The next generation of leaders in agriculture is gathering at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon for the 2026 Junior Ag Showcase.
Agriculture Manager Leigh Ann Hurlburt says the event highlights the talent and dedication of young 4-H members from Saskatoon and Northwestern Saskatchewan who look forward to the showcase all year.
"This is kind of the culmination of their hard work over the year with their 4-H projects and a time to socialize with their peers and we have participants from different species that all work together and get to meet up and it's a great time." she said.
The four-day event kicks off Thursday with the Light Horse Show. Light horse performances classes went in the morning, and the afternoon will see gymkhana class events such as keyhole and barrel races.
"The performance classes are a little bit slower, but they are very, you know, it's intricate, it's a lot of watching the judge, you know, doing what the judge is asking you. And then in the afternoon it's excitement and speed." Hurlburt said, adding the excitement isn’t just for 4H members.
"We're open to the public, you can come and watch, there's no admission. We have many, many family members that are here to support all of the 4-H members and we welcome everyone to come in and check it out and see what a light horse show is."
Friday is a moving day. A quick break in the program allows for the animals to be moved in ahead of the sheep and beef shows on Saturday and Sunday. Saturday afternoon features a team grooming event.
"It's the kids' highlight. They love working with that hair. They worked on their animals for six months, training their hair, doing what you would do in a beauty salon every day with those," she says, "The cows get washed and hair blown dry and products put in to make them all fluff out and make them look their best."
Beef showmanship begins at 9:00am on Sunday, followed by the Beef female show, which showcases the projects in the bred Heffer and cow-calf pair categories.
The steer show starts at 10:00am on Monday.
Hurlburt says 74 steers will be participating in the show, vying for the Grand Champion Steer Award. The awards are at 6 p.m. followed by the sale at 6:30 p.m.
Hurlburt adds that the talent extends far beyond the show ring with The Showcase of Arts, an opportunity for youth to show off their other creative skills.
"It's open for any 4-H member in Saskatchewan and you can bring your quilting and woodworking and any kind of artwork and also baking. We also have a baking competition to showcase and be judged and we have prize money. It's a great way to show off some of the crafts and things you've made."
Events like this wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses.
"We have a great following and support from the community for these 4-H members, she said.
"When you purchase a 4-H steer, number one, you're getting some of the best beef you'll ever have. And number two, you're supporting a 4-H member in maybe working on another project or their education or they work really hard towards this and the support is greatly appreciated."
(With files from Keira Miller, CJWW)
