Bonanza 2015 cattle show in Fredericton this weekend
For the first time ever the national cattle show Bonanza has come to Fredericton, showcasing some of the best beef cows in the country and all presented by farmers 21 and younger.
Bonanza 2015 is being held at the New Brunswick Exhibition where the young farmers show off their skills handling and grooming Hereford cows from across the country.
Justin McLaughlin started showing when he was 10-year-old.
"I'm really excited, this is the best I've done," he said.
That early start doesn't impress Jack Raymond, who began in the show ring when he was two years old.
Now nine, Raymond is from Waterford, New Brunswick and knows exactly what he and his calf, Candy need to do to impress the judges.
"I have to blow her off, spray her with hair glue, and brush her up, blow her off again and take her straight into showmanship," he explained.
Judge Scott Gaunce says although it's serious business, he wants to see the competitors having fun.
"I want to see them having a good time, with a smile on their face and at the same time I want to see them keeping their heifer calm and having her look the best she possibly can," he says.
Bonanza is designed to get young farmers familiar with their cattle. Brushing and grooming competitions are designed to make each cow look as robust and marketable as possible
It's important now, more than ever, with beef prices at an all-time high. Great cows can mean big money for farms and growing farmers.
Shae-Lynn Bell has brought her cow Bia all the way from Ontario and she says her second place ribbon is only part of why she travels so far.
"I love cattle, I love showing them. Growing up on the farm we had horses and cows and we grew up showing both of them, but I found I just loved working with the cattle way more," she said.
On Friday, the first prize ribbon for the youngest cowboys stayed in New Brunswick. Jack Raymond and Candy won first place and they'll continue to compete throughout the weekend.
