Western Canada’s first dairy showcase since last fall is currently being held in Red Deer.
The Westerner Championship Dairy Showcase began Thursday with a youth show and continues through Saturday at Westerner Park’s Agricentre.
“This is a place where people from all over Western Canada come to showcase their … animals and compete in different classes for the title of being the best in their class,” said committee member Tyson Flaman.
“There has only been a few other shows in Canada this year because (of COVID-19). Usually, there are lots – county shows, small shows and that sort of thing.
“There are people from all over Western Canada here socially distancing and trying to stay safe doing it.”
Several measures are in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
In addition to the youth show, the event will feature the Central Alberta Holstein Club Sale, a jersey show and a holstein show. More than 150 cattle will be on display throughout the event.
The Westerner Dairy Showcase began in 1954. This year’s will be a little different than previous years, due to COVID-19, as the public will not be allowed to enter.
“Usually, this is a place where we can show the public about dairy cattle and how we can get the word out on how dairy cows work. Typically, we’ll have some school tours, but things are a little different because of COVID, of course,” said Flaman.
Parts of the event will be streamed online – a link to the stream will be available at www.westernerpark.ca. About 90 people will compete throughout the three-day event.
“We’re really happy with the way the Westerner has been helping to keep this event going and being able to keep it safe too,” said Flaman.
Mike Olesen, Westerner Park CEO, said the organization is “super proud” to host the event.
“The dairy showcase is a longstanding event for Westerner Park,” said Olesen.
“This event is really run by the volunteer committee and those are a bunch of leaders in the ag and dairy industry. I think what’s strong about it as that it’s a nationally recognized event and, as the name entails, it showcases the dairy industry and innovations that are coming for the industry.”
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
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