Canadian Junior Angus scholarship and Showdown aggregate recipients
The 2025 Canadian Junior Angus scholarships were presented at Showdown, the association’s national show, held in Stettler, Alta., July 24-26.
Reegan Frey of Oxbow, Sask., received the first-place scholarship of $3,500; Lilly Howell of Penhold, Alta., received the second-place scholarship of $2,500; and Arlis Hanson of Val Marie, Sask., received the third-place scholarship of $1,500.
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Calahan Findlay of Kinburn, Ont., was recognized with the Spirit of Youth Award for enthusiasm, leadership, participation and guidance of younger members.
Junior Grand Aggregate: Calynn Gardner, Mountain View County, Alta.
Junior Reserve Grand Aggregate: Greeley Robertson, Medicine Hat, Alta.
Intermediate Grand Aggregate: Navada Murray, Tilley, Alta.
Intermediate Reserve Grand Aggregate: Paisley Robertson, Medicine Hat, Alta.
Intermediate Division Angus Roots Scholarships: Joran Frey, Madison Hammell, Daniel Pierson and Karson Van Sickle
Senior Grand Aggregate: Jessica Davey, Saskatoon, Sask.
Senior Reserve Grand Aggregate: Kylie Willms, Dundurn, Sask.
Canadian Simmental Association Convention a success
The 2025 Canadian Simmental Association National Convention took place July 24-27 at Weyburn, Sask., hosted by the Saskatchewan Simmental Association.
During its annual general meeting, the association showed its appreciation to retiring director Shane Williams for his commitment to the breed and board of directors.
Newly elected to the board of directors was Blair Williamson of Lambton Shores, Ont. Randy Noble of Lloydminster, Sask., was elected as president, Barclay Smith of Cherhill, Alta., was elected first vice-president and Ben Farrant of Lousana, Alta., was elected second vice-president. Continuing directors are Jennie Mutch, Vernon, P.E.I.; Kyle Lewis, Spruce Grove, Alta.; Blair McIntosh, Maymont, Sask.; Neil Carson, Rossburn, Man.; Scott Matthews, Cookshire-Eaton, Que.; and Leanna Mitchell, Barriere, B.C.
A highlight of the event was the Friends of Canadian Simmental Foundation Auction, which raised $130,935 to support the foundation’s programming. The feature lot was a bred heifer donated by Ashworth Farm and Ranch Ltd. of Oungre, Sask., which raised $52,740.
The 2025 Young Canadian Simmental Association National Classic was held in conjunction with the convention.
Grand Champion Purebred/Fullblood Female: RF Scream 4128, exhibited by Abby Rancier.
Reserve Champion Purebred/Fullblood Female: Brooksland Lainey 313L, exhibited by Cody Carson.
Grand Champion Purebred/Fullblood Bull: CNT MAV 1M, exhibited by Cassidy Beres.
Reserve Champion Purebred/Fullblood Bull: DK Platinum 20M, exhibited by Brenna Fornwald.
Grand Champion Commercial Female: RF Scream 4126, exhibited by Kade Rancier.
Reserve Commercial Female: Perrot Merlot 33M, exhibited by Cozi Perrot.
Grand Champion Commercial Bull: McLovin’, exhibited by Alexia Brehaut.
Champion Bred and Owned Female: Me ’N My Certinaly Flirtin 35L, exhibited by Sadie Anwender.
Shorthorn Showcase results
The Canadian Junior Shorthorn Association held its 2025 national show in Lindsay, Ont., July 16-19. The show underwent a rebrand this year and has taken on the name of the “Shorthorn Showcase.” This year’s event marked a historic milestone as the association’s largest national show to date, welcoming a record number of 126 junior exhibitors and just shy of 200 head of Shorthorn cattle from across the country.
Grand Champion Female: Hill Haven Breathtaker Ally 4M, exhibited by Logan Hargrave, Dundalk, Ont.
Grand Overall in Showmanship was Heidi McFadden of Douro-Dummer, Ont. (Senior Division). Reserve Overall was Ainsley Fraser of Duncan, B.C. (Junior Division).
Canadian National Junior Gelbvieh show results
The Canadian National Junior Gelbvieh Show was held July 24-26 in Swift Current, Sask. Sixty-three juniors came together from Western Canada and three American states to compete in various activities and challenges.
Grand Champion Percentage/Balancer Female: LRSF Nellie L106ET, exhibited by Elsa Larson.
Reserve Grand Champion Percentage/Balancer Female: BNH Tibbies Independence 9K ET, exhibited by Colby Hollman.
Grand Champion Purebred Female: DRT Lonesome Sapphire Jewel 3L, exhibited by Cameron Davidson.
Reserve Grand Champion Purebred Female: RWG Goodnight L415, exhibited by Keston Hollman.
Bred and Owned Champion: BKH Hicks Nutmeg, exhibited by Bryce Hicks.
Bred and Owned Reserve Champion: BNHK Minnesota Chrome 15M, exhibited by Kaden Hollman.
At the association’s annual general meeting, Earle and Jan Elliot of Elliot Livestock were honoured along with their family as they were inducted into the Canadian Gelbvieh Association Hall of Fame. The Elliot family used Gelbvieh genetics since 1991 and remains committed to the breed and the quality of cattle being produced today.
As well, Wacey Hollman and Levi Hamilton were presented with the 2025 Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Scholarships.
Keith Gilmore Foundation scholarship recipients
Future of the Breed
Heidi McFadden is an ambitious young leader in Canadian agriculture, dedicated to advancing the Hereford breed through innovation and sustainability. Currently pursuing a bachelor of commerce in food and agricultural business at the University of Guelph, she serves as secretary for the Ontario Junior Hereford Association. Beyond cattle breeding, she is passionate about the intersection of agriculture and technology, founding ProBot to teach coding skills to youth and educators across Ontario. Her entrepreneurial accomplishments include leading eco-innovation initiatives and being recognized in the JA Peterborough Business Hall of Fame.
Hereford Youth Scholarships
Raised on a ranch in southern Alberta, Jane Stafford has cultivated a deep passion for agriculture from a young age. After completing her first year of animal science technology with a beef major at Lakeland College, Stafford has gained valuable hands-on experience and developed a vision to become an agricultural educator, aiming to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities. She aspires to create educational initiatives that give youth practical learning opportunities and foster appreciation for agriculture’s role in society.
Katie Cox, from Ontario, grew up immersed in the world of Hereford cattle and agriculture. Her experience in 4-H and hands-on work with her family has inspired her to pursue a career as a beef cattle nutritionist, with a focus on developing sustainable, science-based feed rations suited specifically for the Hereford breed. Cox is attending Olds College, entering her second year in agriculture management, and she aims to help Canadian Hereford breeders optimize their herds’ health and performance, while advocating for responsible nutrition and innovation.
Raised on a beef and horse farm in Ontario, Olivia Avery has been immersed in the livestock industry from a young age, shaping her passion for animal care, herd health and agricultural community leadership. Currently pursuing a bachelor of science in agriculture at the University of Guelph, she is committed to a future in large animal veterinary medicine or beef and equine nutrition. Avery’s hands-on experience includes assisting veterinarians, volunteering with the Ontario Veterinary College and active involvement in the Ontario Junior Hereford Association.
Luke Germain is a dedicated young cattle producer from Saskatchewan, currently studying animal bioscience at the University of Saskatchewan and aspiring to become a large animal veterinarian. He actively manages his own growing herd of purebred polled Herefords, selling seedstock to other producers and aiming to eventually run his own veterinary clinic. Awarded the Hereford Youth Scholarship, Germain seeks to invest in his education and future contributions to both his agricultural community and the Hereford breed, embodying the spirit of combining big dreams with meaningful action.
Keith Gilmore Prize for Beef Innovation
Codee Koplechuk grew up on a fourth-generation Hereford ranch. Her educational journey took her from Hutchinson Community College to South Dakota State University, where she immersed herself in livestock judging and hands-on internships. Her research into genetics, crossbreeding and the practical application of expected progeny differences inspired her to advocate for data-driven decision-making, aiming to help producers improve herd efficiency, productivity and profitability. Her aspirations include pursuing graduate studies in nutrition and working in extension, breed association outreach or consulting, with the goal of returning to her family ranch.
Trade Worker Bursaries
Georgia Pawlitza is currently pursuing nursing at Casper College in Wyoming, following studies at Texas Tech and earning degrees in animal science and health science. Pawlitza has represented the Hereford breed at numerous events across Canada and the U.S. and maintains a small herd of purebred females. After becoming a registered nurse, Pawlitza intends to earn a master’s degree and work as a nurse practitioner, aiming to serve rural communities while remaining committed to her own breeding program and the future of the Hereford breed.
Wyatt Magneson is a dedicated second-year heavy equipment technician apprentice from Alberta, whose lifelong passion for mechanics and agriculture is deeply rooted in his experience working on his family’s farm and serving in the local volunteer fire department. After learning to repair equipment alongside his uncle and gaining hands-on experience at various agricultural operations, Magneson began his apprenticeship at Agriterra Equipment. Now a new Hereford breeder, Magneson aspires to expand his herd and one day operate his own service truck.
Canadian Hereford Association Honour Roll recipients
Victor Oulton is a Hereford breeder from Windsor, N.S., who runs about 300 head with his wife, Novadawn, son, Wyatt, daughter-in-law, Ella, and grandkids. Oulton has served as president of the Nova Scotia Hereford Club, Maritime Hereford Association and Canadian Hereford Association, along with numerous other leadership roles throughout the agriculture industry. He is the current Maritime representative to the Canadian Cattle Association.
Judy Finseth has helped organize countless Hereford events, offering new direction to long-standing committees at times of transition and helping new initiatives, such as the Alberta Hereford Showcase, off the ground. Finseth served as the managing editor of the Canadian Hereford Digest for five years, overseeing a redesign of the magazine. Together with husband Doug, Finseth managed multiple successful Hereford breeding programs over the years, now running their own near Tofield, Alta.
Blair and Bobbi Rankin operate Chokecherry Lane Herefords at Wawanesa, Man. They are known for their commitment to serving their community as volunteers, event organizers, hosts and advisors. Both have held positions with the Manitoba Hereford Association and have supported events like Bonanza, Manitoba Ag Ex and numerous Hereford field days. Blair received his 50-year membership pin with the Canadian Hereford Association in 2023, and the Rankin family earned their 100-year recognition in 2021.
Next Gen Breeder Award
Together with his grandfather, father and brother, Jay Rimke manages AM Ranching at Oak Lake, Man. Rimke is well known amongst his fellow Hereford breeders for his exemplary character, humility and dependability. As a decorated former junior member, Rimke gives back to the programs that made him the young man he is today by volunteering at events, such as Bonanza, and serving as an assistant leader of the Oak Lake 4-H Beef Club.
Trailblazer Award
Balog Auction Services has been a proud supporter of Canadian Hereford cattle and genetics for more than 40 years. They continually host Hereford sales, including the British Influence Sale and Hereford specific feeder sales. The crew holds countless private sales at the mart or at the breeder’s ranch facility. Bob, Maureen, Louie and the entire team are among the hardest-working promoters of the Hereford breed anywhere in the world.
Canadian Junior Hereford Association Honour Roll recipients
Caileigh Hicks is a sixth-generation member of her family’s New Brunswick farm. Currently serving as president of the Maritime Junior Hereford Association and a delegate on the Canadian Junior Hereford Association National Council, Hicks is recognized for her leadership and commitment to advancing the breed’s future. She is especially passionate about herd improvement, applying modern practices such as advanced genetics, embryo technology and artificial insemination, while also promoting Hereford F1 crosses within her family’s operation.
Emma Lees is a fourth-generation member of the Glenlees Polled Herefords farm of Estevan, Sask. Lees has demonstrated exceptional leadership as president of the Saskatchewan Junior Hereford Association and the Canadian Junior Hereford Association, supporting youth development in agriculture. Through her mentorship and advocacy, Lees continues to be a valued ambassador for the Hereford community, blending tradition with innovation to inspire the next generation. She is a proud member of Team Canada, representing the Canadian Hereford Association at the Young Breeder Competition at the 2025 World Herford Conference.
Gabrielle (Gabby) Cheremshynski, raised on her family’s farm near Vegreville, Alta., has been actively involved in the cattle industry from a young age, inspired by her family and guided by her grandfather’s early encouragement. Cheremshynski has held numerous leadership positions in local and provincial cattle associations, and contributed to her family’s NCX Polled Herefords operation through innovative breeding, marketing and event organization. With a passion for mentorship and community involvement, she now chairs Bonanza 2025, exemplifying her dedication to the Hereford breed and the broader agricultural community.
