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A grand champion carload experience for Alberta Hereford breeders.
The story behind a Canadian-bred steer’s success at the last Oklahoma Youth Expo to be held in the Jim Nordick Arena.
National champion herdsman shares his journey through some of the top programs in the United States.
Tik Tok showmanship sensation shares her advice on maintaining confidence and professionalism in the show ring.
A message from the girl behind the keyboard and camera of Seven D Media.
After releasing the first issue, I had mixed emotions about continuing to pursue this publication. I received a lot of feedback, and I am not entirely sure if it was the positive or negative contributors that motivated me more to commit to a full year (four online issues) of Ringside Magazine.
A good friend of mine recently shared a quote on Instagram that read,
“Don’t let uncertainty talk you into pursuing a backup plan instead of your purpose.”
In the creative space, there is a lot of uncertainty, and even more imposter syndrome. Despite having been down this career path full time, for quite some time, I still find myself feeling out of place, not good enough, or simply uncomfortable.
As I approach my 25th birthday, and begin my quarter-life crisis, I have begun to question where life will lead me next. However, despite craving a tad more stability, I feel that this is my path and my purpose.
No matter what season of life you are in, or what “sets your soul on fire”, I encourage you to leave uncertainty to the wind, follow your dreams, and never settle.
In this issue, you are going to hear from a young man who took a leap of faith, moved to the United States, chased his dreams, and is now being rewarded with national recognition. Despite uncertainty, he pursued his purpose.
You will also hear from a youthful club calf breeder who is passionate about the show industry, and creating a sustainable show calf sale.
Despite uncertainty, he pursued his purpose.
You will learn from a decorated Hereford operation who travelled to Colorado to compete in the carload contest because that was their dream.
Despite uncertainty, they pursued their purpose.
Finally, you will hear from a family that leaned into their social media fame to draw positive attention to the agriculture industry.
Despite uncertainty, they pursued their purpose.
money. All cattle breeders welcome. Purebreds not eligible. To
A grand champion carload experience for Alberta Hereford breeders.
Harvie Ranching’s slogan, “Blazing the trail, while keeping tradition alive.”, is the best way to summarize their 2025 trip to the National Western Stock Show (NWSS). They competed, and successfully showcased the 2025 Champion Hereford Carload in Denver, Co. this January. Bringing their personal, patriotic, and professional style to one of the most historic Hereford contests allowed the Harvie family to return home, “Champions of Tradition.”
A “carload” consists of eight bulls sharing similar size, stature, muscling, and expected pregnancy differences (EPDs). The carload contest was added to the National Western in 1907, making it one of the most historic and prestigious cattle events at the stock show. “When you win with a one-off animal, everybody is so impressed. There is no doubt when you win with one animal, but when you can win with eight animals, that’s next level. Then you couple that with the history of the carload… Everyone just flocks to the carloads, they just want to see them. For us, the biggest thing is that the yards are a representation of your operation. When you walk into a pen, you feel like you have walked into their program, or onto their property.”, commented Jill Harvie, owner of Harvie Ranching.
The Harvie family; Cole and Jill, alongside daughters Tinley and Lyla, are no strangers to the National Western, having competed for many years in the halter classes on the hill. This Olds, AB Ranch showed their first carload in 2024, receiving reserve champion honours behind Landgren Ranch of Bartlett, NE. Jill credits the two ranches’ friendship and competitive nature as the driving force behind their decision to bring another carload in 2025. The idea to compete again in the Hereford carload was inspired by a conversation with Mark Landgren at the Junior National Hereford Expo in July of 2024, with preparations beginning in August.
When preparing a carload, a ranch will typically prepare more bulls than required to ensure for the most consistent pen as the bulls mature and reach the target show date. Harvie Ranching was able to narrow down their candidates to eight complimentary bulls that only had a 130 pound weight difference from the heaviest to the lightest bull. They were able to do so, while still bringing bulls to Denver that they felt showcased every aspect of their breeding program. The 2025 Harvie Ranching carload contained power bulls as well as calving ease specialists. This allowed the Harvie family to be confident they were bringing a competitive set to Colorado, while ensuring they were marketing their operation adequately.
In the National Western Carload show, the bulls are evaluated by a trio of judges working in a panel style. The audience will receive individual EPD’s for each bull in the carload. However, the judges will only receive an average of all eight bull’s numbers. This makes it critical during the selection process to offset or eliminate any outliers from the carload. Birthweight, calving ease, and carcass merits are some of the more important numbers the judges will be evaluating. Canadians traditionally breed with a higher birth weight and more powerful phenotype in mind. However, this style of contest will typically cause Canadian breeders to select more moderate numbered bulls for their carloads to accommodate the desirable EPD’s for the American based show.
Although numbers are an extremely important element of the carload contest, phenotypical features are not ignored. Jill explained that it is important to have a very consistent look amongst the eight animals. This includes height, color consistencies, muscling, scrotal measurement, and age, in addition to the balanced EPDs. The Harvie’s carload was recognized for their cherry red coloring, similar white markings, and pigmentation.
“I would say we probably have not let the pendulum swing too far on just looking at EPDs. We won’t do that; we won’t ever do that. The big reason for that is when cattlemen come to our bull sale, that is not the first thing they are asking us about. They are looking at the bulls, want the history on the cows, actual birth weights, actual sale weights, and phenotypes.”, Jill explained. Despite the need for an emphasis on numbers in the American show rings, the Harvie family is dedicated to serving their clients in the ways they know best. “We feel we are attaining a nice balance, and we are very cognisant about not going too far down the EPD road, where we could potentially hinder the look of the cattle that we feel do well and have the form and function that we need to be able to have them be successful for our clients in the commercial market.”
While in Denver, Harvie Ranching also offered the sale of their “Pick of the Carload” in the reputable NWSS Hereford Sale held January 17, 2025. This selection was sold to LT Lindskov Ranch for $36,500. After the Lindskov family made their selection of Harvie Front Page 32M, Harvie Ranching decided to offer choice of the remaining carload bulls to the runner-up bidder. This opportunity led to Harvie Exclusive 43M returning north of the border with new owners RSK Farms, Bujold Farms, and Steven Knutson.
The Harvie-Lindskov relationship was formed prior to Denver when they purchased the full sister to Harvie Exclusive 43M as the high selling female in the 2024 Harvie Ranching fall Female and Genetic Sale held November 12 & 13. Harvie Ms Firefly ET 79M was named Grand Champion Hereford Female at the 2024 Olds Fall Classic, and the Reserve Grand Champion Hereford Female at the 50th Anniversary of Farmfair International under judge Ryan Rash. These accomplishments validated the sale of this Firefly heifer calf to South Dakota for half interest in the value of $31,500.
Harvie Ms Firefly 125Y has been a cornerstone of the Harvie program for many years and is the dam to high selling Firefly 79M, as well as Exclusive 43M. With extensive artificial insemination and embryo transplant work, the Harvie’s were able to capitalize on the Firefly cow family early on. 125Y is in her 13th year of production and has raised numerous champions and high-selling females and bulls. Harvie Ms Firefly 125Y comes from the influential lineage provided by the original Firefly 51F cow (grand dam to 125Y). 51F is the Harvie’s most recognizable pedigree, and they committed to naming every daughter and granddaughter “Firefly” to develop tradition and strategize the marketing of her progeny. These world champion genetics can be found in 11 different countries and are recognizable by the extra pigment and short markings the Firefly’s put on their calves.
Amongst the Harvie’s 2024 reserve champion carload were two full brothers from the Firefly 125Y and Harvie OVHF Empower ET 5F mating. Momentum 35L and Thrill Seeker 48L sold to Fawcett-Elm Creek Ranch of South Dakota in the NWSS Hereford Sale as “Pick of the Carload”. The Fawcett family recognized the value in these genetics and purchased both brothers. 35L and 48L are maternal brothers to the Exclusive 43M selection made by RSK Farms, Bujold Farms, and Steven Knutson in the 2025 sale.
For the Harvie crew, not only must the bulls look the part, but the human handlers also pride themselves on displaying the same level of consistency. Everyone on the Harvie crew receives a blue vest; this is considered a Harvie Ranching staple. The men will typically wear long sleeve, button up shirts and similar style cowboy hats, while the women pair their vest with a cream base shirt and clean jeans. Jill credits the crew’s uniform image to giving the bulls the crowd’s attention, and not providing any form of distractions. “It just looks so well put together. It is so professional, and its sharp.” The blue vests don’t only act as a uniform for the Harvie crew, but a symbol of inclusivity and pride.
A divide and conquer strategy was utilized to make this dream of Hereford Carload Champions come true. In Denver, the Harvie Ranching staff consisted of cattlemen and women representing several provinces and states. With eight bulls, a lot of manpower is required to ensure they all look and feel their best, come time to show.
Tell Calvert of Drayton Valley, AB led the charge as Harvie’s herdsman for the week in Colorado. Calvert specializes in preparing cattle for display and ensuring they have the optimal look when they step into the show ring. Despite having a diverse and knowledgeable team of cattle enthusiasts in Denver, there was also a dependable crew in Olds, AB maintaining the ranch, and ensuring their bulls were being properly tended to prior to their annual bull sale on March 11, 2025.
Aside from the daunting paperwork, and the need for a strong relationship with your veterinarian, there are many other things you must plan to pack if you want to make the trek to the National Western with cattle. “I would say go down there without cattle first if you haven’t already.” Be mindful while you are touring of what you would need to pack, and what you are safe to leave in the barn. “For example (in the yards), you don’t need to bring any power. Their power situation down there is amazing.” Jill also advises to take note of the type of cattle that are competitive and find a balance within your show string of what represents your operation well, while still being competitive at this type and level of show. “At the end of the day, these are costly ventures, and you really need to go with a laser focus at having the best results possible.” Whether you plan on attending on the hill or in the yards will also play a role in this decision. “Certain cattle will do better on the hill… figure out what animals you will have on the halter, and what kind of cattle you would have in the yards.”
Jill further advised to staff accordingly, book enough stall space for your cattle, tack, and displays, be prepared for weather extremes, and to be mindful of the route you are taking and rest-stops you can utilize. Being an international advocate for agriculture herself, Jill also encourages all international exhibitors and visitors to visit the international rooms and respective receptions to really complete the Denver experience.
Having a display that is complimentary to your cattle is also important in the marketing and networking aspect of a national show. Harvie Ranching worked alongside with Wyatt Burgomaster of Burgomaster Agri Marketing to design a display that represented their farm, location, and feel, all while not distracting from the animals themselves. The Harvie’s also hosted Canadian cocktails the Thursday prior to the show to curate a networking event, display their patriotism, and allow for more traffic through their stalls.
The Harvie’s have declared they will be returning for the NWSS in 2026 with Herefords, however, they have not yet committed to defending their carload title at this time. The discussion is certainly on the table as to if they will bring a carload, many factors come into play such as staffing on the ranch while away and having the calf crop to compete. They did also share aspirations of returning with a Charolais string for the pen shows, and potentially returning to the halter show on the hill in the new facility.
“It was really sweet to have the win because it is a representation of our program and the kind of cattle we like to breed.”, Jill reflected. These long-time NWSS exhibitors come from deep rooted Hereford lineage, going back generations in the Harvie family. When packing their tack to prepare for the journey home, Jill and Cole shared a moment of reflection where Cole stated, “I’m pretty sure Gary is smiling today.”, referring to his late uncle, Gary Latimer, distinguished Hereford breeder. Both sides of their families are long standing Hereford breeders, Ian and Marlene Harvie and Frank and Andree McNeely, we felt their support every step of the way. The Harvie crew was incredibly proud to represent their country, and Hereford traditions while competing in one of the most historical aspects of the National Western Stock Show.
Returning home champions, the Harvie family can rest satisfied that they indeed are “keeping tradition alive”, while continuing to “blaze the trail.”
On March 23, 2025, Allan Browarny recieved the Hairpin L. Award on behalf of Leachman Cattle of Colorado for his “invaluable contribution to the image and success of Leachman Cattle.”
Allan’s daughter, Sophia went on to share that recieving this award is “an incredible honor that reflects his dedication and lifelong passion for an industry we are so grateful to be apart of.”
How Kord Phillips is cultivating a future for club calves in Canada.
“Anyone can make history; only a great man can write it.”
-Oscar Wilde
History was made in Oklahoma this March.
As preparations for the demolition of the Jim Norick Arena are in order, the last Oklahoma Youth Expo (OYE) to be held in the “Big House” took place March 11-21, 2025. OYE is well known as one of the largest youth livestock events in Oklahoma, hosting nearly 7000 exhibitors, representing 77 counties. Despite being held in the Sooner state, many Canadians spectate this prestigious youth show annually. However, during market week, the attention of Canadians was on the steer show in support of a Canadian-bred steer.
Case Conley of Conley Cattle exhibited the third place, division four Crossbred steer, and was acknowledged as the sixth overall Crossbred steer in Oklahoma City last week. What made this steer unique was its origin country. The black and white, clubby steer was bred and raised in Waskatenau, AB by 23-year-old, Kord Phillips. Kord and his family of Kay-R Land and Cattle are known for their champion Charolais genetics, however, Kord has always had a passion for raising and showing clubby bred steers. After completing his junior show career, Kord further pursued this show-based venture by developing The Pursuit Sale where he markets his crossbred steer and heifer prospects to junior showmen. This OYE quality steer sold as Tag 1929 in the inaugural The Pursuit Sale in October 2023 for $12,350.
The 2025 steer show at OYE was evaluated by the reputable Bob and Brock May of Mineral Point, WI. The May family is known for their extensive showring success both with breeding and market type cattle, making Bob’s grand drive comments even more meaningful. “In all my life of doing this, and I mean this from the most sincere part of my being, this is, unequivocally, today, the best set of steers I have ever seen under one roof. Period.” To have a Canadian bred steer compete at a show of this caliber and be competitive is a huge accomplishment for the Phillips and Conley families. The tag 1929 steer stood third in division to the eventual Bronze Overall Market Steer, exhibited by Denver McKay. “It’s just cool to see the finished product in the end... seeing breeding plans come together and what it can look like is one of my favorite aspects of it.”, Kord commented on Tag 1929’s success at OYE.
Kord’s relationship with the Conley family stemmed from a friendship with Jacob Toombs that was developed while working under Mark Kelley of Rising Star, TX. “I am super fortunate for the friendships I have made down there and just really fortunate that the steer got to such a good home.”, Kord commented about the Conley’s commitment to Tag 1929. The Canadian steer went to OYE, undefeated at every jackpot he was exhibited at throughout the year. Even more impressing, the steer’s first championship title was earned only 2 days after becoming a United States resident. Not many steers can step off a trailer, and into the backdrop. This one was extra special.
American shows are unique as there are several national level steer shows to exhibit at. This allows juniors to target their steers for different show dates depending on their age, growth, maturity, and overall look. “They do show at a bigger weight down there too, which I was surprised about. Up here, lots of people are shooting for that 1350-1380lbs, or that has been the popular class in the past. Down there, the Denver champion steer was about 1480lbs. They are showing them a hundred pounds heavier I would say.”, commented Kord. Tag 1929 was born in March of 2023, making him two years old at the time of OYE. In Canada, the majority of steers shown at the Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic are about one year and a few months of age, making it more difficult for Canadian steers to reach the same point of maturity for their target show.
The Phillips family have been long time competitors in the Junior Steer Classic. Not only have Kord and his sister Peri found success in the Calgary show ring, Kord has also sold several notable class and division winning steers.
In the earlier years, Kord was also recognized for his superior athletic ability. However, he hung up his hockey skates to further pursue his junior show career and commit to attending jackpot shows more regularly and competitively. It was this year that he campaigned some of the only steers not raised on the Phillips’ farm. He also found success with a heifer they purchased on accident in a uniquely formatted, bid-off sale. However, this accidental purchase raised Kord’s favorite home-raised show steer as just a first-calf heifer. From this year forward, Kord primarily campaigned homegrown steers to further showcase the program he was building.
“I took my AI course really early, and that allowed me to do some of my own breeding. I got that when I was 14 or 15, I believe I was in grade nine.”, Kord explained. “One of the steers I was most successful with was actually out of (my dad’s) cow. He was gone, and I asked mom if I could AI this cow clubby, and she said, ‘Yes, your dad’s not here so you’re breeding them!’.” This opened a new avenue for Kord, and his passion for the club cattle and show steer industry grew. He credits a lot of hisuccess and knowledge to the willingness of his parents (Arlana and Kasey Phillips) in letting him learn through real life experiences. “They were both pretty good about letting me try stuff all the time... They were pretty awesome parents in letting me (pursue) whatever ideas I had. They weren’t always good (ideas), but I got to find out firsthand anyways.”
Not only were Kord’s parents instrumental in his love for clubby cattle, but also his grandfather. “Me and my grandpa went to look at a set of bred heifers that our neighbours had. My grandpa has always played a pretty big role in the steers too. He had commercial cows and that is what I started AI-ing with in the beginning. He was always really good about not caring what I bred them to as long as they had a calf.” One of these initial bred heifers went on to be the grand dam of the Tag 1929 steer exhibited at OYE this year. “That is one of the things I like about the club calf side of it, is that they don’t have to be the most popular thing genetically at that time. If you have a good cow, and you breed her to something that works, you can get something that turns out...
With the purebreds you always have to be finding new stuff genetically, and you have to look at numbers; there’s a lot to look at. Something that I think is really cool about the club calf industry is that you can get genetics from any breed you want, and if you can figure out how to use them, it’s cool to see how you can make that stuff work.” Kord noted that 2 of the original bred heifers purchased from Jim Fulks have been consistent and dominant producers in his steer program, contributing to his sale pen annually. “I feel like there is a little bit of a stipulation about the maternal side of (clubby cows). My clubby cows are treated like they are purebred cows; if the udder is not great and I have to help a calf suck, she doesn’t get to stay the next year.”, commented Kord.
Initially, Kord marketed and sold his show steers privately off the farm. While in college, Kord collaborated with the Pashulka family of Rusylvia Cattle Company to transition to a live sale format. This partnership allowed Kord to stay involved and work on his sale calves adequately while attending Lakeland College in Vermillion, AB. Postgrad, Kord re-formatted yet again, and The Pursuit Steer and Heifer Sale was born. 2025 will be the third annual sale, hosted online via DLMS Farmgate Timed Auctions in early October. “This year, I would say is my most exciting set of calves.”, declared Kord. However, his 2024 calves have been undoubtedly successful in the showring so far. This fall and winter, local clients collected banners at Farmfair International, the Canadian Western Agribition, and the Heartland Cattlemen’s Classic.
Most recently, Kord has ventured into the bull side of the industry, with the introduction of “Vanilla Gorilla”. This new clubby sire is triple-clean, meaning you can breed him to most any cow without THF, PHAF, or DSC concerns. Not only is this bull phenotypically impressive, but his pedigree includes reputable genetics from “In God We Trust”, “Commissioner”, and “Monopoly”. After receiving an impressive amount of interest via Facebook, Kord looks forward to getting semen on the market, and seeing the Vanilla Gorilla calf crop. Kord went on to say that carrier cows at Kay-R will get hand-bred to Vanilla Gorilla this breeding season. “It is tough to advertise a clubby bull as maternal, but I would expect the females out of him to be just as good as his steer calves too.” Watch for more information on Vanilla Gorilla via the Kay-R Land and Cattle Facebook page.
One of the most important elements of Kord’s show calf program is the mentorship juniors receive from Kord personally. This added-value experience allows juniors to learn from Kord, while fully participating in the steer or heifer project. “For me, the more a family can reach out to me with questions, the better. I want every calf to do as good as they can, and if I can help in any way, whether that be advice with feeding or clipping, or daily routine for hair growth, whatever it may be, I try to help in that department as much as I can.”
“The steer thing for me has always just been a place where I could try whatever I wanted and learn. It’s not a huge deal if it doesn’t always work out. The steer thing has certainly helped me with our purebred herd as much as anything that I have done.”, reflected Kord. “You are not going to make money back with every steer you have, but you have to look past that a little bit. The big picture on showing steers is really the best part about it. You are setting yourself up and learning, and not even knowing you’re doing it at the same time.”
In addition to his direct mentorship with customers, Kord has also been involved with fitting and clipping clinics such as the Rising Stars Kirk Stierwalt clinic in Stettler, AB. Kord is passionate about this clinic as he got his start in the grooming side of show cattle in a similar way.
Reflecting on his first Steirwalt experience, Kord said, “I remember the first Stierwalt clinic I went to was in Lloydminster... and I showed up there to a clipping clinic without a clipping chute. I was in the wash rack and everyone else was in their chutes. So, Kirk would have to come check on me in there every once and a while.” Since then, Kord has become one of the top fitters in Canada across all breeds. In the fall, you can find him working for some of the most reputable breeders, preparing their cattle for the show ring. “I have been in a lot of Steirwalt clinics over the years. I think I was still doing them when I was 16 or 17 (years old); I was kind of the ‘old guy’ in those clinics some years... I have a lot of respect for Kirk and his ability to connect with all the kids and leave a positive impact on them.”
Looking forward to the future, Kord plans to further incorporate the use of embryo transplant to develop a more specific calf crop. He also plans to increase the number of heifer calves sold in The Pursuit Sale by introducing purebred Angus and Charolais females. Long-term, Kord has a vision to include progeny of calves purchased from him in his future sales. “If I can help grow the club calf industry up here, that’s my long-term goal. And I want to keep raising calves that can work when they leave my place and make the best product, I can make every year.”
In his 23 years on this earth, Kord has accomplished more than some have in their lifetime. It is his eagerness for continual improvement and passion for the club calf industry that has allowed him to achieve the quality of cattle and the level of success he has had at this young age. However, Kord believes that his knowledge and experiences are best shared, which he does so in a mentorship setting with his junior clientele. Not only is he raising one of the next great Canadian clubby bulls, but he is developing the next generation of
and cattlemen.
“Anyone can make history; only a great man can write it.”
-Oscar Wilde
Kord Phillips is writing history.
January 10 & 11, 2025
Grande Prairie, AB
Grand Champion Cattleman’s Choice Bull: Brandl Cattle Co.
Reserve Grand Champion Cattleman’s Choice Bull: Willow Creek Simmentals
January 31 - February 2, 2025
Stettler, AB
Reserve
February 15 & 16, 2025
Oyen, AB
March 6-8, 2025
Grande Prairie, AB
March 8, 2025
Vermillion, AB
March 15 & 16, 2025
Lloydminster, SK
March 14 - 16, 2025
Ancaster, ON
March 30, 2025
Stettler, AB
How the Express Ranches clipping room developed a nationally acknowledged herdsman.
After 14 years of living and working in the United States, Michael Jones of Lloydminster, SK was nationally recognized for his herdsmanship within the historical, Express Ranches program. This acknowledgement came in the form of an American Angus Association, Herdsman of the Year nomination, as well as obtaining the 2024 Sullivan Supply Best of the Barns, “Best Herdsman” award. In both contests, Michael was the youngest nominee, and stood among some of the top herdsmen in the United States of America.
“It’s awesome! Really, being nominated for it, then winning the one. (This has) really been something I have always wanted to do, and something that means a lot to me. But, at the end of the day, it’s all the people that got me to this point. From the people … (who got) me to the point of really having a love for it, then moving down here and having some really good mentors.”, Michael commented. “Just even getting nominated was a surprise… We’ve had a really good past two years showing at Express, with multiple national champions.”
Initially Michael’s role at Express consisted of washing and blowing calves, in addition to halter breaking duties. Today, Michael holds the title of Show Barn Manager, and is responsible for the management of client cattle sold through Express. “We wouldn’t have any in the barn that Express still owns that we are getting ready for shows. They are all sold, and families own them.” Michael is involved in some of the top purebred Angus and Hereford cattle in the country through this position. “The long-standing amount of respect that comes with (Express Ranches) is unmatched. There is no other place in the world that does it quite like Express.”
In addition to attending every major Angus show across the United States, Michael also attends many national level steer shows in support of his personal steer clients. He will also attend 15-20 jackpot shows annually for both Angus and steer clients. “I think the biggest thing that American show cattle traders do better than the Canadians is customer service…. Just going out there and helping your customer relationships and helping them get the results that they are wanting.”, Mike explained. “That is my main job. I just take care of customer cattle.”
This Saskatchewan native is most commonly known by the Canadian show community for his steer trading ventures. “Steer trading” is the purchase and re-sale of show calves. Essentially, it is sourcing an animal, and placing it in an appropriate home for the most suitable target show. Michael has facilitated trades on several champion steers in both Canada and the United States. One of his most famous Canadian trades was Braydon Thompson’s 2019 Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic Champion. This same year, Michael’s sister Jennifer (Jones) Fisk stood fourth overall with a different steer Michael provided. Most commonly, show steers are coming across the border to Canada in March after the Oklahoma Youth Expo. Some of the lighter weight steers will move north and transition their targeted finishing date to July. For 4-H steers, this trade will typically occur in August or September.
Michael’s interest in show steers began in his 4-H days, when his cousin, Miles Shout, moved to the United States and started providing Micahel and Jennifer with 4-H and junior show steers. From there, Michael’s passion for steer trading was born. At age 18, Michael left for the United States, with his first job placement being at Matt Lautner Cattle in Adel, IA. Michael spent three years at Lautner’s before moving to Oklahoma to begin his time at Express Ranches. However, Michael only stayed at Express for three years, before venturing back into the show steer community; this time with Goretska Show Steers in Corydon, IA. “We went to a lot of shows, and (I) really learned a lot. (We were) going to shows every weekend, and were really successful.” After 4 years working under Tracey Goretska, Michael made one last move to Oklahoma, and returned to Express Ranches; this time, with a new career title. Michael now balances his love of Angus genetics and show steers by trading calves outside of his work at Express.
Michael’s relationship with Express Ranches stems far longer than his time in the United States. At 13 years old, Michael was purchasing Express Ranches genetics to show in 4-H and at the Canadian Western Agribition. This long-standing relationship, and familiarity with the Express genetics allowed Michael to integrate himself into their program with ease in a professional setting.
Express Ranches markets and sells 1000-1500 bulls annually through a series of three bull sales. They also offer many females for sale as show calves, bred heifers, performance cows, and cow/calf pairs. Their most popular sale is The Big Event; a two day, production sale, held at the ranch in Yukon, OK. In 2024, day one of the sale was concluded with a performance from country music star, Billy Currington. Each day, over 300 head of cattle were sold on public auction. After already hosting multiple bull sales this spring, the Express crew is in preparations for the next auction. “We are getting ready to have another (sale). There will be 150 bulls, 150 cows, some fall breds, and spring breds selling here in April.”
On a more personal note, Michael is looking forward to hosting his own steer sale this fall. Michael, alongside his girlfriend, Alexis Radun, recently purchased a ranch in Minco, OK, where they have already built a barn, and have aspirations of opening their own sale facility in the near future. “Our goal is to raise some high-quality show steers and get more of a cowherd built up for ourselves. We are going to try and have a fall steer sale this year, and a spring steer and heifer sale next spring.” Michael plans to continue working at Express, while shaping his own operation.
Being a nationally recognized purebred herdsman, a decorated steer trader, and Canadian, makes Michael Jones someone many young men and women in the show community look up to. For anyone looking to embark on a similar path, Michael advised, “The first couple years are probably going to suck. You might not get the best jobs to do, you might not get to stand in a clipping room all day, you might not get to do everything you think you are capable of doing, and you want to do. But, if you have the right teachers, and the right mentors, they will get you where you feel comfortable doing anything and get you the knowledge to succeed.”
Michael would also like to thank his parents, sister, as well as peers and mentors, Barrett Elliot, Mark Piller, Ryan Archdekin, Jon Fox and Chad Hollinger for helping him to get to this point in his career.
Saturday Saturday May 31, 2025 May 31, 2025
John Deere Sale Arena REAL District, Regina, SK
Entries Close May 1
Over $12,000 in cash & prizes
Entries Can Be Found: agribition.com/spring-fling-junior-show/
Utilizing social media to elevate the conversation around agriculture in America.
As many of us did in 2020, the Dadson family turned to Tik Tok as a form of entertainment during the Covid-19 pandemic. The American agricultural family began creating content and utilizing the social media platform to share an insight to their life in agriculture. Internet sensations, Karis and Krew Dadson took the virtual world by storm after sharing personal show content from the 2022 Arizona National Swine Show on the Dadson Farms social media pages. The Dadson twins have since become internationally recognizable for their similar, intense, yet purposeful swine and sheep showmanship styles. These 14 year-olds, along with their parents, Karalyn and Kyle Dadson have utilized their fame to educate and inspire others both internally and externally to the agricultural community.
The 2022 Arizona National Show content “going viral” was the first indicator of future social media stardom for the Dadson Family of Paso Robles, CA. Their videos have since surpassed 10 million views and generated the Dadson family more than 420,000 Tik Tok subscribers.
They have also captivated the attention of celebrity audiences, such as Will Smith. The American actor went as far as to share their content, and caption his post, “Hey @dadsonfarms, fill me in on what’s goin’ on here? What are they staring at? Why are they hunched? Where are they herding the pig (hog?) to? I need answers!!” For a celebrity of his caliber to initiate a conversation about the show pig community on social media is incredible; not only for the Dadson family, but the agriculture industry as a whole.
Most recently, the Dadson Farms social media accounts attracted the attention of the New York Times, who published an article about the family on March 23, 2025. This insightful piece included information about the pork industry and show pig sector, again, cultivating a conversation about agriculture in a positive and light-hearted manner.
Despite reaching viral status for their showmanship content, the Dadson family has also produced several Tik Toks and Reels surrounding the financial investment showing livestock can be. “We like to show people why we take showing livestock so seriously. There is serious money and time involved and businesses that form from raising livestock,” commented Karis. Dadson Farms has become wildly popular for welcoming their social media followers into their lives and farm. Their level of transparency is admirable and educational. “We don’t hold any information back in hopes it will help others.” Their content also consists of tutorials, and educational content for viewers of all levels of show pig expertise.
During Halloween, couples began posting their costumes online. Several couples chose a unique route and opted to dress up as Karis and her show pig for Halloween. One couple created a Tik Tok video of themselves imitating Karis’ show ring expressions. “It was cool. I knew that we were now reaching people outside of the livestock industry.”, Karis commented. However, Karis truly understood the level of her coastal California stardom when she was recognized at livestock shows across the Midwest.
As with any industry, the negative comments are inevitable. However, the Dadson family takes these comments in stride, and changes the conversation to positive and educational by utilizing the messages for further content. Most famously, someone left a comment on their Tik Tok stating, “I’d rather watch paint dry.” The family took this opportunity to share their show day prep and displayed their pig’s paint actively being applied and drying; a humorous, yet educational response.
Karis is arguably one of the most recognizable faces in the show pig world because of her showmanship talents and intensity. When someone is referring to, “the Pig Girl from Tik Tok”, it is most likely a video of her showing her pigs they saw. However, Karis is not just a social media icon, she is also a highly decorated swine and sheep show woman. Karis credits the 2023 Arizona National as her most memorable and prestigious showmanship win. As for future showmanship goals, her sights have since been set on The Revival Livestock Show in April, hosted in Paso Robles, CA. When asked about her intense show ring demeanour, Karis confidently commented, “It is my way of showing the judge that I am here to win.”
Despite being a species-specific sport, showmanship also has its universal components, such as, speaking to the judge, being courteous to ring staff and fellow competitors, dressing clean and professional, and Karis’ most iconic trait, eye contact. “The best advice is to stand out.”, commented Karis. “From the start we always focused in on being aggressive in the ring. This style fit me well because I always had a serious demeanor as soon as I entered the ring. You need to find a style that fits your personality.” At just 14 years old, Karis has perfected her showmanship “style”, and has become a household name in the sheep and swine showmanship rings.
The goal every time you enter the show ring, regardless of species, is to display your animal to the best of your ability. With the increase of popularity and competitiveness in the show pig community, showmanship skills are more vital than ever. “You have to have the ability to showcase your pig to make it look the best you can. An average showman can make a good pig look average and a good showman can make an average pig look good,” says Karis.
It is common to hear judges say, “banners are won at home”, and for the Dadson family, this statement rings true. They begin preparing their show pigs in the wash rack with introductions to whips and the show animal regime. Each day the Dadson’s build on this routine with the animal to become more intensive in the preparation for a show. Like show cattle, having a well- versed animal will help your showmanship abilities to shine through, and this work begins at home. “Preparation is key. Our mentality is that all of the work must take place in the barn at home,” concluded Karis.
Karis is also an active Future Farmers of American (FFA) member, in addition to her show ring ventures through the National Junior Swine Association (NJSA). She says, “These organizations help develop both leadership, public speaking skills, and friendships that last a lifetime.” Karis plans to take the skills she has developed through these youth organizations, coupled with her ambitious nature to the Midwest for college one day. She hopes to attend Oklahoma State University and participate on the livestock judging team. Until then, Dadson Farms plans to continue making educational content as a family with their social media platforms on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
