The annual Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup (MYBR) continues to strengthen the skills of young folks in the cattle industry.
“It is a great way for juniors of all cattle breeds to work together, learn new skills, and meet new people,” said event organizer Lois McRae. “Where else can you attend an event with 49 junior members all working together as teams and individual competitions, to learn the skills needed in the livestock industry?”
The ninth annual MYBR was held in Neepawa on July 29 to 30. Nearly 50 junior cattle producers under the age of 25 took part with 91 head of cattle.
The event included a number of workshops on photography, showmanship, artificial insemination, farm safety and grooming.
“This is not just a cattle show, it is an all-around event to promote and educate youth to continue on in the livestock industry,” McRae said. “The weekend started off with a clipping and grooming workshop put on by the Roundup weekend mentors, Laura Horner and Jake Rawluk. Juniors learned the importance of proper hair care and blowing procedures.”
Along with the cattle show, participants also took part in timed competitions that included halter making, identifying parts of the animal and identifying different agriculture items.
“One of the highlights of Saturday was the cookoff event, where up to six members on a team created a theme and prepared the ultimate burger,” McRae said. “Judges Brian Lemon, CEO of the Manitoba Beef Producers, Kelsey Dust, the Canadian Simmental youth co-ordinator and Mazer Implements representative Jake Rawluk evaluated this competition and were impressed with the taste of the steaks, presentation, themes and costumes.”
The event will run again next year in late July, celebrating MYBR’s 10th anniversary.
