Thank-you.
Thank-you.
A message from the girl behind the keyboard and camera of Seven D Media.
This summer has been a crazy, but beautiful and fulfilling season for me as a photographer. Although I am still catching up on editing, and the stress and guilt that comes with the workload is often overwhelming, there are many moments that remind me why I chose this as a career. And to be very honest, why it chose me.
I never really planned to be a photographer. The “plan” was actually to be a lawyer. However, a few opportunities, an undergraduate degree, and a midlife crisis later, I found myself in the hog ring at the Nebraska State Fair. Something about all the doors opening at the right time, and the people who crossed my path, led me to believe this isn’t something I get to choose to do, but rather what I was chosen to do.
The past few months I experienced many different layers of the junior show world. I saw dreams come true, hearts be broken, friendships formed, hatred given, respect gained, and everything in between. Growing up showing, these layers were not as clear. Now, as a third party, they are far more evident. This is not to criticize, but rather share a realization I had; my role as a photographer is actually quite small, my role as a friend is much larger.
I have taken thousands of photos the last few months, congratulated many exhibitors, and captured so many wonderful memories. However, what stuck with me was the small interactions I had at the backdrop. I got to congratulate a boy on his first Summer Synergy scholarship that he celebrated without his immediate family, but rather rejoiced with his show family. I got to hug a girl and tell her that she deserved all the success she had, even if others told her she didn’t. I got to be the first person to give a young-man a high-five after being awarded his first belt buckle. I got to take a delegate’s last junior national backdrop of her junior career after 18 years of chasing this dream. I got to be there for it all. This is a role I do not take lightly, and a privilege I am honoured to have.
Thank you to all the shows and families that trusted me to capture their memories this summer. I can’t wait to see you all on the show road and in your picture pens this fall.
Welcome to the second 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 opportunities, please email: info@ringsidemag.com
IN THIS ISSUE
Generational Knowledge
How a commercial order buyer applies his real world experiences to selecting premium purebred genertics and successful show steers.
From Town to Tractor Seat
The story behind a Kentucky couples’ journey into agriculture, and how they set themselves up for success daily.
Cover Photo: Greta Pearson of Pearson Farms at the 2025 National Junior Gelbvieh Show. Photo by Seven D Media.
NOVEMBER 5-8, 2025
Host to Several National Breed Shows | Junior Futurity Supreme Show | 4-H Alberta Day
AgTech & Innovation Alley | Farm Forward: a Conference for Young Ag Producers
Country Christmas Marketplace
Generational Knowledge
A look into Shannon Eaton’s experiences as an order buyer, cattleman, and show ring enthusiast.
What do you get when you combine the mind of an order buyer, a passion for purebred cattle, and a desire for show ring success? One of the most well-rounded cattlemen in Canada; Shannon Eaton.
The Eaton family purchased, Arcola Stockyards in 1987, and later purchased Alameda’s auction mart in 1994, where Shannon got his start assisting in operating the stockyards as well as order buying. In 2006, Shannon, his wife, and their sons relocated to Lloydminster, SK where Shannon began to order buy cattle with Keith Weaver, a well-known buyer in the area. In 2011, Shannon and his wife, Kim bought Weaver’s contracts and began their own order buying company, Eaton Livestock.
As an order buyer, Shannon’s role includes attending live auctions daily across Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan, as well as purchasing cattle through online auctions to fulfill orders for customers across the country. Shannon will personally attend up to 6 sales per week during the busy season, and 4-5 sales weekly in the slower months. Eaton Livestock currently has two full-time cattle buyers, in addition to several commission buyers.
Shannon is a third-generation cattle buyer, nourishing relationships that stem back as far as the early 1970’s when Shannon’s father, Frank was facilitating cattle orders. Some of Shannon’s largest clientele belong to “feedlot alley” of southern Alberta, as well as Amish country in Eastern Canada. Shannon’s eldest son, Kosten has recently graduated from Lakeland College and has begun working in the Eaton Livestock office. He aims to learn more about the business side of the operation before potentially stepping into an order buying position.
The Eaton Family also owns and operates a registered cow-calf herd under the title Bar SK Cattle Company. Bar SK is composed of approximately 100 head of Charolais and Simmentals cattle. However, in the last 6 years, the Eatons have shifted their focus primarily to Charolais genetics. Through the use of embryo transplant technology, Bar SK has been able to expand the size of their purebred calf crop, while utilizing commercial females as embryo recipients. This year they are anticipating 65 embryo calves to be born, 40 of which will have the same dam, PCC 19H. Affectionately known as Heather, 19H has allowed the Eaton family to exponentially grow their Charolais herd through producing several successful flushes.
PCC 19H, more commonly referred to as “Heather” is a family favorite, as well as an influential piece of the Bar SK program.
The Eaton Family of Bar SK Cattle Company. Left to right: Kim, Keylen, Shannon, Kehler, & Kosten Eaton.
“I want to try to raise purebred cattle that can raise real world, commercial bulls.”, Shannon commented. “That’s what I know I can sell in the commercial world as an order buyer. Cattle with lots of capacity, long bodied, and lots of body shape… As a family, that is what we are trying to raise in the purebred world.” By combining his commercial cattleman career with his personal purebred endeavours, Shannon is able to bring a functional mindset and real-world perspective to the purebred side of the beef industry.
This fall, the Eaton family will exhibit a home-raised bull, Bar SK Strikeout 310L at several of the fall livestock shows. Walking rights to 310L are currently owned by Big Sky Cattle Company of Consort, AB. “I like the style of him because I can see him really working for ranchers. He moves extremely well, and his calves are going to have extra bone and lots of hair.”, mentioned Shannon. 310L is already qualified for the Canadian Western Agribition Beef Supreme show in Regina, SK this November.
Growing up, Shannon and his family showed commercial steers, and he has since passed on the passion to his three sons. “It was different back in the 80’s when we were doing it, there wasn’t the clubby thing.” Many of the steers the Eaton’s exhibited at the Calgary Stampede Steer Classic were purchased through 4-H sales across Saskatchewan. As Shannon’s kids became more involved, they began sourcing and purchasing clubby steer calves with Calgary in mind. Their first steer calf purchase came in 2011 from RJ Cattle Company of South Dakota. Although many high-quality steers the Eatons have exhibited have come from across the border, one of their most successful steers was purchased from a Canadian club calf breeder, Elldem Cattle Investments. Due to Covid-19, there was an uncertainty surrounding steer shows for the upcoming season. This unpredictability took a toll on prospect show steer prices during the fall sales. “I didn’t know if the steer was going to bring $2500 or $10,000. I didn’t know.”, Shannon commented. The Eaton family purchased their “Here I Am” sired steer from the 2020 November Gold Sale, and that steer went on to be named Grand Champion at the 2021 Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic. That year, the steer show was held in Olds, AB due to Covid-19 protocols.
In 2021, the Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic was held in Olds, AB due to Covid-19 restrictions. This year, Kehler Eaton was able to capture Grand Champion honours.
Photo by Ag Plus Designs
The Eaton family’s most recent success was with a yellow steer, taking the second hole of the top five to be named Reserve Grand Champion at the 2024 Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic. Similarly, to 2011, this steer was raised and sold by Ryan Johnson of RJ Cattle Company. Shannon’s middle son, Kehler was on the halter for both the 2021 and 2024 wins. Kehler is currently attending Redlands Community College in El Reno, OK where he is a member of the livestock judging team.
Shannon would estimate he has been involved with 35-40 steers over his stampede steer career. “Over the last 17 years that we have been going, there are certain steers that stick out in my mind… We were fortunate enough to have one in 2021, the Matthew’s steer last year (2024), Dusty Howell had one in (2010), and Justin Morrison’s steer that he had in 2008, he was phenomenal.” Shannon noted that the steer Katie Serhienko exhibited in 2015 was also a very dominant steer.
Selecting steers at all stages of life is something Shannon has been successful at. When asked what he looks for in a prospect calf, he commented, “The structure on show steers is so very important. They can have all the pieces as a calf, but if they don’t move flawlessly as a calf, they aren’t going to get better, they are going to do nothing but get worse.”
Shannon is very passionate about show steers and recognizes the following as some of the best & most dominant to compete in Canada:
- 2008, exhibited by Justin Morrison
- 2010, exhibited by Dusty Howell, raised by Travis Thompson, sold by Riley Chalack (picture above)
- 2015, exhibited by Katie Serhienko, raised by RJ Cattle Co.
- 2021, exhibited by Kehler Eaton, raised by Elldem Cattle Investments (picture on right)
- 2024, exhibited by London Matthews, raised by Piller Show Cattle
Structure and mobility are traits Shannon puts a lot of emphasis on during the selection process as he believes, “What we can’t lose sight of is that it is not a carcass class, it is a market steer show… I know people will say, ‘Well, they walked in the ring, that’s all that matters.’, and I used to be one of those (people), but I have changed; it is a market steer show.”
With the competitiveness of the Canadian show steer industry, Shannon feels judges are using soundness as a determining factor between similar steers. “There are so many (steers) that are so good, that a lot of times it comes down to who moves the best.”
Shannon and his son Kehler watching ringside as Keylen exhibits his steer in Lloydminster, SK.
Photo by GRP, supplied by Howell Family
Photo by Shay, supplied by Elliot Family
Over the years, Calgary steer champions have ranged in finished weights. However, as an order buyer and commercial cattleman, Shannon would prefer to see larger framed and adequately finished steers win. “For me personally, being in the other side of the industry that I am in, I don’t want to see a steer -in Canada- under 1400lbs win… In Canada, a steer weighing under 1400lbs right now, there is such a small percentage of feedlot cattle that are fat under 1400lbs… We can’t lose sight that we are still in Canada, and it is real world.” When Shannon is sourcing potential Calgary steers, he is typically looking for 700750lbs steers in September with the goal for them to continue to grow, and never go off feed. “The show steer, it’s a game, and it’s fun, but we cannot lose sight of the fact that it is still beef and it is still real world.”
Shannon advises any 4-H member to work towards getting their steer fat and having them ready for the day they need them ready. Shannon offered, “We like to feed our steers twice a day, and my rule of thumb is that you keep adding until they leave a little bit. Once they leave a little bit, back them off until they are just cleaning up all their feed.”
As for advice for producers of all ages, Shannon commented, “If you are in doubt, ask somebody. In this industry, anybody is happy to give you an opinion. They are not going to look at you and think you are stupid because you asked them a question or you asked their opinion…That is one thing I have always said in this industry, ‘never be scared to ask somebody else’s opinion’, whether you are selecting bulls or show steers.”
Shannon Eaton has made a name for himself across Canada as a successful order buyer, purebred Charolais breeder, and steer enthusiast. As a third-generation order buyer, he combines his commercial cattle ideals to raise functional purebred cattle that will positively impact a variety of operations. Alongside his wife and three sons, Shannon also shares a passion for show steers, having exhibited at the Calgary Stampede Steer Classic for 17 consecutive years. Despite his extensive resume, Shannon remains humble and encourages producers of all ages to continue to ask questions.
Kehler recieving Reserve Champion honours under judges Riley & Denise LaFrentz at the 2024 Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic.
Photo by ShowChampions
Alberta Junior Shorthorn Show
July 3-5, 2025
Olds, AB
Photographer: Seven D Media
Grand Champion Purebred Female: Chelsey Trieber
Reserve Champion Purebred Female: Bronwyn Zwicker
Reserve Champion Purebred Bull: Harper Diegel
Reserve Champion Shorthorn Plus Female: Rhea Gunderson
Grand Champion Shorthorn Plus Female: Evan Coleman
Grand Champion Purebred Bull: Kenadee Pimm
Reserve Champion Shorthorn Influence Female: Kurtus Pierson
Grand Champion Shorthorn Influence Steer: Chelsey Trieber
Grand Champion Shorthorn Influence Bull: Brynne Yoder
Grand Champion Shorthorn Influence Female: Chelsey Trieber
Summer Synergy
July 9-12, 2025
Olds, AB
Photographer: Seven D Media
Supreme Champion Purebred Female: Gracie Bohrson
Supreme Champion Commercial Female: Gentry Harvie
Reserve Champion Jackpot Yearling Heifer: Riley Bohrson
Reserve Champion Jackpot Bull Calf: Paisley Robertson
Grand Champion Jackpot Bull Calf: Sadee Howell
Grand Champion Jackpot Yearling Heifer: Brynne Yoder
Grand Champion Ellis Edge Supreme Heifer: Darren Walker
PUREBRED & PERCENTAGE FEMALES for sale by private treaty
Quebec Junior Beef Show
July 11-13, 2025
Ayer’s Cliff, QC
Photographer: Krista Whalen Photography
Supreme Champion Female: River Morse
Supreme Champion Male: River Morse
Reserve Champion Angus Female: Flavie Lafleur
Reserve Champion AOB Female: William Campbell
Grand Champion AOB Female: Nathan Johnston
Grand Champion Angus Female: Arthur Brissette
Reserve Champion Commercial Female: Charlize Gaudette
Reserve Champion Hereford Female: Blake Lodge
Grand Champion Hereford Female: Mercedes Mastine
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Meagan McConnell
Reserve Champion Simmental Female: Evan Hartley
Reserve Champion Angus Male: Arthur Brissette
Grand Champion Angus Male: River Morse
Grand Champion Simmental Female: River Morse
Reserve Champion Hereford Male: Nathan Johnston
Reserve Champion Simmental Male: Alex Dougherty
Grand Champion Simmental Male: River Morse
Grand Champion Hereford Male: Cassandre Lafleur
Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic
July 12, 2025
Calgary, AB
Photographer: ShowChampions
Grand Champion Steer: Reid Hunter
Reserve Champion Steer: Cooper Smyth
Calgary Stampede OH Steer Show
July 12, 2025
Calgary, AB
Photographer: ShowChampions
Grand Champion OH Steer: Mia Mackie
Reserve Champion OH Steer: Tavianne Yoder
Western Elite Bred Heifer Invitational
July 13, 2025
Calgary, AB
Photographer: ShowChampions
Grand Champion Female: Abby Rancier
Reserve Champion Female: Blake Fisk
Red Ribbon Beef Classic
July 12-13, 2025
Erin, ON
Photographer: Innovation Media
Grand Champion Female (Ring A): Team Nostadt
Grand Champion Female (Ring B): River Point Cattle Co. & Xcel Livestock
Reserve Champion Female (Ring B): Jackson Corner
3rd Overall Female (Ring B): Team Nostadt
3rd Overall Female (Ring A): Jackson Corner
Reserve Champion Female (Ring A): River Point Cattle Co. & Xcel Livestock
4th Overall Female (Ring B): Susannah Sinclair
5th Overall Female (Ring B): Tyler Burgomaster
5th Overall Female (Ring A): Tyler Burgomaster
4th Overall Female (Ring A): Susannah Sinclair
CCYA National Conference
July 17-19, 2025
Stettler, AB
Photographer: Charolais Banner & Seven D Media
Grand Champion Female: Indy Fowler
Reserve Champion Female: Haley Walgenbach
CJSA Shorthorn Showcase
July 16-19, 2025
Lindsay, ON
Photographer: Innovation Media
Supreme Champion Female: Logan Hargrave
Supreme Champion Bull: Nicholas Dempsey
Grand Champion Shorthorn Plus Female: Isabella Forbes
Grand Champion Shorthorn Plus Bull: Joline Quinn
Canadian Junior Hereford Bonanza
July 22-25, 2025
Olds, AB
Photographer: Seven D Media
Supreme Champion Female: Tinley Harvie
Supreme Champion Bull: Jackson Lees
Reserve Champion Polled Female: Emma Lees
Reserve Champion Horned Female: Rebekah Passow
Grand Champion Horned Female: Logan Scheirlinck
Grand Champion Polled Female: Tinley Harvie
Reserve Champion Polled Bull: Chance Altstadt
Reserve Champion Horned Bull: Logan Scheirlinck
Grand Champion Horned Bull: Daphney Schaub
Grand Champion Polled Bull: Jackson Lees
Reserve
Champion Semen Donation: Brynn Burkhardt
Reserve Champion Heifer Lottery: James Rand
Grand Champion Heifer Lottery: Jackson Denschikoff
Grand Champion Semen Donation: Chloe Wagner
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female: Rebecca Hess
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Bull: Tinley Harvie
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Bull: Logan Scheirlinck
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female: Lyla Harvie
Reserve Champion Commercial Female: Parker Springford
Reserve Champion Market Steer: Jordy Doenz
Grand Champion Market Steer: Laney Fenton
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Brooklyn Van Sickle
8 provinces & 1 state were represented at the 2025 Canadian Junior Hereford Bonanza held in Olds, AB.
Vermillion Fair
July 24-26, 2025
Vermillion, AB
Images provided.
Grand Champion Steer: Cheyanne Symens
Reserve Champion Steer: Jorja Fox
Reserve Champion Jackpot Heifer: Dalton Dorran
Reserve Champion Junior Female: Shae Noble
Grand Champion Junior Female: Dalton Dorran
Grand Champion Jackpot Heifer: Kenzie Westman
Reserve Champion Open Female: Briar Blanchette
Reserve Champion Bull: Green Valley Simmentals
Grand Champion Bull: Ty-D Simmentals
Grand Champion Open Female: Kenzie Westman
YCSA National Classic
July 24-27, 2025
Weyburn, SK Photographer: Innovation Media
Grand Champion Purebred Female: Abby Rancier
Reserve Champion Purebred Female: Cody Carson
Reserve Champion Purebred Bull: Brenna Fornwald
Reserve Champion Commercial Female: Cozi Perrot
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Kade Rancier
Grand Champion Purebred Bull: Cassidy Beres
Champion Bred & Owned Female: Sadie Anwender
Grand Champion Commercial Bull: Alexia Brehaut
Canadian Junior Angus Showdown
July 24-26, 2025
Stettler, AB
Photographer: Innovation Media
Open Division Grand Champion Female: Julius Wintereder
Owned Division Grand Champion Female: Kasey Adams
Owned Division Reserve Champion Female: Riley Bohrson
Bred & Owned Division Reserve Champion Female: Wynton Brandl
Bred & Owned Division Grand Champion Female: Tavianne Yoder
Open Division Reserve Champion Female: Joran Frey
Reserve Champion Bull: Joran Frey
Commercial Division Reserve Champion Female: Paytin Hagel
Commercial Division Grand Champion Female: Sienna Bohrson
Grand Champion Bull: Landon Brandl
Reserve
Champion Steer: Will Bradford
Special Canadian Bred Champion Award: Tavianne Yoder
National Junior Red Angus Reserve Champion: Kylie Willms
Grand Champion Steer: Riley Bohrson
National Junior Red Angus Grand Champion: Kylie Willms
Canadian Junior Gelbvieh Show
July 24-26, 2025
Swift Current, SK
Photographer: Seven D Media
Grand Champion Purebred Female: Cameron Davidson
Reserve Champion Purebred Female: Keston Hollman
Reserve Champion Balancer Female:
Colby Hollman
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female: Kaden Hollman
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female: Bryce Hicks
Grand Champion Balancer Female: Elsa Larson
MRPM Country Fest
July 26-27, 2025
Maple Ridge, BC
Images provided.
Grand Champion Steer: Mirrah Webster
Reserve Champion Steer: Ashley Allen
Grand Champion Female: Kelty Brady
Reserve Champion Female: McKenna Webster
AYCSA Wildrose Classic
July 30 - August 3, 2025
Stettler, AB
Photographer: Gilchrist Creative Studio & Seven D Media
Grand Champion Purebred Female: Kade Rancier
Reserve Champion Purebred Female: Parker Pastryk
Reserve Champion Purebred Bull: Coden Dolman
Reserve Champion Commercial Female: Riley Bohrson
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Stella Mader
Grand Champion Purebred Bull: Addision Charbonneau
Reserve Champion Commercial Bull: Morgan Wilson
Grand Champion Commercial Bull: Sarah Bowman
Manitoba Youth Beef Round-Up
August 1-3, 2025
Neepawa, MB
Photographer: Prairie Pistol Designs
Grand Champion Female: Bexley McIntosh
Reserve Champion Female: Brynn Steppler
Grand Champion Steer: Cohen Canart
Reserve Champion Steer: Castleton Scott
Canadian Junior Limousin Impact Show
August 6-9, 2025
Swift Current, SK
Photographer: Gone West Media
Grand Champion Purebred Female: Madisyn Robertson
Reserve Champion Purebred Female: Cole Bodell
Reserve Champion Bull: Leah Post
Grand Champion Percentage Bull: Vander Dyck
Grand Champion Percentage Female: Austin Porter
Grand Champion Bull: Lexi Zwambag
Reserve Champion Market Animal: Andie Kishkan
Reserve Champion 100K Jackpot: Caden Martin
Grand Champion 100K Jackpot: Austin Porter
Grand Champion Market Animal: Austyn Kishkan
Prince Albert Exhibition
August 7-9, 2025
Prince Albert, SK
Photographer: Seven D Media
Supreme Champion Female: Maple M Cattle Co. & Bar H Land & Cattle
Supreme Champion Bull: Longview Cattle Co.
Little Lady Classic Reserve Champion: Arch Holdings
Reserve Champion Prospect Steer: Porters Simmentals
Grand Champion Prospect Steer: Arch Holdings
Little Lady Classic Champion: Kaylin Bartel
Reserve Champion Steer: Briar Blanchette
Princess Classic Reserve Champion Heifer Calf: T&S Farms
Princess Classic Grand Champion Heifer Calf: Arch Holdings
Grand Champion Steer: Jorja Fox
Through the support of the cattle community, “Benny The Steer” started the Danny Magowan Legacy Fund, in honor of Sara (Magowan) Archdekin's brother. So far, they have donated over $16,000 dollars to Better Together SK to focus on Men's Mental Health. With your unwavering support this summer, Benny raised over $5000 extra to add to the fund in honor of Danny Magowan and Ryan Schemenaeur.
bettertogethersk.ca - Connected Communities are Healthy Communities.
Lord of the Rings Reserve Champion Bull Calf: Hall’s Cattle Co.
Dean Horn Memorial Reserve Champion Bred Heifer: Jack Archdekin
Dean Horn Memorial Grand Champion Bred Heifer: Kaylin Bartel
Lord of the Rings Grand Champion Bull Calf: Arch Holdings
OYCSA Trillium Classic
August 8-10, 2025
West Niagra, ON
Photographer: Innovation Media
Grand Champion Purebred Female: Josie Crawford
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Madison Either
Champion Bred & Owned Bull: River Morse
Grand Champion Market Animal: Jordan Phillips
Grand Champion Purebred Bull: River Morse
Champion Bred & Owned Female: Heidi McFadden
OJAA Double Feature
August 8-10, 2025
West Niagra, ON
Photographer: Innovation Media
Grand Champion Female: Nicole Rau
Reserve Champion Female: Jackson Corner
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female (Ring A): Emily Hartle
Grand Champion Bull: Calahan Findlay
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female (Ring B): Hope Pinkham
Reserve Champion Bull (Ring A): Parker Ribey
Reserve Champion Bull (Ring B): Hope Pinkham
Grand Champion Commercial Female (Ring A): Peyton Hastings
Grand Champion Commercial Female (Ring B): Greyson Kiebert
Alberta Junior Angus Association Show
August 10-12, 2025
Bashaw, AB
Photographer: Ag Plus Designs
Grand Champion Purebred Female: Kasey Adams
Reserve Champion Purebred Female: Paisley Robertson
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Darren Walker
Reserve Champion Commercial Female: Abby Rancier
Canadian Junior National Heifer Show
August 13-16, 2025
Bashaw, AB
Photographer: Seven D Media
UFA Youth Supreme Quest Champion: Kade Rancier
Lady Elaine Bracket Champion: Kordell Morrison
Reserve Champion Junior Female: Riley Bohrson
Reserve Champion Open Female: Kordell Morrison
Grand Champion Open Female: Cameron Davidson
Grand Champion Junior Female: Kade Rancier
Reserve Champion Commercial Female: Stella Mader
Reserve Champion Bred & Owned Female: Nevada Murray
Grand Champion Bred & Owned Female: Mia Mackie
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Jeenah Sobkow
Barrie Fair
August 22-24, 2025
Thornton, ON
Photographer: Sam Buschbeck Photography
Supreme Champion Female, Grand Champion Angus Female: Premier Livestock & River Valley Polled Herefords
Supreme Champion Bull, Grand Champion Simmental Bull: Destiny Family Farms
Grand Champion Charolais Bull: Moyer Cattle Co.
Grand Champion Hereford Bull: Medonte Highlands Polled Herefords
Grand Champion Hereford Female: Elm-Lodge Polled Herefords
Grand Champion Charolais Female: Premier Livestock & Abby Debus & Whiskey Hollow
Grand Champion Shorthorn Bull: Miller Cattle Co.
Grand Champion Speckle Park Bull: Raise The Bar Farms
Grand Champion Speckle Park Female: Watson Land & Livestock
Grand Champion Shorthorn Female: Crawfdown Farms
Reserve Champion Limousin Bull: McConnell Livestock
Grand Champion Angus Bull: Indian River Cattle Company
Grand Champion Simmental Female: Rosalyn Grusnick
Grand Champion Limousin Female: McConnell Livestock
Young Ranchman’s All Breed Livestock Show
August 29-31, 2025
Swift Current, SK Photographer: Golden Thread Livestock Imaging
Supreme Champion Female: Kordell Morrison
Reserve Champion Female: Sloane Hertz
Reserve Champion Heifer Calf: Tristan Tober
Reserve Champion Prospect Steer: Rebecca Porter
Grand Champion Prospect Steer: Blake Fisk
Grand Champion Heifer Calf: Kordell Morrison
Reserve Champion Market Animal: Blake Fisk
4th Overall Female: Emma Lees
3rd Overall Female: Taylor Makey
Grand Champion Commercial Female: Curtis Hewitt
5th Overall Female: Shelten Grabler
Paris Fair
August 30, 2025
Paris, ON
Photographer: BJH Photography
Supreme Champion Female: River Point Cattle Co.
Supreme Champion Bull: Destiny Family Farms
Brome Fair
August 29-September 1, 2025
Brome, QC
Photographer: Krista Whalen Photography
Supreme Champion Female: Kenneth Beerwort
Supreme Champion Bull: Kirk Stoddard
Interior Provincial Exhibition
August 28-31, 2025
Armstrong, BC
Photographer: Seven D Media
Supreme Champion Female: Pinnacle View Limousin
Supreme Champion Bull: Pieschel Farms
Grand Champion Junior Commercial Female: Aubree Higgins
Grand Champion Junior Steer: Chase Pincott
Grand Champion Junior Purebred or Commercial Female: Mesa Slavens
Grand Champion Junior Purebred Female: Dylan Fuller
Stars of the Future Bred Heifer Champion: Ogilvie Stock Ranch
Sires of Tomorrow Champion Bull: JT Livestock
Stars of the Future Cow-Calf Champion: Pinnacle View Limousin
Stars of the Future Heifer Calf Champion: KT Ranches
Grand Champion Multi-Breed Bull: Pinnacle View Limousin
Grand Champion Hereford Bull: Hirsche Herefords
Grand Champion Hereford Female: Hirsche Herefords
Grand Champion Multi-Breed Female: Pinnacle View Limousin
Grand Champion Angus Bull: JT Livestock
Grand Champion Simmental Bull: Pieschel Farms
Grand Champion Simmental Female: KT Ranches
Grand Champion Angus Female: KT Ranches
Grand Champion Lowline Bull: Outlaw Acres
Reserve Champion Open Steer: Chase Pincott
Grand Champion Open Steer: Aubree Higgins
Grand Champion Lowline Female: Outlaw Acres
PCI Junior Royal Beef Challenge: Champion Steer: Garret Kline
Champion Heifer: Elliot Caputo
Renfrew Fair
September 7, 2025
Renfrew, ON
Images provided.
Supreme Champion Female: Vos Vegas Farms & Brynn Currie
Supreme Champion Bull: Enright Farms
From Town to Tractor Seat
How the faces behind Pinkston Cattle Company chased their dreams into land ownership, cattle management, and hay production.
Image provided by Morgan Snellings Photography
Colin and Lauryn Pinkston own and operate Pinkston Cattle Company outside of Lexington, KY. Together they background 3-4 loads of calves per year, manage a fall calving, commercial program, in addition to making and marketing hay to local customers. However, you may know them more personally from Lauryn’s Tik Toks that engages many different audiences, from long time cattlemen and women, to hobby farmers, to urban consumers. The content of her Tik Toks includes humorous video blogs live from the feed truck, sit down discussions, equipment operation commentary and so much more. Together they combine Lauryn’s outgoing personality and Colin’s agricultural endeavours to provide insight and encouragement to other young producers facing similar challenges and experiences.
The Pinkston cow herd strategically began in 2023 with the acquisition of 30 Angus influence cows from Stonegate Farms in Flemingsburg, KY. Colin and Lauryn continue to center their program around small-eared, black-hided cattle. The decision to calve their cows in the fall was inspired by the feeder market they accommodate. Typically, Colin and Lauryn will purchase backgrounding calves in December or January at 400-600lbs with intentions of selling them in the summer months at 900-1000lbs. “You have a better quality to choose from come December or January.”, Colin commented. He shared that he would prefer to purchase calves later, however, there is typically a larger demand in the spring, resulting in higher prices and a smaller selection to choose from. The number of calves they take on annually is influenced by the price and availability of calves, as well as, input costs such as grain and feed prices.
Through the lease of land, the Pinkstons have been able to produce approximately 700-1000 round bales and 10,00013,000 square bales annually. They will primarily market and sell this hay crop to horse owners in the area. The relationship with their landlords is extremely important to the Pinkston’s. They focus on developing the land they lease to make it as functional for their needs, while ensuring it is mutually beneficial for the landlord as well.
Despite their personal growth and success in agriculture, both Lauryn and Colin grew up in towns, and were not directly involved in agriculture. Lauryn was raised riding horses, with her family having history in racehorses. Whereas Colin dedicated much of his free time in middle school and high school in assisting his friends on tobacco farms in the area. Through this experience, Colin developed a passion for agriculture. “To me, that was the picture of a happy family; that resonated with me. They live here, they work here, and they seem to be happy.” Colin further commented that the infrastructure, routines, and comradery further drew him to this lifestyle. Colin also received mentorship from his own Great Uncle, Larry Lewis who was involved in tobacco farming, while maintaining a modest cow herd. Larry is also involved in commercial and residential real estate.
Lauryn shares her daily adventures online to her audience of over 191,000 followers via Tik Tok. To learn more about the Pinkston’s, find Lauryn online at the handle, “@jeterky” or follow the QR code provided.
Image provided by Morgan Snellings Photography
“You always get that story of ‘If you have not inherited a farm and equipment, you won’t make it.’ I would think if you are passionate enough about it, then you will figure out your niche, and figure out how to make it work.”, shared Colin. “As a newer, young farmer who has taken advantage of the (cattle) markets, yes, we have made money, but not really, because we are building. Everything we have made (financially) has went back into the operation. The markets have been on our side, and that has helped with us getting started. But, what we have done is set ourselves up for when the market is not good.” Both Lauryn and Colin have off farm careers. Lauryn is involved in equine insurance, and Colin works at the local fire department. This additional income has allowed them to have a sense of stability and comfort in their finances. “I don’t have to work at the fire department to make ends meet but having that constant paycheck and having those benefits in this line of work is priceless.”, Colin concluded.
Recently, Colin and Lauryn acquired land of their own to “put roots down”, and further develop their operation. “This is a dream come true for us. This changes the next hundred years of our lineage.”, Lauryn commented. “It truly is an opportunity that was at the wrong time, but we had to make it, and we (did) make it work.”, added Colin.
Colin & Lauryn Pinkston, -alongside their three dogs, Abby, Hux, & Leo- own and operate Pinkston Cattle Co. near Lexington, KY.
After their wedding in October 2024, the couple was planning on building their first home. However, with this farm coming up for sale, those plans were paused, and Lauryn and Colin have transitioned into a smaller home; a sacrifice Lauryn was more than willing to make for the future of their farming operation. On August 27, 2025, she posted to Tik Tok, “Yesterday we became the grandparents that took the risk.”, referencing the contribution they have made to their children and grandchildren’s future in purchasing land that will be passed down for generations. “It is the biggest blessing. It is the second-best thing that has ever happened to me, the first one was marrying Lauryn.”, Colin mentioned.
Lauryn’s introduction to the farming lifestyle came when she began dating Colin. Her journey into the industry has been extremely transparent on social media. Lauryn frequently posted videos of herself walking through the pastures with calves, chatting to them and about them to the camera. This extra interaction with the cattle has resulted in quieter calves and an easier handling experience overall. “It has been a way for me to feel more involved.”, commented Lauryn. Many women who marry into agriculture (with no previous background), struggle to find their place and purpose within the farm. By documenting her experiences, Lauryn is providing other females on farms with the confidence and direction they need to feel included and valued on their own operations.
More recently, Lauryn has furthered her skillset to include light equipment operation; beginning with the manual transmission feed truck and branching to include tractors and other pieces of equipment. One of Lauryn’s popular Tik Toks includes her commentary stating, “No one is more confident in their wife’s abilities than a husband who doesn’t have any other help.”, a phrase that many farming wives resonated with.
Lauryn has coined the term, “climb cringe mountain”, which encompasses the idea of embracing the discomfort in unfamiliar situations and experiences. This phrase can be relevant to social media, attending producer meetings, or even being confident when going to the auction barn. “I have worked very hard to have that confidence, and I do things every day to make myself confident. Self-tanner, taking care of my hair, whitening my teeth, all the little things that make me feel confident.” Being a female in a room full of elderly cattle producers can be intimidating. She has found that people enjoy sharing topics they are passionate about and advises others to find people who are willing and comfortable in answering your questions.
Although Lauryn and Colin are still young, they are extremely wise when it comes to the approach they take to farming. Colin shared some advice he would offer other young producers or those looking to get more involved in agriculture:
1. “Have an independent stream of income that allows you to save money to purchase a capital improvement of some sort.”
2. “Don’t jump in and buy a farm, lease ground. Leasing is a lot cheaper than owning, although it is not as satisfying.”
3. “Even though you are new, you can still have a plan and you can still educate yourself.”
4. “Finding a mentor of someone who has been in the game and has done something similar. Take their opinion with a grain of salt because (old farmers) do not like change and new ideas they usually have a negative side to it, but you may be onto something.”
5. “Start small so if you lost that money in two weeks, you are not going to ruin yourself.”
6. “Take pride in the farms you do lease. People pay attention to that.”
7. “Don’t be outworked.”
In an industry with so much uncertainty and unpredictability, Lauryn and Colin Pinkston have implemented many different methods to minimize risk, such as, having both background and replacement cattle, generating additional income through hay production and sales, as well as, maintaining off farm careers as secondary income. They have also been judicious when planning, researching, and budgeting major purchases. Lauryn shares these experiences globally through her Tik Tok account. Despite not having a background in farming, Lauryn’s contributions to their farm grow daily. By developing her confidence, asking questions, and having the support of her husband Colin, Lauryn is not only feeding calves, but also operating equipment and assisting Colin in daily tasks. With the recent acquisition of land, Lauryn and Colin are setting the future generations of Pinkstons up for successful in the agriculture industry; a dream come true. The Pinkston’s approach to their agricultural business is one with passion, thoughtful process, and hard work.
Image provided by Morgan Snellings Photography
