Despite her small stature, Peyton Gilchrist stood tall during her first foray into the Angus open class at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair on Nov. 8.
Gilchrist’s only expectation entering the ring for the Senior Yearling Heifer born between Jan. 1-31, 2025, fourth heat class was that she and WF GF Mulben Pride (Pride) do their best.
She walked out a winner.
WHY IT MATTERS: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair showcases the high-calibre agriculture produced in Canada for farmers and consumers to appreciate.
Royal start
Gilchrist was surprised to find herself in the top three and thought second or third was probable given the competitors’ strong showmanship.
The judge whittled the field again, leaving the Gilchrist Farms team from Lucknow still standing against DDGN Erica from Dudgeon Cattle Company.
“It was just her, and I’m like, OK, I already know I’m gonna get second,” Gilchrist said with a grin. “Then when he pulled me first, I was so excited.”
Gilchrist has attended the RAWF since she was weeks old, with years of showing under her belt. Even if she isn’t in the ribbons, she sees every show as a win because it allows her to grow as a competitor.
“The next year you go (against adults), you can improve that to do better,” she explained, adding she’s already got her eye on a new goal.
“I’ve always wanted to beat my dad (Brad Gilchrist). Over the years, I think I’ve gotten pretty good.”
That, and joining 4-H in the new year.
Gilchrist Farms’ PVF Missie took home first in the same class’ third heat, earning the Champion Senior Yearling Female Reserve.
Shorthorn, high profile
The Royal’s beef show draws Shorthorn entrants from across Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
“The Royal is kind of the biggest Shorthorn show in Eastern Canada,” said Kevin Dempsey, herdsperson for Shadybrook Farm in West Brome, Que. “This year is what was considered our national show. So, it’s always maybe a little bit higher profile show.”
Dempsey said getting labour for shows can be challenging because it’s tough to get a week or two off from work. Shadybrook has six people travelling with the cattle, but show day requires borrowed hands from around the barn to get the animals fit.
“We’re always trading help around the barn,” he said, after someone from River Point Cattle dropped by, asking for help from one of his crew. “We’ve got friends, of course, in other breeds, so we help them. They help us.”
Fit for show
When you’re particularly good, they ask for you by name.
That would be Jade Noiseux. At 24, Noiseux has eight years of beef cattle grooming experience with Shadybrook and is always in demand at the Royal.
Noiseux said she was thrown into it but discovered very quickly that fitting an animal for the show ring was a passion for her.
It’s about maximizing what an animal has, not pulling the hair but fluffing, gluing and careful clipping.
“I think you cannot modify an animal, but you can just make it look its best,” she said. “I like being good at it; it’s nice that you can show an animal at its full potential.”
While fitting cattle isn’t in her long-term career plans, she said it’s provided many opportunities, so for now, she’s enjoying the adventure.
Animal health
The Royal kicks off a show tour for Shadybrook Farm that can lead them to either the Agribition in Regina or the North American International Livestock Exposition at Louisville, Ky. and sometimes, both.
Dempsey said the cattle receive multi-purpose vaccinations and, if necessary, preventative antibiotics before the show tour.
“We have to do our part on our end at home before we come here and then we have to be cautious when we get home,” he explained. They will “make sure that they’re still healthy within the next few weeks after we get home.”
Dempsey said that, with the cost of fuel, food, hotels, hauling close to three tonnes of feed and all the gear required for showing, they’re focusing on Louisville this year.
Given concerns around avian flu south of the border, he suspects the animals will be quarantined as a precaution once they return.
Still, the Royal is already paying dividends. The nine Shadybrook animals secured Grand Champion, Supreme Champion, Champion, or Reserve Champion wins in nine of their 10 classes.
