Buyers paid more than $415,000 for show cattle at 72nd annual event
Enthusiastic buyers at the annual Carleton County Spring Show and Sale paid a record average price for valley cattle on Wednesday, April 9, as exhibitors led 35 beef cows into the auction corral for the sale at the Northern Carleton Civic Centre.
Bidders paid an average of $9.63 a pound at this year’s sale, a hefty increase from the $8.53 per pound recorded in 2024. This year’s sale totalled more than $415,000, an incredible result, said Laurie Kidney, president of the Carleton County Spring Show and Sale board.
“We had a really good calibre of cattle this year. The judge was really impressed with the quality of the animals. All of the exhibitors did a great job raising and preparing their cattle for the show and sale.”
Dallas Hunter of Outback Ranch owned and exhibited this year’s Grand Champion steer. The animal was also named the Champion 4-H and Champion Crossbred. Hunter’s steer opened the auction, earning $13.50 a pound from buyer Meduxnekeag Farms Ltd., drawing applause from the crowd.
Ernest and Robert Hunter of Outback Ranch owned the reserve grand champion animal, also named the champion Charolais. D. Forsyth Ltd. purchased the animal for $7.50 a pound.
Kidney said the board started preparation for the annual spring event in November. She said the show highlights the hardworking achievements of western New Brunswick’s youngest farmers in the 4-H program.
“4-H is an amazing program, I went through the 4-H program. Members can start now when they are six and run up until 21. It teaches leadership, it teaches responsibility, I can’t say enough of about it. It’s amazing. It makes great young leaders,” Kidney said.
The president thanked the buyers, sponsors and spectators for supporting the show and the 4-H program.
‘Great quality, great animals’
Auctioneer David Crouse of Sunset Auctions said sale supporters are always eager to support local farmers and 4-H participants.
“It’s a super area for this type of event, people really appreciate the kids. They support local farmers, and it showed again this year.”
Crouse said the sale always features good-quality cattle, but he noted that the 4-H exhibitors offered some of the best selections of animals to enter the corral in years. He said the 4-H program develops participants’ character, honesty, morals and ethics.
“It makes young farmers understand you must set a goal and work hard to achieve that goal. The program helps mold future farmers and community leaders… We are so fortunate to have people (4-H leaders) who will take their own time and energy to work with these kids.”
Margaret Johnson, Carleton-Victoria MLA, announced Darren and Becci Taylor, co-owners of Lakeville Convenience Store, were the Grand Champion Best Burger contest winners. Ten local restaurants competed in the annual event.
Andrew Harvey, mayor of Carleton North, lauded the show as one of the best across Canada and said the sale was a great way to buy local and support the agricultural industry.
“We should support our businesses closer to home,” he said.” It’s great to see the 4-H members here, the future leaders of our community.”
Show and sale exhibitors
Dallas Hunter 4-H, Grand Champion, Champion 4-H Animal, Champion Crossbred
Ernest & Robert Hunter, Reserve Grand Champion, Champion Charolais
Abby Hunter 4-H, Champion Maine-Anjou, Reserve Champion 4-H Animal,
Champion Best Pair
Rebecca McDermid 4-H, Champion All Other Breeds, Champion Best Pair
Peter & Audrey Kidney, Sunnybrook Farm, Champion Hereford
Mark Durling, Champion Heifer
Ezra Delong 4-H, Champion Shorthorn
Owen Crandlemire 4-H, Champion Simmental
Claire Anderson 4-H, Reserve Champion Maine-Anjou, Reserve Champion Best Pair
Curtis Anderson 4-H, Reserve Champion Heifer, Reserve Champion Best Pair
Julia Valji 4-H, Reserve Champion All Other Breeds
Jasmine Villeneuve 4-H, Reserve Champion Charolais
Alex Durling 4-H, Reserve Champion Crossbred
Walker Brake 4-H, Reserve Champion Hereford
Dexter Derrah, Reserve Champion Shorthorn
Emmett Brennan 4-H, Reserve Champion Simmental
Amanda Villeneuve 4-H Champion 4-H Showman
Ingrid Delong 4-H, Reserve Champion 4-H Showman
Keran Valji
Ryan Anderson
Wes and Josh Hunter
McAffee Farms
Ernest & Robert Hunter
Laurie Kidney
Bryson Longstaff 4-H
Henry Bell 4-H
Liam Cosman 4-H
Kelsey Kidney 4-H
Alec Delong 4-H
Oliver Brake 4-H
Ethan Durling 4-H
Rainy Guest 4-H
Lily Bell 4-H
