This November, eight members from the Chateauguay Valley attended the TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic at Toronto’s Royal Winter Fair (November 6th to the 9th).
The Southwest Quebec team consisted of Kevin McFarlane and Bobby Tolhurst from Howick 4-H, Emmanuel and Veronique Brisson, Alana McKinven, Carolane Simon, Carrie Simpson from Ormstown 4-H and Veronique Boyer from the Cercle des Jeunes Ruraux Vaudreuil-Soulanges, accompanied by chaperone Christine Tolhurst. In the company of 350 other elite competitors from across Canada, the eight participants were selected based on their annual results in the categories of conformation and showmanship.
While space was limited, the members of the 4-H made it work, prepping the area before showmanship heats began on early Tuesday, followed by the finals. Emmanuel Brisson and Alana McKinven both made the cut of their respected heats, with Brisson finishing 21st senior while McKinven was second, going on to be named Reserve Overall Showman alongside Ariane France from Prescott county, who was named Champion.
Conformation classes took place on Wednesday. The team ensured that all of their animals looked their best and while not everyone made the cut, it was a strong competition. Once again, McKinven and Brisson did very well with McKinven’s calf, Lookout Sid Voodo, placing 11th in her senior calf class out of 88. Brisson finished his 4-H career with his calf, Brismer Dempsey Sugar, placing 2nd out of 55 in the summer yearling class. Once the closing ceremonies were over, the group loaded the trailer to head home for some well-deserved sleep, save those who stayed to attend the open show.
The organization would like to thank Betty Mercier for the hours of work she put in, Mike and Mitchell Wattie for the long hours of trucking, all the parents who have supported the 4-H throughout show season and, of course, to all the sponsors who make efforts like these possible.
Thank you to Carrie Simpson for her contribution to this article.
