Despite his calm and confident demeanor, the 12-year-old Harmony resident was surprised when his name was announced as the junior beef showmanship champion Tuesday morning (Aug. 24) at the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition in Bible Hill.
"It feels really good to win because I was surprised and it's my first beef championship," said Stewart, a Harmony Ridge 4-H Club member. "I think it's because my heifer set up fast and was alert."
Stewart then went on to win reserve champion in champion showmanship with the six-month-old, 720-pound heifer.
The youngster has been showing for three years, which has led to a great appreciation for all things agriculture. He said it's important for him to remain involved in the field and to promote agriculture because "there are not very many farmers."
"A lot are going out of business and it makes me feel sad," said Stewart. "If we lose farmers there will be more imports and it's better for the economy to have Canada beef other than New Zealand or States beef."
For Harmony's Emily Ross, the showmanship classes are about honing her skills.
"The most difficult thing (in showing) is calming your nerves," said the 14-year-old Harmony Ridge Club 4-H member, who placed second in the junior beef showmanship class. "You have to stay calm because the calf can pick up (nerves) off of you."
It's not only the young participants who appreciated 4-H Day yesterday. Upper Stewiacke's Shelley O'Connell watched the events in the stands and, as a 4-H leader and a mom, she was more than impressed.
"The kids show responsibility, maturity and enthusiasm. The work and commitment they bring to showing and the level of confidence and competition is amazing," said O'Connell.
The 4-H shows also allow the opportunity for some participants to advance to provincial competitions.
The Truro Daily News
