering to use, building a fodder system to maximize nutritional inputs to the cattle while increasing efficiency of feed costs. The fodder system is a hydroponics system that sprouts barley for seven days, producing year-round top-quality feed.
The Junior Angus Stockman of the Year award was developed to recognize those outstanding young producers who are constantly growing their “stockmanship” capability. The winner receives a $5,000 bursary to be used for genetics, cattle supplies/equipment, training, etc.
In other news, 125 youth gathered in Grassie, Ont., July 18-20 for Showdown, the Canadian Junior Angus annual national show. Canadian Junior Angus presented several scholarships. Kylie Willms of Dundurn, Sask., received the first-place scholarship of $3,000. Hanna Fitchett of Quesnel, B.C., received the second-place scholarship of $2,000, and Lauren Irvine of Guelph, Ont., received the third-place scholarship of $1,500. The Canadian Angus Foundation also presented $7,000 in heifer vouchers through a random draw. Avery Broadfoot received a voucher for $3,000 and Madelyn Armstrong and Emily Hartle each received a voucher for $2,000. The vouchers are to be used toward the purchase of a registered Angus heifer.
Reese Wildman of Sangudo, Alta., was recognized with the Spirit of Youth Award for enthusiasm, leadership, participation and guidance of younger members.
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The highest-scoring juniors who competed throughout Showdown received Grand Aggregate awards. The junior division (ages nine to 12) Grand Aggregate winner was Emily Honey of Warkworth, Ont. The reserve junior Grand Aggregate was presented to Jordyn Petherick of Campbellford, Ont.
In the intermediate division (ages 13–16), the Grand Aggregate winner was Kasey Adams of Forestburg, Alta. Riley Chowen of Thorndale, Ont., was Reserve Intermediate Grand Aggregate. In addition, the Angus Roots scholarship program adds four additional winners in the Grand Aggregate intermediate division. Each recipient receives $500 in trust for when they enter post-secondary education. The Angus Roots recipients are all Ontario residents: Gus Reid of Moorefield; Madison Hammell of Dobbinton; Hailey Ernewein of Walkerton; and Grace Dudgeon of Dobbinton.
The senior division (ages 17–21) Grand Aggregate was won by Baxter Blair of McLean, Sask. Reserve Grand Aggregate went to Keely Adams of Forestburg, Alta.
To view the results in the conformation classes and each of the competitions, please visit cdnangus.ca.
