By Marika Lyster

The 22nd Ashley Good Memorial Crossroads Beef Expo filled the Crossroads Centre in Oyen with 40 pens of yearling bulls, 2-year-old bulls, purebred and commercial yearling heifers from local and afar on February 17, 2024. On February 18, the youth presented steers and heifers.

Exhibitors travelled from Sturgeon County, Innisfail, Eckville, Olds, Sylvan Lake, Byemoor, Hanna, Viking, Czar, and Bassano. Local breeders came from Esther, New Brigden, Acadia Valley, Sedalia, Sibbald, Oyen and Leader, Sask.

The bull pens consist of two bulls; the heifer pens consist of three heifers. The animals are off-halter and judged by a panel of three judges.

This year, our judges were Ashley Peacock of Cereal, Dale Howe of Empress and Darcy Lakevold of Provost. Karin Roen of Oyen capably emceed the show. Marshalls Cash and Coleman Norris kept the animals and exhibitors ready to enter the ring as each previous class exited. Barn Boss Kerry Molzan oversaw all issues behind the scenes on both days.

Auctioneer Shane Stammers and his bid catchers recognized bids in a live auction of items donated by local businesses between the bull and heifer pen classes.

The 300-ticket Ranchmen's Raffle sold out. Winners, Michael and Marie Kulyk of Buffalo chose the $5,000 cash surrender rather than a $7,000 credit toward the purchase of cattle from our pen show exhibitors. Congratulations!

After announcing the pen show winners and awards, the complimentary Breeds Brisket Challenge and Wine & Cheese commenced.

Rob Mundt of Sibbald smoked nine briskets from Limousin, Simmental and 4-H animals. Kelly Skappak smoked the Charolais brisket.

Good Angus (Mindy Good) served complimentary wine augmented with cheese, compliments of TD Bank - Erin Logan.

Clark Huston and Jerilyn Norris entertained the crowd with music from many eras and genres. Everyone enjoyed it!

Sunday, February 18, 84 youth brought 125 impressive steers and heifers to our haltered youth show with emcee Art Paetkau of Brooks.

The youth competently presented the steers and heifers in an open or 4-H division for conformation judge Kehler Eaton of Lloydminster and showmanship judge Kira Axley of Czar, assisted by ring person Vanessa Hadwin of Consort. Dexter Miller, Tamara Shadlock and Coden Kosolofski marshalled the individual classes.

The tradeshow, open for the entire weekend, displayed a variety of booths from agricultural, leather, feed and home products to clothing and textiles.

The Longbranch Saloon and BCAS concession were in full swing all weekend!