Farmfair International 2023 sees increase in junior cattle farmers

Farmfair serves as an opportunity for kids to learn more about agriculture and cattle even if they don't have a farming background. 

Saturday was the final day of one of Canada’s biggest agricultural shows, Farmfair International.

Exhibitors from across Western Canada gather each year for cattle shows, competitions and clinics.

Organizers says the growing youth attendance is promising for the future of farming, such as youth farmers like Lexi Dietrich, who isn’t a stranger to Farmfair International shows.

“I’ve basically grown up here, I’ve been here since I was in a stroller. I’ve been showing and exhibiting since I was five years old,” said Dietrich.

Now 18 years old, she’s nearing the end of her junior career. While she’s getting ready to move on, she’s keeping a close eye on the next generation.

“It’s truly special, especially seeing those little kids like in this junior futurity, watching them exhibit their own animals,” she said.

Kids like 4-year-old Greta Pearson, not quite at eye level with her heffer yet, is passionate about her love for cattle and what she does on her farm.

“Halter break them and work on my calf,” said Pearson.