RINGSIDE ISSUE 3

ISSUE THREE

JULY 2025

LIVESTOCK SHOW, SALE AND PROMOTIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

Tia Schram

sevendmedia.com 780-914-4532 tia.sevendmedia@gmail.com

Welcome to the third issue of

This publication is a labour of love, produced by Seven D Media. Ringside Magazine is dedicated to the Canadian show industry, and aims to provide an additional form of media for producers, exhibitors, and supporters to enjoy.

We look forward to serving you through stories, show results, and the promotion of livestock operations, emerging genetics, and upcoming sales.

For advertising rates and opprotunities, please email: info@ringsidemag.com

IN THIS ISSUE

OH Branded Beef at the Calgary Stampede

Learn more about the OH Branded Beef ambassador program and where to find them at the Calgary Stampede.

Strengthening Tradition

The story behind Black Gold Simmentals’ Toby Noble and his journey to becoming an industry leader.

Hot Takes & Hawaiian Shirts

A look at how Big House Show Cattle markets their A.I. Sires, utilizes social media, and how Braden House’s witty posts are bringing an industry closer together. *Cover photo by Sam Buschbeck Photography

From

Photo by Seven D Media

m the office at SVND A message from the girl behind the keyboard and camera of Seven D Media.

It is hard to believe it is July, and 2025 is halfway through already. It feels like yesterday that we were picturing bull sales, we blinked, and now it is time to promote our sale photography and videography services once again. Although we do not want to rush through the summer shows, it is important to note that our books are open for fall 2025 and winter 2026 sale cattle.

That being said, we are looking forward to a fun filled and fast paced summer run. Thank you to all the shows that trust us with capturing your memories. They say to never take business personally, and “It’s just business.” Despite having a degree in business, I take everything personally. However, I also feel that is my competitive advantage in this industry. Whether it be with the calves I sell or the shows I shoot, I take my job so seriously because it is personal. The cattle business is a people business, and so is the creative space. You have to trust those you buy animals from, just like you have to trust the person behind the camera to capture your memories in the highest quality.

I saw a post on Facebook the other day that read, “Every client is a reminder that someone believes in your vision.” To each and every Seven D Media client, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

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OH Branded Beef at the Calgary Stampede The second class of OH Branded Beef youth ambassadors will have their steers on display at the Calgary Stampede July 12, 2025.

Photo by Seven D Media

In October 2023, the inaugural group of OH Branded Beef Ambassadors gathered to select their steer projects at the OH Ranch outside of Calgary, AB. This Calgary Stampede initiative allowed 12 junior stockmen and women aged 14-18 years old the opportunity to select, raise, manage, market, and sell a steer provided by the pilot program. Now in their second year of operation, the OH Branded Beef program is excited to return to the Calgary Stampede on July 12, 2025, for their annual show and sale. In partnership with the prestigious Junior Steer Classic as well as the International Livestock Auctioneer Championships, the twelve 2024-25 steers will be showcased as they compete for championship honors and are sold by some of the most elite professional auctioneers.

The process of becoming an OH Ambassador begins just days after the completion of the Calgary Stampede. Applications open July 15, 2025, and cease September 15, 2025. Written applications are evaluated by a panel of four judges, narrowing the class to a dozen participants. In October, successful applicants will gather at the OH Ranch for Selection Day, a fun and educational experience. Ambassadors receive expert advice on evaluating cattle before utilizing a lottery system to select steers one by one. The initial 15 steers are selected by Agriculture Program Manager, Susan Peterson, and Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede. This year, they narrowed the OH Ranch steer crop from 155 head to the final 15 for participants to select from. The Stampede opted to select 15 steers instead of 12 to allow each ambassador the opportunity to evaluate the animals and make a choice on which project they wish to pursue.

Throughout the calendar year, participants are encouraged to attend spring jackpots and junior shows to generate experience and exposure for their steers. This year, all participants attended a spring show, most attending between 3-6 additional jackpots across western Canada. Susan commented that attending these shows is not a mandatory component of the program, however the kids demonstrated their passion for the program by deciding to attend so many extra events. The group gathered collectively in Olds, AB for the Canada’s Richest Youth Junior Show, showcasing ten of the OH steers. In addition to the show, the OH Branded Beef Ambassadors coupled the outing with an educational seminar on nutrition

by Dr. Troy Drake. The ambassadors will participate in six educational components throughout the year, dissecting the topics of marketing, judging, showmanship, grooming, nutrition, amongst others.

Joel Cowley, CEO of the Calgary Stampede providing the 2024-25 class of OH Branded Beef Ambassadors with judging tips at the 2024 selection day on the OH Ranch.

2023-24 ambassador, Max Burris with his Grand Champion OH Steer at the Calgary Stampede.

“The OH branded beef program provided many of the tools and knowledge it took to successfully develop these steers from feeding nutrition to evaluating steers and several other educational opportunities, now including marketing! As well as providing an open and friendly environment to connect with fellow ambassadors and leaders. I look forward to seeing the display of all the OH steers at Calgary Stampede this year.” commented Tavi Yoder, 2024-25 OH Ambassador. “Being primarily involved with breeding production within our operation, this has been my first steer. I would like to say I am proud of how far he has come.”

The final component of the OH project is the show and sale at the Calgary Stampede. Spectators will be able to locate the OH steers in their own alley on the Stampede grounds. The ambassadors will be available to answer any questions and interact with the public, prioritizing agri-education. At the 2024 show, many participants were involved in media interviews from television to radio. One of the most notable experiences was having Joel Cowley do a live Stampede Spotlight in the OH Branded Beef stalls which was presented by McDonald’s Canada.

OH steers will not be asked to show against the junior steer classic animals, but rather in their own division in conjunction with the show.

These ranch style steers will compete for championship honors, taking home up to a collective $1750 for Grand Champion. Classes will offer prize money to sixth place and be shown by weight. However, for an OH Branded Beef Ambassador to truly take-home top honours, they must win the overall aggregate title.

The aggregate is the sum of a year’s work with the program, not only considering their steer’s placing, but also their record keeping, interview component, and attending additional shows. Grand Champion Aggregate receives $3000 in prize money, above and beyond any monies collected in the steer show. At the 2024 show, Max Burris of Rich Valley, AB captured both Grand Champion Steer and Grand Champion Aggregate honors.

Max Burris also went on to be named champion aggregate.

This July, OH ambassadors will compete for the same title in Calgary, AB.

Steers will be auctioned by the International Livestock Auctioneer Competition Finalists. By integrating this OH program into the existing auctioneer competition, the steers have replaced the previous brand consignors’ cattle used for the final round of the contest. From the sale, 80% of proceeds return to the ambassador, and 20% goes back into the project for future years.

This funding allows the Stampede to provide each ambassador with a $1200 bursary to be used to help mitigate feed costs and assist with any veterinary fees.

The OH Branded Beef program is truly the only of its nature in Canada. This youth focused program leads 12 participants through the process of selecting, feeding, marketing, showing, and selling a ranch raised steer, provided by the OH Ranch. By supplying ambassadors with multiple educational opportunities and seminars throughout the year, the Calgary Stampede is developing the next generation of beef producers in Western Canada. The 2024-25 steers will be showcased July 12, 2025 at the Calgary Stampede in partnership with the Junior Steer Classic and the International Livestock Auctioneer Championships.

The show will start at 11AM in the Nutrien Western Event Centre, followed by the steer sale at 2PM.

Tavi Yoder, 2024-25 ambassador has showcased her steer “Cuddle Bug” at several spring junior shows across Alberta. He will sell July 12, 2025 at the Calgary Stampede.

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The 2024-25 class of ambassadors at the OH Ranch on selection day in October.

Photo by Seven D Media

Judge Dawn Miller-Wilson looking out onto her class of senior showmanship finalists at the 2025 Mayerthorpe Junior Beef Show.

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Strengthening Tradition

How Toby Noble strives for progression while recognizing, appreciating and honoring the tradition of the Simmental breed.

Although the Simmental breed is deeply rooted in tradition, it has also been known as one of the most progressive. Simmental genetics serve purebred, fullblood, and commercial customer bases.

Simmentals have solidified their place in the show world by obtaining success on an international scale.

The breed has grown, evolved, and is now one of the most popular amongst young cattlemen. Simmentals have also been adopted by some of the most prominent Angus, Charolais, and even Hereford producers, being utilized as both percentage and purebred breeding elements. Despite the breed growing in popularity, there is one young man that has always had a passion for both purebred and fullblood Simmental cattle and is continuing to represent the breed on some of the largest scales with the maximum amount of pride.

“The Evolution sale was something we always talked about since we have grown our program. Ryley and I have had several conversations with Jay and Jax from Greenwood Cattle over the years about having a combined sale one day. At the time we didn’t think either of us had the numbers or the quality to make it happen, but finally felt we had gotten to that point.” commented Toby. “In terms of moving forward, we are always trying to increase the quality of our offering. New to 2025, we are wanting to bring in some customer cattle to include in the offering. We talk lots that we want The Evolution to be successful, but we want it to be an event that’s enjoyable for everyone to attend. If we can continue to increase the quality and success for everyone, we hope it entices other breeders to come and be a part of it.”

Twenty-six-year-old, Toby Noble represents Black Although the Nobles are well-known for their sales, Gold Simmentals, and belongs to one of the most the show ring also contributes to their popularity. influential families in the Simmental breed. With his “The show ring has always been a place for us to wife Chelsie, Toby resides on the family farm located showcase our cattle and program, and any success we near Lloydminster, SK and works alongside his have had is just a bonus at that point.”, noted Toby. parents Randy and Vanessa, older brother Ryley and However, the Noble family is no stranger to success, his girlfriend Kaylee, as well as his uncle Neil and having several champions across female, bull, and cousin Jeff. Together, Toby and his brother Ryley repsteer divisions. resent the third generation of Simmental breeders at Black Gold Simmentals. Currently, the Noble family manages 400 head of fullblood and purebred Simmental cows, as well as a growing Angus division. Annually, they host their bull and female sale the second Saturday in March. In addition to their bull sale, the Noble family also hosts The Evolution female Toby and his wife Chelsie sale each October in partnership with, Greenwood celebrating after the Cattle. This progressive female sale has become the Simmental show at the source of many customers’ donor and show females. North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY

The Black Gold Simmentals show crew at Farmfair International 2021 in Edmonton, AB.

GVR Miss Peppa 21J with calf Black Gold/Greenwood Peppa 7L was crowned Supreme Champion Female at the 2023 Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, SK.

Heads turned when the Noble’s debuted “Captain Scream” during the 2017 fall show season. His sudden passing led to a boom in the interest of his Simmental genetics from producers across all breeds. It was in the same year that the Noble family exhibited the CMS Soda Pop 425B cow that put both their entries in the top 5 of the Alberta Supreme at Farmfair International. After capturing numerous breed champion banners, in 2022, after a global pandemic, Black Gold Simmentals -with partners Twin Spring Farms- were able to capture the female supreme honors in Edmonton and became the fifth Simmental to do so.

The following year, they were able to fulfill their goal of an Agribition supreme. GVR Miss Peppa 21J with calf, Black Gold/Greenwood Peppa 7L was named the Canadian Western Agribition Supreme Champion Female. Toby credits the 2023 supreme title as his favorite show memory to date. Black Gold Simmentals has also been recognized as Premier Breeder and Premier Exhibitor in the Simmental shows across multiple fall majors; a true testament to their dedication to their show strings and breeding program.

Also in 2023, GVR Miss Peppa 21J was recognized as the Canadian Simmental Association Show Female of the Year. This award is based on an accumulation of points throughout fall shows. Peppa 21J was exhibited at Olds Fall Classic, Lloydminster Stockade RoundUp, Farmfair International, and the Canadian Western Agribition. Black Gold customer, Bar SK Cattle Company of Lloydminster, SK also held the position of fifth overall Simmental Show Female of the Year with Black Gold Ms Hayleigh 213K.

One of the most notable females for the Black Gold program is CMS Soda Pop 425B. Initially acquired from Czech-Mate Livestock, this female went on to give the Noble Family their first Agribition banner and was campaigned consistently both as a heifer and as a cow. Most recently, KDP Miss Hoya Hayleigh is a popular and profitable donor for the Noble operation. “Hayleigh is a past triple-crown winning female in the United States for us and our partners, and has, no question, produced the best and most consistent flush siblings we have ever had, no matter the sire. We look forward to continuing to inject her genetics into our herd and feel Hayleigh’s influence will be seen for years to come.”, added Toby.

Despite their show ring achievements and successful sales, the Noble family has remained humble, and continue on a journey of constant evolution. Toby has played an integral role in developing the purebred side of their operation by assisting in acquiring new genetics, marketing his family’s cattle on different platforms, and enhancing their annual sales into events rather than just traditional auctions.

The Noble family and partners recieving the Canadian Simmental Association Show Female of the Year award.

KDP Miss Hoya Hayleigh is one of the Noble’s most popular and profitable donor females.

Toby attended Hutchinson Community College and was as a member of the livestock judging team, where he received his diploma in Animal Science. By attending an American college -and one with a highly recognized judging program- Toby was able to participate in judging contests at several major livestock shows across the United States, a true Canadian livestock kid’s dream. Toby’s experiences display themselves when he is on the microphone evaluating cattle at Canadian shows.

His diverse vocabulary and keen eye put him amongst some of the top livestock adjudicators in the country. In 2024, Toby was able realize his goal of judging at the Canadian Western Agribition when he was asked to evaluate the Red Angus breed show.

Attending college in the United States was never a large goal of Toby’s until he watched his brother and peers take this route.

Friends, Riley Lafrentz, Ted Creech, Jonah Biensch, Cody Lafrentz and brother Ryley also attended Hutchinson Community College to judge under coach Ben Williams. “Personally, it was the perfect fit and I am very happy I pursued it. Hutch offered a new experience for me to meet new people, see how operations in other areas and climates work, and broaden my knowledge on all kinds of livestock.” Toby contributed to normalizing Canadians attending American colleges and helped pave the way for future students to attend schools with reputable judging programs.

Although Toby admits to considering a few off-farm opportunities after graduation, he ultimately followed his dream of returning to the family farm. Since Toby’s return home from college, their family’s sales have exponentially grown in interest, quality, and value. In 2021, Black Gold Simmentals paired with Greenwood Cattle to host their first female production sale; “The Evolution”. Prior to 2021, Black Gold female genetics were primarily offered through consignment sales, private auction, and their spring bull sale. After hosting a very successful first sale, Black Gold and Greenwood Cattle merged again to host The Evolution: Volume Two in the fall of 2022. Between the first and second edition of The Evolution sale, there was an increase in lot average by over $3000. Normally when an operation’s sale increases in price, economists will consider external factors such as the cattle market, feed prices, and breed trends. However, the marketing, customer care, and genetics offered also significantly contributed to the Noble family’s success; all of which Toby played a large role.

Toby followed in his older brother, Ryley’s footsteps and attended Hutchinson Community College as a member of the livestock judging team.

Often, youth await a shift in generational leadership before they feel as though they have decision making power. Waiting for an opportunity to contribute can discourage youth from staying on the family farm.

However, Toby’s success story allows youth and young adults in agriculture to understand how impactful they can be in their own operations no matter their age, ownership, or family. “I feel like my brother Ryley, and I were always fortunate that our family always listened to our voice and opinions. Still to this day we bounce a lot of ideas around each other, and more often than not they are taken into consideration. My family was always happy with the decisions that we chose about our future, and never tried to persuade us in any specific direction.”, commented Toby. “My dad has been extremely influential over the years. Ryley and I have thrown some crazy ideas to him over the years and not once has he ever shot it down completely or didn’t listen to our opinion. I feel that has helped us become a big voice within our program. His work ethic and willingness to learn and adapt has taken our program to a level that we once never thought was possible.” Re-joining the farm after two years away in Kansas, Toby stepped into a management and decision-making role within the operation.

Black Gold Simmentals is three generations deep in extremely breed-loyal family members. In their 2025 sale recap video on social media, Ryley introduced his brother making a comment that, “I am sure you all know; Toby breathes and sleeps Simmental cattle.” Not only is Toby dedicated to the Simmental breed, but he is extremely proud and passionate towards their family’s prefix.

CMS Soda Pop 425B was campaigned as a heifer and as a cow/calf pair, finding show ring success at all stages in her life.

“Simmental cattle have been a part of probably every Noble relative at some point in their life. We feel fortunate to be born into Black Gold and Simmental cattle, as it truly is something we are passionate about and not a day goes by where we don’t think about Simmental cattle. This breed has always been our main focus and always will be. We think the unique thing about the Simmental breed is how they cover almost every aspect of the beef industry. Years ago, they were known as dual purpose for both milk and meat production. Their ability to inject muscle, performance, and milk production into the next generation makes them timeless and a necessity in this industry, in our opinion.”, noted Toby. “The fullblood cattle is what originally started Black Gold Simmentals and is what we grew up raising. In our area, these cattle are a perfect cross for an Angus-based cow looking to inject some muscle, growth from birth to yearling, foot quality, and for a producer looking to add some white to their calf crop. We find the fullblood cattle to be hardy and excel on drier years with minimal resources. We understand they aren’t cattle built for the show ring, but their advantages are obvious to us and for that reason we will continue to breed and market fullblood cattle in the foreseeable future. We enjoy covering our later calving cows or recipients with a fullblood bulls to capitalize on their performance at weaning time.”

Toby and Ryley Noble accepting the premier exhibitor and premier breeder awards for the Simmental show at the 50th anniversary, Canadian Western Agribition.

Although the entire Noble family is extremely passionate about their breeding stock, Toby and Ryley also spent some time showing and raising club calf steers. In 2016, Toby was granted reserve champion honors in the Junior Steer Classic at the Calgary Stampede. “Showing steers growing up is probably what initially sparked my personal passion for this industry. They helped me gain confidence and learn responsibility for taking care and managing livestock.

On top of that, I learned the most about clipping and getting an animal ready for show while showing steers.

It’s said time and time again, but there truly isn’t a better way for a young kid to learn how to win, how to lose, and the responsibility of caring for livestock through 4-H and junior show programs. I wouldn’t trade my time showing steers for anything.” Toby and his wife Chelsie are expecting their first born in November, and it can be assumed their child will be raised rooted in Simmental cattle and offered similar experiences Toby did in the show world.

Looking towards the future, Toby commented, “I don’t see any major changes in our program for the near future. We have been building our cow numbers the last few years and are content with the size we are now.

In saying that, our quest to raise the highest quality cattle that we can will never change, and we will never be satisfied with the quality of cattle that we raise.”

The Noble’s success is not only impressive but motivating to others in the beef industry. They have accomplished goals set by many but achieved by few; from finding success with show bulls, females, and steers, to developing a premier fall female sale, and maintaining a consistent spring bull sale. Toby has become a role model to many young producers, by demonstrating his knowledge and skills in managing, evaluating, and producing cattle. His journey through the U.S. collegiate livestock judging system also inspired many to pursue a similar route. However, it was his return home to the family farm post-grad that provided many college seniors with the reassurance that working on their family’s operation is not only possible but can be extremely rewarding. Toby has brought a refreshing mindset to one of the most traditional breeds and will continue to chase success with the Black Gold prefix. “Change does not change tradition, it strengthens it.” -Prince Phillip

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Prospect 2000 Cattle Show April 4-6, 2025 Kamloops, BC

Photographer: Alysha Eileen Photography

Grand Champion Heifer: Elliot Caputo

Reserve Champion Heifer: Aubree Higgins

Grand Champion Steer: Garrett Klein

Reserve Champion Steer: Tyson Thiele

Canada’s Richest Youth Steer & Heifer Show April 5 & 6, 2025 Olds, AB

Photographer: Kim Matthews

Grand Champion Heifer: Taylor Reid

Reserve Champion Heifer: Lyla Harvie

Grand Champion Steer: Delta Hippe

Reserve Champion Steer: London Matthews

Sask Beef Expo April 12 & 13, 2025 Saskatoon, SK

Photographer: Bar Nineteen Creative

Grand Champion Heifer: Taylor Reid

Reserve Champion Heifer: Chloe Dehr

Grand Champion Steer: Lane Steen

Reserve Grand Champion Steer: Bennett Blanchette

Olds Spring Classic April 19 & 20, 2025 Olds, AB

Photographer: Seven D Media

Grand Champion Junior Heifer: Hawkin Mader

Reserve Champion Junior Heifer: Stella Mader

Grand Champion Junior Steer: Delta Hippe

Reserve Champion Junior Steer: Cheyenne Symens

Grand Champion Open Heifer: Blake Breuer

Reserve Champion Open Heifer: Cheyenne Symens

Grand Champion Open Steer: London Matthews

Reserve Champion Open Steer: Scarlet Smyth

Chinook Junior Stock Show April 23, 2025 Claresholm, AB

Photographer: Cattle Vids

Grand Champion Purebred Heifer: Myra Murray

Reserve Champion Purebred Heifer: Ainsley Van Sickle

Grand Champion Commercial Heifer: Blake Fisk

Reserve Champion Commercial Heifer: Taylor Reid

Grand Champion Steer: Kurt Yaremko

Reserve Champion Steer: Shown By: Sam Boake, Owned by: London Matthews

Youth Forum Beef Show April 25-27, 2025 Lindsay, ON

Photographer: Innovation Media

Grand Champion Jackpot Heifer: Jackson Corner

Grand Champion Market Animal: Jackson Corner

Grand Champion Breeding Female: Jackson Corner

Top Five Overall Showmanship: L to R: Jackson Corner, Emily Hartle, Taylor Burke, Shelby Cornish, Felicity Groves

Mukk Boots & Mittens May 3, 2025 Webb, SK

Photographer: Smoking Brand Photography

Grand Champion Heifer: Cheyenne Symens

Reserve Champion Heifer: Casie Brokenshire

Grand Champion Steer: London Matthews

Reserve Champion Steer: Cheyenne Symens

Oil Country Classic May 10, 2025 Drayton Valley, AB

Photographer: Seven D Media

Grand Champion Junior Heifer: Brooklynn Boulter

Reserve Champion Junior Heifer: Brooklynn Boulter

Grand Champion Junior Steer: Quinn Hoegl

Reserve Champion Junior Steer: Riley Bohrson

Grand Champion Open Heifer: Brooklynn Boulter

Reserve Champion Open Heifer: Heidi Balisky

Grand Champion Open Steer: London Matthews

Reserve Champion Open Steer: Riley Bohrson

Valley Junior Beef Sweepstakes May 16 & 17, 2025 Carp, ON

Photographer: Sam Buschbeck Photography

Grand Champion Heifer: Katie Cox

Reserve Champion Heifer: Jordan Phillips

Grand Champion Market Animal: Madison Hammell

Reserve Champion Market Animal: Madison Hammell

Cody Sibbald Legacy Classic May 17, 2025 Beechy, SK

Photographer: Compass Creative

Grand Champion Purebred Female: Joran Frey

Reserve Champion Purebred Female: Abby Rancier

Grand Champion Commercial Female: Kade Rancier

Reserve Champion Commercial Female: Cozi Perrot

Grand Champion Steer: Brylan Rasmuson

Reserve Champion Steer: Ethan Yaremko

Josephburg Agricultural Society Classic May 24, 2025 Josephburg, AB

Photographer: Seven D Media

Grand Champion Junior Female: Gracie Bohrson

Reserve Champion Junior Female: Shae Noble

Grand Champion Junior Steer: Quinn Hoegl

Reserve Champion Junior Steer: Jaryn Lehmann

Grand Champion Open Heifer: Indy Fowler

Reserve Champion Open Heifer: Abby Rancier

Grand Champion Open Steer: Treston Campbell

Reserve Champion Open Steer: Kehler Eaton

Grand Champion 4-H Heifer: Tulsa Smith

Reserve Champion 4-H Heifer: Max Burris

Grand Champion 4-H Steer: Tulsa Smith

Reserve Champion 4-H Steer: Kasey Adams

Prairie Thunder Spring Classic May 24, 2025 Nokomis, SK

Photographer: Seven D Media

Grand Champion Heifer: Kaylin Bartel

Reserve Champion Heifer: Jack Archdekin

Grand Champion Steer: Emma Lees

Reserve Champion Steer: London Matthews

Mayerthorpe Junior Beef Show

May 25, 2025 Mayerthorpe, AB

Photographer: Seven D Media

Grand Champion Female: Heidi Pas

Reserve Champion Female: Dakota Noble

Grand Champion Steer: Ruby Low

Reserve Champion Steer: Rilynn Stewart

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May 25, 2025 Oro Lake, SK

Photographer: Erin VanderMeulen

Grand Champion Heifer: Taylor Reid

Reserve Champion Heifer: Kaycee Buchanan

Grand Champion Steer: Lane Steen

Reserve Champion Steer: Eric Fettes

Agribition Spring Fling Junior Show

May 31, 2025 Regina, SK

Photographer: Seven D Media

Grand Champion Heifer: Joran Frey

Reserve Champion Heifer: Taylor Reid

Grand Champion Steer: Emma Lees

Reserve Champion Steer: Brylan Rasmuson

Caribou Classic Junior Steer & Heifer Show May 30 - June 1, 2025 Williams Lake, BC

Photographer: Seven D Media

Grand Champion Heifer: Mesa Slavens

Reserve Champion Heifer: Elliot Caputo

Grand Champion Steer: Rylan Pincott

Reserve Champion Steer: Ashley Allen

Perdue Junior Steer & Heifer Jackpot

June 7, 2025 Perdue, SK

Photographer: C2it Photography

Grand Champion Heifer: Briggs Blanchette

Reserve Champion Heifer: Carter McIntosh

Grand Champion Steer: Carter McIntosh

Reserve Champion Steer: Emily Yaremko

Alameda Agricultural Society Jackpot

June 13, 2025 Alameda, SK

Photographer: Golden Thread Livestock Images

Grand Champion Heifer: Taylor Reid

Reserve Champion Heifer: Elijah Ginter

Grand Champion Steer: Kate Nielsen

Reserve Champion Steer: Cheyenne Symens

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King of the Prairies Open Steer & Heifer Jackpot June 14, 2025 Estevan, SK

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Grand Champion Heifer: Taylor Reid

Reserve Champion Heifer: Taylor Makey

Grand Champion Steer: Kate Nielsen

Reserve Champion Steer: Ethan Yaremko

Grand Champion Home-Raised Heifer: Taylor Makey

Reserve Champion Home-Raised Heifer: Harper Wilgenbusch

Grand Champion Home-Raised Steer: Eric Fettes

Reserve Champion Home-Raised Steer: Lexus Zieglgansberger

Frontier Days June 25-28, 2025 Swift Current, SK

Photographer: Smoking Brand Photography

Grand Champion Female: Bryce Hicks

Reserve Champion Female: Blaine Barnett

Grand Champion Bull: Chloe Wagner

Reserve Champion Bull: Steele Sylvestre

Grand Champion Jackpot Heifer: Addison Barnett

Reserve Champion Jackpot Heifer: Brooke Raymond

Grand Champion Jackpot Steer: Scarlet Smyth

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Hawaiian Shirts & Hot Takes

How Braden House entertains and engages cattle producers through their Facebook feeds while raising high qulaity show cattle.

When we think of a social media influencer, we commonly stereotype twenty-year-old females who post daily on Instagram and Tik Tok platforms about their outfits of the day. However, the term “influencer” is far broader. The definition of a social media influencer encompasses the belief that the person posting the content is influencing the audience’s behaviors or ideas. By this definition, Braden House is the Alix Earle of the Facebook show cattle community.

Braden is known for his witty and opinionated posts on Facebook, discussing ideas surrounding the production, management, and exhibition of show cattle. His posts have been shared globally and have helped to educate and inspire conversations between producers. Some of his most notable content includes the discussion of researching sires before introducing their genetics into your program, proper transportation and stalling of cattle in extreme heat, and the reproduction of genetically defective cattle. Although his content is shared on a personal Facebook account rather than a public Instagram page, his posts have spread exponentially and reach an audience far beyond his hometown of Iola, TX.

Braden his wife Nicole own and operate Big House Show Cattle, located in Iola, TX.

Although his opinions are primarily kept to his personal Facebook account, the Big House Show Cattle (BHSC) page is admirable in many ways. Through the BHSC posts, you gain an understanding of the type of people behind the operation. Braden and his wife Nicole provide organic content that acts as a character reference and clearly demonstrates how transparency is one of their core values.

Sale calves’ prices and quantities are listed publicly so buyers can budget before inquiring, as well as deterring cattle traders from buying and flipping Big House stock. BHSC also takes an extremely honest approach to promoting their A.I. studs. If you look at their post for sire, “Big Game Hunter”, he is displayed both on and off the halter, in addition to having a disclosure warning against using his semen on heifers.

However, the greatest demonstration of Braden’s values was in the dissolution of their online sales.

Previously, BHSC had bi-annual online show calf sales, and have since transitioned to a private sales format. This has allowed them to generate a more intimate relationship with buyers, price their calves based on personal appraisal, and avoid inflation that can come with an online auction. “We are truly set up for (hosting online sales), but I have no desire to ever do them again because we were overselling those cattle and I felt bad.”, Braden continued to say that heifers he would put in the “$5000 Pen” were selling for $13,000$17,000. “I have to protect the buyers, to some degree, from themselves.” Braden credits their customers as the primary force in switching sale formats and has seen an increase in client retention because of it. “(Repeat customers) are worth more than any trophy or ribbon.”, Braden concluded. “If you come to my house to buy a calf and you think they will look like that Fort Worth Champion backdrop picture, you would be very disappointed because they don’t. They look like that at the Fort Worth backdrop, not nursing their mother, or standing in the yard for showmanship practice. I want to post that stuff so someone knows it is a marathon and there are peaks and valleys to that.”

Gateway Big Game Hunter striking a pose with Nicole on the halter.

BHSC is known for their unique and transparent marketing strategies.

Productivity is also a core value of BHSC, being one of the main reason’s Braden blindly pursued the Charolais breed. With no background in the breed, Braden chose Charolais as he felt it was one of the most diverse in what you could produce. According to Braden, no matter if it is a purebred or commercial mating, there is a market for Charolais calves.

He believes that either outcome with a male calf is marketable; commercial males will make slick steer prospects, and purebred males have potential to become breeder bulls. Whereas with females, despite the registration papers, both commercial or purebred calves can contend for show ring status. All of which, Braden has found success with.

Braden and Nicole have experience promoting four different sires: DTR Mr. Brightside 1007G2, Gateway Big Game Hunter, SKS Super Puncher 423K (a Brightside son), and most recently, CCC Lonesome Dove 3528 P (owned with Cody Cattle Company).

Each bull has a unique and intentional marketing plan that suits their purpose and place in the industry. By designing a promotional approach specific to each animal, Braden and Nicole are able to continue to generate customer relationships and remain transparent about each sire’s qualities.

Big Game Hunter also was not shown but has sired multiple Supremes. BHSC took a unique approach to semen distribution on Big Game Hunter as the only way to obtain straws was through the purchase of a BHSC female. “That worked very well because then I got a connection with the person that has access to the semen so I can really help them maximize the cows he is used on and protect both parties.”, commented Braden. Although Big Game Hunter had a more micromanaged approach, it ensured Braden was able to limit misuse of the bull. Now deceased, Big Game Hunter semen is even more exclusive.

“If you are a young person wanting to get into the promotion side of stuff, you get one chance to do it right. If you pull the trigger on the wrong bull to promote, you will never get that credibility back.”, said Braden on the Empower U podcast.

In the case of Brightside, they approached the exclusivity idea by creating a multi-year plan. In his first year, they did not sell semen, but rather produced calves that would go on to supreme majors shows in Texas. In Brightside’s second year in the BHSC program, they sold semen at a premium. Once they had a better understanding of how Brightside’s pedigree would work in combination with lesser quality cows, they then reduced the price of semen to begin producing higher volume sales. When semen sales reach this point, it begins to affect the overall legacy a bull leaves on the industry. Therefore it is critical to experiment with the types of cows the sire is used on before making semen more accessible.

With Super Puncher, BHSC and their partners Skeans Cattle Company, Walker Farms, Fox Hollow Farms, and the Stritmatter family exhibited him at several shows, and it paid off, resulting in being named National Champion Charolais Bull at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY; a title that compliments his A.I. sire profile. He also went on to supreme the North Texas State Fair and receive breed champion honours at the Fort Worth Stock Show, and State Fair of Texas.

Whereas Lonesome Dove’s marketing model does not include a show career.

BHSC relies heavily on the use of invitro fertilization embryo transplant technology to continue to advance their program. “Embryo transfer technology allows you to turn a set of commercial crossbred cows into a calf crop of purebred uniform animals.”, Braden commented.

“The one thing it is going to do no matter what, is it is going to accelerate your direction. If you have a good brain and you plan, it will take you as far and as fast as you can stand to go. And if you are not intentional about what you are doing, it will take you at the same speed, backwards.”

Currently, BHSC implants approximately 50 embryos a year, 30 for their spring program and 15-20 for fall calving. The “Pick of the Calves” from each crop is sold respectively at the Fort Worth Stock Show and the National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO.

AWR Ms Cooley Cub 835F ET is one of the donor females currently active at BHSC. Her progeny can be purchased by private treaty.

“We pour a piece of our soul into each calf.” Braden & Nicole pride themselves on the level of care and the experience they provide their juniors.

One of Braden’s more popular posts discussed the idea that the process of a show calf reaching “12 O’clock” at a specific show is not linear, but rather circular, similar to a clock. “12 O’clock” referrs to having an animal peak at the appropriate time for their intended target show. This post inspired discussion from reputable and experienced stockmen and women via Facebook. “I want to be the guy who can facilitate that conversation so our IQ and comfort as an industry exchanging ideas is more accessible.”, commented Braden. When asked about the topic himself, he offered, “You don’t assemble that animal’s life schedule in chronological order, you are actually better off building it in reverse chronological order where you centre it around the end and piece the earlier parts of it together on your way there to help make that your peak.”

A controversial topic that arises during bull sale season in Canada regards the appropriate amount of straw in sale images. To this, Braden offered, “I think you need to ask yourself, ‘What would I need to see in order to buy this animal?’ … you need to change your ways to match what you as a buyer would need to see. I don’t think it is realistic to try and sell them to someone with a view that would not be valuable to you.”

Although Braden will not be participating in Tik Tok dances any time soon, he has become a social media influencer in his own right (verified with a blue check mark). By providing the virtual show cattle industry with thought-provoking content for viewers to read, comment and share, he has developed his online personality on his singular social media platform, Facebook. Braden also leads by example through the transparency of his own operation’s posts on Big House Show Cattle, detailing prices of calves and less-desirable qualities of bulls producers would normally not publicly post about. Together with his wife, they breed and raise junior show heifers marketed and sold by private treaty. They also take a unique approach to promoting semen sales through customized marketing strategies for their four A.I. sires. Although you may have never thought such influential ideas would come from a 29-year-old, Texan in a Hawaiian shirt, Braden House has made waves as a part-time Facebook content creator, and full time Charolais breeder.

Braden was recently on the BRC, Over The Hump podcast. To hear more of his “hot takes”, listen to the episode titled “Discussing the Commonalities Between Different Breeds in the Show Ring with Braden House” or scan the QR code below to access.

“The reason that junior show projects exist are so parents and kids spend more time with one another and make memories.” With BHSC you always have someone in your corner, and they thrive to provide a positive experience with each calf they sell.

Treston Campbell’s grand champion steer at the 2025 Josephburg Agricultural Society Classic. This was the last JAS Classic to be held in the Moyer Recreation Center, as next year it will be hosted in the new agricultural facility, The Pointe.

Photo by Seven D Media