Celebrating Youth Achievement in Agriculture – the Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic
Calgary – With $24,000 in scholarships on the line, Alberta youth proudly showed off their stewardship skills at the Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic, which took place in Olds, Alberta.
After months of preparation and determination, a total of 42 steers took the stage with their proud owners, with two youth taking top prizes. The Grand Champion Steer title was won by Lloydminster’s Kehler Eaton, with the Reserve Grand Champion title going to Claresholm’s Cheyenne Symens. Both Eaton’s and Symens’ Steers were in the heavyweight class, weighing in at 1480 lbs and 1460 lbs, respectively. The competition was a welcome return to events for the community.
“It brought together a lot of the cattle community and families who haven’t had a chance to attend many events since the pandemic,” says Katie Songer, Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic Sub-Committee Chair.
With an abundance of local love and support, the young competitors gave it their best in the show ring after a long-waited return to competing.
“The kids missed the Calgary Stampede atmosphere for sure having the event in Olds, but they were ultimately just excited to be back showing,” says Songer. “Events were very sparse over the spring and it was a much more relaxing atmosphere.”
The Junior Steer Classic is part of the Calgary Stampede’s commitment to developing the next generation of livestock producers by providing scholarships and cash prizes to youth in agriculture.
With $24,000 in scholarships on the line, Alberta youth proudly showed off their stewardship skills at the Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic, which took place in Olds, Alberta.
After months of preparation and determination, a total of 42 steers took the stage with their proud owners, with two youth taking top prizes. The Grand Champion Steer title was won by Lloydminster’s Kehler Eaton, with the Reserve Grand Champion title going to Claresholm’s Cheyenne Symens. Both Eaton’s and Symens’ Steers were in the heavyweight class, weighing in at 1480 lbs and 1460 lbs, respectively. The competition was a welcome return to events for the community.
“It brought together a lot of the cattle community and families who haven’t had a chance to attend many events since the pandemic,” says Katie Songer, Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic Sub-Committee Chair.
With an abundance of local love and support, the young competitors gave it their best in the show ring after a long-waited return to competing.
“The kids missed the Calgary Stampede atmosphere for sure having the event in Olds, but they were ultimately just excited to be back showing,” says Songer. “Events were very sparse over the spring and it was a much more relaxing atmosphere.”
The Junior Steer Classic is part of the Calgary Stampede’s commitment to developing the next generation of livestock producers by providing scholarships and cash prizes to youth in agriculture.